09 September 2018•Update: 09 September 2018
By Talha Ozturk
BELGRADE, Serbia
President Aleksandar Vucic has said claims about recognizing Kosovo's independence by the end of this year are a "notorious lie".
Vucic made the remarks on the second day of his visit to Kosovo as he addressed ethnic Serbs living in North Mitrovica, a part of North Kosovo.
"It's a notorious lie and it does not happen to any of us to participate in such a business. The only thing we want is to win more rights for you.
“There is not even a draft to solve the problem with Kosovo. All we know is that we have to do something for the solution.
“There is no light at the end of the tunnel but I hope there will be 10 to 20 years later. In this context, someone will have to compromise with the Albanians in the future," Vucic said.
The Serbian president said the purpose of his visit to Kosovo is to provide financial assistance to Serb municipalities.
"We will visit every village inhabited by Serbs and make all necessary efforts to meet their needs," he said.
He emphasized that Serbs should protect their language and culture.
Stating that Serbia will not be a member of NATO, but it will continue its move towards getting membership in the European Union.
"We are a state that grows and develops without a drop of blood, and we believe in the power of employment, not the weapon," he said.
Vucic urged Serbs living in North Mitrovica to not leave their territories and to have more children.
"I will continue to fight for your rights. Although we do not like each other, [Kosovo President] Hashim Thaci and I will continue the dialogue, " he said.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but Belgrade insists the country remains part of Serbia. Since then tensions have remained between Kosovo’s ethnic-Albanian majority and a small Serb minority in the north.
It is recognized by over 100 countries, including the U.S., Britain, France, Germany and Turkey. Serbia, Russia and China are among the countries which have not yet recognized Kosovo’s independence.
