Vucic: No one is threatening Pristina – Pristina is threatening everyone by blocking free trade

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, commented today on Germany's threats to Pristina, stating that Kosovo could be expelled from CEFTA if it does not allow the free flow of Serbian goods. He emphasized that Germany is not threatening the Albanians, but rather that they (the authorities in Pristina) are threatening everyone by refusing to enable free trade. He also added that preparations are continuing for his address at the United Nations General Assembly tomorrow, where he will present Serbia's position on Kosovo.

"Germany is not threatening the Albanians, no one is threatening them. It is the Albanians from Pristina who are threatening everyone by refusing the free flow of goods, services, capital, and people. We will see how this situation develops," Vucic said to reporters in New York.

"Pandora's box" was opened in 1999 and 2008

Vucic stated that preparations are ongoing for his address at the UN General Assembly tomorrow, where he will present his stance on Kosovo to the world.

"Expect Turkey to say now, 'just as we recognized Kosovo, let's recognize Northern Cyprus.' Pandora's box wasn't opened in 2022; it was opened in 1999 and 2008. Both of the boxes that should never have been opened were opened then. First, you bomb a country and commit aggression, using overwhelming force and weapons without UN Security Council approval. Then, you violate international legal norms by accepting the secession of part of the territory of a sovereign and internationally recognized state, a UN member and founder. When you do both of these things, what do you expect in the future?" Vucic asked.

He explained that the Serbian people feel offended when the topic of Ukraine's territorial integrity is discussed, even though Serbia supports it.

"When people from countries that don't support Serbia's territorial integrity talk about law, rules, and Ukraine's territorial integrity, they wonder why they provoke anger and frustration among ordinary people in Serbia," the president noted.

He added that it is disheartening that "the powerful can do anything" while "the small" have no rights.

"Despite everything, peace is more necessary than ever, but the great powers often add, 'but only if our side wins,' driven solely by their own interests," Vucic pointed out.

Serbian president to speak among the first 12 or 13 in the debate

According to him, Serbia has a "good slot," meaning he will speak after Brazil, the U.S., and Turkey.

"We have a good slot. First, the President of Brazil speaks, then the representative of the U.S., followed by Erdogan, and we are among the first 12 or 13, which means about two hours after them, when attention is at its peak," Vucic stated.

Discussion with the Cypriot president about Kosovo; I handed over Serbia's measures

Vucic mentioned that he had a friendly meeting with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, who was particularly interested in solving the Kosovo issue.

"We explained the situation to him and presented a package of measures that Serbia is undertaking," Vucic said.

He added that they also discussed Serbia's EU path and bilateral cooperation in all areas.

"We talked about jointly using our embassy facilities on the African continent to increase our coverage," Vucic added.

He mentioned having a serious conversation with the President of Kenya, whose visit to Belgrade is expected soon, which, according to Vucic, will increase Serbia's influence on the African continent.

Vucic also said he had a substantial discussion with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"We don't agree on everything, especially regarding Kosovo, but we expect his important visit in the coming months because we have many shared interests, primarily economic. All issues should be resolved in a friendly manner, and I believe we will succeed," Vucic said.

He announced that later today, he would meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

"I'm also attending a dinner organized by Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, where around 40 representatives from around the world will be present. I assume they will invite representatives from Pristina, but it's good that they can't speak without us responding," Vucic remarked.

Tomorrow, he said, he will meet with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

Regarding the atmosphere in New York, Vucic noted that everyone is interested in who will say what.

"Iran's president has already arrived, and Benjamin Netanyahu will attend if nothing changes. Everyone is watching who will speak first and what will be said," Vucic pointed out.

He added that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received his visa on Thursday, allowing him to have fewer bilateral meetings.

Commenting on the global situation, Vucic said that circumstances are changing rapidly, and there is a risk of conflict intensification.

"Things are speeding up. Erdogan is announcing conflict in the Middle East. I hope the Americans can control it; if they can't, it will all go downhill. The explosion of war is a risk for everyone. Peace is desperately needed. The situation in Ukraine is not moving in a good direction. Everyone talks about peace, but they all want the other side to lose," Vucic concluded.

On the protest of Albanians in Preševo: We are not violating their rights; Kurti's forces didn't win the local majority

Regarding today's protest by Albanians in Preševo, following last month's protest in Bujanovac, claiming violations of their rights, Vucic pointed out that they are not accusing Serbia of violating their rights but are protesting because Albin Kurti's forces failed to form an autonomous government, particularly in Bujanovac.

"This was expected.

"No one harassed or beat them. Serbia is a democratic country, and we will continue to act that way," Vucic assured.

He added that Albanians do not believe their rights are being violated, but the state is ready to act responsibly and assist in building schools and other infrastructure."

"We are establishing diplomatic relations with Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Guyana," Vucic stated, adding that Serbia has begun forming diplomatic ties with these three countries.

He reminded that Serbia previously had almost no relations with Guyana, due to Guyana's close ties with Venezuela.

"So, it is very important and very positive that we have now established good relations with Georgetown, and for the first time, we are setting up diplomatic relations," Vucic concluded.