Serbia’s new president pledges to work for peace and stability in the Balkans
ALEKSANDAR Vucic has been sworn in as Serbia’s president, pledging to work for peace and stability in the war-weary Balkans while strengthening the country’s armed forces.
Mr Vucic, a former ultra-nationalist turned self-declared pro-European Union reformer, formally stepped down yesterday from his prime minister’s post after winning the presidential election by a landslide in April.
The opposition, which has alleged irregularities during the election campaign including the muzzling of the media, plans to stage protests against his autocratic rule.
“We must create a region where differences are an advantage and not the basis for clashes,” Mr Vucic said in his inaugural speech in parliament.
“There have been enough burials in the Balkans, it is time to give birth,” he added, referring to the wars in the southern European region in the 1990s during which he actively backed expanding Serbia’s borders at the expense of its neighbours.
“While we have to talk to everyone, we also have to strengthen our defence capacity,” Mr Vucic said.
He said Serbia will not join Nato or become a “member of any other military alliance”.
During three years as prime minister, Mr Vucic repeatedly said that EU membership is Serbia’s “strategic goal”.
At the same time, he has been strengthening ties with Serbia’s traditional ally, Russia, which has agreed to supply fighter jets and tanks to its military, heightening tensions in the Balkans.
Mr Vucic only briefly mentioned Serbia’s inteand gration into the EU, noting that “no one should doubt Serbia’s EU path”.
He said the country will cherish good ties with Russia and China, but should also improve links with the US.
Addressing thousands of cheering supporters in front of parliament, Mr Vucic promised to “keep peace and stability, guard and protect the future of our children”.
There were clashes between his supporters and opponents in central Belgrade as police prevented demonstrators reaching the parliament.
The presidency is largely a ceremonial post, but his speech indicated, Mr Vucic intends to continue playing a leading role in politics.