A group of scientists, investors, founders, and company leaders from America sent an appeal for an end to the crisis in Serbia through the work of institutions, stability, and the rule of law, with the assessment that the most legitimate solution is to hold democratic and fair elections.
The signatories, as stated in the letter, are people of Serbian origin who have been investing, employing, and supporting projects in Serbia for many years.
“The goal of the letter is not a political alignment, but an appeal for an end to the crisis through the work of institutions, stability, and the rule of law. The letter was created out of concern for the current situation in Serbia and emphasizes the need to get out of the crisis,” the statement delivered to N1 specifies.
“Among us are scientists from top American universities, as well as founders, investors, and leaders of companies that employ a large number of people in Serbia. Many of us have been supporting and are supporting scientific and business projects in Serbia for years, and we intend to do so in the future as well,” the introduction states.
We are transmitting the letter in its entirety:
“Unfortunately, we are witnessing an escalation of conflicts, unpleasant events, and violence that threaten to dramatically deepen the already serious social crisis. The instability has lasted for more than 9 months, and the country is sinking deeper into crisis. The disagreements are fundamental, and the polarization among the population is increasing.
The economic progress of the state is endangered. Students are sacrificing their careers, there are fewer and fewer freshmen, and the outflow of educated people is on the rise. The problem of corruption, one of the main reasons for the protests, is not denied by anyone, not even the government itself. As a country, we are faced with a complicated regional and global situation. We also have great demographic challenges ahead of us.
The fact is that, at the invitation of the students, the largest number of citizens has gathered so far on several occasions. And there is no disagreement about this. It is high time to lead Serbia out of the current crisis and prevent further escalation and chaos by applying decisive and, above all, democratic solutions.
We believe that the most legitimate solution is to hold democratic and fair elections. Our experience from the world of business tells us that when we know the solution, it is important to reach it as soon as possible. That is why we appeal to the competent institutions – the National Assembly and the President – to call elections in accordance with constitutional powers, and then to ensure a peaceful and gradual de-escalation, with the return of universities and students to regular work, in faculty buildings.
All parties should take a constructive role in creating conditions for fair elections (access to the media, updated voter list, independent observers), to condemn and avoid any violence and to commit to accepting the results of a fair electoral process.
The world of science, technology, trade, and geopolitics is changing at a huge speed and does not wait for anyone. Serbia can use development opportunities only as a functional state with the rule of law, a low level of corruption, and a stable business climate. With a deep conviction that the well-being of Serbia is above our differences, we emphasize that our views are based on patriotism and the desire to establish stability and the rule of law in Serbia,” the letter signed by:
Nenad Tomaševiċ, Founder and CEO, DrenBio
Nikola Božinović, Founder, Frame
Alexander Kolicich, 8VC, Founding Partner
Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, Professor, Columbia University, New York
Brano Perkovich, Menlo Park, California
Nenad Grmuša, CEO, DEM Therapeutics
Sasha Novakovich, Founder & CEO Alchemy
Stefan Vitorovic, Co-Founder, Vida Venture, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Juvia Group
Janko Ž. Nikolich, Professor, University of Arizona, Phoenix
Voja Lalić, San Francisco, CA
Milan Stojanović, Professor, Columbia University
Sasha Ostojic, Palo Alto, California
Jovica Badjić, Professor, The Ohio State University
Dragan Petrović, Union City, California
Ivan Smiljanić, Co-Founder Innovation Properties Group
Nebojsa Radović, San Francisco, California
Source: N1; Photo: N1