Serbia

Visiting professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science

29 Jun 2021 1 3

Nebojsa Stevanovic

Inserted 2 years ago

“Lightning Strike was simply an excellent opportunity to check the operational capabilities of the command and units of the Serbian Army. It also showed how much was invested in equipping and arming our people.”

Minister of Defense of Serbia

27 Jun 2021 2 2

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 2 years ago

“We'll get a lot [military equipment] next year, which will make the Serbian Army twice as strong as today.”

Serbia's President

27 Jun 2021 1 2

Dragisa Mijacic

Inserted 2 years ago

“For years, President Vučić has managed to send the message that it is necessary to work on reaching an agreement, but also to calm those radical elements in society who are against reaching any agreement with the Kosovo Albanians. His political and social engineering is often reflected in the fact that members of his party and coalition partners often speak contrary to what he advocates in public presentations, which further confuses the public and calms the opponents of the agreement. In the coming period, we will probably witness the continued use of this model of communication. They (the attitudes) are often contrary to what the President is saying. However, the latest public opinion polls show that more and more citizens believe that a solution needs to be found to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo.”

Chair of the Working group for Chapter 35 of the National Convention on the EU

26 Jun 2021 4 4

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 2 years ago

“It is our job… to look for a compromise solution every day, because without it someone will unfreeze that conflict one day, and then, whatever we do and no matter how it all ends, I would have to tell someone's mother – I'm sorry you don't have a son anymore, but, at least we've achieved a great victory. I want to repeat – a compromise solution is the only possible solution, but if you ask me what a compromise is, I will tell you – I don't know. However, we all have to reach a compromise together. If we fail to do that, we will leave this problem to future generations.”

Serbian president

25 Jun 2021 1 4

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 2 years ago

“The Albanian delegation does not want to fulfil agreements [made at earlier meetings], they do not want to talk about the Union of Serbian Municipalities [to represent Serbs' interests in Kosovo], they insistently and instantly demanded when will we recognise an independent Kosovo, and they described the fact that Serbs want to attend liturgies in their churches [in Kosovo] as incidents and provocations. [Kurti] told me: 'I came to ask you when you will recognize an independent Kosovo.' My answer was 'Never!' Then he blew up.”

Serbia's President

15 Jun 2021 4 3

Ana Brnabic

Inserted 2 years ago

“The boosting of the political dialogue and the highest-profile visits are in our interest, and I hope that we will have a chance to mark the 140th anniversary of Serbia-US diplomatic relations.”

Prime Minister of Serbia

04 Jun 2021 2 1

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 2 years ago

“The dialogue with Pristina will continue soon, and I believe in the possibility of reaching a compromise solution.”

Serbia's President

04 Jun 2021 2 2

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 2 years ago

“Serbia will start behaving in a way that it has not done so far, and in accordance with what has been signed [in the Dayton agreement]. In accordance with that, the obligation of the High Representative is to periodically report to the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, the Russian Federation and other interested governments, as well as the parties [to the agreement] – and we are an interested party.”

Serbia's President

02 Jun 2021 4 3

Stefan Vladisavljev

Inserted 2 years ago

“It's a textbook example of a soft-power move. While China is still trailing countries like Russia [in the Balkans], this can bring a lot of people closer to Beijing. The idea is to make China more accessible and more familiar and leave an imprint on society as well. Serbia is a poster child of cooperation in the region and one of the countries that Beijing points to when it wants to show what a successful relationship can look like. We are at the beginning of this cooperation [growing cooperation of Serbian schools with Chinese universities and schools], it's still something that is being developed. We are witnessing the inception right now.”

Program Coordinator of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence

11 May 2021 1 4

Ana Paula Zacarias

Inserted 2 years ago

“It is a key tool to promote democracy, rule of law and the respect for fundamental rights, which are also the main engines of economic development, social integration and the essential anchor for fostering regional reconciliation and stability. Maintaining and enhancing this policy is indispensable for the EU's credibility, for the EU's success and for the EU's influence in the region and beyond.”

State Secretary for European Affairs of Portugal

11 May 2021 3 5

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 2 years ago

“If you have been infected – and have received two vaccines … you have the right, if you are in a state body, the army or similar, to [paid] sick leave. But if you are not vaccinated, you will not have paid sick leave.”

