Serbia has reacted strongly to EU member Lithuania’s proposal to punish the Balkan state for refusing to participate in sanctions against Russia, at a time when Belgrade is seeking to join the Union.
Serbia balances its EU aspirations by maintaining close ties with its traditional ally Russia, which has provided energy and political support to disputes with its Balkan neighbors following the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia.
“Threats against Russia with sanctions if it does not impose sanctions on Russia are as foolish as they are hypocritical,” said Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin.
His reaction followed a proposal Monday by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Ganrielius Landsbergis to punish states that are still active with Russia, allowing Moscow to bypass EU sanctions.
Vulin said it was “hypocritical” to demand that Serbia participate in the sanctions, as EU countries continue to import oil and gas from Russia.
“If Lithuania’s threats are the language of the EU, then our accession to the EU is even further than I thought,” said Vulin, an ally of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
“Serbs do not attack friends and they do not like blackmail.”
Serbia was among more than 140 countries that condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine in a United Nations vote, but did not impose sanctions.
While Russian flights are banned from EU airspace, Serbia’s airline continues to fly to destinations there, providing a way out for travelers.
Air Serbia reduced the number of flights this week after receiving international criticism.
Source: Capital
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