If I had been in Milošević’s position in 1998, I would have carried out the ethnic cleansing of Kosovo” - this was the statement made by the Serbian Minister of State Administration
Serbian Minister Snežana Paunović spoke about her childhood and the Kosovo war during an appearance on the Serbian media "Kurir".
She stated:
“If I had been in Milošević’s position in 1998, I would have ethnically cleansed Kosovo. And this is the harshest statement I have ever made. Not in the way they want to liquidate us, but in such a way that they do not feel part of Serbia and go to their mother country.”
The remarks prompted strong criticism from many Albanian citizens and from parts of the Serbian opposition, with calls for her dismissal. Kosovo subsequently declared the minister persona non grata, prohibiting her from entering or transiting through its territory.
Asked about the remarks, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said that the EU does not accept rhetoric that justifies or promotes ethnic cleansing, as it is incompatible with European values of human dignity and with Serbia's commitments under the EU-facilitated dialogue with Kosovo. She called on political leaders to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and to contribute to regional stability.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić later distanced himself from the minister's remarks, stating:
“This statement does not reflect the will or policy of the President and the Government of Serbia. We must be responsible. Our policy is dialogue, compromise, and negotiations—never ethnic cleansing, period.”
Despite the criticism, the minister has continued to defend her position. In a post on her Instagram page, she wrote: “…I would never kill any of you. I would simply send you back to your ‘homeland,’ Albania…”
