Starović: Serbia received firm and strong support at the forum in Bled
Speaking as a guest on Radio-Television of Serbia, Starović said that President Aleksandar Vučić, at the main panel on EU enlargement within the forum, pointed out all the EU's problems, the loss of its relevance at the global level, to which, as he said, European leaders did not have the right answer, being preoccupied with internal problems in the Union.
He emphasized that enlargement represents an unequivocal interest for us, but that the responsibility for all delays lies on both sides.
"We are committed to reforms, but we cannot ignore the reality that there is enlargement fatigue in the old EU member states. We in the Balkans offer, in response to all that, not to wait for something to happen and for decisions to be made in Brussels, but to use that time to integrate economically with each other", Starović said.
Starović stated that Vučić presented everything that is important to us for our main project, the "Open Balkans" initiative, and said that there was no serious argument that would speak against regional economic integration within that initiative.
Regarding the expiration of the deadline from the Washington Agreement on the moratorium on lobbying for new recognitions, i.e., the withdrawal of the recognition of Kosovo, Starović said that it was a great pity that the moratorium was not extended because, as he points out, it was in our favor.
"Obviously, Pristina is preparing to submit initiatives for membership in international organizations. We are waiting for their moves and we will respond adequately to the plan to prevent membership. I would not rule out that our campaign to withdraw recognition will be unfrozen. There will be no automatism, we will activate everything we were preparing for when we deem it necessary", stated Starović.
He stated that there is little space in which Pristina could act on new recognitions, and added that Pristina will probably focus on gaining membership in some important international organizations.
"I am convinced that we will succeed in thwarting them in those intentions. It is not good that in the coming months we will have to be dedicated to the clash within the international arena, but we are not dictating the scenario that awaits us", says Starović.
When asked about the enthronement of Metropolitan Joanikije in Cetinje and the situation in that regard, Starović said that the organization of enthronement is a question for the Serbian Orthodox Church, especially for the faithful people of the metropolitanate itself, but also an issue that Montenegrin state bodies should deal with.
"I would not give any advice and views, and I would appeal for peace, prudence and not to allow the politicization of an important religious act. We hope that this religious act will not be allowed to be abused for politicization or provoking incidents", Starović said.