Russian MFA comments on protests organized in Belgrade

Russian MFA comments on protests organized in Belgrade

"Various foreign-financed NGOs regularly organize protest rallies in Belgrade," she said, and observed that "the participation of U.S. diplomats in the protests could mean that the Serbian 'activists' don’t have their sponsors’ trust."

"Obviously, brazen interference in the internal affairs of states has become a routine practice in the Balkans," Zakharova observed.

She also mentioned Montenegro in this context, stressing that "persistent efforts are being made to draw Montenegro into NATO, with no regard for the wishes of its citizens."

The Belgrade protest rallies were also recently addressed by Russian State Duma official and high-ranking member of the country's ruling United Russia party, Sergei Zheleznyak, who compared them to "color revolutions."

Belgrade-based newspapers Alo and Informer last week reported that two U.S. embassy staffers - named as Solomon Black and Denis Ibisbegovic - took part in a protest march over the Savamala case in Belgrade.

U.S. Ambassador to Serbia, Kyle Scott, when asked to comment on the claims that his country was interfering in Serbia's internal issues, stated: "It's very difficult for me to find the appropriate words, but it is totally absurd, incorrect, and irresponsible."

Scott said the embassy officers were merely observing the protest, and referred to media reports as "irresponsible."

"Both this government's and this country's stability is in the interest of the United States," the diplomat said.

Serbian PM-designate Aleksandar Vucic, who on several occasion in the past said the protests were aimed "directly against him" - said that he did not discuss this topic with Scott.

The fourth protest demanding the resignations of those responsible for tearing down several buildings in Savamala in late April was held the weekend before last, drawing some 20,000 people. Vucic said last month that top Belgrade city authorities were responsible, but that "relevant organs will decide on everything."