In an interview with Euronews, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić reiterated his call for dialogue with the demonstrators, after nine months of protests across the country, stressing that Serbia and its government remain committed to dialogue despite the demonstrators’ refusal to accept his offers for a public debate or early elections.
To that end, he reiterated his offer to the demonstrators to sit down for a public debate in an open conversation, which, as he said, he had put forward many times before.
“This was not my first call. In fact, it was my fifth or sixth call for dialogue, for an open conversation. I even offered them an open TV debate. They can choose the space, they can choose the studio and I was ready to discuss it publicly because I believe that conversation and dialogue have no alternative,” the Serbian president said in an interview that was published today.
Despite the fact that his last offer for a public negotiation was rejected, he said that the olive branch extended is still valid.
“My offer will remain in effect until they accept it because one day they will have to talk to someone,” Vučić pointed out.
Violence is not good for the country, the police remained calm despite threats
He added that any violence on the streets is not good for the country.
Vučić said that the police remained calm, despite direct threats of violence from the demonstrators.
“The reaction of the Serbian police can almost not be compared to the large police forces from the European Union,” Vučić assessed.
Regarding the claims of the participants of the months-long protests that the collapse of the canopy at the Novi Sad railway station, where 16 people died, was the result of systemic corruption, the Serbian president stated that corruption is an easy way to make accusations and added that corruption is present all over the world.
“There is no doubt that there is corruption everywhere, all over the world, in every country. It is about the easiest topic that someone can choose and say – that’s corruption. Of course, there is a lot of corruption and it is necessary to fight against it much more strongly. I am very determined to lead that fight,” Vučić told Euronews Television.
I will not change the Constitution, I am president for another year and a half
He rejected claims about a plan to change the Constitution in order to run for a third presidential term.
“I will be president for another year, a year and a half,” Vučić said and announced “a new president and leadership.”
Vučić stated that Serbia remains “firmly on the European path.”
“As long as I am at the head of the state, Serbia will remain committed to European integration and the implementation of reforms,” Vučić said.
Correct relations with Moscow, ready to host peace talks
When asked about relations with Moscow, Vučić stated that they remained correct and expressed his readiness to host the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the head of the Russian state Vladimir Putin in Belgrade for peace talks.
“I cannot compete with the bigger and smarter ones, but they are always welcome and Serbia can provide good hospitality and a safe place for both of them,” Vučić said.
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Source: RTS, Photo: ATA Images