Minister Đurić with ambassadors of the Quint and the EU on the situation in Kosovo and Metohija

Minister Đurić emphasized that this was clearly a sabotage, and that Serbia unequivocally condemns such an act, which is directed against the stability of the region and the interests of all local communities, since the water supply and electricity production in Kosovo and Metohija depend to a large extent on the stable functioning of the Ibar-Lepenac canal.

The Serbian Foreign Minister stated that the accusations that Pristina has made against Serbia on this occasion are unfounded and unsubstantiated, and that they aim to discredit Belgrade at a sensitive moment, and to abuse the situation for political purposes and instrumentalize it in the election campaign in Kosovo and Metohija.

According to him, Serbia demands that the motives for the attack on this vital infrastructure facility be determined and is ready to cooperate with the international presence in Kosovo and Metohija to clarify all circumstances and possibly find and detain those responsible.

Minister Đurić stressed that it is important that in the meantime, before the investigation provides any concrete answers, everyone refrains from unfounded accusations and arbitrary finger-pointing, and that the police, during investigation on the ground, do not use this situation as an excuse for any violence and violation of the human rights of citizens.

Đuric informed his interlocutors that Serbia is ready to assist local authorities and Pristina with electricity supplies until the damage to the Ibar-Lepenac canal is repaired, and is also ready to assist in any way possible in the repair of the damage.

The meeting was attended by representatives of France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States and the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia.