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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Discussions with representatives of EU, Quint about attack on Ibar-Lepenac canal

Belgrade, 30 November 2024

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić held a briefing for diplomatic representatives of the EU and the Quint regarding yesterday's incident in the municipality of Zubin Potok in Kosovo and Metohija, in which the Ibar–Lepenac canal was damaged.

Đurić emphasised at the meeting that this was clearly 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 Priština 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 instrumentalise 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 established and is ready to cooperate with the international presence in Kosovo and Metohija to clarify all the circumstances and possibly find and detain those responsible.

The Minister emphasised that it is important that in the meantime, before the investigation provides any concrete answers, everyone refrains from unfounded accusations and arbitrarily pointing fingers at anyone, 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.

Đurić told his interlocutors that Serbia is ready to assist local authorities and Priština 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 USA and the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, according to a statement of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs.