Top state, Church officials attend Russia Day reception

Top state, Church officials attend Russia Day reception

Chepurin said that Serbs and Russians are brought together by "the most glorious and shining pages of history." "The pledge of success is that the Russo-Serbian cooperation is based on principles of equality, pragmatism, mutual respect, and taking into account both countries' interests," he said.

The ambassador stressed Russia's firm support to Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peace and stability in the Balkans. "Our relations are turned toward the future. They have a good potential. We will do everything that's up to us for that potential to be realized, step by step," Chepurin said.

He also explained the holiday was marking 25 years since the emergence of modern Russia, and 1,154 years of the existence of the Russian state. After his address, Chepurin raised a toast to the prosperity of the two nations with Serbia's President Tomislav Nikolic, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, and Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Irinej.

Other guests included ministers of foreign affairs, defense, internal affairs, labor, energy, and agriculture - Ivica Dacic, Zoran Djordjevic, Nebojsa Stefanovic, Aleksandar Vulin, Aleksandar Antic, Snezana Bogosavljevic-Boskovic - and Belgrade Mayor Sinisa Mali. Opposition leaders were also present - Vojislav Seselj (SRS9, Sanda Raskovic-Ivic (DSS), Bosko Obradovic (Dveri), as were representatives of the diplomatic corps, religious communities, and Serbia's public and cultural life.

Vucic meets with Mali

During the reception, Aleksandar Vucic jokingly addressed Sinisa Mali, referring to the accusations that the Belgrade mayor was to blame for the Savamala demolitions.

"And you, Sinisa, with me - to spite all those who would like to execute you by firing squad," Vucic told Mali.

As the prime minister was speaking, his glass fell and smashed on the floor, to which he reacted by saying, "It's true!"

A day after Vucic said top city authorities were responsible in the Savamala case, they remained silent.

Vucic refused to name any names during his press conference on Wednesday, saying, however, that the persons in question would bear full responsibility, but also that he was certain their intent was neither bad nor criminal, and describing Mali as "one of the best mayors in Belgrade's history."

President Nikolic on Thursday weighed in on the affair to say that he thought any elected official who took part in the demolitions could not remain in office.