Harsh Reaction from European Democrats to Serbian Minister’s Call for Ethnic Cleansing in Kosovo

The Secretary General of the European Democratic Party (EDP), Sandro Gozi, called on Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to categorically distance himself from the statements of a minister in his government and to ensure her immediate dismissal.

The reaction comes after Minister Snežana Paunović erupted with a provocative statement, claiming that if she had been in Slobodan Milošević’s place in 1998, she would have “ethnically cleansed” Kosovo.

From the EDP headquarters, this statement was described as scandalous and completely intolerable. “It constitutes open support for forced displacement, persecution and crimes against humanity, while legitimising the very agenda for which Slobodan Milošević was indicted,” the party’s statement stressed.

Gozi stated bluntly: “President Aleksandar Vučić must unequivocally condemn these expressions and ensure her immediate removal from office.”

The European Democrats’ reaction went on to argue that Serbia cannot convincingly demonstrate commitment to European Union membership when senior officials of its executive revive the phraseology and worldview of the Milošević era. “Respect for European values begins with a clear rejection of the language of ethnic cleansing – without any ambiguity or justification,” the statement concluded.