First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic has assessed as absolutely unacceptable the pressures brought to bear on Serbia to the effect that it should, diplomatically putting it, align its foreign policy with the EU. Speaking in plain Serbian, this implies Serbia imposing sanctions on Russia.

"Serbia wants to join the EU, but will never do anything that is against its national interests. Many Western countries in international forums act as members of the so-called Friends of Kosovo group - while at the same time, we are supposed to impose sanctions on the friends of Serbia. We want good relations with everyone, but we must not act against our own interests.

Likewise, big noise has been made over relief aid to Syria, which consists of cooking oil, sugar, flour, clothes, shoes, electric generators, medicine and disposable medical supplies. Who could be bothered by 84 pieces of underwear, 2000 blankets and 661 kilograms of washing powder? We are helping the people of Syria, as we have aided others, and as we will send aid to Syria, if so recommended by others, too.

Such attempts at intimidating Serbia will no longer be possible. We are open to cooperating with everyone, but the interests of Serbia come first."