Russian minister wants NATO apology for bombings on Serb targets

Lavrov once again highlighted the commitment of both states to bilateral relations on all issues based on the Strategic Partnership Declaration signed by the presidents of the two countries in 2013.

“Russia supports Belgrade's independent foreign policy. We respect the neutral policy of the military contributing to the peace and stability of Europe”, Lavrov declared after the meeting.

He has also praised Serbia's participation in the joint military maneuvers of the two states, as well as Belarus, otherwise called Slavic Brotherhood exercises.

In his statement to the media, there was no lack of comment about the 1244 Resolution of the United Nations Organisation for Kosovo.

He reaffirmed that Russia continues to support Serbia over the full implementation of this Security Council instrument on Kosovo territory.

“Twenty years ago we witnessed NATO bombing Yugoslavia for two and a half months without a UN mandate. We have seen that NATO has covered the crimes committed by the so-called Kosovo Liberation Army and its leaders”, the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister said, referring to the Swiss report Dick Marty, who accuses leaders of kidnappings and organ trafficking.

Just look at the western position in international relations. What did NATO leaders say on the 20th anniversary of the bombing of Serbia? They're saying they were right, and they brought democracy and freedom to those who were oppressed. But they are not apologizing for attacks on civilians in Belgrade, or for destroying bridges until the civilian train was passing over it. They have no conscience, and that is their” position, Lavrov said, when asked about the Serbian state's relations with Western states.

“A court has been formed formally for investigating these crimes, but I don't know why it is delaying to start its work, since all necessary facts are ready for investigations to begin”, Russia's Foreign Affairs Minister added.

After the meeting, Lavrov also cited 100% tax and “extraordinary expectations”, as he calls it, on the Serb minority in Kosovo. He urged Washington and Brussels to force Pristina to remove the tax, as well as prevent Albanians from using provocative policies that lead to confrontation.