BELGRADE, March 14. /TASS/. The Movement of Socialists (PS) of Serbia, led by Aleksandar Vulin, Director of the Security Intelligence Agency, demanded dismissal of the Minister of the Economy Rade Basta, who called on Serbia to join the policy of anti-Russian sanctions.

"Now, when we need unity, Basta seeks to divide the government of Serbia on the issue of joining the illegal sanctions against the Russian Federation. […] It is particularly shameful that Basta is hiding behind the back of the President of Serbia, in order to undermine the independence and neutrality, which Aleksandar Vucic protects both from the foreigners and such domestic cowards," the Movement said in its statement. "We expect that Basta will show with his resignation from the government how much he really cares for what he is looking for, should he fail to gain support from other ministers in his fight against an independent, neutral and freedom-loving policy of our Serbia. The Movement of Socialists, founded by Aleksandar Vulin, opposes imposition of sanctions against the Russian Federation."

Earlier, Basta claimed that Serbia "is already paying a high price for not imposing sanctions against Russia," and called on the state to join the sanctions policy. He also called on all ministers to speak up on this issue.

In this regard, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova underscored that "should Serbia impose sanctions against Russia, the US’ pressure will not end, but will only grow stronger," adding that "unlike the US, Russia has always respected Serbia and its people.".