Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić voiced disapproval over Pristina's recent attainment of associated member status in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the prospect of joining the Council of Europe. Speaking during a tour of a military complex in Krushumli, Vučić expressed concern over these developments, particularly amid Kosovo's ongoing sanctions by the European Union (EU).
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| Aleksandar Vučić responding to media interest regarding Kosovo, March 24, 2024 |
Vučić's remarks underscored a perception of collaboration between Kosovo and the EU, suggesting a coordinated effort to apply both friendly and coercive policies towards Serbia. He described this dynamic as a strategic game of "good cop, bad cop" played against Serbia.
"The sanctions they received, including visa liberalization, associated membership in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, these are steps higher than they were before, membership in the Council of Europe... Those sanctions are severe. This shows that they have been working together all along, as a cohesive team, meaning they simply played good cop and bad cop with us," Vučić remarked to reporters.
Addressing Kosovo's recent NATO-associated status announcement on the 25th anniversary of the aggression against the former Yugoslavia, Vučić suggested a deliberate choice of timing by Western powers. He implied that historical commemorations were being exploited to push agendas, comparing it to the extradition of Slobodan Milošević on Vidovdan, a significant date in Serbian history.
"Thus, they forced our poor ones to hand over Milošević on Vidovdan, thus today they decided for Pristina to become an associated member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, thus again they will choose a special day when they will greet them in the Council of Europe," Vučić remarked.
Vučić stressed the importance of Serbia bolstering its military capabilities, citing geopolitical challenges ahead. He emphasized the need to position Serbia effectively to safeguard peace and deter potential aggressors.
"Whether we will be able to position ourselves in the best possible way and in those difficult times to preserve peace, people, the country, and to prevent any possible aggressor, this is a big and important question for us," Vučić stated.
In a message directed towards the West, Vučić asserted Serbia's commitment to military neutrality while highlighting the necessity of investing more in the Serbian armed forces.
"We will never join NATO; we will preserve and defend our military neutrality. You haven't punished Serbia, but you cannot deny us the right to live for our country," Vučić declared.
As tensions persist in the region, Vučić's comments reflect Serbia's ongoing resistance to Western influence while signaling a determination to assert its sovereignty and protect its interests.