Izetbegović: Serbian authorities should de-escalate the situation in Novi Pazar, but also change their attitude towards Bosniaks and BiH

(Patria) - The attempt by Aleksandar Vučić's regime to use the problems it has with citizen protests across Serbia for repression against the Bosniaks of Sandžak and turn them into inter-ethnic conflicts is a dangerous tightrope walk that could have unforeseeable consequences throughout the region, SDA President Bakir Izetbegović stated today.

"Serbian media controlled by the authorities are flooded with attacks on Bosniaks, following a propaganda matrix we witnessed in the 90s. Serbian officials are insulting Muslims and Islam, with the President of the National Assembly of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, one of Vučić's closest associates, being at the forefront of this in recent days.

Such an approach cannot bring good to anyone. Nor can an approach that attempts to establish dominance and achieve Greater Serbia political goals.

Therefore, I call on the Serbian authorities to de-escalate the situation in Novi Pazar, but also to generally change their attitude towards Bosniaks and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Peace and stability that bring progress can only be built on truth, equal treatment, and mutual respect for our states and peoples.

Our brothers from Sandžak are an inseparable part of the Bosniak people, and we will always stand with them.
I congratulate the Bosniaks of Sandžak on their determination and persistence in defending their freedom, dignity, and national rights.

I welcome the mature and measured reactions of Bosniak institutions in Sandžak, primarily the Bosniak National Council and the Meshihat of the Islamic Community of Sandžak. I hope that reason will prevail with the Serbian authorities as well," Izetbegović stated.