Vucic: Today's marches in support of KLA leaders will be a rhapsody of nationalism and hatred toward Serbs

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stressed that today's marches in support of KLA leaders will be a "rhapsody of nationalism and hatred toward Serbs" and that he does not expect a reaction from Europe. He also said that in Paris he received different indications from those he had initially received regarding the possibility that KLA leaders would be sentenced to terms that would "cover" the time they have already spent in detention.

"In Tirana, they will receive stronger support so that they can avoid their protests, while in Pristina it will be the biggest," Vucic said in response to journalists' questions after inspecting construction work on the "Vozd Karadjordje" expressway.

He said that he had to look after his people.

"What can we do? We have to look after our people, protect them and look after ourselves," Vucic added.

The president said he did not expect any reaction from Europe.

Asked whether Serbia could somehow awaken Europe from its "deep sleep," he said that this was not a question of deep sleep.

"There was an important BRICS statement saying that they are ready to help resolve the problems in Kosovo and Metohija. That was important, especially if you look at how many people around the globe BRICS represents. We are on the European path, we have worked with Europe on this issue and we will continue to do so. But my question is, do you expect the most powerful European countries, which recognized Kosovo's independence long ago, to do something to understand Serbia's position – why would they?" Vucic stressed.

He pointed out that, for them, the only understandable position for Serbia was to align itself with their stance, on the assumption that Serbia was too small while they were too large and powerful.

"The same is the case with America, whoever is in power. Things are somewhat easier for us with Donald Trump, because his people have more understanding for the protection of Christianity and Orthodoxy, but when it comes to our vital state goals and interests, we have few allies and they are not strong enough, I am speaking primarily about the West," Vucic explained.

He asked how France and Italy could help Serbia, even though they were allies on many other issues.

"You have to understand that their countries are not going to change their decision because of small Serbia. We simply have to be aware of that and understand that we have to pursue a realistic, serious and responsible policy. They are not in any kind of sleep. On this issue, they are following the policy they set 30 years ago, implementing it and not changing it regardless of who is in power," Vucic stressed.

Asked what verdict he expected in The Hague, he said he did not know what the decision would be.

"I have heard in the meantime that he could receive a severe sentence, but let's wait. I would like my initial predictions to have been wrong and for this other information I received to be more accurate, but I do not believe that," Vucic stressed.

He recalled that 15 days ago he had received information that they would be sentenced to terms sufficient to cover the time already spent in detention, and that this was information he had received from Serbian intelligence services.

However, he said that during his stay in Paris, in conversations with some European and world leaders, he received different indications.

"We will see who is right in four days," Vucic stressed.

A "March for Freedom" will be held today at Skenderbeg Square in Pristina, a rally in support of KLA leaders who are awaiting a verdict in The Hague on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.