Serbian MFA: Albanese's statements inappropriate

BELGRADE - In a reaction to a statement by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese in which she criticised the Serbian authorities over their cooperation with Israel, the Serbian MFA said on Tuesday Serbia pursued an "independent and sovereign foreign policy, grounded in its national interests and the principles of international law."

"Our relations with countries across the world - including those in the Arab world, Israel, and many other partners - form part of such a balanced and responsible policy. We consider the statements made by the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Mrs Albanese, to be unbalanced and activistic in nature and, as such, inappropriate to the mandate she holds. They do not reflect the actual position of Serbia, nor do they contribute to constructive international dialogue. It is particularly concerning when such assessments are intertwined with her comments that directly encroach upon Serbia’s internal political matters. This is not the role of any international rapporteur and constitutes an unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of our country," the MFA said in a statement.

"Serbia remains open to cooperation with the United Nations - on whose behalf Mrs Albanese clearly does not speak - as well as with all its partners. At the same time, it expects full respect for its sovereignty, institutions, and democratic processes," it also said.