Serbia's President

05 May 2021 0 1

Stefan Vladisavljev

Inserted 3 years ago

“While some countries have limited China's presence, and thus the influence that has resulted from the assistance provided, others have eagerly accepted it. One of the countries that did accept the aid was Serbia, and by combining a global Chinese initiative and the actions of Serbian officials, a narrative was created in which China was presented as 'the only partner that can help Serbia in the fight against COVID-19'.”

Program Coordinator of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence

09 Apr 2021 3 3

Zoran Radovanovic

Inserted 3 years ago

“They [the Covid false theories] find a particularly fertile ground in our environment, where general mistrust and xenophobia are widespread. It's easy to manipulate a nation which has been deceived for three decades and no longer trusts anyone. Doubt is the natural state of things [here]. Unfortunately, distrust in the government has spread to all authorities including physicians, who earlier have traditionally enjoyed general respect.”

Aljazeera

Serbian epidemiologist

06 Apr 2021 4 7

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 3 years ago

“I received the vaccine, and I feel great. Thank you our great health workers. Thank you our Chinese brothers.”

Serbia's President

06 Apr 2021 3 3

Dragan Djukanovic

Inserted 3 years ago

“Serbia-Montenegro relations are not as good as was expected when there was a change of government at the end of August in Montenegro. They are not following the dynamics that could have been expected. For two neighbouring and in many ways very close countries, it is necessary to establish the clearest possible dynamics in meetings of high-ranking officials at state level. In the next period, there should be as many of these mutual visits as possible.”

Head of the Belgrade-based NGO Center for Foreign Policy

23 Mar 2021 1 2

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 3 years ago

“It will be a completely new vaccine factory for the Sinopharm vaccine, which we will make together with the Emirates and the Chinese in Serbia. We will have to give the vaccine to the region … because for everything we cure or prevent our people [from getting] is not worth it if there is a problem in the region.”

Serbia's President

11 Mar 2021 5 4

Vuk Vuksanović

Inserted 3 years ago

“For the [Serbian] government, spreading the Chinese, or previously Russian narrative, pays off more politically. It is a product of the stalemate in EU enlargement, but also a product of the fact that the pro-Russian or pro-Chinese narrative is better sold to the electorate of the ruling party. The Serbian leadership also saw that it could benefit much more from a rising power such as China than from a great power with limits, such as Russia. Also, Belgrade understands that the West takes Beijing much more seriously than Moscow, which motivates the Serbian leadership to strive more for the Chinese card in order to use it as a lever of influence in relation to the West.”

Researcher at Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

04 Mar 2021 5 7

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 3 years ago

“We believe that a compromise agreement means no one gets everything and everyone gets enough.”

Serbia's President

03 Mar 2021 1 3

Miroslav Lajčák

Inserted 3 years ago

“Dialogue is key for both sides to advance on their European path. We have no interest to preserve a status quo and we are ready to bring the process to a successful end as fast as the two sides are ready to go.”

European Union's special envoy to Serbia-Kosovo talks

03 Mar 2021 3 2

Ana Brnabic

Inserted 3 years ago

“We will be able to save thousands and thousands of lives. I can't find the words to express all of my gratitude to China.”

Aljazeera

Prime Minister of Serbia

02 Mar 2021 (approx) 3 4

Igor Novakovic

Inserted 3 years ago

“Based on the public polls survey, it is clear that NATO is an unpopular subject, that is why illusion is being created that Serbia does not cooperate with NATO, mostly by tabloids. The ruling majority has the need to continue the cooperation with NATO for several reasons – due to the geostrategic position of Serbia which is surrounded by NATO states, the benefits of the cooperation programmes and the role of KFOR in the protection of Serbs in Kosovo. This current situation is not good, and Serbia should go a step further in the partnership and have clear communication strategy on NATO. I don't think this is possible for the time being as the elections on all levels are approaching and writing about NATO is not beneficial.”

Research Director in the International and Security Affairs Centre (ISAC)

26 Feb 2021 3 4

Mladen Aleksic

Inserted 3 years ago

“Whoever is elected, the Church will continue to repeat its clear, unequivocal position on the issue of Kosovo. It was always important for the state to have the support of the Serbian Orthodox Church for its policy, whether domestic or internationa. The pressure is not bigger now but Vucic's [Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic] constant presence in the media makes his role appear most important.”

