Vucic: Serbia to provide well-grounded response regarding Marovic extradition

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday Serbia would provide a well-grounded response to what his Montenegrin counterpart Jakov Milatovic had told him about the issue of an extradition of former Serbia and Montenegro president Svetozar Marovic from Serbia to Montenegro.

Vucic said this at a joint press conference with Milatovic, when asked whether they had discussed the issue.

"For me, there is something else that emerges as the problem. Why is it that a reason to accuse the other side of disrespect is always sought in our relationship? Have you thought about whether Montenegro's recognition of the illegal secession of a part of the territory of the Republic of Serbia hurts us, or whether it hurt us when our ambassador to Podgorica was expelled without a valid reason for that? As a sign of respect to Mr Milatovic, we will pick our new ambassador in 10 to 12 days," Vucic said.

He said things must also be viewed from the other side's perspective and noted that his address after the meeting with Milatovic had not dealt with the "Serb question."

"How is it possible that Serbs make up 28 pct of Montenegro's population and account for only 8 pct of public sector employees? Do you think the question of that many people is less important than one man? Everyone always tells Serbia everything. That is why we want to talk. Just please get into our shoes sometimes to see what things look like from our angle," Vucic said.

Milatovic said he had raised the issue of Marovic's extradition because "everyone convicted of a criminal offence in Montenegro must also serve their sentence."

He added that he had received assurances from Vucic that Serbia would treat the issue in a responsible manner.

Milatovic also said the two sides had agreed they needed to exchange ambassadors and that Vucic had given him assurances Serbia would take a step in that direction very soon.

Montenegro will do so after the formation of its new government, he added.