Serbia bars three Kosovo MPs from entering Presheva, Sinani: Discrimination extended even to a bereavement

Presheva Mayor Ardita Sinani announced that Serbian authorities had refused entry into Serbia to three Kosovo MPs—Arbërie Nagavci, Fatmire Mullhaxha and Liza Gashi—who were traveling to offer their condolences following the death of her father.

The delegation was accompanied by Kosovo Ambassador Jetish Jashari and Ragmi Mustafi, an adviser to Prime Minister Kurti. Despite this, the authorities did not allow them to cross the border.

Because of the ban, Sinani went to the Kosovo side and met the delegation at the border crossing in Depcë.

According to her, the case shows that Serbia displays its discriminatory policy even in bereavement situations, when visits have only a humanitarian purpose.

Ardita Sinani said that the delegation from the Republic of Kosovo had planned to visit her at her parents’ home in Presheva following the death of her father.

“The authorities of Serbia, even when it comes to human relations, refuse to allow visits to the Presheva Valley solely because state officials of the Republic of Kosovo are involved.

Following my father’s death, MPs of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Arbërie Nagavci, Fatmire Mullhaxha Kollçaku and Liza Gashi, had planned to come to my parents’ home in Presheva to offer their condolences.

In accordance with protocol, they were accompanied by the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo in Belgrade, Sh.T. Jeshit Jashari, who had also expressed a desire to take part in the condolence visit.

The delegation also included Ragmi Mustafi, Prime Minister Kurti’s adviser for Presheva, Medvegjë and Bujanoc. He had come at the request of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, to convey his condolences to me and my family over the loss of my parent.

Although they had not planned an official visit to Presheva, but a personal and humanitarian visit connected to our tradition of offering condolences to relatives in the event of a death, Serbia shamelessly decided to bring politics into this situation as well.

After spending several hours at the border crossing with Kosovo in Depcë, the border authorities informed the representatives of the Republic of Kosovo that they would not be allowed to visit Presheva.

Under these circumstances, together with my brothers and family members, I went to the Depcë crossing, in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo, to meet them and acknowledge their intention to be by my side in the pain of losing my father.

Although the circumstances were utterly inhumane and I was frustrated by what had happened, I had the honor of receiving, on behalf of myself and my family, the sincere condolences of MPs Nagavci, Mullhaxha Kollçaku and Gashi. They also conveyed the condolences of the Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo and my friend, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu.

This is a case that should be remembered with regret, as Serbia demonstrated its discriminatory policy in every aspect of life, even in cases of death, when visits are intended solely to share in someone’s grief.

Nevertheless, I hope that this time as well Serbia has understood the message that, even in almost impossible circumstances, it will not succeed in obstructing either our political coordination or our spiritual connection.

On behalf of myself and my family, I once again express my deep gratitude to the MPs and Ambassador Jashari, who gave up part of their commitments to be by my side during this difficult moment.

At the same time, I express my regret that, without the will of my family and me, it became impossible for us to receive them in Presheva as they deserved and as our tradition of hospitality requires.

Having seen their determination to be by my side in any way possible, I also assure them of my willingness to stand by Kosovo in every form.