Bogdanovic: Pristina's "north money" unwelcome

The Kosovo Albanian government's announcement that it would spend EUR 5mn for infrastructure in the northern areas of Kosovo, where Serbs do not recognize its authority, was described by Bogdanovic as "an attempt to buy people".

The Serbian government invests a lot in Kosovo's north, and will continue allocating funds for the region's schools, health-care facilities and infrastructure, Bogdanovic told a news conference after a Serbian government session, adding that the facilities are currently in relatively good condition.

"Therefore, the money is not welcome," Bogdanovic said, adding that it is clear that the Kosovo government wants somehow to buy off the loyalty or commitment of people in northern Kosovska Mitrovica, since local elections are announced to be held there in March 2011.

Ministry for Kosovo State Secretary Oliver Ivanovic told Beta news agency on Thursday that Serbs harbored "strong reservations toward Kosovo's institutions", and that these reservations were justified because dangers to the Serb population often came directly from institutions in Pristina.

"No amount of millions will help because the fear and mistrust of Serbs is greater than material and financial gain. The money is additionally mistrusted and there is the feeling that this is some underhanded work to undermine the stability of Serbs," said Ivanovic.