According to reports from Russia Today (RT) and Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) on May 7, despite the opposition from the European Union, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has arrived in Moscow, the capital of Russia, to participate in the commemoration activities for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War.

President Vucic gave an interview to RTS TV in Red Square, Moscow, on May 7. Photo source: Interview video screenshot.

In the interview with RT television station in Moscow's Red Square on May 7, Vucic said that some Western officials not only failed to understand Serbia's position but also issued threats and intimidation. He stated that he did not expect these people to rationally view his visit to Russia and anticipated that they would pressure him.

Vucic added that he was proud to serve as the president of a country whose people had contributed to the anti-fascist struggle. He emphasized that he expected certain consequences from his participation in the Red Square parade, but hoped that these consequences would be borne by him personally rather than by the entire country of Serbia.

In the interview, Vucic mentioned that he was proud of Serbia's contributions during World War II and felt honored to serve as president because "Serbia did not greet Hitler's planes and tanks with flowers and salutes" during the war. He stressed that millions had suffered to achieve today's life, and no one has the right to distort history.

RT reported that EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos threatened Vucic last month when they met, stating that if Vucic attended the Red Square parade, it might jeopardize Serbia's chances of joining the EU. Despite diplomatic pressure, Vucic refused to abandon his plan to attend this commemorative event. "I promised Putin I would come, and I did not hide this from anyone," Vucic said in the interview on May 7.

"Now they have their own interests, so they tell us 'don't look back to the past, focus on the future.' Apart from threats and intimidation, they cannot provide you with a rational answer." Vucic said, yet he reiterated that Serbia will continue to seek EU membership.

In the interview, Vucic also detailed the difficulties he encountered on his way to Moscow. He revealed that Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania refused to allow his plane to fly over their airspace, so he had to detour via Bulgaria, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

RT reported that recently, due to health issues, Vucic had to shorten his visit to the United States and canceled a planned meeting with U.S. President Trump in Florida. However, Vucic still arrived in Moscow on May 7.

Kong Erjun

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7502022014648058408/

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