The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic convened the First Special Sitting of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia in 2009, for 20 October 2009, starting at 4:10 p.m., and set the following agenda:

1. The President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, addresses the
National Assembly

In addition to the deputies, the sitting was attended by the heads of the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Serbia and the Russian Federation Vuk Jeremic and Sergey Lavrov, members of the delegation of the Russian Federation, representatives of republic authorities, institutions and organisations and the diplomatic corps.

Addressing the deputies, the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev, extended congratulations on the 20^th October, Day of Liberation of Belgrade from the fascist occupation, stating that this day is written into the mutual annals of Serbia and Russia’s victory. “Serbia keeps the memory of all those who gave their lives for its liberation. I was convinced of it today when I lay flowers at the Liberators Cemetery where Soviet soldiers and officers are buried”, said President Medvedev, adding that he wants to thank the Serbian people for their responsible and noble view of the history of World War Two. According to Medvedev, Serbs need no explanation about which side justice was on then.

“You fought the fascists with bravery and commitment, but the Nazis were not opposed everywhere in such a way, which is a known fact, because a host of European countries not only supported, but fought the war on the side of Hitler’s regime, while some countries opted for collaborationism, methodically aiding Hitler’s war machine with their deliveries. We must openly say that the responsibility of such political regimes is also obvious. Had it not been for such support, the casualties of fascism would have been different. I say this not to stir up the phantoms of the past, but it should be remembered, particularly by those who now try to re-write history in order to achieve their personal political interests”, the Russian President said, adding that Russia calls for a fair analysis of history and its lessons so as to avoid repeating old mistakes.

Talking about the need to establish a more efficient European security system, President Medvedev explained that Russia proposes signing a new treaty to create a more modern and efficient system of European security which would function independently from affiliation or ideology.

“Security is indivisible which is the most important lesson of World War Two and the regretful events of the 90s and the dramatic events from this decade’s more recent history”, the President said, further specifying that he means the Balkan crisis and events of August 2008 in the Caucasus caused by Georgian aggression. They have all demonstrated the inefficiency of the current security system and the need to modernise it.

The preparation and signing of the treaty on European security would sound the beginning of a unified security space in the Euro-Atlantic zone. It would ensure reliable and equal guarantees for all countries and solidify clear rules on prevention and amicable resolution of conflicts. Such a solution must and can be taken in stages. First, the obligations regarding non-use of force should be accepted, followed by measures to strengthen trust and develop constructive dialogue between the conflicting sides, and not by making, at times, absurd and very dangerous political decisions.

President Medvedev went on to say that Russia and Serbia are unique in their understanding of the strict adherence to the principle of international law regarding non-acceptance of unilateral and sometimes forcible methods of resolving international problems. The Kosovo crisis is an example of constructive political cooperation between the two countries. The events following the unilateral declaration of Kosovo independence in February 2008 confirmed that the lack of progress in the negotiations is being used as a reason for unilateral actions, including recognising new subjects of international law. The solution to the Kosovo issue should be based on international law and UN decisions and Resolutions of the Security Council, above all Resolution 1244. Russia is ready to continue assisting Serbia in the defence of its national interests. However, there is no parallel between the events in the Balkans and the Caucasus. “What Russia did regarding the two Caucasus republics fully adheres to the UN Charter, and so contributed to strengthen the stability of the Caucasus region”, Medvedev concluded.

Talking about furthering the relations between the Russian Federation and Serbia, President Medvedev said that they shall strive to lend their inter-state cooperation the attributes of strategic partnership.

“Our economic relations have provided the basis for these processes. Last year, our countries reached thorough agreements on strategic issues regarding joint oil and gas projects”, he said mentioning the results of today’s negotiations with Serbian representatives. President Medvedev stressed that a list of important documents was signed after the negotiations. These documents develop the two countries’ cooperation in all directions, but economy cannot cover all life issues. “It is very important to preserve the spirit that had always contributed to the development of special relations between our two people. The Days of Spiritual Culture to be held next year in Serbia and their equivalent, Serbian Days in the Russian Federation in 2011 shall give additional stimulus to such cooperation”, Medvedev said and concluded that overall cooperation shall benefit not only Russia, but Serbia and the Balkans as well. “That is the most important international result of my official visit to Serbia.”

At the end of his address, the President of the Russian Federation again expressed pleasure at being the first head of a foreign state to address the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia at a special sitting convened on the Day of Belgrade’s Liberation from fascism.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic thanked the President of the Russian Federation and concluded the First Special Sitting of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia in 2009.