PM "feels no pressure" to impose sanctions

PM "feels no pressure" to impose sanctions

Vučić addressed the subject when reporters asked him to comment on Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić's statement that he expected "stronger EU pressure" in this context. According to Vučić, if there is to be pressure on someone, "it would be on the prime minister - but I did not feel that pressure."

"I have not experienced it as pressure. Those were discussions, not always easy. I think the position of Serbia is respected, and we care about Serbia."

He then added that he was elected to his office "to do all he can in the interest of citizens of Serbia - although many thought that some other people are running this country."

"We are on the European path, but Serbia has not imposed sanctions on Russia. Serbia has several reasons for this, and believes that it is the best possible policy for it, and its citizens. Whether we will be able to maintain such a political stance or if there will be political changes, that's another thing, but I'm personally very determined that we maintain that position of Serbia. You never know who could make some new majority - I would not rule that out," the prime minister was quoted as saying.

He also announced that many European and world leaders are due to visit Serbia this fall. Vučić said there was a possibility of holding a summit of European leaders in December in Belgrade that Serbia would organize together with the prime minister of the People's Republic of China.

The prime minister pointed out that he will be visiting China next week, where he will "fight" to make sure Prime Minister Li Keqiang visits Belgrade in December.

What is certain, Vučić said, is the arrival of Prime Minister of France Manuel Valls in early November for a two day visit.

"He will be bringing a large delegation of French businesspeople," Vučić said.

He added that he expected the arrival of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan.

Vučić then noted that he also expected confirmation that President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin would visit Serbia.

"We are waiting for confirmation of the arrival of Vladimir Vladimirovich, and if it (the visit) happens, it will be either on October 19 or 20, on Day of the Liberation of Belgrade," the Serbian prime minister concluded.