Vucic: Important to identify who is behind the attack; through their arguments, Pristina underestimates anyone with common sense

President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, stated today that he faces a challenging day in Brussels, where, as it is announced, he will have meetings with various EU officials.

Regarding the Ibar-Lepenac canal incident, Vucic stated that the argument that "Russia targeted energy infrastructure, and that somehow led to this happening in Kosovo, shows that Pristina underestimates anyone with awareness, intelligence, and common sense."

"Since there is this general narrative and campaign surrounding the situation in Ukraine, some people think they can draw parallels to other examples. This is very wrong and completely foolish. So, our situation isn’t easy, not because of that, but because many do not want to see Serbia on the European path and are finding reasons to obstruct it. Tomorrow, after meeting with our hosts, I will be able to tell you more about our position. I am not going there to beg anyone or ask for favors. Serbia has the second-highest economic growth in Europe and has consistently been among the top three fastest-growing economies for years. We will continue narrowing the gap with more developed countries. Next year, we will again be first or second in Europe in terms of growth," Vucic asserted.

The Serbian president outlined three key points.

"First, we have demonstrated that we are a serious and responsible state. We didn’t come out and say, ‘Kurti organized this.’ We could have. He has the most reasons to do it, especially with the way events are unfolding. Don’t forget that, a month ago, in Spain’s El Mundo, he said that an incident like this would suit him, not just for the elections, but for other reasons too. We didn’t say that. Instead, we declared our readiness for full cooperation in the investigation with all international organizations and institutions, as well as with Pristina's institutions, under the Brussels Agreement, without compromising the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Serbia. We are ready to do that. If someone of Serbian nationality, under Serbian jurisdiction, is found responsible, they will be detained immediately. So far, no such evidence exists," Vucic stated.

"Second, it is undoubtedly clear that Belgrade and Serbia have no connection to this. I learned about the events from two government members only after they had occurred, as I was busy with other matters. As you can see, there is no evidence or speculation pointing to us. Third, unlike Pristina, we haven’t rushed to publish ‘non-papers’ to accuse anyone; we will wait. But we won’t let go of this issue. They claim, ‘Ten people were arrested,’ yet not one person has been detained in connection with the incident. The individuals held in custody, initially one, then another, after Dusan Milanovic from Leposavic was released yesterday, are being detained for unrelated reasons, and these involve three hand grenades. What hand grenades with 15 kilograms of explosives, two knives, uniforms of the KLA, and the Yugoslav and Serbian armies. The investigation must continue to uncover who is truly behind this. The identity of the perpetrator is secondary, what matters most is who orchestrated it," Vucic emphasized.

Regarding today’s meetings in Brussels, Vucic said they would be significant.

"Today, I have a meeting with Kaja Kallas, a bilateral meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa, a dinner hosted by Costa with Kurti and others, and discussions with Hofman, Lajcak, Marta Kos, and new representatives responsible for enlargement. I also believe I will meet with US officials during the day. Tonight, around 10 PM, we fly to Zurich, where tomorrow we have a scheduled ‘Zurich Address,’ as it is called. I have seen that Kurti and others have announced protests in front of Kronenhalle. That is fine, I thank them for it. It shows who truly defends international law and the UN Charter," Vucic concluded.