Theologian and religious teacher

17 Feb 2021 4 4

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 3 years ago

“A friend in need is a friend indeed. We care about nothing else but our friendship to prosper, for us to advance economic development, and for us to be able to live not only as best neighbors, but also as best friends.”

Serbian president

14 Feb 2021 4 3

Nikola Selakovic

Inserted 3 years ago

“We have invested serious efforts in our relations with Israel in recent years and we are not happy with this decision. Israel’s move will undoubtedly influence relations between Serbia and Israel.”

Aljazeera

Foreign Minister of Serbia

02 Feb 2021 2 4

Majda Ruge

Inserted 3 years ago

“Had President Trump been reelected, mending Serbia's relationship with the U.S. would have been possible without many strings attached regarding Serbia's record on democracy and human rights, its relationship to the Kremlin, or its treatment of transitional justice and war crimes committed by its government in the 1990s. This sort of carte blanche on many policy issues will not be available under Biden's team. Therefore, the success of Mr. Djuric's [Serbia Ambassador to the US Marko Djuric] mission will depend on Serbia's willingness to tackle some of these big topics and Mr. Djuric's ability to convincingly communicate Serbia's willingness to do so.”

Balkans analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin

30 Jan 2021 4 2

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 3 years ago

“People ask why Ana [Brnabic] did not accept the invitation. If she’s going to Podgorica, who will be waiting for her at the airport? Is our ambassador waiting for her or not? Or did you [Montenegro] expel him, and you have not yet said whether you agree with the decision of [Montenegrin President] Milo Djukanovic who expelled him”

Serbian president

25 Jan 2021 3 2

Marko Duric

Inserted 3 years ago

“We came with a very ambitious agenda to increase the level of exchange between our two countries [Serbia and US] and increase the level of trust. I'm convinced that we'll have a more solid base for closer political ties the closer we get in economic terms. And this is what we want to achieve. This is the strategy.”

Ambassador of Serbia to the United States

22 Jan 2021 2 1

Edin Djerlek

Inserted 3 years ago

“We are not part of the government and we do not have a coalition with the ruling SNS [Serbian Progressive Party] party but we agreed with SNS that we will be partners in the national assembly and stay independent. Our ideology [of the Justice and Conciliation Party] and programme are different from the ruling SNS. We will be independent; in terms that we will support what is good and supportive for people in Sandzak and generally in Serbia. However, we will not support policies which are not good for people in Sandzak and people in Serbia.”

General Secretary of the Justice and Conciliation Party (SPP)

04 Jan 2021 5 2

Medin Halilovic

Inserted 3 years ago

“Zukorlic has been trying to get closer to the central government for a long time and he has been openly supporting the government. Finally, he became the part of the government when he was elected deputy speaker of the Serbian National Assembly. Both [Zukorlic in the Sandzak and Ramzan Kadyrov in Chechnya] control local politics with the help of the central government. The Serbian government always picks one politician and uses him or her in its best interests. Zukorlic is the last example of this strategy. You can see Zukorlic on national TV channels every day. The pro-government media support him and, in return, he supports the policies of the government.”

Journalist in Novi Pazar (Serbia)

04 Jan 2021 4 2

Tommaso Vitale

Inserted 3 years ago

“We see Serbia as a valued, committed and respected partner in our efforts to consolidate security and stability in the Western Balkans. Albeit perhaps not at first glance, the NATO-Serbia partnership is indeed multifaceted if you take a deeper look. NATO’s partnership with Serbia is based on a request from the Serbian authorities and is conducted in full respect of your country’s stated policy of military neutrality. In other words, we are here to assist and to support Serbia according to its own priorities. All our efforts are therefore tailor-made to Serbia’s needs.”

Head of the NATO Military Liaison Office in Belgrade

12 Dec 2020 2 2

Dobrica Veselinovic

Inserted 3 years ago

“I see this huge potential in citizens. There are these blooming civil society movements in Serbia and the region that are connected and we are cooperating. On the other hand, there is a very harsh response from the governments to that. We are very keen to work with other actors in the region because it is a kind of domino effect. We saw the recent changes in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Political elites are communicating and learning from each other, so we also must learn more from each other in the future.”

