Ambassador Chepurin’s statements about Kosovo
belittle the implementation of the Brussels Agreement and the
normalization process of the relations between Belgrade and
Pristina. The most evident example of interference
into Serbia’s sovereign decisions is his statement that for Russia
the “red line” that Serbia should not cross is joining NATO. It is
particularly inacceptable that the Ambassador Chepurin sends
offensive messages to the countries in the region and to their
statesmen. We do not only refer to Turkey in this context, but
primarily to Montenegro. In relation to the above
mentioned, Ambassador Chepurin did not only use phrases which are
undiplomatic, but also completely haughty and inacceptable. Such
statements can lead to a serious disturbance of the public in
Serbia. We are well aware that Russia is an
important partner of Serbia, especially in relation to the energy
sector, but that does not mean that it can put a pressure on Serbia,
particularly when it comes to strategic decisions.
Therefore, Helsinki Committee asks from the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs to consider whether the behavior of the Russian Ambassador
Chepurin is in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations, Article 41.
Sincerely,
Sonja Biserko,
President,
Belgrade, 28 November 2013 |