We have the closest and best feelings towards Montenegro because we share history with it, Miloš Vučević, advisor to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for regional issues, announced today.
Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) reports that speaking about accusations by certain politicians in Podgorica that Belgrade is diplomatically blocking Montenegro's integration into the European Union (EU), Vučević claims that the Serbian side has shown selflessness and solidarity with the idea of all Western Balkan countries integrating into the EU together.
"We have the closest and best feelings towards Montenegro because we share history with it. It is a country in which a third of the population is Serbs. Half of the population speaks Serbian and there are only as many believers of the Serbian Orthodox Church there. But we expect them to respect Serbia as they respect other countries," said Vučević, speaking on RTS.
DON'T MISS IT
Vučević believes that he has the impression that Brussels currently wants more countries from Eastern Europe in its bloc, due to the worsening relations with Russia and the current geopolitical situation.
"However, Serbia is showing seriousness, decency and a desire to cooperate with everyone. We will not be a punching bag. Historically, it has been proven that Serbia deserves respect because it has always been on the side of those who fought for true values - justice, truth and freedom," Vučević said.
He assessed that it would be good for the entire Western Balkans to be uniquely integrated into the EU, adding that he would like the Balkan peoples to "be allowed to reach agreements among themselves."
He also said, while appearing on RTS, that "various saviors" are preventing the peoples of the Balkans from being united, but that Serbia strives to be on good terms with everyone and to respect itself.
In his words, representatives of the Serbian government "do not sit on multiple chairs" and are guided by national interests.
He said that Serbia respects all its neighbors and that the "Open Balkans" is a good example of cooperation.
He added that Republika Srpska can count on Serbia's help and respect.
Asked what is happening with the sanctions on the Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS), Vučević said that the state has the resources and a solution for the current situation and that a way out will be found by January 15th.
Vučević also commented on the situation in Kosovo ahead of the snap parliamentary elections, saying that all Serbs from Kosovo should exercise their right to vote on December 28 and support the Serbian List.
"The Serbian List is the authentic political representative of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija (...) The Serbian List is the political option that best articulates the interests of Serbs in that area," said Vučević.
Bonus video:
