OSCE Mission Chief in Serbia: Politicians Must Choose Their Words Carefully

Jan Braathu (BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC/MO)

Head of the OSCE Mission in Serbia Jan Braathu said in Belgrade, on Nov. 15, that politicians had to be careful when speaking about other politicians, emphasizing that it was important for everyone to communicate well and maintain good relations.

Braathu replied to being asked how he perceived remarks by Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin and President Aleksandar Vucic regarding Croatian politician Tonino Picula, the European Parliament's rapporteur for Serbia, that he was speaking "in general" and not referring to anyone in particular.

At the start of a European Parliament session in Brussels, Picula offered his condolences for the tragic loss of 14 lives in Novi Sad, on Nov. 1, adding that Serbian citizens had taken to the streets, demanding justice and accountability. In response, Vulin launched a series of personal attacks against the Croatian politician.

During a Nov. 14 visit to Budapest, Vucic described Picula as "a very rude man who does not like Serbia," reiterating that he would not talk with him again until Picula apologized for his statements.

Braathu cautioned that "when politicians speak, they must be extra careful about what they say." He added that it was important to be cautious when referring to political opponents or partners because, at some point, there would be a need to work with them, and attacking them was not helpful.