Vucic on CIA chief's visit to Belgrade: An important meeting, crucial topics for the future of the country and the region

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, stated today that the topics of his conversation with CIA Director William Burns were all important for the future of the country and the region.

"They presented their views, and we presented ours. It was a useful, respectful, and important meeting. That is all I can say on the matter," Vucic said in response to reporters' questions about his meeting with the CIA chief.

He added that he could only laugh at claims that Burns' visit to Sarajevo was transparent, while his visit to Belgrade was hidden.

"You talk to your guests and see whether they want the public involved or not. Usually, with the heads of intelligence services, there's either just video coverage of the meeting or not even that, when there are no statements. As a serious country, we considered this to be the best possible approach, and the Americans, being serious as well, also thought this was the best possible way to handle it," Vucic said.

Regarding claims that nuclear waste from France would be stored in Serbia, Vucic said this was a blatant lie.

"It is a blatant lie, just one of the many absurdities, fabrications, and lies being thrown against Serbia's interests daily to create additional confusion and disorientation among the people. No matter how insane and senseless the lie is, they will repeat it a million times," Vucic said.

He mentioned that discussions with the French company EDF were about potential cooperation on projects to ensure a sufficient supply of electricity through nuclear energy.

However, he emphasized, that does not mean that France will store nuclear waste in Serbia.

"That is like saying that French Suez and Japanese Itochu will store their waste in Vinca... It is so stupid I have no words. It is reckless and disgusting because they are deliberately acting against their own country. You are deliberately undermining the country with the most unscrupulous lies. They should be ashamed," Vucic stated.

When asked about some announcements of a possible revolution in Serbia, he asserted that there will be no new October 5th.

"There will never be another October 5th. Serbia has matured enough not to allow either foreign or domestic actors to take power by force. You will have to fight for that yourselves, in elections," the Serbian President said.

Vucic, who attended the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the construction of a new facility for the accommodation and training of the "Cobra" Military Police Special Forces Unit at the "Vasa Carapic" barracks, also announced new, significant investments in the military and salary increases for its members.

"As for the military itself, we will invest much more. We will have another salary increase in the coming months. Even when expressed in small percentages, this salary increase is much larger than before, because the base is much larger. Five or 10 percent today is much more than 20 or 30 percent used to be. You and your families will be able to secure a decent life, and we will always count on you when it comes to potential defense and deterring aggressors," Vucic said.

He wished them that they never have to use their knowledge and combat skills.

"But if the need arises, if an aggressor forces us into it, I am sure that, as in the past, you will be the first to respond unconditionally, with almost 100 percent turnout in fulfilling your duties. With the 15,000 square meters we will be building here, I believe your needs will be met, and I believe it will contribute to enhancing your capabilities and combat readiness," Vucic said.

As he stated, the "Cobras" would get a new home, with the best conditions, which they deserve because they are unconditionally loyal to the state.

"You are brave, responsible, and unconditionally loyal to the homeland. You have long deserved the most modern conditions for work and training, and this project aims to provide those conditions," Vucic said.