Serbia would harm itself with sanctions - ambassador

Serbia would harm itself with sanctions - ambassador

"The measures against Russia have been introduced only by thirty countries out of 193 UN member states, and among them none from BRICS. Most of your neighbors did not do so, and those who did, when they saw the Russian counter-sactions, realized what they had done," says Chepurin.

The diplomat noted that Russia understands the specific situation of Serbia and the government's policy of pursuing EU membership, and also appreciates the balanced position Serbia has taken when it comes to events in Ukraine - "where the main thing now is to prevent mass killing of civilians in the southeast."

"The Kiev authorities have already de facto turned Donetsk into Stalingrad, Guernica, or, if you will, Vukovar," said Chepurin.

According to him, Serbia could provide constructive contribution to resolving the conflict between Kiev and Donetsk and become a generator of positive decisions.

"The issue of Ukraine will not be solved by sanctions, but only by preventing violence and conflicts. We hope that Serbia will not take sides and will be making constructive contribution to resolving the conflict," he said.

When Serbia takes over the chairmanship of the OSCE, Russia above all expects it to "have a spine," be as neutral as possible in the whole dialogue, and delegate professional staff who will be able to cope with all the challenges in Europe, said the ambassador.

When asked "which benefits Serbia can count on if it does not join the sanctions," Chepurin replied that "Serbia and Russia are natural partners and our relationship is not based on some benefits, but already exceeds these dimensions."

"Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić recently in Moscow sought and received additional benefits for Serbia in the project South Stream. It is the largest investment in Serbia, in the amount of EUR 2.1 billion. We hope that stupidity and hatred towards Russia or Serbia will not jeopardize what you can get," said Chepurin.

Asked if he Russia could, "on the occasion of Crimea," and looking after its own interests, "recognize Kosovo after all,", the ambassador said:

"Kosovo and Crimea are different cases. Russia will continue to unequivocally support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia. We would like those who now require Serbia to recognize the integrity of Ukraine with Crimea - to first recognize the integrity of Serbia with Kosovo."