The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Skopje responded to yesterday’s statement by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Arben Fetai, regarding the 26th anniversary of NATO’s armed attack on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Fetai described the intervention as a “historic moment” that paved the “path to peace and stability in the region” and the “prevention of genocide.”
The Embassy of Serbia in Skopje expressed deep concern over such statements.
“Statements of this nature deeply affect the sentiments of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia, for whom March 24 symbolizes immense suffering and the beginning of one of the most tragic periods in the recent history of our country and our people. During the 78 days of continuous bombing, approximately 2,500 civilians lost their lives, including dozens of children, while more than 6,000 people were injured. Throughout the aggression, bridges, hospitals, schools, factories, and cultural landmarks were destroyed, and many families lost their loved ones, their homes, and their sense of security. The memories of these events and the suffering of the population are deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, and the pain and consequences of that period remain alive to this day. That is precisely why any attempt to relativize or positively interpret these events is seen as a painful and inappropriate humiliation of the victims and their families,” the Embassy’s statement reads.
The Embassy reminded that “NATO’s military intervention in March 1999 was conducted without a United Nations Security Council resolution, making it a flagrant violation of international public law and the principles on which the international legal order is based.”
“Therefore, we believe that a narrative about this event, devoid of the necessary legal and moral sensitivity, does not contribute to building mutual respect in interstate relations. In light of this, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Skopje expresses hope that in the future, the complexity of such topics will be taken into account in public discourse. More importantly, we expect consistency in respecting international legal principles, rather than their selective application and interpretation,” the statement continued.
They further stressed that “the arbitrary use of such serious qualifications requires special responsibility, foundation, and caution, particularly in a region that has suffered numerous tragedies throughout its history.”
“In addition, we are particularly concerned about the reckless and unfounded use of linguistic formulations and legal terms, such as the word ‘genocide,’ whose misuse trivializes the concept and insults all true victims of this gravest form of crime.”
“In this context, we take this opportunity to once again highlight the current situation and living conditions of the Serbian community in Kosovo and Metohija, which has been facing systematic violations of basic human rights, institutional pressure, physical attacks, destruction of cultural and religious heritage, and even the desecration of graveyards and monuments—all aimed at erasing traces of their centuries-old presence in this territory.”
The Embassy emphasized that it remains committed to fostering close and friendly relations with the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as maintaining regional stability and cooperation.
“However, it equally retains the right to defend the truth about its own history and the dignity of its people, who were the most affected in this region during the 20th century,” the Serbian Embassy in Skopje stated.
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Source: Blic, Foto: Printscreen Youtube