Vucic: We are working on securing more withdrawals of Kosovo’s recognition from African countries

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic stated today in New York that efforts are underway to secure additional withdrawals of Kosovo’s recognition from African countries, adding that more information will be available in October.

When asked by journalists whether work is being done to persuade more African states to withdraw recognition, Vucic responded:

“I am working on it. In October you will very soon have new information. Some of it has already been finalized.”

He added that in all meetings held by the Serbian delegation during the UN General Assembly, he highlighted the difficult position of the Serbian people in Kosovo, particularly since Albin Kurti assumed power.

“We spoke with everyone about the situation in Kosovo and Metohija. I pointed to the hardships and challenges facing the Serbian people, and to what has been happening since Albin Kurti came to power,” Vucic said.

He stressed that he also spoke about Serbia’s policies—those of peace, stability, and the future.

Vucic noted that UN Secretary-General António Guterres understands the situation in Kosovo.

“They have the UNMIK report, and they are well aware—I saw it in the reactions of his associates. The UN understands this well. We have other issues on which we disagree with them,” Vucic said.

He further stated that he discussed Kosovo last night with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and with European Council President António Costa, at a dinner hosted by Costa.

“We spoke with everyone about Kosovo and Metohija, about Serbia’s relations with the EU, and about everything else. About what I believe in, what my ideas are, and whether they have changed. I said that what matters is only what I say rationally, because I must think of Serbia, which is more important than my emotions—emotions that I sometimes fail to hide. But Serbia will remain firmly on the European path,” Vucic underlined.

He added that since his address before the General Assembly, he has spoken with numerous world leaders, including the President of the European Council, the German Foreign Minister, the UN Secretary-General, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, with upcoming meetings with the Prime Minister of Israel and many others from the Non-Aligned Movement.

“In all of these meetings we reaffirmed our commitment to the European path, to continuing and accelerating reforms, and we engaged in democratic discussions on certain disagreements. We unequivocally confirmed Serbia’s desire to speed up its European course,” he emphasized.

Vucic said that he also addressed regional issues, including the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina—particularly with respect to the Republic of Srpska—and Serbia’s position on these matters.

U.S. Sanctions on NIS Effective October 1

Vucic also told journalists that the United States has postponed sanctions against NIS (Naftna Industrija Srbije) only until October 1.

“As of October 1, sanctions against NIS will take effect. Naturally, we are collateral damage in the confrontation between Russia and the West, since Russia is the majority partner in NIS. But we will pay a high price,” Vucic said.

He suggested that Russian partners may say they have reserves only for a month or two, after which salary payment problems will arise, since financial transactions cannot be conducted.

“Hard times and a difficult winter lie ahead. We will do everything we can to ensure citizens have a warm winter and need not worry about fueling their cars. This situation complicates everything further, creating political and economic problems. We will fight, negotiate, and seek a way out of this very unpleasant and difficult situation,” Vucic underlined.

He noted that all options are being examined, but that there is little international interest in Serbia’s problems.

“How do you make a plan to break through a wall with your head? On the left side or the right side? Either way, the head will be broken. We are trying to find another path, to avoid crashing into the wall. I have been dealing with this every day for eight or nine months, and I still haven’t found the solution. If anyone sees it, let them show me. Whatever we propose to the Russian side, they refuse. Whatever we propose to the Americans to delay sanctions, they impose them. What am I supposed to do—threaten the Russians, the Americans? We are small, it makes no sense. Yet I must provide oil for the people,” Vucic explained.