Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic said that Serbia will not join the measures taken against the Russian Federation and will not spoil relations with Russia. ”They will probably pressure us, but we will not spoil our relations with Russia,” Dacic told reporters after a ceremony marking the 69th anniversary of the Srem front and the end of the struggle for the liberation of Serbia in World War II.
The prime minister said that Serbia respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of each member of the UN, but will certainly not join the measures taken against Russia. Dacic said that Serbia has two principled positions that he and First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic repeatedly explained to EU High Representative of Foreign and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. “We had to say it, although she didn’t even ask us,” said Dacic.
He noted that in discussions with them, Ashton was truthful and said that ”everyone is announcing that she will push us” with regard to Russia. However, she didn’t do it.
Dacic said that what occurred during the voting in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe represents ”a political exhibitionism of some political parties that do not take into account the opinion of the majority in Serbia”. He added that it is important that the ruling parties had a clear position and voted against measures for Russia. ”Russia has never been against Serbia; it never imposed sanctions or other measures against our country and Serbia will certainly appreciate it and return the favour,” said Dacic.
