FM: Good opportunity to start debate on racism

Čedomir Jovanović's statements about Africans and cannibals have provided us with a good opportunity to start an honest debate on racism, says Vuk Jeremić.

Izvor: B92

Thursday, 31.03.2011.

09:28

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Cedomir Jovanovic's statements about Africans and cannibals have provided us with a good opportunity to start an honest debate on racism, says Vuk Jeremic. The country' foreign minister, who on Tuesday received the African Group demarche over the verbal incident that took place in the Serbian parliament, told the Belgrade-based daily Politika that this wide-reaching debate should focus on racism and extremism as tragic consequences of the crisis. FM: Good opportunity to start debate on racism "Hate speech must be nipped in the bud, no matter who it's coming from, including those who are declaring their dedication to unquestionable respect of human and minority rights, and then in cases like these show their true colors," said Jeremic. Jeremic also revealed that the African Group ambassadors were satisfied with his explanation that Jovanovic's stances did not reflect the country's official position, and that the government wishes to build relations with African countries based on mutual respect and equality. The foreign minister said he was assured by the ambassadors that this issue would not be raised in international forums, but added there was previously "real danger" of this. Jovanovic's comments in parliament last week were directed at Jeremic, accusing him of "traveling to (meet with) cannibals in Africa", instead of "caring for the plight of civilians in Libya". The leader of the Liberal-Democrats (LDP) has since stated that this was "not directed at nations and countries" in Africa, but rather " at individuals". However, according to Beta news agency, he also apologized to a group of African ambassadors visiting parliament late on Wednesday. Meanwhile, LDP's Political Council President Vesna Pesic resigned from that position, but said she would continue as its member and LDP MP. Pesic criticized Jovanovic, saying he should have immediately apologized for the "gaffe". Vuk Jeremic (Tanjug, file)

FM: Good opportunity to start debate on racism

"Hate speech must be nipped in the bud, no matter who it's coming from, including those who are declaring their dedication to unquestionable respect of human and minority rights, and then in cases like these show their true colors," said Jeremić.

Jeremić also revealed that the African Group ambassadors were satisfied with his explanation that Jovanović's stances did not reflect the country's official position, and that the government wishes to build relations with African countries based on mutual respect and equality.

The foreign minister said he was assured by the ambassadors that this issue would not be raised in international forums, but added there was previously "real danger" of this.

Jovanović's comments in parliament last week were directed at Jeremić, accusing him of "traveling to (meet with) cannibals in Africa", instead of "caring for the plight of civilians in Libya".

The leader of the Liberal-Democrats (LDP) has since stated that this was "not directed at nations and countries" in Africa, but rather " at individuals". However, according to Beta news agency, he also apologized to a group of African ambassadors visiting parliament late on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, LDP's Political Council President Vesna Pešić resigned from that position, but said she would continue as its member and LDP MP. Pešić criticized Jovanović, saying he should have immediately apologized for the "gaffe".

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