BELGRADE -- Mlađan Dinkić says that the ruling coalition is untenable in the long run.
Source: B92, Beta
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“The government must work with minimal consensus; we currently have a consensus on some things, but we have diametrically opposing opinions on others, and I admit that it is not a situation that will be sustainable in the long-term,” Dinkić told B92.
The minister said that his G17 Plus party had not entered the government at any cost, adding that he expected the government to function well.
“If it is going to lead Serbia towards the EU, if it will lead towards a stronger economy, a better standard of living for its citizens, then it is good. If not, then we will sit down and see what we will do,” Dinkić said.
He said that Serbia could not cooperate exclusively with countries that had not recognized Kosovo’s independence because 55 percent of Serbia’s exports and imports go through the EU.
Dinkić said that the government was not working cohesively and that it could not allow ministers from the Democratic Party of Serbia to tell the media that Serbia did not wish to become an EU member.
“A minister from the DSS asked what people from the government were doing in the Czech embassy. Can you imagine? Someone who works for the government talked to someone from an embassy that recognized Kosovo independence! Are we in a concentration camp here? We cannot allow things like this,” the minister insisted.
He said that it was necessary to rebalance the budget in order to help Serbs still in Kosovo, and that Serbia would have enough money for that once it stopped paying off Kosovo’s debt in agreement with international trustees.
Dinkić said that Serbia had not had economic sovereignty in Kosovo since 1999, and he believed that his proposal to stop paying off Kosovo’s debt would be passed by the government.
“Only an idiot would pretend to be blind and pay for something that will never be returned. Imagine what a disaster it would be if taxes increased as if money was growing on trees. Some people who are giving statements—I heard minister Lončar at a press conference, he obviously does not know much about economic issues, because money does not grow on trees, it is taken from the Serbian people and everyone pays their taxes,” the minister stressed.
He said that one way to rebalance the budget was to increase taxes, which Finance Minister Mirko Cvetković also opposed, “and G17 Plus would never vote for increasing taxes for the citizens of Serbia because it is not necessary.”
Dinkić said that another option was to redistribute current expenditure, which could be done by withdrawing some investments from Vojvodina or central Serbia and redirecting them towards the Kosovo Serbs.
Dinkić said that he was against that as well, because the money being used to pay for Kosovo’s debt should instead be given to the Kosovo Serbs.
He said that citizens would be able to receive EUR 1000 worth of free shares if Serbia continued its economic reform, European integration and kept attracting new foreign investors at the current rate.
Dinkić said that G17 Plus would do everything it could to block the energy arrangement with Russia which involved selling off the Serbian Oil Industry, as it would be detrimental to the taxpayer.
“Only an idiot would pretend to be blind and pay for something that will never be returned."
- it is now clear that Dinkic is out of step from the governement line that he himself signed up for. Lets be very clear Serbia wishes to be part of the EU but as a WHOLE - Kosovo & Metohija and thus Serbia's sovereignity and territoial integrity will not be bartered for EU admission!
Tadic & Jeremic have also been clear on this point they too wish to progress towards the EU but not at such cost. Kostunica has repeated that EU admission is pefrered but not at the loss of Serbian sovereignity. Dinkic - EU and we will give up anything they demand - if the EU say jump we must jump, if they say amputate your arm then we will all amputate our arms !!!
Dinkic must be reminded of the words by Jeremic - One nation, indivisible - that is the government line tat Dinkic has signed upto and he should get on with it!
(Princip, UK, 1 March 2008 08:25)
The nationalists in this govt. are acting like old schoolyard bullies..
If the people, who voted for and still support Dinkic/Kandic/Tadic and their vision for Serbia, do not stand up and show the nationalists, and the world, that they are a substantial group to be reckoned with, then
I'm afraid Dinkic and his political supporters will be forced into agreeing with these nationalist bullies or they will quit the govt..or they might just emigrate. These nationalists in Serbia need to be shown what the big risks include when moving towards a final showdown with the west over something Serbia never quite owned or controlled or ruled. Even the polls show that a majority of Serbs never visited, never mind, choose to live in Kosova.
