Former Serbian President and lead candidate of the “United Serbia” electoral list, Aleksandar Vučić, said there was considerable concern among Serbs in Kosovo, expressing hope that the winners of Serbia’s recent election would take their position into account.
“There is great concern among our people in Kosovo and Metohija. I hope they will understand the position of our people there, and then we will see how things develop,” Vučić said in an interview with TV Pink.
Speaking about the incoming government’s expected relations with Serbs elsewhere in the region, Vučić said the new authorities would need to establish constructive relations with the leadership of Republika Srpska.
“There will never be complete trust, but that is not necessary. It is enough to have decent and good relations, and I will always support that,” he said, adding that he would never describe a positive development as something bad.
Regarding Montenegro, Vučić said he understood the attachment of three leaders of the Student List to the country, given their family origins there. However, he argued that they should also demonstrate commitment to Serbia and to the Serb community in Montenegro.
“This does not mean threatening Montenegro’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, but rather showing respect, support and assistance to Serbs in Montenegro. That would be normal,” Vučić said.
Commenting on reports that an official Serbian delegation could travel to Moscow shortly after the formation of the new government, Vučić questioned whether the visit would be permitted.
“Putin will always want to speak with representatives of Serbia, but the question is whether they will be allowed to do so by Brussels or Berlin. Wait and see,” he said.
Vučić’s remarks come as Serbia prepares for the formation of a new government following the recent parliamentary elections, with its future relations with Kosovo, Republika Srpska, Montenegro and Russia among the issues raised in the political debate.
