Godfrey: Djilas Might Not Understand a Diplomat’s Role

Anthony Godfrey (Beta/Milos Miskov)

U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey on Jan. 26 responded to Party for Freedom and Justice leader Dragan Djilas’s criticism of his actions, saying that one of the Alliance for Serbia’s leaders might not understand what a diplomat’s role entails.

In response to Djilas’ open letter in which he was criticized for having agreed to be a guest on Hit Tvit, TV PINK talk show, Godfrey said on the show that he “was invited by the prime minister of a country he has been appointed to,” and that he “believe[s] that it would not be right not to come.”

“I have read Djilas’ letter, [and] I appreciate the passion of his stand, but when he criticizes me for coming to this show, perhaps he doesn’t understand the role of a diplomat. I’d be happy to meet with him again and hear his objections.

In his letter, Djilas had wrote that by accepting to appear on Hit Tvit show, the ambassador proved, without a doubt, that “in the fight for basic democratic values in Serbia, [Godfrey] is on the side of the government.”

Godfrey told the show host that he “basically disagrees” with Djilas when it comes to how opinions should be expressed, and that he believes this should be done via polling stations and that everyone should participate in elections.

Godfrey also said that as a foreign diplomat “it’s not right [for him] to take sides” and that this is not what he is doing, adding that he believes he should be encouraging a free and open debate and that there should be a election process in which the citizens could choose between all the candidates.