Vucic: Serbia's Arms Purchases Do Not Violate Any Agreements

Aleksandar Vucic (BETAPHOTO/MILOS MISKOV/MO)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has said that Serbia has not violated any treaties by arming its military because most of the purchases have been "defensive weapons and equipment."

In a press conference held at the Palace of Serbia late on Dec. 29, Vucic told journalists that by buying anti-aircraft defense weaponry Serbia "isn't threatening anyone else's space, only protecting its own."

"We are thereby discouraging anyone who might consider harming our country. The Army of Serbia will continue strengthening in keeping with all international regulations and regional agreements. We aren't a threat to anyone but by strengthening ourselves limit threats against us," Vucic stated.

Asked about the criticism U.S. Ambassador Anthony Godfrey voiced regarding Serbia's arm purchases, Vucic said that he was "surprised" by Godrfrey's statement, adding that all countries in the region -- aside from Bosnia and Herzegovina -- as well as those in NATO, regularly arm their forces.

With regards to Kosovo, the president said that Serbia will remain a source of security and stability but that he is "not certain the same can be expected of [Kosovo]." 

Vucic also told the press conference that Serbia saw the opening of 18 factories this year and that the current plans for investments in the country are worth EUR760 million, entailing 11,680 new jobs.