Macut: Serbia to continue to stand with Republika Srpska

BELGRADE - Serbian PM-Designate Djuro Macut said in the parliament on Tuesday Serbia would continue to stand with Republika Srpska and that the new government would demonstrate responsibility when it comes to assessing Serbia's national interests, including the relationship with Serbs outside of Serbia.

"President Vucic's international policy tells us that Serbia has come out of the defensive, returning to some old paths of glory. I think that diplomatic offensive will have to be stepped up and that, in that way, too, we will demonstrate that we are responsible when it comes to assessing our national interests and, above all, when it comes to the relationship with Serbs outside of Serbia," Macut said during a debate on Serbia's next government.

He added that a response to a potential arrest of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik was not included in his programme because he believed it would not take place.

"However, if such a scenario were to take place, it will certainly be something to be considered by the National Security Council, and something to respond to in the same way as in the case of the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has left a mark not only on us, but also on entire Europe and beyond," Macut said.