Serbian official rebukes Russian counterpart over EU remark
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 13 January 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Serbian official rebukes Russian counterpart over EU remark, 13 January 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56c428f41a.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 13, 2016
Serbia's deputy prime minister has rebuked her Russian counterpart for suggesting Serbia should be careful about its EU membership bid.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said during his visit to Serbia this week that if Serbia harmonizes its foreign policy with the European Union, "you will have another Cologne here."
He was referring to New Year's assaults against women in the German city that have been blamed largely on foreigners, some of whom are recently arrived asylum-seekers.
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Zorana Mihajlovic responded on January 13, saying Rogozin "should take care of his own country and we will take care of ours."
During his three-day visit, Rogozin said Russia is ready to arm Serbia with sophisticated weapons, which could be at odds with Belgrade's desire to join the EU.
He also tried to discourage Serbia from membership in the 28-nation bloc.
Serbia, a traditional Russian ally, is officially seeking EU membership amid strong opposition from Kremlin-backed nationalists.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website