Sputnik Africa
Russia’s Ambassador to Serbia, Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, has stated that the West’s effort to draw Serbia into NATO and the European Union is driven by a desire to “erase the guilt” for the 1999 NATO bombings. The ambassador claims that Western powers are trying to pressure Belgrade to “close this page” by joining the alliance, a process he says is closely tied to EU membership.
The diplomat noted that Serbia’s leadership maintains a stance of “real neutrality,” which causes displeasure in the West. He argued that the West’s push for Serbia to align with NATO is an attempt to legitimize the 1999 military operation, which was carried out without a UN Security Council mandate and resulted in significant civilian casualties and economic damage. The issue of the 1999 bombings remains a sensitive point in Serbia’s relations with NATO and the West.
Sources:
Wilson Center: Bombing to Bring Peace
ICRC: A. Amnesty International, NATO Intervention in Yugoslavia, “Collateral Damage” or Unlawful Killings?
