FM on Nobel snub and ties with China

Serbia pays special attention to the protection of human rights, but the bilateral relations with China represent one of Serbia's highest national interests. This is according to Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic, who on Tuesday in Belgrade explained the decision that Serbia will not attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo on Friday. FM on Nobel snub and ties with China "Serbia pays special attention to human rights protection, as demonstrated in the country itself. The protection of human rights is one of prerequisites for Serbia's European integration," Jeremic said at a press conference following his meeting with Uruguay's Foreign Minister Luis Almagro. "On the other hand, Serbia attaches special importance to its relations with China and to ensuring that all state decisions are conducive to accomplishing Serbia's national interests," Jeremic added. He also reminded that China is one of the four pillars of Serbia's foreign policy. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced earlier on Tuesday that China and 18 other countries had refused to attend the peace prize ceremony on Friday, which is being awarded to Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese dissident. Vuk Jeremic (Tanjug, file) EP official lashes out European Parliament Rapporteur for Serbia Jelko Kacin commented Tuesday on Serbia's decision not to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony by describing the country as "servile". "There is no EU membership candidate or potential candidate that manifests its servility in such a fashion," the Slovenian politician was quoted as saying by Deutsche Welle Radio. "This move shows Serbia's general policy regarding human rights," Kacin stated, adding that he was "shocked by the decision".

FM on Nobel snub and ties with China

"Serbia pays special attention to human rights protection, as demonstrated in the country itself. The protection of human rights is one of prerequisites for Serbia's European integration," Jeremić said at a press conference following his meeting with Uruguay's Foreign Minister Luis Almagro.

"On the other hand, Serbia attaches special importance to its relations with China and to ensuring that all state decisions are conducive to accomplishing Serbia's national interests," Jeremić added.

He also reminded that China is one of the four pillars of Serbia's foreign policy.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced earlier on Tuesday that China and 18 other countries had refused to attend the peace prize ceremony on Friday, which is being awarded to Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese dissident.

EP official lashes out

European Parliament Rapporteur for Serbia Jelko Kacin commented Tuesday on Serbia's decision not to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony by describing the country as "servile".

"There is no EU membership candidate or potential candidate that manifests its servility in such a fashion," the Slovenian politician was quoted as saying by Deutsche Welle Radio.

"This move shows Serbia's general policy regarding human rights," Kacin stated, adding that he was "shocked by the decision".