In 1999, Serbia was attacked by NATO, after which it recognized the independence of Western Kosovo. Now everyone is fighting for the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but in the case of Serbia, this principle no longer applies. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also spoke about this at the UN General Assembly, who also explained the five key challenges the world is currently facing.
Since World War II, world peace has not been threatened as much as it is now, the Serbian head of state declared at the UN General Assembly.
In his speech, Aleksandar Vucsic emphasized: we are all witnesses to the complex geopolitical situation prevailing in the entire world, and the global challenges before us threaten to fundamentally change international security and threaten the established legal order. Such complex times require a lot of wisdom and unity in order to preserve peace, explained the Serbian president. Vucsics summarized how he sees the challenges facing the world in five points. According to him, these are creating peace, protecting the territorial integrity of internationally recognized countries, managing the energy crisis, ensuring the financial stability of poorer countries, and food supply.
Current global challenges warn us all that there is no alternative to peaceful solutions
- said the Serbian head of state, adding that Serbia supports the territorial unity of all UN member states, including that of Ukraine.
"Hearing from many people that aggression is taking place against Ukraine, many say that this is the first such clash in Europe since World War II. since World War II. On the other hand, the truth is that an attack on Serbia's territorial integrity was launched in Europe for the first time, but they are silent about it. We are waiting for a concrete answer to the question we have been asking state leaders for years. What is the difference between preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and Serbia, whose territorial unity has been seriously violated and which many of you recognize and give legitimacy to? asked the Serbian president about Kosovo at the pulpit in New York.
Speaking about the relationship between Belgrade and Pristina, Vucsics emphasized that they are patiently and with good intentions looking for a compromise solution through the mediation of the European Union.
"This is a difficult process that has been going on for more than ten years. However, we see no other alternative. It is better to negotiate for a hundred years than to fight for a day. I am convinced that we can find a mutually acceptable solution based on compromise. This is the only way to achieve our goal of long-term peace. This makes it possible for Albanians and Serbs to develop together," stated the Serbian head of state.
Addressing the energy crisis, the resulting financial problems, and the food shortage, the president said that solidarity is needed, even greater than what was experienced during the pandemic.
"The situation is developing extremely alarmingly, the reality is that it affects all of us without exception. Food supply problems can also reach the part of Europe where we are, but it will have a devastating effect in Africa," said Vucsics. The Serbian president underlined: the increase in food prices is an additional problem, so it is the task of all of us to find working and effective solutions that are good for everyone.
Featured image: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic addresses the 77th session of the UN General Assembly at the world organization's headquarters in New York on September 21, 2022. (Photo: MTI/EPA/Peter Foley)
