PM: Serbia does not renounce past, but also looks at future

BELGRADE - Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Austrian Ambassador to Serbia Johannes Eigner planted on Wednesday a plum tree of peace in the yard of the Archdiocese of Belgrade, the former seat of Austria-Hungary's diplomatic mission in Belgrade, thus marking 100 years since Austria-Hungary gave Serbia an ultimatum.

On that occasion, Vucic pointed out that Serbia should not renounce its past and history. However, it should also turn to the future and think about the coming generations.
“Serbia has a bright future, and I think that we are capable of turning the wheel of history, and changing things for the better for our people,” Vucic said at the event marking 100 years since Austria-Hungary presented Serbia with the ultimatum ahead of World War I.

The planting of the peace tree symbolizes the desire for cooperation and the best possible relations, also with countries with which we were once at war, Vucic said, adding that he is always pleased to note that Serbia has the best possible relations with Germany and Austria.

However, he also noted that the red plums are a symbol of Serbia's suffering, perseverance and love of freedom which the people will always foster.

The original of the diplomatic note has been put on display in the building of the Archdiocese of Belgrade. It contains the list of demands that the government of Austria-Hungary delivered to the Royal Serbian Government at 6 p.m. on July 23, 1914.

Also on display is the response of the Serbian government, written by prime minister Nikola Pasic and member of the government Stojan Protic. Pasic delivered the document to Baron Giesl von Gieslingen, Vienna's diplomatic representative to the Serbian Court, 10 minutes before the expiry of...