Bucharest: Ambassador Tomašević interviewed for the Romanian portal Digi24

Ambassador Tomašević pointed out that his most important task as the ambassador of Serbia in Romania is to strengthen mutual relations. He referred to the history of cooperation between the two nations, national minorities, and individuals responsible for the development of the societies in both countries.

Ambassador Tomašević also referred to the current projects, particularly the Arad-Mokrin gas pipeline, the construction of HPP Đerdap 3 and potentials of Danube in terms of transport and tourism. He assessed the recently realised bilateral visits by ministers of both countries as very important, and expressed hope that visits by the Prime Minister and the President will be organised in the coming period.

Ambassador Tomašević emphasised the Romania’s support for the advancement of the European path of the Republic of Serbia, as well as Romania’s principled position on strict respect for international public law, and the fact that Romania did not recognize the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo. He reminded that Serbia signed the Brussels agreement as a guarantee for peace and stability, and that after 10 years Pristina did not fulfil the most important obligation under that agreement, that is the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities.

Ambassador Tomašević added that he believes that with stronger support from Serbian partners in the EU and the United States, the other side will not only sit and talk, but will assume responsibility and show true will to find an appropriate solution, and noted that over 100 ethnically motivated attacks on Serbs have been recorded since the beginning of the year. He emphasised that Serbia would like to see the region organized in accordance with the basic EU principles. In that context, he mentioned the Open Balkans initiative, an important initiative by Serbia that facilitates the exchange of people and capital, enabling easier job finding and passport-free travel for residents of Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia.

As concerns Serbia's geostrategic position, Ambassador Tomašević pointed out that Serbia remains consistent with strict respect for international public law, which is why it condemned the violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty and supported the resolutions adopted in the UN.

When asked about the potential introduction of sanctions against the RF, he reminded that Serbia was under sanctions not so long ago, and that sanctions primarily affect the general population. He used the opportunity to point out the precedent that happened at that time, when a sovereign state was subjected to a bombing campaign, without the consent of the United Nations Security Council, noting that the repercussions of that precedent can be seen today.