Vucevic: Serbia must move on, state must not be destroyed over Novi Sad tragedy

BELGRADE - Serbia must move on, and violations of the law and destruction of the state must not be allowed to happen over the tragedy we have experienced, Serbian PM Milos Vucevic said on Friday, noting that this was a matter of seriousness and the present generation's responsibility to future generations.

"Violations of the law and destruction of the state must not be allowed to happen. There is absolutely no justification to destroy the state over the enormous tragedy we experienced in Novi Sad on November 1 last year. My impression is, and I believe it is also the impression of the majority of Serbian citizens, that everything that is going on now has nothing to do with the Novi Sad tragedy, but that there is always something new that is being added and presented as grounds for blocking life and Serbia and for attempts to erode Serbia," Vucevic told a press conference.

He noted that, in an uncalculated manner, state authorities would take all legal measures and launch processes and procedures, and that those responsible for violations of the law would be held accountable according to the law.

"Without that, we will get into a situation where everyone can do what they want, without responsibility. That way, the legal system disappears and, in a way, the state disappears, and the desires and dreams of all those who wish no good to our country come true. Unfortunately, there is no small number of those in the region. Even today, no small number of people from abroad who have definitely not come as tourists are present in our state," Vucevic said.

He wished a speedy recovery to a female student injured during a Belgrade protest on Thursday, as well as to an elderly woman from Novi Sad who he said had "suffered torture."

"Both scenes are something we must condemn together loud and clear, and punishment of the perpetrators must begin. My plea is that all those who are organising gatherings, whatever they may be like, notify the police so they can ensure security to all participants," Vucevic noted.

There will always be differences among people, differences are a part of a democratic society and we do not all have to think alike, but anarchy must not be permitted, he said.

He said he believed institutions and schools would keep working and that all state authorities would be providing services to citizens as defined by the law.