Richard Grenell, the U.S. Special Envoy for Serbia-Kosovo peace negotiations under President Donald Trump, shared a video from the student protests in Serbia on Twitter, with a comment emphasizing the importance of allowing different voices to be heard, but stating that “there is no support for those who undermine the rule of law and forcibly enter state institutions.”
“It’s always important to be able to raise your voice and be heard. But everyone must condemn violence and stick to peaceful demonstrations. The democratic process must be respected. We do not support those who undermine the rule of law and forcibly occupy government buildings. If you don’t like the law or the leader, then work on changing them—but don’t resort to violence,” Grenell wrote.
From the beginning of the protests over the tragedy in Novi Sad, students and demonstrators have not entered government buildings, nor have they resorted to violence in their protests.
In contrast, it has been the students who have been subjected to violence. There have been several cases of demonstrators being run over by cars, and only sheer luck has prevented more severe tragedies.
The state refuses to provide security for the student protests, claiming that “the protests were not officially registered.” There has also been repeated suspicion that the perpetrators of the violence, who are driving through student blockades, are linked to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
Grenell’s response is the first to come from the new U.S. administration regarding the ongoing protests in Serbia, which have been going on for weeks following the deaths of 15 people when a canopy collapsed at the Novi Sad Railway Station. Students, who have been blocking university buildings for weeks, are demanding that their five requests be met, none of which include the removal of the government, according to Voice of America (VOA).
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Richard Grenell was appointed Special Envoy for Serbia-Kosovo peace negotiations during Trump’s second term.
In his first term, he served as the Director of National Intelligence, was the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, and also served as the special presidential envoy for peace negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo.
Grenell received the Order of the Serbian Flag, First Class, from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for “outstanding contributions to developing and strengthening peaceful cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries,” according to N1.
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Izvor: Nedeljnik, Foto: AP