Dacic: Becirovic has problem with strong, stable Serbia

BELGRADE - Reacting to accusations levelled against Serbia by Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Chairman Denis Becirovic, Serbian Deputy PM and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said on Thursday Serbia was no aggressor and that Becirovic's lies were eroding good-neighbourly relations.

In a statement, Dacic said Becirovic's accusations twisted history and represented a "dangerous misuse of facts."

"Serbia is no aggressor, the Serbs are not genocidal and are not preparing for war but, in spite of constant attacks, our state is advocating peace and stability in the region in a determined and unwavering manner," Dacic said.

Becirovic and other politicians like him have a problem with the strong and stable policy conducted by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and the Government of Serbia, which has made Serbia a respectable international entity and a guarantor of security in the region, he said.

Dacic noted that he expected representatives of the international community to distance themselves from Becirovic's statement.

"Or, have calls for war, further suffering and crimes become acceptable?" Dacic said.

He concluded the accusations against Serbia were unfounded and only aimed at fostering intolerance and hatred in the region.

"In spite of everything, Serbia will continue to support dialogue and cooperation, rejecting any provocation and false rhetoric," Dacic noted.

Earlier in the day, speaking about alleged threats to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Becirovic - the Bosniak member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency - made a claim that Sarajevo wanted peace but that "the policy of the Belgrade regime" jeopardised that.