Vucic: We have prevented action against Serbia's vital interests, explosives found

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday two large packages of explosives with detonation cords had been found in the territory of the Kanjiza municipality, northern Serbia, near the Turkish Stream international gas pipeline, and noted that the Serbian Armed Forces had succeeded in preventing an action against the country's vital interests.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the EXPO construction site in Belgrade, Vucic said he had had a telephone call with Hungarian PM Viktor Orban to inform him of an investigation into the incident.

"Two backpacks were found, two large packages of explosives with detonation cords. We also have other clues from the crime scene investigation. I have just finished a conversation with Viktor Orban about this news, because had the gas supply been interrupted there, Hungary would be without gas and we would be without gas in the north of Serbia," Vucic said.

"Fortunately, our intelligence services have done a good job," he said.

"There are certain clues I cannot talk about. It is a large area there, there is also a large lake there, so they were looking for (evidence) for a long, long time, and helicopter units were of much help. But, evidently, we will not be spared from global and geopolitical games and that is why we must demonstrate the highest level of combat capability. We will crack down mercilessly on anyone who intends to jeopardise vital infrastructure of the Republic of Serbia. Mercilessly," Vucic noted.