Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Vasilyevich Konuzin told Belgrade-based daily Danas in an interview that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s visit last week had "completely met the principal expectations".
Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Vasilyevich Konuzin told Belgrade-based daily Danas in an interview that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s visit last week had "completely met the principal expectations".
/Journalist: Jelena TasićSource: Danas
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It went in an atmosphere of close friendship and talks about trade and economic cooperation were very concrete and pragmatic, said the diplomat.
According to the Russian ambassador, Putin did not talk about relations between official Belgrade and NATO with Serbian President Boris Tadić and Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković. The issue, as he said, was launched by heads of parliamentary groups in the Serbian parliament who showed Putin that they were not united in their stance regarding the possibility of Serbia joining the western military alliance.
“In that situation, Prime Minister Putin clearly presented the Russian position – Serbs should solve the issue by themselves, but Russia thinks that it is necessary to present its opinion about NATO's expansion, which is jeopardizing its security.”
Stating a concrete example, he said that nobody asked small countries in the NATO for their opinion, but that that instead decisions were made which these countries then had to fulfill.
“Any possible decision about missile deployment in Serbia’s territory would be a threat to Russia’s security and Russia would be forced to take military actions in order to remove that military threat. Those measures would not be aimed against Serbia but against the missiles,” the Russian ambassador explained.
Q: Is this statement of Prime Minister Putin a “warning” to the Serbian authorities?
A: Serbia has the right to join any organization. We will respect the decision you make on your own, but we are counting on Belgrade to respectfully approach our thoughts that NATO's accession would pose a threat to Russia’s security. I personally think that it is necessary to explain to Serbia what would happen if there was a threat to Russia’s security from its territory. We have been cooperating for 800 years and such a question never appeared. On the contrary, we fought wars against joint enemies and it is not quite clear for what reason weapons pointed against Russia could be deployed in Serbia.”
Q: The NATO forces in Kosovo and Metohija are effectively already in a part of the Serbian territory. How does Moscow assess their presence after Kosovo’s self-proclaimed independence?
A: The Kosovo territory is a part of Serbia in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 1244. NATO's military base is there despite Belgrade’s wishes. This means contrary to international law, and unlawfully. Russia sees it that way.
Q: Does Moscow intend to get involved in the Belgrade-Priština negotiations in Brussels, bearing in mind announcements about involvement of the U.S. representatives?
A: The Russian side has confirmed its principal support to Serbia regarding Kosovo. Serbia should determine its position regarding the issue by itself. We have supported the beginning of the negotiations between Belgrade and Priština and we are monitoring their course very carefully. We have noticed that they are not going the way it was determined in the UN General Assembly’s resolution from September 9, 2010 and we are not ready to join the negotiations at the moment.
Q: According to Putin, the Russian Federation is not worried about Serbia’s European integrations as long as this does not affect the Russian-Serbian relations. What is the “line” at which Moscow would become worried?
A: The line is clear. Relations with the EU should not be developed to the detriment of the centuries-long ties with Russia. We always point out that relations with Russia or the EU should not be represented as an alternative. It is necessary and possible to develop mutually useful relations both with Moscow and Brussels, because it would be better if there were more projects that would be in all three sides’ interest.
Q: What are Russia’s main strategic interests in the Balkans, and what will the announced signing of the Serbian-Russian strategic partnership agreement mean in that sense?
A: The Balkans is a region in which Russia has its historical interests. Slavic people close to us live there, which is why Russian volunteers and soldiers participated in the wars for their independence. Geographically, this region is a place through which Russia is maintaining contacts with other European peoples. We are interested in using this region, for example by building South Stream in order to export gas to Europe. We think that those are completely legitimate interests, especially since they coincide with the interests of Balkan peoples and other European sides. Serbia is one of the closest Russian partners and allies among the countries in the Balkans. We are interested in developing relations in all fields in the long run, which is why Russia came up with the initiative to harmonize the strategic partnership declaration. The main course of our future political, security, economic, cultural and military cooperation and cooperation in the field of education and other fields are outlined. We are very pleased that the Serbian side has responded to our initiative with great readiness. The declaration has already been harmonized and it will be signed during President Boris Tadić’s upcoming visit.
Q: Belgrade media claim that the economic package that the Russian Federation set aside for Serbia is worth USD 10bn. What will be realized first?
