It was a provocation for the public, the goal of which was to open a debate about the obstacles we have in the process of joining the EU, he told Vijesti. Nebojsa Zelenovic, co-president of the opposition party "Together" and a member of the Serbian parliament, explaining why he proposed that Serbia should form a navy.
Marketing trick or not, Zelenović's idea caused an avalanche of comments that ranged from ridicule to claims that "hegemonic pretensions" are once again coming from Serbia.
Zelenović claims that this was also his goal.
"This is neither the 19th nor the 20th century, so the important issue for Serbia should be to go to the sea. But the key issue is to get out of the senseless regional arms race and to find a way to harmonize our strengths and opportunities, to help those who need to help us, to become part of the free world, which is based on the protection of human rights, free elections , media freedom and the rule of law," explains Zelenović.
This Serbian opposition leader advocates for an international conference and the establishment of a joint defense and security policy of all six entities (Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia) in the Western Balkans.
"I suggest that we open a debate on the formation of the Economic Community of the Western Balkans. The goal is that more than twenty million people can move, live, study, heal and do business without any borders. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to resolve all open issues in the region", emphasizes the co-president of "Together", I will point out that the issue of Kosovo, by itself, is not enough to establish permanent peace and stability.
According to him, Bosnia is a bigger problem than Kosovo, and North Macedonia has its own challenges.
"I believe that Serbia should conclude bilateral defense agreements with Montenegro and North Macedonia. Also, at the proposed International Conference, the demilitarization of Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina should be established and firmly guaranteed. This is the way to ensure the permanent immutability of all demarcation lines in the region and ensure peace in this century," Zelenović emphasizes.
Live on Twitter
The story about the navy has generated a lot of comments on social media. Here are a few typical ones from Twitter:
He doesn't need the navy, he will go to Kosovo on foot.
First the flying cars, then the navy. To know the priorities, please.
Milo leases the harbor and his yachts to be painted in military green.
Marched, marched the navy of Kraljević Marko.
Bonus video: