Vučić: Serbia chooses life and progress, not confrontation

In the opening of the OSCE's Ministerial Council earlier today, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić has said that Belgrade is determinedly committed to continuing the Brussels Dialogue with Priština, and that Serbia chooses life and progress, rather than confrontation.

PM Vučić went on to say that good relations within the region are among the priorities of the Government in Belgrade, since this is the only way to resolve the long-accumulated problems.

"The Balkans is a powder keg where a single spark has the potential to ignite the world", noted PM Vučić, also adding that he personally fears the collapse of stability in the Balkans, although remaining confident that Serbia would endure as stable and steadfast.

He elaborated that a few tinderbox situations only would suffice, in Macedonia, Priština, and/or Montenegro, to engulf the region in flames.

However, Serbia will be able to cope with her own "hotheads".

He underlined that instability in Kosovo and Metohija threatens the Brussels Dialogue, yet Serbia remains committed to it, that being the only way to ensure overall security, for ourselves and Albanians, in Kosovo and Metohija.

"Serbia chooses life and progress, rather than confrontation" is the message Prime Minister sent, reaffirming that Serbia and the region are a part of Europe, and that our country treads on along her European path, highly appreciating the support offered by the American counterpart, while, at the same time, fostering the traditional friendship with Russia.

Vučić said that, in parallel with chairing the OSCE, Serbia has invested huge efforts in getting closer to the European Union, and expressed gratitude to all EU Member States for their support along that way.

´"We have managed to redefine our state and to upgrade and reform the economic system, which was reflected by recognitions from all relevant international institutions", said Vučić.

He recalled that, within a year, fiscal deficit has been reduced to a below-Maastricht level, and that Serbia has stepped out of years-long recession straight into a dynamic development. He was particularly pleased to inform the audience that, on 14th December, Serbia would officially open the first negotiating chapters with the EU.

Prime Minister expressed hope that this Belgrade Conference would endorse decisions and recommendations that will constitute important responses to present-day challenges and threats, and that it would result in reinvigorated cooperation at the level of the OSCE Member States.

PM Vučić expressed gratitude for the cooperation and support received during the year of Serbian Presidency, and wished the participants fruitful work and pleasant stay in Belgrade.

"As great Le Corbusier used to say, Belgrade is the best-positioned city in Europe", recalled PM Vučić, adding that this is why we love our city so much and why we succeeded in preserving it.

Prime Minister Vučić greeted participants of the Ministerial Council by saying "Welcome to the land of proud and good people, welcome to Serbia".