Well, I'm just a voice in the wilderness and I hope the majority of Serbian people will finally reach into their souls and find their source of courage to demand from their political leaders to respond to their needs TOO. Their demands and future need more responsive action than Kosovo. They need to let the nationalist leaders know that they will not risk their pocketbook, health, eco. livelihoods, and future for kosovo. Because, it is not Kosova that is tested right now, but Serbia's actions. Because, what your leaders choose to act on today, will resonate centuries into the Serbian people's future.
(voiceinwilderness, 1 March 2008 06:46)
I am glad to see that some politicians in Serbia still have reason, and guts to stand-up against this sickening wave of neo-nationalism, which had cost Serbia so much already in the past. Bravo, Mr Dinkic!
(colensky, 29 February 2008 22:04)
No doubt that today the Serbs need unity more than the years before. They need pragmatic governmet to use the opening opportunities for closer economical cooperation with Russia.
The Serbs may now gain a lot of merits and advantages from Russia. If your goods are needed in the EU they will for sure be demanded in Russia too. Products from Yugoslavia always had good reputation in the USSR. Now we assosiate Yugoslavia only with Serbia. So this trend would not only give an impulse for the Serbian economy but will stimulate the EU to offer you more acceptable terms of European integration.
I think Mr.Kostunica is on the right way but with no unity inside the coalition he can do no decisive steps. Moreover despite the tactical support for Mr.Tadic at the last Presidentials Russia can trust Nicolic and Kostunica much more in joint steps plannings.
(ДРУГ, 29 February 2008 18:09)
It's quite obvious which side of the fence Dinkić lives.
With comments like “Only an idiot would pretend to be blind and pay for something that will never be returned.", he reveals his true face!
Something needs to be taken away before it can be returned and so far Kosovo is still firmly Serbian.
Yes, the US is attempting to take it away with the help of people like Dinkić.
If the government stops paying the debt, that can be interpreted to admit that Kosovo is no longer Serbian. This can only help build up the legal case of the US and partners in crime.
The sooner this case is taken to the world court the better I think!
(ZK UK, 29 February 2008 17:35)
Serbian government is the amalgame of blind nationalist and europian-open-minded specialst. I don't see any sign of prosperity.
(Amico, 29 February 2008 16:57)
"Only an idiot would pretend to be blind and pay for something that will never be returned".
Well, at least even Serbian ministers are starting to talk straight to their people as everybody now seem to realize that Kosova is gone forever. This I think is the right think to do.Face the reality, look forward and not behind.
(Alf, 29 February 2008 16:55)
“A minister from the DSS asked what people from the government were doing in the Czech embassy. Can you imagine?”
Is it a secret, Mr. Dinkic? Do we have a right to know what a member of government is doing in embassy of the country that take an illegal action toward your country?
(Zbyszek, 29 February 2008 15:01)
The voice of common sense. Let G17 help bring an end to the self-harming economics and irrational demagoguery favoured by the extremists and their camp followers in the dysfunctional coalition.
(Stuart, 29 February 2008 14:24)
No doubt that today the Serbs need unity more than the years before. They need pragmatic governmet to use the opening opportunities for closer economical cooperation with Russia.
The Serbs may now gain a lot of merits and advantages from Russia. If your goods are needed in the EU they will for sure be demanded in Russia too. Products from Yugoslavia always had good reputation in the USSR. Now we assosiate Yugoslavia only with Serbia. So this trend would not only give an impulse for the Serbian economy but will stimulate the EU to offer you more acceptable terms of European integration.
I think Mr.Kostunica is on the right way but with no unity inside the coalition he can do no decisive steps. Moreover despite the tactical support for Mr.Tadic at the last Presidentials Russia can trust Nicolic and Kostunica much more in joint steps plannings.
(ДРУГ, 29 February 2008 18:09)
The voice of common sense. Let G17 help bring an end to the self-harming economics and irrational demagoguery favoured by the extremists and their camp followers in the dysfunctional coalition.
