- I like President Putin
very much: he is very knowledgeable and charming, his firm and stable
personality impressed me. It is important that on the world political
scene there is a balanced situation that provides a kind of check. The world
with one super power is not at ease. On the contrary, such a world is a
dangerous one. Putin provides the balance needed. I wish him all the very best -
said in an interview to "Pravda" Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic after
meeting in Moscow with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
Russia is supporting the
Serbian diplomatic battle for Kosovo and Metohija. Have you received
reassurances from Putin that Moscow will remain on our side?
- President Putin was
very clear in expressing support to Serbia regarding the issue of Kosovo and
Metohija. His knowledge about the political situation in the whole region was
indeed very impressive and one of authority. I firmly believe Serbia has a
formidable ally and a great friend in President Putin.
When you visited Kosovo
and Metohija on Saint Vitus Day (28 June) last year, you sent a very strong
message to Serbs there, that it was and will be Serbian. Your statement was then
classified by some Kosovo officials and even UNMIK representatives as
unacceptable?
- Some statements by
some Kosovo officials and UNMIK representatives were unacceptable to me and to
many people. I stand by what I said and this has been proven by the united stand
of our government and also other countries. It is known that, on this issue, we
have the support of Russia and many other countries.
The second round of
presidential elections is at our doorstep. What is your opinion on
these elections?
- These are very
important elections for Serbia and its future. It is very important in the
second round of voting that the electorate turn out in full strength and feel
free to vote for whom they wish.
Will you vote?
- My position is one of
neutrality and respect for all who abide by the principles of democracy and who
respect human rights. This position is maintained by the constitutional
parliamentary heads of state such as Sweden, Denmark, United Kingdom, Norway and
it works very well.
What is your message to
the candidates?
- Respect the principles
of democracy and put the great people of Serbia first regardless of religion or
ethnic origin.
Are you going to
congratulate Mr. Nikolic (the candidate of the Serbian Radical Party), if he
wins the elections?
- If the people opt in
the presidential elections for Mr. Nikolic, then it is my duty to congratulate
him. I will congratulate whom ever the people of Serbia choose.
KOSOVO AND METOHIJA
We are finally united
You are well known as a
person with good contacts worldwide and among high-ranking politicians in
Europe. Have you ever talked to them about the Serbian perception of Kosovo and
Metohija?
- Of course. I have
spoken to heads of state, numerous politicians and people of authority about
Kosovo and Metohija and the Serbian position. I find there is a lot of sympathy
and agreement that the undemocratic imposition of a solution by the United
States of America and the European Union would not be a fair and proper way of
solving the serious situation. I also commend our authorities for all the hard
work they have done particularly President Tadic, Prime Minister Kostunica,
Foreign Minister Jeremic, Minister for Kosovo and Metohija Samardzic and many
others. It is important that we have a united position in finding a solution and
compromise for Kosovo and Metohija. This has impressed many foreign politicians.
MONARCHY
An excellent solution
Do you believe that
Serbia is going to be a Kingdom again?
