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Vucic to BBC: I Can Only be in Serbia’s Shoes, I Believe in Regional Reconciliation, but Not in Narratives Against Us

In an interview with the BBC, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated his belief in regional reconciliation but rejected narratives that perpetuate political conflicts and aim to harm Serbia and its national interests.

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25.11.2024. 11:26

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Vucic to BBC: I Can Only be in Serbia’s Shoes, I Believe in Regional Reconciliation, but Not in Narratives Against Us
Foto: Srđan Ilić

Appearing on BBC Hard Talk under the topic "Is Serbia Moving Toward the West, Russia, or China?" host Stephen Sackur described Serbia as "the largest power in the Western Balkans, which currently finds itself at a strategic crossroads." Sackur explored Serbia’s priorities—its EU membership aspirations versus its deepening ties with Russia and China.

Sackur first asked Vucic about his past as a member of the Serbian Radical Party, devoted to the Greater Serbia Ideology, which, as the host stated, led to dark times in the Balkans, and to reflect on how he has changed since then, serving now as the president of Serbia.

"I’m not ashamed to say I have changed, but I disagree with you on who is to blame for many of the negative events in the Balkans. We have different views on that, and this extends beyond our internal issues. When I say our internal issues, I refer to the issues within the former Yugoslavia. I also refer to the role of Western powers and other influential players of that time," Vucic said.

When asked about the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, and the fact that the UN courts classified it as genocide committed by Serbs, as well as the recent designation of a commemorative day by the UN in connection with it, and whether he, as the President of Serbia, is now prepared to acknowledge it as genocide, Vucic stated that a horrific crime occurred in Srebrenica.

"I have always been ready to acknowledge the terrible massacre that took place in Srebrenica. I even went there, if I recall correctly, on the 20th anniversary, to bow my head and lay a wreath, despite being attacked by a mob. No one denies what happened in Srebrenica," Vucic said.

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Regarding its classification as genocide, Vucic described as a political initiative led by the Germans and Bosniaks.

"We see this as a political move. As you know, 109 countries share our stance. People wonder why other massacres or major crimes haven’t been similarly classified as genocide. When it comes to honoring victims, I’m always ready to do so. I believe in regional reconciliation but not in narratives that perpetuate new political conflicts," he added.

Discussing regional stability, Vucic emphasized Serbia’s commitment to peace, stating that Serbia is provoking no one, nor will it do so in the future.

He also highlighted that, in the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, Serbia has not been asked to de facto recognize Kosovo’s independence and that "nothing similar has been written or stated anywhere".

"Normalization means living in peace, stability, and tranquility, with free movement of goods, capital, people, and services. It’s about developing our economies, addressing different issues, and seeking resolutions," Vucic concluded.

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