All news

Thousands take part in pro-Russian rally in Serbia’s Belgrade

The participants, who gathered near the monument to Russian Emperor Nicholas II in downtown Belgrade, carried flags of Russia, Serbia, Novorossiya, Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republic

BELGRADE, April 15. /TASS/. A major rally involving thousands of participants in support of Russia took place in Serbia’s Belgrade Friday.

The participants, who gathered near the monument to Russian Emperor Nicholas II in downtown Belgrade, carried flags of Russia, Serbia, Novorossiya, Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republic. The participants opposed the vote on Russia’s suspension from the UN Human Rights Council, which Serbia had to join under Western pressure.

The rally took place under the slogan "not in my name." Thus, Serbian people want to show that they do not support anti-Russian steps in the UN.

The rally started with anthems of Russia and Serbia. Following a 40-minute rally, the participants organized a march and moved out towards the Russian Embassy in Serbia. The column of people was over 1 kilometer long.

From time to time, the participants stopped and chanted negative slogans towards NATO.

According to Serbian media, prior to the UN vote, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic was visited by ambassadors of EU and G7 states. During the meeting, Serbia was directly told that failure to support the anti-Russian resolution will result in cessation of crude oil supply, which would deal a huge blow to Serbian economy. Furthermore, Belgrade was warned about potential "full blockade of European integration, which means closing Brussels’ cash register," as well as a barrier for investments and potential outflow of Western investments already made in Serbia.

Following the vote in the UN, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that his country supported Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Council over pressure and blackmail of the West. The resolution was supported by 93 states, while 24 voted against and 58 abstained. On April 8, local media reported that the EU excluded Serbia from the list of states, covered by sanctions for import of Russian oil.

Tags