A: I don’t know where the information about USD 10bn came from. The number was not mentioned during the talks, because there are no developed, concrete projects to that sum. The work on existing projects continues. USD 500mn will be invested in NIS (Oil Industry of Serbia) this year. Lukoil’s investment plan and investments in (Hydroelectric Power Plant) Đerdap 1 continue. Galenika (Pharmaceuticals) is starting to build a new facility in the Kalushka region. As far as other projects are concerned, experts are still negotiating that. Both sides have pointed out that the Russian loan worth USD 800mn cannot be used yet. I will personally help its realization. These are several projects connected to Serbian Railways, such as the Valjevo-Loznica section, the Zemun station, the Belgrade-Pančevo part. The problem is that the projects are not completely technically prepared. Once they are finished, the contracts will be signed and the financing will start after that.
Q: Regardless of the fact that the focus of the visit was on economic relations, was the Prime Minister Putin’s visit a political support to President Tadić?
A: Russia is not interfering with your country’s internal issues and we see our relations within the cooperation between Russia and Serbia, and specifically with the government that is currently in power. This is exactly the strength of our ties – they do not depend on specific circumstances of the country’s internal development. Russia and Serbia consider each other to be very friendly partners and they are making plans for long-term cooperation cooperation.
I admire Mr. Putin`s position on this missile shield that Russia wants joint control of it,in my opinion that`s fine.But should nato have joint control of Russia`s missile defense shield also ?? Hey after all what`s a few missiles between friends ??
(Gunslammer, 24 March 2012 22:24)
"Is Russia up to the task? Ask President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia. Or, if they were still living, Field Marshalls Manstein and Kluge who commanded German Forces in Operation Citadel during WWII, which included the battle of Kursk.
(Lackadaisical, 18 April 2011 08:12)"
Georgia? With its population of almost 4.7 million? Surely you jest. In any case, Russia had to attack when it did, before Georgia began membership talks with Nato, because otherwise, as a Russian official said, they would have had to have dealt with Nato, and not just Saakashvili. So - sure, ask Saakashvili, but you might be surprised at his response.
As for WWII - that was the USSR, supported by the West, not isolated Russia, which is hoping to buy modern military technology from the West.
(Amer, 12 March 2012 06:31)
In other words, choose between eventually joining the EU and being a Russian satellite state, lol.
Of course, although it's completely the wrong choice, most Serbs would prefer to be pinned under the heel of the Russian boot instead of enjoying equal status in the EU.
Make the right decision for a change Serbia! Although I'm cynical about the progress in general of Serbia's government (all government is bad, some more than others) I do hope for the best for the Serbian people.
(noname, 13 June 2011 20:41)
Serbians would never, ever agree to join NATO except under enourmous military pressure ... unfortunately we are surrounded and we have actually been bombed for being "stubborn" .... who could have possibly believed this 25 years ago? And yet, here we are ....
Still, no matter what our country is blackmailed into doing, no Serb will ever point a gun at Russia - it's almost genetically impossible for us. Maybe if we are forced into NATO we could at least provide Russia about warnings of what might be brewing in the future. Sort of like the ultimate "Red Orchestra" don't you think Rote? :)
Unfortuantely, you are right about Bulgarians, I have no idea what they are thinking - let's hope one day they come around and realize Serbs are their brothers and if we mutually supported each other, life might be easier for both of us.
(commentator, 11 May 2011 16:04)
Nobody believes Serbia is going to threaten or even that it can threaten Russia. If Nicolic were the President no warning will be required. But Boris & his Otpor company should know that no matter what Rasmundsen says he is a puppet head of a totally hostile organisation. Otherwise Russia would not plan to spend USD 700 Bln. for armaments in the 3-4 years to come.
So Russia is just warning the current elites of Serbia to think good before they make a step apart. Also unlike the EU NATO membership automatically means tremendous military losses and reputation losses. We just do not want to see here another Bulgaria which for 50 years positioned itself as the best friend of ours and then did not miss a single chance to strike us from behind.
(Rote Kapelle, 10 May 2011 17:35)
1. We ,the people of Serbia are fed up with Russias constance interference in our politics regarding NATO.We would eventually join NATO and we do hope that will happen in near future and we do think of Serbias best interest. If we had joined NATO earlier things would have been much better for us in Serbia.So,Putin and that Konjuzin of Russia in Serbia must stop with open threats to Serbia regarding NATO. We would do as we like and let us be KGB Putin.
