Vucic in U.N.: Serbia Chooses Independent Foreign Policy, Kosovo Problem Burdens Economic Development

Aleksandar Vucic UN speech (Photo: AP Kevin Hagen)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated in New York on Sept. 26 that the problem of Kosovo required a lasting solution that had to be reached in such a way that neither side wins everything, but both sides win enough.

He added that the unsolved issue of Kosovo was burdening economic development in Serbia and in the region.

"We began the struggle for the lasting solution and we expect the world to understand our positions and arguments and not to support the other side like they have been doing from 1999 to 2008," Vucic said in his address at the U.N. General Assembly.

He added that progress towards a solution had been slowed down due to "tensions and unilateral moves by Pristina, which make everything more difficult."

"Serbia chooses an independent foreign policy and we do not hide anywhere, because of that very reason," he added.

Vucic said that Serbia's relations with the U.S. were getting better constantly, but that it also wished to improve relations with the states of Africa, Asia and Latin America.

He mentioned the talks with the prime ministers of North Macedonia and Albania, about the planned forming of the common market. He said this common market was not a replacement for the European Union and that nobody should be afraid of a new Yugoslavia, but that it represented "the expression of our concern for ourselves until we complete the European integration."