Minister Basta: I call on the Government of Serbia to urgently declare the introduction of sanctions against Russia Politics

– Our country is already paying a high price for not imposing sanctions on Russia, and it is becoming unbearable. As the Minister of Economy, I can’t accept how much pressure is being put on the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and we remain silent. That is why I am in favor of imposing sanctions on Russia, I stand by President Vučić in the defense of state and national interests, and I have absolute trust in him. That is why I am asking the Government of Serbia and all ministers to make a statement on this issue – says Minister Basta.

As a country that has itself been faced with sanctions throughout history and whose people have suffered severe economic consequences, we did not make that decision because we hoped that the conflicts would end, that reason would prevail and that the two sides would finally sit down at the negotiating table, Minister Basta explains.

– Unfortunately, with the passage of time, we are faced with a new reality. There is no end in sight to the conflict, and reason seems to have run out. Small countries always suffer in the conflict of the big ones, and due to the global turmoil, Serbia is facing tremendous pressures – Minister Basta warns.

According to his words, it is necessary for the Government of Serbia to adopt a unified position on the direction in which the country will move forward.

– Since the beginning of the war, we have condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine, but at the same time we protect national interests in relations with the Russian Federation. That is why we did not initially join a large number of countries that imposed sanctions on the aggressor country. However, the situation is getting more and more complicated every day, and the Western countries strongly criticize Serbia for not joining the sanctions – adds Basta.

– The leadership of Serbia, led by President Vučić, will do everything to preserve peace and stability – Basta is convinced.

– The economy is key for Serbia, and that is why, as the Minister of Economy, I point out that despite the difficult foreign policy situation, we must preserve economic growth and fight for our citizens to live better. Serbia has its own serious, responsible and independent policy and will continue to protect its citizens – concluded Basta.