Vucic: Kurti does not want Serb List participation in elections, it is his greatest enemy

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warned today that the country will face increasing pressure regarding Kosovo. He emphasized that Albin Kurti seeks to prevent the Serb List from participating in the February 9 elections because he cannot control it and views it as his greatest enemy.

"Kurti does not want the participation of the Serb List, going so far as to physically exclude them from the elections, because it is a disruptive, disobedient factor. Many other parties, even from the Serbian community, he tries to control, but he has no control over the Serb List, which is why it is his greatest enemy," Vucic said during a Serbian Government session.

He called on Petar Petkovic, the Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, to take additional measures.

"Everything they have done has been contrary to the Brussels Agreement and other agreements. Therefore, continue to inform the global public about this," Vucic said to Petkovic.

He also requested that Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric make this a priority for his department.

"We must focus on Kosovo and Metohija much more than we have in recent months," Vucic said.

US will impose sanctions on NIS – a major problem for Serbia

Vucic informed the public and government members that the United States will impose direct, comprehensive sanctions on NIS company, which poses a significant challenge for the country. He noted that the US will officially announce this decision before January 15.

"I spoke yesterday with Jose Fernandez. The US will impose comprehensive sanctions on our company, NIS. These will not be sanctions against companies with Russian ownership or those financed by Russian banks, but direct sanctions on NIS. This puts us in a difficult position, as we will soon face issues with the Refinery, Petrochemical industry, and other companies," Vucic explained.

He questioned why such a decision is being made now, suggesting "peculiar reasons."

"They will say it targets the Russians because it funds part of their war efforts. However, there is evidence that the Russians haven’t done this. It is possible that they are upset that a Russian company made high profits one year. Whether this is part of an attempt to destabilize Serbia, I cannot confirm, as I lack evidence to accuse anyone, but it places our country in a tough position," Vucic said.

He instructed Prime Minister Milos Vucevic to form two teams under his coordination – one to handle gas-related negotiations and another to focus on NIS. Vucic added that he would assist and try to communicate with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A new approach to US administration – responsible and proactive

Highlighting major upcoming changes, especially with the US administration transition, Vucic called on Minister Djuric to increase efforts in engaging with the new American administration.

"Our approach must be serious, responsible, proactive, ensuring others do not have easier access to the key representatives of the US administration," the Serbian President noted.

Serbian Government session began with a moment of silence for Cetinje tragedy victims

The Serbian Government decided during the session to declare Sunday, January 5, a Day of Mourning in Serbia due to the tragedy in Cetinje, Montenegro, where 12 people were killed.

Vucic called it a horrific tragedy, particularly given that Montenegro's population is ten times smaller than Serbia's.

"It is incredibly hard for the people of Montenegro, and it is our duty to express solidarity in their pain and help if we can," Vucic said.

He added that it also serves as a lesson for Serbia on what must be done, and done faster and more effectively.

"I urge you, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Security Information Agency, to further check all security-relevant individuals and expedite the confiscation of illegal weapons, as well as conduct additional checks on legally owned firearms, in order to minimize the risks of such incidents," the Serbian President concluded.