“Inter-ethnic hatred could lead to partition”

In an interview with the Financial Times, Dimitrij Rupel said that hatred between the two groups could effectively lead to a partition of Kosovo, when the province declares independence next year.

“It’s a danger, a serious danger,” said the minister, adding that he did not see potential for violence from the Kosovo Albanians, as they had too much to lose, and stressed that the international presence in the province would have to stay there for a long time to come.

“Obviously, certain individual acts may take place, we’re afraid of provocation from both sides,” said Rupel, adding that, for now, there were no signs of anything more serious.

Expressing the hope that Slovenia, during its EU presidency, would help Serbia take a step towards the EU, Rupel said that Slovenia, which gained independence in 1991, could hardly begrudge the same right to Kosovo.

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"Inter-ethnic hatred could lead to partition"
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