RTS: Vucic Not to Attend European People’s Party Congress in Zagreb

Aleksandar Vucic (Beta/Presidents press office/Dimitrije Goll)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Nov. 14 informed the leader of the European People’s Party, Joseph Dole, that he will not be coming to the EPP’s congress in Zagreb, the RTS public service reported on Nov. 14.

According to RTS, in a letter sent to Dole Vucic explained that although he had prepared “a serious analysis of developments in the region” and of what all [actors in the region] would have to do together, he had decided not to attend the conference because of “a veritable witch-hunt” against his arrival in Zagreb led by almost all Croatian media.

“I would like to add that there haven’t been nor there are any real reasons for this kind of attacks, except for the existence of certain circles in the Croatian society which cannot get used to Serbia having a stronger role, the fact that Serbia is economically recovering and, that politically, it is no longer on its knees,” Vucic said.

He added that he was not intimidated and that many times he had been faced with and defended himself against such organized campaigns.

“Without a doubt, going to Croatia and standing up for Serbian policies would give me major political points in Serbia, but I have taken into account what for me is the most important part of the politics I represent, and that is offering a hand and opening the door to a better relationship between the Serbs and Croats… I do not wish to in any way add to a further deterioration of the position of Serbs living in the Republic of Croatia,” Vucic also said.

He added that everyone is welcome to come to Serbia and that there will be no such negative campaign led against any EPP member and supporter.