Vucic: We are conducting policy in Serbia's best interest

BELGRADE - Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic stated late on Sunday that Serbia most often adjusts its decisions with the EU and respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, but he added that it would be best to avoid introduction of sanctions for Russia due to economic reasons.

”We respect international law, but it is important to make sure Serbia is not dependant on Ukrainian gas,” Vucic said in a programme broadcast by the Belgrade-based Television B92 late on Sunday.

He recalled that he did not hide the stand in the talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel or Russian President Vladimir Putin whom he assured that Serbia will remain committed to its EU path.

According to Vucic, in response to this statement, the Russian president replied that he cannot adopt the decision on the import of Fiat vehicles from Serbia as Serbia will not be joining the Eurasian Union.

Vucic underscored that he would not define Serbia's position concerning the crisis in Ukraine as neutral, and would rather qualify it as a policy that serves Serbia's interests.

“I would like to hear someone explain what would Serbia do if the price of gas increased to RSD 500 or if export of agricultural products (to Russia, with which Serbia signed a free trade agreement) was to be banned,” he said.

The Serbian prime minister noted that the EU did not voice any ultimatums, but that more extensive convergence of stands with the EU is expected.

“If there were any ultimatums, and there were none, the government would bring this issue up in the parliament,” Vucic specified.

“We are not sitting on two chairs, we are conducting the best policy that serves the interests of our country,” Vucic noted.