Macut: Kosovo and Metohija was, is, and will be part of Serbia

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut stated today at the Ambassadors’ Conference that Serbian diplomats must serve as the first line of defense of Serbia in achieving its strategic goals—preserving territorial integrity and sovereignty, securing EU membership—and, in cooperation with all state institutions, creating a recognizable profile for Serbia in the countries where they serve.

“The fight to preserve territorial integrity and sovereignty, to keep our southern province within Serbia, remains the number one priority for all of us. Always and at all times, wherever you may be, you must bear in mind that Kosovo and Metohija was, is, and will be part of Serbia,” Macut said in his closing address on the first day of the Ambassadors’ Conference, which today and tomorrow in Belgrade brings together ambassadors, heads of Serbia’s missions to international organizations, and consuls general, Politika reported.

He told diplomats that regardless of how much hosts in certain countries may try to persuade them otherwise, or suggest it would be better to let it go, they know very well that Serbia cannot exist without Kosovo as an integral part of its territory.

Macut recalled that today they also heard—from the President of Serbia, the President of the National Assembly, and ministers in the Government—that Serbia’s goals remain clear and unchanged.

“Therefore, always and everywhere, especially in international organizations, make sure that this position is clear to everyone you speak with,” Macut emphasized.

He stressed that the European path and Serbia’s full membership in the European Union are a clear, unequivocal, and unquestionable strategic commitment.

“And regardless of the fact that we have still not opened that so-called cluster, we will continue to implement reforms for the benefit of a better life for our citizens and to meet all technical requirements, so that we are ready for a political decision to accelerate the European path,” he said.

He instructed diplomats that whenever anyone questions Serbia’s commitment in this regard, they should remind them that Serbia is, in every sense—geographical, cultural, political, and economic—fully part of Europe, and that the EU will never be complete until Serbia and the entire Western Balkans become its full members.

Macut also noted that diplomats carrying the Serbian flag in countries across Africa and Asia are expected to knock on the old doors once used by former Yugoslavia, so that today’s Serbia may pass through them.

“In today’s world, where naked interest stands above all else, there are still states that remember times when words carried weight, when politics was based on principles, and when the name of our capital was spoken with respect,” Macut said, adding that it is the state’s obligation to use this sentiment to establish new relations on solid foundations.

According to him, it is not enough to live off memories and celebrations of the Non-Aligned Movement and anti-colonialism; rather, new partnerships must be built on those foundations.

“It is necessary that, in addition to Tito, we be known as reliable partners in areas such as information technologies, the defense industry, and educational cooperation,” the Prime Minister said, stressing that it is up to Serbian diplomats, in cooperation with all state institutions, to create something by which Serbia will be recognized in the countries where they serve.

Macut called on all Serbian diplomats, upon returning to their posts, to remember all those who fell for Serbia and all the great figures the country has produced, because only then will diplomacy—not just politics—become the art of the possible.

“I have one great request for you. When you return to your workplaces around the world, I want you to take a good look at the flag flying on the buildings of our embassies and consulates general and remember what it represents. Remember how many people sacrificed their lives, how much youth was lost, so that it could proudly fly across the world,” Macut said.

He added that this should be on their minds at all times, as they represent all those who gave themselves for the country, as well as those who lived for it.

“That you represent a people of a freedom-loving spirit, a proud people, a people with a great history, tradition, and culture. A people who have given the world some of its greatest minds in various fields. A people who love their country above all else. A country that is unique, irreplaceable, and—for us certainly—the most beautiful in the world. That you represent a country built by the sweat of Serbian peasants as much as by the pen of the finest French-educated scholars. A homeland that stands above all of us and which we all serve. And when you repeat all of this to yourselves every morning, then diplomacy—not only politics—will become the art of the possible,” Macut concluded.