President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić stated in an interview with the BBC that he believes in reconciliation within the region but does not support narratives that perpetually generate new political conflicts and difficulties aimed at harming Serbia and its national interests.
In an exclusive interview on the renowned program BBC Hard Talk with Stephen Sackur, Vučić acknowledged the atrocity in Srebrenica as a horrific crime. However, when discussing the characterization of the massacre as genocide, he emphasized that this was a political initiative led by Germany and Bosniaks.
Responding to Sackur’s question regarding the Srebrenica massacre and the UN courts’ designation of it as genocide committed by Serbs in 1995, as well as the UN’s recent decision to establish a commemoration day for the event, Vučić expressed readiness to recognize the massacre as a terrible crime. He recalled attending the 20th anniversary of the event, bowing his head, and laying a wreath, even as he faced an attack by a crowd. He stated:
“No one denies what happened in Srebrenica. However, when it comes to the classification of the massacre as genocide, that was initiated politically by Germans and Bosniaks. We consider this a political initiative. As you’ve seen, 109 countries share our stance. People question why other massacres or major crimes haven’t been recognized as genocide. If it’s about expressing sympathy and honoring victims, I’m always ready to do that. I believe in reconciliation in the region, but not in a narrative that perpetually creates new political conflicts and troubles.”
Territorial Integrity and Allegations of Serbian Expansionism
When asked about the large “Serbian Unity” gathering held last summer, which brought together Serbs and Serbian leaders not just from Serbia but also from neighboring Balkan nations, Vučić dismissed allegations of a “Greater Serbia” ideology. Sackur referenced concerns in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Croatia that such events suggest the continued presence of this ideology. Vučić firmly denied these claims:
“That’s an invented story propagated by those wishing to harm Serbia and Serbian national interests. The gathering was not about forming a single parliament but about uniting the Serbian people culturally and linguistically. Serbia fully respects the Dayton Peace Agreement of 1995, the territorial integrity of BiH, and the autonomy of Republika Srpska within BiH.”
Relations with Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Addressing whether he supports Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik’s calls for secession from BiH, Vučić stressed that Serbia is committed to BiH’s territorial integrity, including that of Republika Srpska within it. He highlighted:
“I’m not authorized to make decisions on behalf of Republika Srpska. I respect Dodik but do not instruct him. Serbia’s stance has always been consistent—we respect BiH’s territorial integrity as per international law, the UN Charter, and relevant resolutions.”
He also pointed out the perceived double standards in international reactions:
“When parts of former Yugoslavia sought independence, they received immense support. Now, when similar discussions arise, it’s suddenly the gravest offense. But rest assured, Serbia isn’t seeking any territorial changes or provocations.”
Strategic Crossroads: Serbia’s Position Between East and West
In the interview’s opening, Sackur described Serbia as the dominant power in the Western Balkans, navigating a strategic crossroads between strengthening relations with the West, particularly the EU, and deepening ties with Russia and China. He asked Vučić to reflect on his ideological transformation from his early years as a member of the Serbian Radical Party and his advocacy for a “Greater Serbia” vision, which Sackur linked to the tragedies of the Balkan wars.
Vučić acknowledged his past but focused on Serbia’s current priorities, asserting that the country is working toward EU membership while maintaining balanced international relations.
“I’m Not Ashamed to Say I’ve Changed”: President Vučić’s Views in a BBC Interview
President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić expressed in a BBC interview that he is not ashamed to admit he has changed, though he disagrees with the assignment of blame for many negative events in the Balkans. He pointed out differing views on the roles of Western powers and other influential actors in the former Yugoslavia:
“We have different opinions about who is to blame and who is responsible for many bad things that happened in the Balkans. I’m not just referring to our internal issues but also to the role of Western powers and others who had a significant impact on the situation at the time,” Vučić said.
He also reminded viewers of a Serbian saying: “Only donkeys never change.”
“Now I’m 30 years older, and naturally, I’m a more mature person who leads a country and must consider the interests of our people. I believe we’ve made some progress. The economy is of exceptional importance for the country’s future. But beyond that, you can’t achieve anything without stability and peace,” he emphasized.
“Serbia Does Not Provoke Anyone”
Discussing regional tensions, Vučić reaffirmed his belief in peace, stating that Serbia does not provoke anyone and will not do so. He made this point in response to host Stephen Sackur’s assertion that the most apparent source of tension and “hostility” in the region today is the relationship between Belgrade and Pristina, and whether he believes there is a risk of renewed war.
Vučić clarified that Serbia has never been asked to de facto recognize Kosovo’s independence in the normalization process, under EU supervision:
“Such a request has never been written or stated anywhere. Normalization means living in peace, stability, and calm, enabling the free flow of goods, capital, people, and services, developing our economies, and addressing various issues in an effort to resolve them,” he explained.