Thats our message to u guys!!!!
(dusanka, 7 May 2011 09:24)
===…==
Thank God, you are in the minority. Please stop speaking for the majority then.
(Peggy, 8 May 2011 10:01)
We ,the people of Serbia are fed up with Russias constance interference in our politics regarding NATO.We would eventually join NATO and we do hope that will happen in near future and we do think of Serbias best interest. If we had joined NATO earlier things would have been much better for us in Serbia.So,Putin and that Konjuzin of Russia in Serbia must stop with open threats to Serbia regarding NATO. We would do as we like and let us be KGB Putin.
Thats our message to u guys!!!!
(dusanka, 7 May 2011 09:24)
I cant belive that we are always goign against the current. When we were meant to be with the west we looked to the east and now finally Russia stands on both feet and what to we want to do? join NATO
thats rubbish
(Djordje, 5 May 2011 06:05)
Serbia in NATO would not present a threat to Russia.
That said, Serbia should not be allowed to join NATO for many years.
Also, Serbia should not apply to join NATO for many years.
It would be an unnatural contradiction for Serbia to be in NATO until the psychy that cause the recent history in Serbia has been fully cleansed from the minds of all.
(Bob, 4 May 2011 17:08)
I hate NATO and I think it should be dissolved (I'd like to see a European Defence Organisation without the US), however I don't understand how Serbia's membership in NATO would be a greater threat to Russia than it already is. Norway, Baltic Countries and Poland already boarder Russia, how would Serbia joining become a bigger threat? Serbia is not exactly close to Russia. Plus it is like NATO will ever go to war with Russia.
(Ian, UK, 29 April 2011 14:23)
How interesting! How does Romania, or Bulgaria do not make risk for Russia. This is pure manipulation of the pro-Russian elements in Serbia to create anti NATO and anti Western sentiments. This news is more then silly and it is only for those who lack political culture and vision.
(Konstantinos the Great, 18 April 2011 15:35)
Is Russia up to the task? Ask President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia. Or, if they were still living, Field Marshalls Manstein and Kluge who commanded German Forces in Operation Citadel during WWII, which included the battle of Kursk.
(Lackadaisical, 18 April 2011 08:12)
I cant belive that we are always goign against the current. When we were meant to be with the west we looked to the east and now finally Russia stands on both feet and what to we want to do? join NATO
thats rubbish
(Djordje, 5 May 2011 06:05)
How interesting! How does Romania, or Bulgaria do not make risk for Russia. This is pure manipulation of the pro-Russian elements in Serbia to create anti NATO and anti Western sentiments. This news is more then silly and it is only for those who lack political culture and vision.
(Konstantinos the Great, 18 April 2011 15:35)
Is Russia up to the task? Ask President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia. Or, if they were still living, Field Marshalls Manstein and Kluge who commanded German Forces in Operation Citadel during WWII, which included the battle of Kursk.
(Lackadaisical, 18 April 2011 08:12)
We ,the people of Serbia are fed up with Russias constance interference in our politics regarding NATO.We would eventually join NATO and we do hope that will happen in near future and we do think of Serbias best interest. If we had joined NATO earlier things would have been much better for us in Serbia.So,Putin and that Konjuzin of Russia in Serbia must stop with open threats to Serbia regarding NATO. We would do as we like and let us be KGB Putin.
Thats our message to u guys!!!!
(dusanka, 7 May 2011 09:24)
Nobody believes Serbia is going to threaten or even that it can threaten Russia. If Nicolic were the President no warning will be required. But Boris & his Otpor company should know that no matter what Rasmundsen says he is a puppet head of a totally hostile organisation. Otherwise Russia would not plan to spend USD 700 Bln. for armaments in the 3-4 years to come.
So Russia is just warning the current elites of Serbia to think good before they make a step apart. Also unlike the EU NATO membership automatically means tremendous military losses and reputation losses. We just do not want to see here another Bulgaria which for 50 years positioned itself as the best friend of ours and then did not miss a single chance to strike us from behind.
(Rote Kapelle, 10 May 2011 17:35)
Serbia in NATO would not present a threat to Russia.
That said, Serbia should not be allowed to join NATO for many years.
Also, Serbia should not apply to join NATO for many years.
