Vucic: We expect a forceful opening of the bridge on the Ibar

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that new provocations are expected in Kosovo and that the Kosovo authorities are preparing to forcibly open the bridge on the Ibar on August 14 or 15.

"In the meantime, foreign agencies will try to impose some new Serbian leaders, whom they will support and portray as supposedly brave, even though they are not. These leaders will attempt to distance themselves from Belgrade and claim that they are not interested in Belgrade, and they will negotiate with Kurti on how to become his servants, while in reality, they will be working for foreign interests. Let me tell you right away, that will not succeed," Vucic said.

He expressed hope that KFOR would intervene and prevent the opening of the bridge.

"I call on KFOR to react and not allow the unilateral opening of the bridge because we respect KFOR and believe they will do their job," Vucic emphasized.

Commenting on the protest held last night in Belgrade against lithium exploitation, Vucic said it is clear to him that Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti and the media in Pristina want Serbia to suffer, but he does not understand those in Serbia who advocate for the destruction of the economy.

The protest, he pointed out, took place in a democratic atmosphere, which, as he said, is in line with a democratic state.

However, he emphasized that everything that followed the protest—such as the blocking of roads and the railway station—was completely against all democratic principles.

"Who are these people who want our economy to suffer? I understand those from the region, and I understand the excitement in Pristina over last night's protest. I understand the live broadcasts in Kurti's media. I understand the fascination, excitement, and threats. I understand their desire for Serbia to be worse off; I have no problem with that. I think that every person, when they read and listen to what is being said in Pristina, Zagreb, Sarajevo, and Podgorica, understands which side they should be on. But I did not understand why people living here would want to destroy Serbia's economy," Vucic concluded.

"The solution lies in dialogue," Vucic emphasized, noting that he had invited all opposition representatives to discussions about lithium several times, but no one was willing to attend.

He pointed out that lithium exploitation and mining have not yet begun and that he will discuss everything with the residents of Loznica, Sabac, and all other parts of Serbia where it is necessary.

"They thought that dialogue was a threat... but the solution is always in dialogue. You don't solve problems with beatings and persecution. I'm sorry they didn't want to talk. I will go to every place to talk with people. I'm not going to organize large rallies to show how many more people I can gather... No. I will go to talk with ordinary people about their fears that exist," Vucic stated.