Serbia: Brussels’ precondition is not acceptable/we will not sanction Russia
According to Webangah News quoted by Mehr News Agency quoted by Rashatudi, Nenad Popovic, Minister of International Economic Cooperation of Serbia, emphasized that this country will never impose sanctions against Russia, despite extensive pressure from the West.
Popovic said that Brussels made such a request and asked Belgrade that if it wants to join the European Union, it should follow the bloc’s policies towards Russia.
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After the start of Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, the Serbian government announced that it would not impose sanctions against Russia despite supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Historically, Belgrade and Moscow have very close relations.
Papović also said that Serbia pursues a multifaceted foreign policy, and this policy includes the development of cooperation with Europe, Asia and the Islamic world. At the same time, joining the European Union is still the priority of this Balkan country because members of this bloc or candidates for joining it are located around this country.
Serbian politician says that, however, Brussels has not treated this country in the same way as other countries seeking to join the European Union, and the precondition it has set for Belgrade is to impose sanctions against Russia and stop cooperation with this country; A request that according to him “is not acceptable in any way.”
He emphasized: “Moscow has nothing to worry about and Serbia will never sanction Russia and the pressures, although constant and strong, have never changed Belgrade’s position and will not.” .
Papović also stated that “the majority of Serbian people are against any sanctions against Russia, and this has been proven in polls.” The opponents of this issue are 9 percent.”
