Vucic: The greatest hypocrisy is to say that we do not respect someone's territorial integrity

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated this evening, following the EU-Western Balkans Summit, that it is the greatest hypocrisy to claim that Serbia does not respect someone's territorial integrity, especially when such claims come from those who have engaged in secession.

"The greatest hypocrisy was when some said we do not respect someone's territorial integrity, and this comes from those who carried out the secession of our territory. I think everyone understood that very well," Vucic told reporters.

He said there were various developments during the summit and praised the speeches by the prime ministers of Italy, Hungary, Slovakia, and Greece.

"I am grateful for what they did for our country tonight," he emphasized.

"Now there is a dinner where the French president will also be present. We expect to become part of the single payment region in January or February. The opening of Cluster 3 is expected by the end of January or, at the latest, the beginning of February. In the next three to four days, we will receive the first financial tranche from the Growth Agenda. It is important for us to continue working on green corridors. We have made significant progress with Hungary and hope to do the same with Croatia in the future," he added.

Vucic noted that he had a constructive conversation with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic regarding U.S. sanctions on NIS.

"First, I cannot say that the Croatian company has failed to fulfill its obligations towards Serbia, and they are also interested in continuing to supply oil to Serbia. Otherwise, this would mean bankruptcy and the termination of cooperation with Serbia," he explained.

He added that the Croatian prime minister's attitude was very constructive.

He reiterated his belief that Cluster 3 in Serbia's EU accession negotiations would soon be opened.

"I got the impression that such an atmosphere exists," Vucic conveyed.

Commenting on Croatia's stance on this matter, he noted that it would be enough for Andrej Plenkovic to say he does not want it, and the cluster opening would not happen.

"I have no problem with that. If anyone thinks this will force me to beg Plenkovic, Schoof, or anyone else, they are mistaken," the Serbian president asserted.

He emphasized that Serbia has fulfilled all obligations, received a "green light," and was evaluated by the European Commission as meeting all criteria.

"It is no longer eight countries opposing; now it has come down to two countries—actually, one plus one," Vucic added.

Regarding reports in Belgrade media that he might resign in two months, Vucic declined to comment, saying that this would be discussed in the coming days.

When asked about Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov’s statement that Russia is ready to consider various U.S. proposals to normalize relations, Vucic said it is a very serious issue.

"I am more hopeful than convinced that Moscow and Washington will manage to reach an agreement," he said.

"I expect the U.S. and Russia to lead the peace process, with support from China. But essentially, the negotiations will involve Russia and the U.S. alone. That’s what I’ve heard from various sources. Will they succeed in reaching an agreement? I hope so. Do I believe it? Not entirely," Vucic stated.

Regarding the announced U.S. sanctions on NIS, Vucic said he would discuss the matter tomorrow with Jim O’Brien and other interlocutors to see what the final document would look like.

"There are many options; we want to understand what this is about. It cannot be resolved overnight. It creates uncertainty and insecurity, but we will find a solution. Citizens should not worry," Vucic concluded.