Scholz: Serbia’s Condemnation of Russian Attack on Ukraine Should Not Be Overlooked

Aleksandar Vucic i Olaf Scholz (BETAPHOTO/PREDSEDNISTVO SRBIJE/DIMITRIJE GOLL)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in Berlin on May 4 that, while Serbia and the EU “do not agree on every detail” regarding the sanctions against Russia, the fact that Serbia has “clearly and unequivocally” condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine should not be overlooked.

“On multiple occasions before the United Nations General Assembly has Serbia clearly and unequivocally echoed the EU’s stance that Russia has attacked Ukraine and that that is unacceptable. The fact that we do not agree on every detail is the topic of our conversations but, ultimately, Serbia’s stance and actions should not be overlooked,” Scholz told journalists late on May 4, following a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

The German chancellor underscored that Russia’s goals in launching the war are unacceptable and “a dead end.”

President Vucic also addressed the press after the sit-down, stating that Serbia shall be committed to its European path and that it has clearly understood Germany’s message regarding the introduction of sanctions on Russia. “What remains beyond doubt is that Serbia chooses the European path. Serbia will stay committed to that path, although [public opinion] polls show that this direction is not the most popular [among the people]. [Our country] was under sanctions for an entire decade and that is why we have a different attitude toward sanctions, but Serbia has clearly understood the message Germany and all others have sent,” Vucic said.

The Berlin caucus brought Vucic, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak together to discuss the continuation of negotiations based on the Brussels Agreement. The talk took place during an informal working dinner hosted by Scholz, who had previously met with each dignitary separately.

After his one-on-one with Scholz, Kurti told the media that the mutual recognition of Serbia and Kosovo should be central to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. He also said that Kosovo will apply for membership in the Council of Europe and the Partnership for Peace, adding that Kosovo is counting on Germany’s support in both instances.