Dacic: Serbia celebrates Statehood Day with pride

BELGRADE - Serbia celebrates its Statehood Day with pride, Serbian First Deputy PM and FM Ivica Dacic said in a congratulatory message to Serbian citizens on Wednesday.

"Since as early as 1804, when the First Serbian Uprising began on the day of the Meeting of the Lord, and since 1835, when the first Constitution of Serbia was adopted, our people and our country have been respected and have had many friends. The day of the Meeting of the Lord is a day that unifies our love of freedom and justice - the values Serbia has been guided by throughout its history," Dacic said.

Serbia celebrates this holiday with pride, as a state with a long tradition of a love of freedom and democracy, Dacic said.

"We also celebrate it as a people wishing to cooperate with all who want to make progress together with us and want mutual respect. May this Statehood Day, too, be a day of pride in our history and our ancestors, as well as a day reminding us of the path of freedom, peace and prosperity, a path Serbia needs to continue on. Dear citizens, happy Statehood Day," Dacic said.