Nobel boycott "no easy decision", says FM

Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić said that Serbia's decision not to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony was not made easily.

Izvor: B92

Thursday, 09.12.2010.

09:54

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Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said that Serbia's decision not to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony was not made easily. But he told TV B92 late on Wednesday that such a move was in the best interests of the country at this point. Nobel boycott "no easy decision", says FM Friday's ceremony will honor Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. China has called on countries to stay away. "The decision not to attend perhaps does not leave the best taste in the mouth, but we had to take into account our relations with key political factors in the world," said the minister. China is Serbia's proven friend, and has offered unconditional support in our difficult moments, which meant a great deal, he continued. "After a lengthy consideration, we made this decision, which was not easy at all, and is far from being ideal," added he. The minister also noted that this was the same award previously given to former UN envoy for Kosovo Martti Ahtisaari, and described the Finn as "deserving many things - an award for peace and human rights not among them". "I understand that there is disappointment with our decision in some European capitals. But this is the type of job where you can't always keep everyone happy," said Jeremic. Serbia's strategic priority remains "European future", he said, and added it would be "frightening" if it were to be halted over such a decision made by a "small country in a difficult situation". Serbia is among 18 countries set to snub the Oslo ceremony scheduled for tomorrow. While the European Commission expressed their disappointment with Belgrade's decision, China's ambassador to Serbia stated that his country appreciated the move. Vuk Jeremic (FoNet, file)

Nobel boycott "no easy decision", says FM

Friday's ceremony will honor Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. China has called on countries to stay away.

"The decision not to attend perhaps does not leave the best taste in the mouth, but we had to take into account our relations with key political factors in the world," said the minister.

China is Serbia's proven friend, and has offered unconditional support in our difficult moments, which meant a great deal, he continued.

"After a lengthy consideration, we made this decision, which was not easy at all, and is far from being ideal," added he.

The minister also noted that this was the same award previously given to former UN envoy for Kosovo Martti Ahtisaari, and described the Finn as "deserving many things - an award for peace and human rights not among them".

"I understand that there is disappointment with our decision in some European capitals. But this is the type of job where you can't always keep everyone happy," said Jeremić.

Serbia's strategic priority remains "European future", he said, and added it would be "frightening" if it were to be halted over such a decision made by a "small country in a difficult situation".

Serbia is among 18 countries set to snub the Oslo ceremony scheduled for tomorrow. While the European Commission expressed their disappointment with Belgrade's decision, China's ambassador to Serbia stated that his country appreciated the move.

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