Russian ambassador in Belgrade: “The West will demand that Serbia join NATO and introduce anti-Russian sanctions”
Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Bocan Kharchenko said that Moscow notes the commitment of the Serbian leadership to deepening the Russian-Serbian strategic partnership.
The diplomat reported this to the publication "Tanyug", reports a correspondent for "PolitNavigator".
Alexander Botan-Harchenko said that Serbia can count on a Russian veto if the issue of Kosovo's membership is raised at the UN. According to him, Russia will continue to strive for strict compliance with international law and provide fundamental support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia both at the UN and at other international platforms.
The Russian ambassador also believes that pressure on Serbia to impose sanctions against Russia and join NATO will increase because, according to him, not everyone likes Belgrade’s independent policy.
Botsan-Kharchenko also noted that Serbia, thanks to its reasonable policies, maintains socio-economic stability, implements large infrastructure projects and strengthens its own defense potential. The diplomat noted as inappropriate the accusations of ill-wishers that the composition of the new government of Serbia is pro-American, and added that today Serbia is pursuing a balanced, multidirectional foreign policy that fully takes into account national interests.
“We welcome the constructive commitment of the country’s leadership to deepening the Russian-Serbian strategic partnership. This is confirmed by meetings with President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and ministers, as well as successful negotiations on December 8 in Moscow between the co-chairs of the intergovernmental committee Yuri Borisov and Nenad Popović,” noted Bocan-Harchenko.
According to him, cooperation between Russia and Serbia is not directed against other countries and is based on the principles of transparency, fair competition and unconditional verbal respect. As one example of unfair competition, he cites threats against Serbia with sanctions from certain circles in the United States if the country continues to purchase Russian weapons.
Commenting on whether calls by some American and European politicians for changes to the Dayton Accords are motivated by a desire for the unitarization of BiH and the abolition of the Republika Srpska, Botsan-Harchenko says that these agreements are the cornerstone of modern BiH.
“Respect for the Dayton Agreement is key to the success of stabilization in BiH. Attempts to revise it, on the contrary, deviate from this fundamental task,” the ambassador said.
Botsan-Kharchenko added that the possibility of a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Belgrade will be considered.
“The Russian-Serbian dialogue at the highest level is developing as intensively as possible, identifying directions for strengthening various bilateral ties. At the same time, contacts between Presidents Putin and Vucic are distinguished by unprecedented rhythm, trust and depth of content,” said the Russian Ambassador.
Russian Ambassador to Belgrade : "The West will demand that Serbia join NATO and impose anti-Russian sanctions"