Paunovic’s Statement Sparks Reactions in Germany: Unacceptable

The remarks by Serbian Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Snezhana Paunovic, who stated that had she been in Slobodan Milosevic’s position in 1998, she would have ethnically cleansed Kosovo, have sparked numerous reactions on the international stage as well.

Jasmina Hostert, a member of the German Bundestag representing the Boblingen district, said that Serbian Minister Snezhana Paunovic had claimed she would have ethnically cleansed Kosovo in 1998.

“This statement is unacceptable. Anyone who justifies ethnic cleansing is mocking the victims of the Kosovo War and violating human rights and international law.

There should be no room for such statements in a democratic government; they harm peace in the Western Balkans. The minister must resign,” Hostert wrote.

Adis Ahmetovic, a member of parliament representing northern Hanover, also said that Belgrade must send the right signal by immediately dismissing Minister Paunovic.

“The countries of the Western Balkans belong in the EU. This includes Serbia. But the spirit of nationalism and hatred emanating from some governments has no place in our European community of values. It hinders the process of the EU’s growth and strengthening,” Ahmetovic wrote.