Journalist Lirim Mehmetaj has reacted with a strong statement regarding Serbia’s influence in Kosovo.
He claimed that for years Serbia has financed politicians, journalists, and various figures of civil society in Kosovo, mentioning several names in his public reaction.
However, according to Mehmetaj, this is no longer necessary for Serbia. He said that Serbia no longer needs to distribute money to influence Kosovo, because according to him it already controls the Government of Kosovo.
Full statement:
“It is absolutely true that Serbia gives money — in sacks — to politicians, journalists, and civil society actors in Kosovo…
But we should speak with names, as I do.
There is a politician in Kosovo who over the years has received millions of euros from Serbia through a Serbian company, and the money that arrived is already documented. His name is Martin Berishaj. He is currently the Ambassador of Kosovo to Croatia.
Second — The Kosovo Intelligence Agency had an internal report (I know this 100%) about how various circles in Serbia financed journalists and different public figures in Kosovo to oppose the construction of the Kosova e Re Power Plant. This was done to keep Kosovo dependent on Serbia for energy. The data about who the people were that opposed the construction of the power plant in Kosovo are public.
For one person who opposed the construction of the Kosova e Re Power Plant, I reported on it myself. It is Jeta Xharra. Moreover, “surprisingly,” the accountant of BIRN Kosovo and the accountant of EFT Group of Vuk Hamović in Tirana is the same person. You can find the full story on VOX Kosova.
Third — A person who is actively engaged in improving Serbia’s image in Kosovo is Shkëlzen Gashi. He was an adviser to Albin Kurti and is now his strong supporter. Besides other projects, Shkëlzen Gashi has one called “Serbia Tjetër” (Another Serbia). Through this project, he tries to convince the citizens of Kosovo that Slobodan Milošević was bad, but that Serbia itself is not. Here you have the “other Serbia.” He has published many books with this effort.
Fourth — Serbia has provided substantial funds for every person in Kosovo who has publicly defended the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.
As is now documented, Serbia was involved from the report of Dick Marty all the way to the drafting of the indictment in the Special Court.
Fifth — Serbia has financed its policies through different politicians in Kosovo. For one case, we have it documented and proven. Her name is Mimoza Kusari-Lila. At the time when she carried out work for Serbia, she was the head of the parliamentary group of Vetëvendosje. In a phone call with Milan Radojičić, she is heard agreeing with Serbia on certain laws in the Assembly and on judges of the Constitutional Court.
Sixth — Serbia has given funds to anyone in Kosovo with even minimal potential to destabilize the country. So, anyone who threw tear gas in the Assembly, in one way or another, was financed by Serbia.
Seventh — Serbia has supported anyone who has spoken against Kosovo’s independence and has caused political conflicts since entering politics.
But Serbia’s need to finance anyone today has stopped.
This is because Serbia now controls the Government of Kosovo and no longer needs anyone. For anything it needs in Kosovo, it no longer spends money, because with our taxes we are now paying people who actively defend Serbia’s interests in Kosovo.
Starting from the chief mule driver. The devoted servant of Serbia, Albin Serbia.”
