Starović: We have drastically increased the level of our energy security
Speaking as a guest on Radio-Television of Serbia, Starović said that anyone who knows the scale of the energy crisis that is shaking Europe cannot but be satisfied with yesterday's talks between the presidents of Serbia and Russia, Aleksandar Vučić and Vladimir Putin, who agreed in Sochi to deliver gas to Serbia at the current price of 270 dollars per 1,000 cubic meters of gas in the next six months.
As he emphasized, it is very important that we reached a good agreement, with all the parameters that refer not only to the price, but also to the quantities and flexibility, and there is also a good perspective to get a good and favorable arrangement after the six months.
"After yesterday and the great news, we have dramatically increased the level of our energy security, which is important for both citizens and the economy", Starović said.
The Secretary of State emphasized that the fact that we received such good conditions in the arrangement with Russia, in the conditions of a drastic increase in the price of gas, represents a confirmation of our foreign policy course and the correctness of the policy of independence and military neutrality.
As he said, if we had joined the sanctions against Russia, we would never have been able to get such a favorable arrangement.
"Those who suggested that we impose sanctions could not help us today, because they do not have gas", said Starović, adding that Serbia is committed to diversifying supply sources, but that at this moment there is no other source of gas than Russia.
On the occasion of yesterday's conversation between President Vučić and the Russian president on Kosovo and Metohija and Putin's statement that Moscow's position on Kosovo and Metohija remains unchanged and principled, Starović stated that the conversation lasted a full three hours, that it was the 19th official meeting of the two presidents in the last seven years and that it speaks of the fact that Russia is a state that constantly provides us with very strong political support and support in the international arena.
"The messages we received are good, we can count on Moscow's support in the future as well", Starović said.
When asked about the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Starović answered with an assessment that the process is obviously in crisis due to the fact that the Pristina side refuses to discuss essential issues, and that is the implementation of the agreement.
Starović said that the Prime Minister of the Provisional Institutions of Pristina, Albin Kurti, openly rejects any dialogue and agreements, and at the same time he comes out with more and more daring provocations, and there are no adequate reactions from the EU and the international community, so he does not see how the dialogue could be continued, except that it remains a mere form and an empty shell without content.
As he stated, it is high time for Brussels, the special envoy for the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Miroslav Lajčák, and the United States to send clearer messages to Pristina and apply punitive measures.