Osmani: Serbia intends to occupy Kosovo, as Russia did with Crimea

(Patria) - Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani believes that Serbia is using Russian tactics to intimidate Kosovo, reports Pristina's Koha ditore.

In an interview with "The Sun Online", Osmani stated that a dangerous situation is developing in the Balkans.

Osmani assesses that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is "deeply connected" to Putin, and that "Serbia intends to occupy the territory of Kosovo, just as Russia did with Crimea".

She emphasized that Serbia is arming and financing paramilitary groups, Koha reports.

- All of this shows that it is the exact same plan as Putin's for Crimea - Osmani stated.

She called on the West to continue supporting Kosovo, warning that a conflict in the Balkans would further destabilize an already fragile Europe.

- This is not a distant problem. Peace in the Western Balkans is closely linked to peace in London, New York, Washington, Paris, Berlin, because history shows that a lack of peace and security in Europe means a lack of international peace and security. And this lack of peace and security in the Western Balkans means a destabilized Europe - Osmani believes.

According to her, Serbian paramilitary forces and criminal organizations are helping to incite violence in northern Kosovo, and Russia is importing weapons and military uniforms.

As she says, Serbia has openly supported these groups in northern Kosovo and committed crimes, including crimes against Serbs living in the north.

Speaking about the European plan, she emphasized that they are absolutely disappointed that mutual recognition is not explicitly included in this agreement.

Osmani underscores that mutual recognition is the only solution that can guarantee long-term peace and stability, adding that European partners should constantly remind Serbia that Kosovo is independent and will always remain so.

- This is the only solution that can lead to long-term peace and stability. Serbia must come to the point where it understands that the reality of Kosovo as an independent sovereign state is a reality that will exist forever.

So, the sooner and more our partners say this and make it clear to Serbia, the better for Serbia, better for the region, and of course for our relations - Osmani concluded.