Nikolic not to visit Belgium due to Kosovo statehood symbols

BELGRADE - Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic has called off his participation in the commemorative event in Belgium on Tuesday marking the 100th anniversary since the beginning of World War I, although it was planned, because the opening ceremony will display the symbols of the unilaterally proclaimed state of Kosovo.

"Although it was planned for the president to participate in the event and pay tribute to soldiers of the victorious nations in World War I, the president will not depart for Belgium. The reason behind this decision is an announcement that has been received from the organizers that the symbols of the unilaterally proclaimed state of Kosovo will be displayed at the opening ceremony," the press service of the Serbian president released in a statement.

The event will take place in Nieuwpoort and Ypres.

The statement reads that Nikolic attended the ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of World War I in Liege on August 4.

On the occasion, the ceremony showed symbols of all victorious nations in World War I, but not the symbols of unilaterally declared state of Kosovo.

Moreover, ethnic Albanians did not have a role in WWI that could make them part of the victorious block, the statement reads.

"Displaying the symbols of the so-called state of Kosovo is unacceptable for Serbia, and therefore the president cannot take part in Tuesday's ceremony," the statement said.

The commemorative event named 'Belgium Remembers' will bring together many European heads of state and government, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron.

The city of Ypres near the Belgian-French border was the scene of...