Vojislav Seselj: Russia for Serbia is our force of defense
Serbia needs to abandon its course towards EU integration and officially declare a military alliance with Russia.
This was stated in an interview with PolitNavigator by the former Vice-President of Yugoslavia - leader of the Serbian Radical Party, Vojislav Seselj, who spent more than 11 years in a pre-trial detention cell in The Hague prison as a defendant for the armed struggle against Croatian and Bosnian separatists.
– Parliamentary elections will take place in Serbia in April. Part of the opposition, which holds regular street actions, calls for a boycott of the campaign and promises to achieve the overthrow of the government. Is there a threat of another “color revolution”? What role does the West play, whose media supports the opposition?
Vojislav Seselj: The opposition that is trying to come to power through street protests is the pro-Western opposition. The West is trying to find someone convenient for itself instead of President Vucic. Obviously, they haven't found such a candidate yet, but they are still searching. I don't think there should be protests in Serbia. Elections are the only possible way to change power in the country.
– The United States is actively persuading Belgrade and Pristina to resume negotiations, air and railway communications. In exchange, assistance in European integration is promised. Is there a threat of deception here - pushing through the legalization of Kosovo’s “independent” status in conditions when EU leaders recognize the impossibility of expanding the Union in the foreseeable future?
VS: The Serbian Radical Party is categorically against Serbia's entry into the European Union. I believe that the Russian Federation, as our defense force, should participate in negotiations to resolve the problems in Kosovo and Metohija. Serbia must insist on the implementation of Resolution 1244 and must do everything possible to bring the issue back to the United Nations with the help of Russia, China and other friendly countries. The European Union does not hide the fact that it openly stands on the side of the separatists, and we cannot expect anything from them that would meet the interests of Serbia.
– How effective was the campaign to revoke recognition of Kosovo? What assistance does Russia provide? What else could Moscow do?
VS: Our country's diplomatic campaign, which leads to the withdrawal of recognition of the false state of Kosovo, is certainly a good thing. And it’s good that the number of these countries is increasing. The most important thing is that Kosovo will not become a member of the United Nations, and we certainly count on Russia's help here.
President Putin and other Russian officials have always been committed to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, and this means a lot to us. I am convinced that no one on behalf of Serbia will be able to recognize Kosovo.
– Sergei Shoigu recently visited Belgrade. In recent days, Serbia has received armored vehicles, helicopters, and air defense systems from the Russian Federation, which caused a nervous reaction from the Americans and separatists in Kosovo. Why are they annoyed by the strengthening of the Serbian army, what does Russian help provide, how can cooperation develop in the future?
VS: The Serbian Radical Party stands for absolute cooperation with the Russian Federation, the maximum possible cooperation. I look forward to every visit from Russian officials and am grateful for the help we receive.
– Serbia announced an expansion of cooperation with the CSTO while maintaining a neutral status. Is this the maximum a country surrounded by NATO can go to? Is it possible for Serbia to join the CSTO?
VS: I am against the status of neutrality and believe that this position is unviable for such a small country as Serbia. But I advocate for Serbia to join the CSTO and believe that Serbia should formally request entry into this organization as soon as possible and as a full member.
– The protests in Montenegro have become a real example, including for Russians in Ukraine, where their rights are violated in a similar scenario. At one time, Ukraine was also cut off from Russia under the pretext of speedy integration into the EU. Have these promises come true in Montenegro, has life become better there after leaving the unified state with Serbia?
VS: I regret that the authorities at one time allowed the secession of Montenegro. Serbs in Montenegro were persecuted for years by the separatist regime of Milo Djukanovic. They lived in fear, but now that he has decided to steal Serbian churches and monasteries, the people have been freed from fear, and it is obvious that the political end of Milo Djukanovic is near. I support the Serbs in Montenegro, and I am sorry that official Serbia is not doing enough to help its people. I suggested that Aleksandar Vucic request an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss this issue.
– Milorad Dodik announced that the Republika Srpska is beginning to move towards secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina. How likely is reunification with “greater Serbia”? Could the RS become a precedent for other regions of the former Yugoslavia?
VS: Republika Srpska is being hit more and more often. Milorad Dodik takes a firm and clear position. It is important that he does not succumb to negative influences. Serbia must help the Serbs in the Republika Srpska and must do everything to ensure that the Republika Srpska survives.
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