Vucic: We must listen to each other, work together

BELGRADE - At this time, it is important that we continue to work together without leaving all our differences aside but to try to understand that peace and stability in the country are exceptionally important, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in a reaction to Sunday's anti-government protest in downtown Belgrade.

In a video posted on Instagram, Vucic said a major opposition rally had been held in Belgrade, drawing 28,000 to 29,000 people according to a police estimate.

"An extremely large gathering. Those people are pro-opposition and I am always ready to hear what and how they think and what they believe is important to do for our country. I believe that a much higher number of people think differently - that is why we need to listen to each other," Vucic noted.

Organised by university students and associations of farmers, the protest was also attended by a large number of opposition politicians and opposition symphatisers.

Organisers said the main demand of the protest was punishment for those responsible for the November 1 Novi Sad railway station tragedy as well as for violent individuals who they said had been provoking people at peaceful street blockades sparked by the tragedy.

In a tribute to the 15 victims of the accident, the gathering began with 15 minutes of silence and continued with a performance dubbed A Half An Hour of Noise, when the crowd began to disperse.