Meta Description: Serbia’s Minister of Public Administration, Snežana Paunović, is facing fierce criticism after saying she would have “ethnically cleansed Kosovo” if she had been in Slobodan Milošević’s position in 1998.
Controversial Statement Triggers International Backlash
Serbia’s Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, Snežana Paunović, has ignited a wave of international criticism after making controversial remarks about the 1998 Kosovo conflict.
During a television interview, Paunović said that if she had been in the position of former Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević in 1998, she would have “ethnically cleansed Kosovo.”
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Serbian Minister Snežana Paunović during a public appearance.
Remarks Draw Strong Condemnation
The comments quickly drew condemnation from politicians, civil society groups, and international observers, many of whom described the remarks as inflammatory and incompatible with efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the Balkans.
Paunović later said she meant forcing those who did not identify with Serbia to leave rather than physically killing them, but the clarification did little to quell the backlash.
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The Serbian Government headquarters in Belgrade.
European Union Responds
The European Commission condemned the minister’s remarks, stating that rhetoric appearing to justify or advocate ethnic cleansing has “no place in Europe.” The Commission urged Serbian leaders to avoid inflammatory statements and to support dialogue and reconciliation with Kosovo.
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Flags of Serbia and Kosovo, symbolizing the longstanding dispute.
Why the Remarks Matter
The 1998–1999 Kosovo conflict remains one of the most sensitive issues in the Balkans. Tens of thousands of people were affected by the war, and relations between Serbia and Kosovo continue to be tense despite ongoing international efforts to normalize ties.
The minister’s comments have renewed debate over political rhetoric, historical accountability, and regional stability.
SEO Keywords: Serbia, Snežana Paunović, Kosovo, ethnic cleansing, Serbia politics, European Commission, Balkans news, breaking international news.