Serbian activist from Don’t Let Belgrade D(r)own initiative

20 Nov 2020 4 5

Florian Bieber

Inserted 3 years ago

“There are some indications that Vucic is putting more space between himself and Russia. I would not think this to be a long-term move but more a tactical shift. [Vucic] needed it [distance himself from Russia] after the flawed elections and democratic backsliding. A more pro-Western 'look' helps him get support that can cover up these deficiencies.”

Professor at the University of Graz and member of the Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG)

10 Nov 2020 2 3

Cvijetin Milivojevic

Inserted 3 years ago

“The new government without Ivica Dacic cannot be considered a government in which there is a strong Russian player. Certainly Moscow is not pleased by that.”

Belgrade-based political commentator

10 Nov 2020 2 4

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 3 years ago

“I am sure now that we have formally solved all obstacles that Serbian citizens can go not only to the territory of Northern Macedonia but also to the territory of Albania only with an ID card, and that there will be many more Albanians in Nis and Belgrade … who want to see Serbia, but also many more Serbs who want to see Durres, Tirana and every other place in Albania.”

Serbian president

09 Nov 2020 2 4

Ivica Dacic

Inserted 3 years ago

“This is not the time for us to celebrate that someone arrested Thaci and someone else, we can only welcome the fact that the court has finally begun to actively work on the implementation of its task, which is to judge crimes against Serbs by the Kosovo Liberation Army.”

Foreign Minister of Serbia

06 Nov 2020 4 3

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 3 years ago

“When we talk about a compromise, the compromise can be: 'Will Serbia recognize Kosovo and then Kosovo can recognize Serbia'? We do not need that, we are a recognized state. From everyone. What we need is a compromise solution, for Belgrade’s position to be understood, for Serbia’s position to be understood, to understand that we must take care of the Serbs in Kosovo. It has been seven and a half years since the signing of the Brussels Agreement, and only one obligation has to be fulfilled by the Albanian side, that of the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. And what was their answer today? ‘We do not care about this, not until Serbia recognizes Kosovo’. It was not signed in Brussels that Serbia would recognize Kosovo, but with the EU as a guarantor, it was agreed that Kosovo would fulfill its obligations under the agreement. Now they are saying: 'we do not care, we will never do it, it is part of the regional agenda'. But we need to know, first of all, whether you will fulfill it or not. Second of all, are we talking about a compromise solution or an increase in pressure on Serbia? And do you really want to build normal relations or do you actually want to beat the Serbs? I think we need to find a solution which leaves both sides equally dissatisfied or a little bit satisfied.”

Balkaneu

Serbian president

22 Oct 2020 4 3

Miroslav Lajčák

Inserted 3 years ago

“I see the process of normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia as the main factor of confidence in the region and an important element in resolving regional problems. That is why we want to achieve three goals at the same time; the first is to establish normalization of relations between the two sides; the second is to incorporate European values and rules and to bring the region much closer to the European future; the third is to contribute to regional stability. It is not an easy process, the solution will be a painful compromise, but I have no doubt that it is possible and worth it. I would like to thank my interlocutors, Vučić and Hoti, for their commitment to the dialogue and for their persistence in keep going, despite facing sometimes strong criticism at home. You are on the right side of history, and history will be able to recognize that.”

Balkaneu

European Union's special envoy to Serbia-Kosovo talks

22 Oct 2020 5 2

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 3 years ago

“It is good for our nations for us to come closer together rather than grow apart, and there are many reasons for that. We are both much smaller than we think of ourselves. This is a civilisational and, above all, humanitarian issue [search for missing persons from the war], whether someone's mother will be able to light a candle on her son's grave, regardless of whether her son is a Serb or a Croat. We need to make progress, that is important for the sake of those families. We need to intensify our efforts, and that's what we also expect from the Croatian side”

Total-croatia-news

Serbian president

16 Oct 2020 4 1

Aleksandar Vucic

Inserted 3 years ago

“We are ready to continue the dialogue, whenever Lajčák schedules it. We want a compromise solution to be reached, in order to normalize relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Whatever difficult talks we have, it is better to have a dialogue than not to talk, because in that situation, people’s lives, peace and stability may be endangered. The essence of the Brussels Agreement is the formation of the Association of Serb Municipalities in Kosovo. We want to build a common future with these people, and not to think about how someone will deceive someone.”