PM addresses central commemorative gathering

PM addresses central commemorative gathering

BELGRADE -- Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said late on Tuesday that Serbia "learned the lesson and would continue to fight for a normal and dignified life in Europe."

"We do not want conflicts with anyone, not even with NATO, but we will be jealously protecting our military neutrality," Vucic said during the central commemoration ceremony for the victims of NATO's bombing which started on March 24, 1999.

The ceremony started at 19:58 p.m. in front of the former General Staff building in Belgrade that was destroyed by NATO missiles.

To the sound of the national anthem and then air raid sirens, citizens had a chance to light candles as spotlights showed some of the locations that came under attack during the war.

After this, the victims were honored when a minute's silence was observed.

An art performance saw actors and a narrator recount the most tragic events and the victims of the 78 days of NATO's air strikes.

Vucic addressed those gathered - several thousand citizens, ministers, MPs, diplomatic representatives, the clergy, army, and RS President Milorad Dodik and Belgrade Mayor Sinisa Mali - to thank them for coming and adding that "Serbia will not forget March 24."

According to him, Serbia is not an enemy "to those who killed us," because "that is the only way."

He said that Serbia wanted to join Europe proudly and with dignity, but that this "doesnot mean allowing someone to harm its good relationship with Russia and friends in the East."

"We are a small country, but a strong and proud one, with people impossible to conquer. This country can do all it takes; it can remember, and it can also win, just do not ask of us to...