Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia
 
06.02.2020.

Minister Vulin: We will not allow migrants to get us involved in a quarrel with our neighbours and disturb the life of the citizens of Serbia



“There are some 320 migrants here who came from different areas, from Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, but they are all united by one thing – these are people that were manipulated and brought here by false promises that someone would open borders for them; to whom different non-governmental organisations showed photographs of busses brimming with people who were passing through this border crossing where everyone welcomed and greeted them cheerfully; and these are the people who to a large extend do not know why they have come here” stated the Minister of Defence and Head of Working Group for resolution of issues of the mixed migration flows Aleksandar Vulin at the border crossing Kelebija where a group of migrants has gathered.
 
The minister of defence stressed that the “state of Serbia, like it was the case so far, will be humane and organised, and we will not allow anyone to abuse the hospitality of this people, to get us involved in arguments with our neighbours, or do anything illegal or something that disturbs the everyday life of our citizens”.
 
In a conversation with the migrants, Minister Vulin heard that, among other, they requested better conditions in the camps.
 
“I have to say that the conditions in our camps are very good. I wish that everyone who is willing came to make sure of it, to come and see for himself. We have received here some complaints such as those that they refuse to be in the camps with members of some other nations or from some other states. Excuse me, but the citizens of Serbia do not ask where you came from but now you ask to be here with someone else. These kinds of things are absolutely unacceptable”.
 
The minister of defence warned of the fact that at Kelebija there were a dozen of families with children, and even one baby.
 
“The adults, as sad as that can be, maybe can play with their health. Serbia will not allow anyone to play with the health of a child. No one here shall play with health of any child. We will not let any baby freeze to death here because someone tries to blackmail Hungary or Serbia. That is not possible and it is not acceptable”.
 
“We will talk, we will look for solution but this cannot last long, and mass gatherings will not be allowed without any permission, reason and organisation. Life has to go on, and life has its rules. Everyone has the right to wait in our asylum centres for his problem to be solved. But if someone is displeased with that, that person may leave Serbia and pursue happiness at some other place. They will not make us argue with our neighbours, and they will not endanger the health of their children and they will not disturb daily life of our citizens” Minister Vulin stated.
 
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