On 17 October, at Assembly House, the chairman of the Serbian Radical Party Deputies’ Group at the National Assembly, Tomislav Nikolic, together with other members of the Deputies’ Group met heads of diplomatic missions to Belgrade of 15 member states of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Mr Nikolic said that the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, held in Havana, Cuba, in September, was a success, and expressed his regret at the fact that Serbia was not well represented at the event.

On behalf of the Serbian Radical Party Deputies’ Group, Nikolic wished the Movement success in its future activities, and stated his conviction that Serbia would be reinstated as a member, as it had always co-operated well with non-aligned countries, and as many nations are threatened ‘by the dominance of global powers’.

Reflecting on the current political situation in Serbia, Nikolic stressed the importance of confirming the proposed new Constitution at the referendum, adding his conviction that it would be successful.

Nikolic cited the resolution of the status of Kosovo and Metohia as ‘the pivotal issue for the destiny of our state and people’. With this in mind, he called on Non-Aligned Movement ambassadors to propose to their governments adherence to international law, as enshrined in the UN Charter, when forming opinions on the issue of Kosovo and Metohia. He added that the international community should apply pressure on both Belgrade and Pristina to find a compromise solution for Kosovo and Metohia.

The diplomats favourably received Mr Nikolic’s desire for Serbia to be a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, but said that the Serbian Government should formally apply for membership.