(Stuart, 29 February 2008 14:24)
“A minister from the DSS asked what people from the government were doing in the Czech embassy. Can you imagine?”
Is it a secret, Mr. Dinkic? Do we have a right to know what a member of government is doing in embassy of the country that take an illegal action toward your country?
(Zbyszek, 29 February 2008 15:01)
It's quite obvious which side of the fence Dinkić lives.
With comments like “Only an idiot would pretend to be blind and pay for something that will never be returned.", he reveals his true face!
Something needs to be taken away before it can be returned and so far Kosovo is still firmly Serbian.
Yes, the US is attempting to take it away with the help of people like Dinkić.
If the government stops paying the debt, that can be interpreted to admit that Kosovo is no longer Serbian. This can only help build up the legal case of the US and partners in crime.
The sooner this case is taken to the world court the better I think!
(ZK UK, 29 February 2008 17:35)
“Only an idiot would pretend to be blind and pay for something that will never be returned."
- it is now clear that Dinkic is out of step from the governement line that he himself signed up for. Lets be very clear Serbia wishes to be part of the EU but as a WHOLE - Kosovo & Metohija and thus Serbia's sovereignity and territoial integrity will not be bartered for EU admission!
Tadic & Jeremic have also been clear on this point they too wish to progress towards the EU but not at such cost. Kostunica has repeated that EU admission is pefrered but not at the loss of Serbian sovereignity. Dinkic - EU and we will give up anything they demand - if the EU say jump we must jump, if they say amputate your arm then we will all amputate our arms !!!
Dinkic must be reminded of the words by Jeremic - One nation, indivisible - that is the government line tat Dinkic has signed upto and he should get on with it!
(Princip, UK, 1 March 2008 08:25)
Serbian government is the amalgame of blind nationalist and europian-open-minded specialst. I don't see any sign of prosperity.
(Amico, 29 February 2008 16:57)
"Only an idiot would pretend to be blind and pay for something that will never be returned".
Well, at least even Serbian ministers are starting to talk straight to their people as everybody now seem to realize that Kosova is gone forever. This I think is the right think to do.Face the reality, look forward and not behind.
(Alf, 29 February 2008 16:55)
The nationalists in this govt. are acting like old schoolyard bullies..
If the people, who voted for and still support Dinkic/Kandic/Tadic and their vision for Serbia, do not stand up and show the nationalists, and the world, that they are a substantial group to be reckoned with, then
I'm afraid Dinkic and his political supporters will be forced into agreeing with these nationalist bullies or they will quit the govt..or they might just emigrate. These nationalists in Serbia need to be shown what the big risks include when moving towards a final showdown with the west over something Serbia never quite owned or controlled or ruled. Even the polls show that a majority of Serbs never visited, never mind, choose to live in Kosova.
Well, I'm just a voice in the wilderness and I hope the majority of Serbian people will finally reach into their souls and find their source of courage to demand from their political leaders to respond to their needs TOO. Their demands and future need more responsive action than Kosovo. They need to let the nationalist leaders know that they will not risk their pocketbook, health, eco. livelihoods, and future for kosovo. Because, it is not Kosova that is tested right now, but Serbia's actions. Because, what your leaders choose to act on today, will resonate centuries into the Serbian people's future.
(voiceinwilderness, 1 March 2008 06:46)
I am glad to see that some politicians in Serbia still have reason, and guts to stand-up against this sickening wave of neo-nationalism, which had cost Serbia so much already in the past. Bravo, Mr Dinkic!
(colensky, 29 February 2008 22:04)
The voice of common sense. Let G17 help bring an end to the self-harming economics and irrational demagoguery favoured by the extremists and their camp followers in the dysfunctional coalition.
(Stuart, 29 February 2008 14:24)
Serbian government is the amalgame of blind nationalist and europian-open-minded specialst. I don't see any sign of prosperity.
(Amico, 29 February 2008 16:57)
"Only an idiot would pretend to be blind and pay for something that will never be returned".
