Vucevic: We need peace, there must be no rushed reaction on Friday

BELGRADE - Commenting on a general strike announced for Friday, Serbian PM Milos Vucevic called on citizens to be calm and patient on the day and even more tolerant to those who thought differently, and also urged those who will take part in protests not to obstruct people who wanted to "function normally."

Responding to questions from reporters after a tour of the construction site of the Boiler Room creative and innovation centre in Belgrade, Vucevic said peace in Serbia was necessary on Friday.

"We do not need any rushed or provoked reaction by anyone tomorrow. Above all, I would ask the majority in Serbia in terms of supporting a policy, which is definitely not for a Serbia that shuts itself down and blocks itself... ...to be calm, tolerant and perhaps even more tolerant than usual to those who have different views and want to stop Serbia tomorrow," Vucevic said.

"No one can stop Serbia - we have also had such attempts in the past, when some tried to destroy our country, but Serbia always rose," he said.

"Serbia has survived much, much greater challenges," Vucevic said.

Everyone has the right to choose whether they will participate in the general strike or protest rallies, he said.

"I am also asking those who will take part in protest rallies not to obstruct those who want to go to shops and pharmacies and to function normally on that day," Vucevic said, noting that people who wanted to work on Friday should be allowed to do so.