It would be an unnatural contradiction for Serbia to be in NATO until the psychy that cause the recent history in Serbia has been fully cleansed from the minds of all.
(Bob, 4 May 2011 17:08)
I hate NATO and I think it should be dissolved (I'd like to see a European Defence Organisation without the US), however I don't understand how Serbia's membership in NATO would be a greater threat to Russia than it already is. Norway, Baltic Countries and Poland already boarder Russia, how would Serbia joining become a bigger threat? Serbia is not exactly close to Russia. Plus it is like NATO will ever go to war with Russia.
(Ian, UK, 29 April 2011 14:23)
1. We ,the people of Serbia are fed up with Russias constance interference in our politics regarding NATO.We would eventually join NATO and we do hope that will happen in near future and we do think of Serbias best interest. If we had joined NATO earlier things would have been much better for us in Serbia.So,Putin and that Konjuzin of Russia in Serbia must stop with open threats to Serbia regarding NATO. We would do as we like and let us be KGB Putin.
Thats our message to u guys!!!!
(dusanka, 7 May 2011 09:24)
===…==
Thank God, you are in the minority. Please stop speaking for the majority then.
(Peggy, 8 May 2011 10:01)
Serbians would never, ever agree to join NATO except under enourmous military pressure ... unfortunately we are surrounded and we have actually been bombed for being "stubborn" .... who could have possibly believed this 25 years ago? And yet, here we are ....
Still, no matter what our country is blackmailed into doing, no Serb will ever point a gun at Russia - it's almost genetically impossible for us. Maybe if we are forced into NATO we could at least provide Russia about warnings of what might be brewing in the future. Sort of like the ultimate "Red Orchestra" don't you think Rote? :)
Unfortuantely, you are right about Bulgarians, I have no idea what they are thinking - let's hope one day they come around and realize Serbs are their brothers and if we mutually supported each other, life might be easier for both of us.
(commentator, 11 May 2011 16:04)
In other words, choose between eventually joining the EU and being a Russian satellite state, lol.
Of course, although it's completely the wrong choice, most Serbs would prefer to be pinned under the heel of the Russian boot instead of enjoying equal status in the EU.
Make the right decision for a change Serbia! Although I'm cynical about the progress in general of Serbia's government (all government is bad, some more than others) I do hope for the best for the Serbian people.
(noname, 13 June 2011 20:41)
"Is Russia up to the task? Ask President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia. Or, if they were still living, Field Marshalls Manstein and Kluge who commanded German Forces in Operation Citadel during WWII, which included the battle of Kursk.
(Lackadaisical, 18 April 2011 08:12)"
Georgia? With its population of almost 4.7 million? Surely you jest. In any case, Russia had to attack when it did, before Georgia began membership talks with Nato, because otherwise, as a Russian official said, they would have had to have dealt with Nato, and not just Saakashvili. So - sure, ask Saakashvili, but you might be surprised at his response.
As for WWII - that was the USSR, supported by the West, not isolated Russia, which is hoping to buy modern military technology from the West.
(Amer, 12 March 2012 06:31)
I admire Mr. Putin`s position on this missile shield that Russia wants joint control of it,in my opinion that`s fine.But should nato have joint control of Russia`s missile defense shield also ?? Hey after all what`s a few missiles between friends ??
(Gunslammer, 24 March 2012 22:24)
We ,the people of Serbia are fed up with Russias constance interference in our politics regarding NATO.We would eventually join NATO and we do hope that will happen in near future and we do think of Serbias best interest. If we had joined NATO earlier things would have been much better for us in Serbia.So,Putin and that Konjuzin of Russia in Serbia must stop with open threats to Serbia regarding NATO. We would do as we like and let us be KGB Putin.
Thats our message to u guys!!!!
(dusanka, 7 May 2011 09:24)
1. We ,the people of Serbia are fed up with Russias constance interference in our politics regarding NATO.We would eventually join NATO and we do hope that will happen in near future and we do think of Serbias best interest. If we had joined NATO earlier things would have been much better for us in Serbia.So,Putin and that Konjuzin of Russia in Serbia must stop with open threats to Serbia regarding NATO. We would do as we like and let us be KGB Putin.
Thats our message to u guys!!!!
(dusanka, 7 May 2011 09:24)
===…==
Thank God, you are in the minority. Please stop speaking for the majority then.