Well, at least even Serbian ministers are starting to talk straight to their people as everybody now seem to realize that Kosova is gone forever. This I think is the right think to do.Face the reality, look forward and not behind.
(Alf, 29 February 2008 16:55)
I am glad to see that some politicians in Serbia still have reason, and guts to stand-up against this sickening wave of neo-nationalism, which had cost Serbia so much already in the past. Bravo, Mr Dinkic!
(colensky, 29 February 2008 22:04)
The nationalists in this govt. are acting like old schoolyard bullies..
If the people, who voted for and still support Dinkic/Kandic/Tadic and their vision for Serbia, do not stand up and show the nationalists, and the world, that they are a substantial group to be reckoned with, then
I'm afraid Dinkic and his political supporters will be forced into agreeing with these nationalist bullies or they will quit the govt..or they might just emigrate. These nationalists in Serbia need to be shown what the big risks include when moving towards a final showdown with the west over something Serbia never quite owned or controlled or ruled. Even the polls show that a majority of Serbs never visited, never mind, choose to live in Kosova.
Well, I'm just a voice in the wilderness and I hope the majority of Serbian people will finally reach into their souls and find their source of courage to demand from their political leaders to respond to their needs TOO. Their demands and future need more responsive action than Kosovo. They need to let the nationalist leaders know that they will not risk their pocketbook, health, eco. livelihoods, and future for kosovo. Because, it is not Kosova that is tested right now, but Serbia's actions. Because, what your leaders choose to act on today, will resonate centuries into the Serbian people's future.
(voiceinwilderness, 1 March 2008 06:46)
“Only an idiot would pretend to be blind and pay for something that will never be returned."
- it is now clear that Dinkic is out of step from the governement line that he himself signed up for. Lets be very clear Serbia wishes to be part of the EU but as a WHOLE - Kosovo & Metohija and thus Serbia's sovereignity and territoial integrity will not be bartered for EU admission!
Tadic & Jeremic have also been clear on this point they too wish to progress towards the EU but not at such cost. Kostunica has repeated that EU admission is pefrered but not at the loss of Serbian sovereignity. Dinkic - EU and we will give up anything they demand - if the EU say jump we must jump, if they say amputate your arm then we will all amputate our arms !!!
Dinkic must be reminded of the words by Jeremic - One nation, indivisible - that is the government line tat Dinkic has signed upto and he should get on with it!
(Princip, UK, 1 March 2008 08:25)
“A minister from the DSS asked what people from the government were doing in the Czech embassy. Can you imagine?”
Is it a secret, Mr. Dinkic? Do we have a right to know what a member of government is doing in embassy of the country that take an illegal action toward your country?
(Zbyszek, 29 February 2008 15:01)
It's quite obvious which side of the fence Dinkić lives.
With comments like “Only an idiot would pretend to be blind and pay for something that will never be returned.", he reveals his true face!
Something needs to be taken away before it can be returned and so far Kosovo is still firmly Serbian.
Yes, the US is attempting to take it away with the help of people like Dinkić.
If the government stops paying the debt, that can be interpreted to admit that Kosovo is no longer Serbian. This can only help build up the legal case of the US and partners in crime.
The sooner this case is taken to the world court the better I think!
(ZK UK, 29 February 2008 17:35)
No doubt that today the Serbs need unity more than the years before. They need pragmatic governmet to use the opening opportunities for closer economical cooperation with Russia.
The Serbs may now gain a lot of merits and advantages from Russia. If your goods are needed in the EU they will for sure be demanded in Russia too. Products from Yugoslavia always had good reputation in the USSR. Now we assosiate Yugoslavia only with Serbia. So this trend would not only give an impulse for the Serbian economy but will stimulate the EU to offer you more acceptable terms of European integration.
I think Mr.Kostunica is on the right way but with no unity inside the coalition he can do no decisive steps. Moreover despite the tactical support for Mr.Tadic at the last Presidentials Russia can trust Nicolic and Kostunica much more in joint steps plannings.
(ДРУГ, 29 February 2008 18:09)