Opposition rushed to Vučić, fight in the Serbian Parliament, “No to Capitulation”, “Treason” banners

1 year ago
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Vučić's opponents interrupted his speech, during which he presented the 10-point plan for the situation in Kosovo and Metohija. At first, the opposition chanted insults, and then tried to attack the president.

Vučić tried to calm the parliamentarians. But they continued to shout curses and argue, pushing each other.

Earlier, Vučić said that Serbia had deprived it of allies in the West by waiving sanctions against Russia. The Serbian leader also noted that Belgrade would not join NATO, calling the supporters of North Atlantic integration "false patriots."

The spectacle of suited legislators scuffling on the floor of the assembly in Belgrade, with banners reading “No to Capitulation” and “Treason,” laid bare the resistance the Serbian leader will face as he seeks to make a deal over Kosovo rather than risk the country’s bid to join the EU.

“It’s in Serbia’s vital interest to remain on the European path,” Vucic told lawmakers in a speech during a debate on the latest push by EU and US mediators to secure an agreement with Kosovo, whose secession in 2008 Serbia refuses to recognize.

Accompanied by loud boos from the opposition benches, Vucic said the European course he’s pursuing “means investments and living standard for us, for our wages and pensions.”

In his speech, the Serbian president reiterated that Belgrade will never recognize Kosovo — or agree to its membership in the United Nations. It’s “one of the most painful” demands presented by Western envoys, he said.

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