Russian envoy: Serbia in danger of "reverse migrant wave"

Russian envoy: Serbia in danger of "reverse migrant wave"

He said it will be impossible to return migrants to Greece - the first EU country those taking the Balkan route enter - because "the stay of migrants in that country does not correspond with European standards."

"Therefore, the return can automatically be realized primarily to Germany, Hungary and ultimately to Serbia. The danger of a reverse wave is completely realistic. This threat will intensify," said the Russian ambassador.

Chepurin also stated that Serbia has become a transit country for migrants traveling from one EU member - Greece to another - Hungary.

"We see the heroic effort of Serbs and the Serbian state to, in a civilized manner, overcome the situation. Russia and the Serbian-Russian Humanitarian Center (in Nis) help operationally and will continue to assist the friendly Serbia in issues related to migrants," he said.

Chepurin added that the problem was in the intentions of some actors to "assist" in setting up permanent centers for refugees, and turn Serbia into "a sort of a reservoir for sedimentation."

He recalled that Russia "warned Western countries about the negative consequences of the wrong policy of violently imposing their own standards, which do not take into account historical, religious, national, or cultural characteristics of the people in the Middle East and North Africa."

"It is, above all, the policy of our American partners. Europe followed and follows this policy within its obligation as an ally," said Chepurin.

He pointed out that Russia has lately received 900,000 migrants from Ukraine, of which more than 400,000 are considered refugees.

According to him, they have been given accommodation, food and financial assistance.

"It is clear that without Russia - let alone against Russia - there can be no solution to the underlying problems that have led to the wave of refugees," concluded Chepurin.

Coordinator of the Serbian-Russian Humanitarian Venter Viktor Safyanov addressed the same conference and recalled that Russia has provided assistance to Serbia in fighting fires and floods, and is doing the same now when it comes to refugees.

Safyanov said that "everyone has the right to freedom of movement" and added he was certain the refugees from the Middle East "will never return to their countries."