Zakharova spreads false narrative about “declaring foreign Serbs” in Kosovo

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has misinformed by claiming that the implementation of the Law on Foreigners in Kosovo "declares Serbs foreigners" and that they are "prohibited from staying longer than three days."

These claims have also been spread by the Russian propaganda portal Sputnik Serbia, as well as by other pro-regime media outlets in Serbia, which have broadcast her statement that allegedly "Kurti is postponing the purge."

What did Zakharova declare?

"The mockery of Serb rights has just begun. Prime Minister Kurti, whom the West has pampered, if not spoiled by allowing everything, has warned that on March 15, the implementation of the so-called law on foreigners will begin, which prohibits anyone who does not have Kosovo citizenship or a permit from staying in the province for more than three days.

"In this way, Serbs who live in their historical territories, work and receive education, are practically declared foreigners," stated Maria Zaharova.

Analysis:

Zaharova misinforms when she claims that the Law on Foreigners "prohibits a stay longer than three days" for persons without Kosovo citizenship.

In fact, the law does not foresee a residence ban, but only an obligation to register. Foreign citizens can stay in Kosovo for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, without a visa or special permit.

According to the official text, the law regulates the entry, movement, the stay and exit of foreigners from the territory of Kosovo, where a foreigner is considered any person who is not a citizen of the Republic of Kosovo.

Likewise, Zaharova misinforms when she claims that the law is directed against Serbs with the aim of “declaring them foreigners.” In reality, the law applies to all persons who do not possess documents from the Republic of Kosovo, regardless of ethnicity.

Serbs living in Kosovo and possessing Kosovo identity cards – something foreseen and agreed upon in the Brussels Agreement – ​​are not included in this law.

The law also introduces the category of “daily migrants” (Article 3/1.6), for persons living in central Serbia and entering Kosovo every day for work or education.

The Geo Post