(Peggy, 8 May 2011 10:01)
How interesting! How does Romania, or Bulgaria do not make risk for Russia. This is pure manipulation of the pro-Russian elements in Serbia to create anti NATO and anti Western sentiments. This news is more then silly and it is only for those who lack political culture and vision.
(Konstantinos the Great, 18 April 2011 15:35)
Serbians would never, ever agree to join NATO except under enourmous military pressure ... unfortunately we are surrounded and we have actually been bombed for being "stubborn" .... who could have possibly believed this 25 years ago? And yet, here we are ....
Still, no matter what our country is blackmailed into doing, no Serb will ever point a gun at Russia - it's almost genetically impossible for us. Maybe if we are forced into NATO we could at least provide Russia about warnings of what might be brewing in the future. Sort of like the ultimate "Red Orchestra" don't you think Rote? :)
Unfortuantely, you are right about Bulgarians, I have no idea what they are thinking - let's hope one day they come around and realize Serbs are their brothers and if we mutually supported each other, life might be easier for both of us.
(commentator, 11 May 2011 16:04)
Is Russia up to the task? Ask President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia. Or, if they were still living, Field Marshalls Manstein and Kluge who commanded German Forces in Operation Citadel during WWII, which included the battle of Kursk.
(Lackadaisical, 18 April 2011 08:12)
I cant belive that we are always goign against the current. When we were meant to be with the west we looked to the east and now finally Russia stands on both feet and what to we want to do? join NATO
thats rubbish
(Djordje, 5 May 2011 06:05)
Serbia in NATO would not present a threat to Russia.
That said, Serbia should not be allowed to join NATO for many years.
Also, Serbia should not apply to join NATO for many years.
It would be an unnatural contradiction for Serbia to be in NATO until the psychy that cause the recent history in Serbia has been fully cleansed from the minds of all.
(Bob, 4 May 2011 17:08)
In other words, choose between eventually joining the EU and being a Russian satellite state, lol.
Of course, although it's completely the wrong choice, most Serbs would prefer to be pinned under the heel of the Russian boot instead of enjoying equal status in the EU.
Make the right decision for a change Serbia! Although I'm cynical about the progress in general of Serbia's government (all government is bad, some more than others) I do hope for the best for the Serbian people.
(noname, 13 June 2011 20:41)
I hate NATO and I think it should be dissolved (I'd like to see a European Defence Organisation without the US), however I don't understand how Serbia's membership in NATO would be a greater threat to Russia than it already is. Norway, Baltic Countries and Poland already boarder Russia, how would Serbia joining become a bigger threat? Serbia is not exactly close to Russia. Plus it is like NATO will ever go to war with Russia.
(Ian, UK, 29 April 2011 14:23)
Nobody believes Serbia is going to threaten or even that it can threaten Russia. If Nicolic were the President no warning will be required. But Boris & his Otpor company should know that no matter what Rasmundsen says he is a puppet head of a totally hostile organisation. Otherwise Russia would not plan to spend USD 700 Bln. for armaments in the 3-4 years to come.
So Russia is just warning the current elites of Serbia to think good before they make a step apart. Also unlike the EU NATO membership automatically means tremendous military losses and reputation losses. We just do not want to see here another Bulgaria which for 50 years positioned itself as the best friend of ours and then did not miss a single chance to strike us from behind.
(Rote Kapelle, 10 May 2011 17:35)
I admire Mr. Putin`s position on this missile shield that Russia wants joint control of it,in my opinion that`s fine.But should nato have joint control of Russia`s missile defense shield also ?? Hey after all what`s a few missiles between friends ??
(Gunslammer, 24 March 2012 22:24)
"Is Russia up to the task? Ask President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia. Or, if they were still living, Field Marshalls Manstein and Kluge who commanded German Forces in Operation Citadel during WWII, which included the battle of Kursk.
(Lackadaisical, 18 April 2011 08:12)"
Georgia? With its population of almost 4.7 million? Surely you jest. In any case, Russia had to attack when it did, before Georgia began membership talks with Nato, because otherwise, as a Russian official said, they would have had to have dealt with Nato, and not just Saakashvili. So - sure, ask Saakashvili, but you might be surprised at his response.
As for WWII - that was the USSR, supported by the West, not isolated Russia, which is hoping to buy modern military technology from the West.
(Amer, 12 March 2012 06:31)