He attributed the lack of stability in Kosovo to those who “opened Pandora’s box,” saying:
“When you come to this country and tell our people in Serbia to support Ukraine’s territorial integrity, they say yes. But when you come from London, Washington, Berlin, or Brussels and insist on protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, people here say, ‘Go to hell.’”
“Why Did You Bomb Serbia Without UN Approval?”
Addressing his evolving perspectives, Vučić highlighted that while he has changed many views, he remains critical of what he called illegal actions taken against Serbia:
“Why did your country bomb Serbia in 1999 without a UN Security Council decision? Did you or the so-called Western community violate international law by bombing Serbia, or not? Did you breach international law and the UN Charter by recognizing Kosovo’s independence, despite Resolution 1244, which affirms Serbia’s territorial integrity?” Vučić questioned.
“Proud to Sit in Serbia’s Chair”
President Vučić expressed pride in Serbia’s independent policies and emphasized its strategic goal of becoming a full EU member. He stated:
“I’m very proud to sit in Serbia’s chair. Serbia leads its own independent policy, and our strategic goal is full EU membership. We will undertake all necessary reforms, accelerate processes, and do everything to complete this by the end of 2026. Whether we join the EU in 2027 or 2028 depends on EU member states.”
However, he underscored Serbia’s balanced foreign relations, particularly with traditional partners like China:
“That doesn’t mean we will say anything negative about our traditional friends and partners from the East. We have excellent relations with China today.”
He recalled a conversation with former US President Donald Trump, who asked if Serbia had any issues with China:
“I replied, ‘No, we don’t.’ That’s because I always tell the truth to all politicians and statesmen I meet. I may be liked, disliked, hated, or despised, but ultimately, they will respect my consistency.”
Relations with Russia
Sackur questioned Serbia’s continued energy ties with Russia and its refusal to impose sanctions following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, despite aspiring to EU membership. Vučić noted that trade with Russia has halved but acknowledged Serbia still receives significant gas supplies from Russia while working to diversify its energy sources:
“We built an interconnector with Bulgaria, and we are negotiating and purchasing gas from Azerbaijan. I recently discussed this with Ilham Aliyev. But we still receive large amounts of gas from Russia.”
When challenged about Serbia’s refusal to impose sanctions on Russia, Vučić emphasized the country’s independent decision-making:
“As you see, I sit in only one chair. It means we make our own decisions. For example, we’ve supported Ukraine with humanitarian and financial aid—more than anyone else in the Western Balkans. There’s no contradiction in my position, but there is plenty of contradiction in others’ actions. Serbia is principled and morally consistent.”
President Aleksandar Vučić addressed claims about his alleged frequent communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that he has only spoken with Putin once in the past two and a half years:
“The one time I spoke to him was when he called to congratulate me on the 80th anniversary of Belgrade’s liberation. Yet, EU leaders claim we frequently visit Moscow to meet President Putin, discuss various issues, and continue purchasing oil and gas from Russia, portraying Serbia as the sole culprit. We are an easy target,” Vučić stated.
When asked about criticisms from former party members, such as Zorana Mihajlović, and political opponents like Freedom and Justice Party leader Dragan Đilas, who accused him of authoritarian behaviour and steering Serbia away from the EU, Vučić responded:
“Zorana Mihajlović said those things a year ago, but she has since changed her opinion—not because we have grown closer but because she now sees the truth. She was a bit upset, which is her right. As for Dragan Đilas, he is our political opponent, entitled to his opinions and to say whatever he wants. Ultimately, it was us who opened the negotiation process with the EU, not them,” he emphasized.
Freedom of Press and Judiciary Concerns
Sackur mentioned EU concerns regarding human rights in Serbia, particularly freedom of the press and judicial independence, suggesting that these issues distance Serbia from EU membership. Vučić acknowledged the criticisms but highlighted the nuanced findings of the European Commission’s report:
“They say we’ve made limited progress. Limited progress does not mean regression, so your statement is not accurate. That said, I fully agree there are thousands of things we need to improve and work on, which is why we are changing now,” Vučić stressed.
He added that Serbia is working closely with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to enhance electoral processes and other regulations.
Economic Achievements
Vučić pointed out that the European Commission’s report praised Serbia’s economic performance, a detail he felt was overlooked in the criticism:
“In that EU report, it was noted that Serbia’s economy is performing perfectly. But you weren’t interested in mentioning that. As for the other areas, I agree we need improvement.”
He highlighted Serbia’s robust economic growth and its dominant position in the Western Balkans:
50% of the Western Balkans’ total GDP comes from Serbia.55% of total exports from the Western Balkans are Serbian.64% of foreign direct investment in the region is attracted by Serbia.
(Euronews, 25.11.2024)
https://www.euronews.rs/srbija/politika/146799/vucic-za-bbc-srbija-vodi-nezavisnu-politiku-ponosan-sam-sto-sedim-samo-u-srpskoj-stolici/vest
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Publish date : 2024-11-25 02:11:00
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