Djuric: We will fight until the end for Serbia not to be put in harness

In my capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, I would like to comment on the protests in Belgrade organized under the pretext of concern for the environment, because of what is still only a potential exploitation of lithium.

Respecting the right of all to express their views and concerns, I strongly condemn the incidents and forms of violence and offensive language seen last night, that undermine the democratic process and disrupt public order.

I especially want to emphasize that we certainly do not care less about a clean and healthy Serbia than any of the organizers and speakers at last night's protest. On the contrary.

Furthermore, I am absolutely certain that no country in the wider neighborhood would allow itself to miss such a development opportunity, and through the work I do, I can see the kind and the extent of nervousness arising even at the hint of the possibility that Serbia could experience a real quantum leap, lightning-fast economic and technological development.

That is why it is not surprising that so much has been invested politically, through propaganda, and even materially to thwart that chance.

A cunningly designed avalanche of lies, misinformation, manipulation of citizens' emotions and patriotic feelings has buried and poisoned the public space, to the point that other, different voices are barely heard. Those who even attempt to say something different are stigmatized and persecuted.

I therefore want to emphasize that, together with all those who are willing to and have the courage, I will stand by President Vucic with all my might and by all colleagues who have the courage to fight for a Serbia that is standing free and tall.

We will fight to the end for a Serbia that they cannot put in harness and whose intelligence they may not insult by cheap manipulations.

I emphasize once again that from Pristina onwards, there is not a single center that would miss this kind of development opportunity, but also the lever of geopolitical influence that Serbia received as a gift from God in a time of great global turmoil.

I strongly believe that this issue should not be decided on the street but in the institutions, through free dialogue, without insults and propaganda, and through democratic forms of expression.

We should continue to freely and without pressure and blackmail from political tricksters or external influences seek a solution that satisfies the need for economic development while preserving the environment, and we believe that this can only be achieved through mutual respect, countering misinformation and propaganda, and the participation of top-level domestic and international experts.

It is essential that these issues be discussed in a constructive and peaceful manner, without resorting to violence or hate speech.

Acts of violence and offensive messages not only distract attention from important issues, but also pose a threat to the cohesion of our society and the rule of law. All of that to the delight of the enemies of Serbia.