While footage from the plane is circling the planet, and experts are analyzing how the incident occurred, the Telegraf.rs team traveled to the Greek city of Katerini to speak personally with Ljubiša about the dramatic moments on the flight from Thessaloniki to Munich, and about everything that followed after he was taken to the hospital with numerous wounds and injuries.

In an exclusive interview for Telegraf.rs, Ljubiša Karović shared his incredible and shocking story, which could end with rich financial compensation, once it is finally determined who is responsible for the fact that, according to his and witnesses' claims, he was 'sticking out' of the "Boeing 737" plane for about two minutes.

At the beginning of the interview, we asked our interlocutor a simple question - how are you?

"Like I was run over by a train. I'm joking. I don't feel well at all, I try to turn everything into a joke to make it easier for myself. But the truth is, I have far too many physical and psychological problems. I can't sleep, for a few days I couldn't close my eyes even with sedatives. Now I somehow manage to sleep a little, but with nightmares and huge problems", Karović began his story for Telegraf.rs, and then added:

"I can't relax. Simply, at night, when the nightmares start, I get arrhythmia, my blood pressure jumps... There is no sleeping, I mean, it's chaos."

Ljubiša and his wife Svetlana Foto: Privatna arhiva

Despite the fact that some time has passed since the incident on the plane, it still cannot be known exactly how long the recovery will take.

"Nobody can tell me that. It depends on how everything goes. I am wearing a cervical collar for four to six weeks, then I will have to go for imaging again, after which it will be known whether surgery will be necessary", Karović said, and added that the psychological pain is much harder on him than the physical one:

"A person can somehow bear physical pain more easily. At least that's how it is for me. The psychological burden and the restlessness that I fell, that is a really big problem."

When they heard what Ljubiša went through, his family was, expectedly, extremely worried.

"Nobody could believe it... No one could believe that this would happen to me and that the injuries would be to that extent. Days passed before they understood what actually happened at all. It was truly chaos", Karović said.

The entire flight experience was traumatic for our interlocutor, and as a result, he developed a fear of flying.

"While I was in the hospital in Thessaloniki for seven days, and the hospital is close to the airport, every sound of an airplane creates a great restlessness in me. With this mindset now and my current condition, I don't believe I will ever get on an airplane again", Karović emphasized.

Considering that he was unconscious during most of the drama on the plane, Ljubiša mostly heard from others about what was happening.

"The worst details were those when I was outside the plane. The girl who was sitting next to me stated that the upper part of my body was like playdough. She says she couldn't describe it. The body behaved abnormally", Karović stated, and in the same breath added what the scene looked like when he finally regained consciousness:

"I was covered in blood. Blood was gushing from my head, since my eye and ear were injured... Blood was flowing from all sides."

Foto: Privatna arhiva

Ryanair claims that Ljubiša was assisted by one person from the flight crew, while he says that only the passengers helped him.

"I saw that person upon landing. Before that, there was no one. When we landed, there was one flight attendant. Then another man came, maybe a doctor, I don't know what he is, I can't lie. He bandaged my arm, but all that happened when we landed. Otherwise, there was no one from the crew. That girl who was next to me helped me. My wife, when she saw what was happening, ran over to help. And some man appeared, he also helped us a lot. I would love for us to find him, to meet him, to get to know him, to talk to the man... He hasn't reached out yet... My wife bore the biggest burden."

If it weren't for his wife Svetlana and the passengers who reacted at lightning speed and did everything to save him, the question is whether we would have the opportunity to talk to Ljubiša, who speaks with so much respect and gratitude about his life partner and what she did to save him.

"She pulled me. As soon as she pulled me out, she put oxygen on me, and none on herself at all. Only later did one of the passengers run over and put it on her. I mean, that sound of air, it's very close to the window. That man brought a large bag and tried to block the hole, but it all flew out. Then they put a metal suitcase against the window, plugging the hole with it. I held it with my shoulder, and they held it with their hands, I don't know how long all that lasted", Karović said.

On the other hand, Ryanair claims that Ljubiša was not outside the plane...

"I feel bad because of those lies. There are many witnesses. I didn't see it, I didn't feel it, I was unconscious, but there are plenty of people who can testify to what happened. That story is a bit ridiculous", Karović said.

Of course, an inevitable topic was also the compensation for the pain suffered, but, according to our interlocutor, that is not so important to him.

"I haven't thought about it. The lawyer is doing his job. I just want to get back on my feet properly and for my wife and me to psychologically overcome all this", Karović stated.

Ljubiša is, after everything, grateful only for the most important thing.

"Just that I stayed alive. Thank God, thanks to that girl, to that man for saving my life... Everything else is - nothing", Karović pointed out.

We also asked how he felt about suddenly finding himself in the center of attention and having the whole world talking about him.

"It's a bit exhausting for me. In principle, I am a modest man. This is all a bit blown out of proportion for me. It personally bothers me, but at the urging of my lawyer, I realized that something has to be said, so that something doesn't happen again", Karović said.

It is hard to even imagine what it looks like to be sucked out of an airplane at a huge altitude, at a speed greater than 500 kilometers per hour. In an exclusive interview, Ljubiša Karović also told us about the traumatic dreams he has after everything, which torment him when, with difficulty, he finally manages to fall asleep.

"Well, those, let's call them nightmares, have come to me many times. Whether I experienced it while I was conscious or while I was unconscious, I can't understand, but that noise, how they are pulling me, it's somewhat mixed up in my subconscious. I can't describe it in words. And that image often comes to me. It's really hard to experience that, and when it repeats through dreams, the arrhythmias and high blood pressure immediately begin. A person cannot calm down", Karović emphasized and added:

"I'm still not even fully aware, I just pray to God to psychologically come back to life. Physically I hope I will return, but psychologically... It's a question."

It was announced that the passengers will file a class-action lawsuit, which in itself means support for what Ljubiša went through.

"It means something to me so that Ryanair would come to their senses. For there to be better aircraft control, for a flight to be a more serious matter. This is not the first time it has happened, and it shouldn't happen. After the previous excess, they probably took no action as soon as the same thing is happening. Just so this doesn't happen again, a lot of people will perish", Karović concluded.

Ljubiša Karović moved to Greece with his wife Svetlana about four years ago and has two children with her who live in Serbia. By profession, he is an entrepreneur, and his company cooperates with more than 10 European companies regarding the distribution of machines. Also, he rents out apartments in Greece.

(Telegraf.rs)

In the interview, Karović shares previously unknown details about what happened inside the aircraft, as well as the legal proceedings against the airline, which accused him of lying. He also speaks openly about his current condition, admitting that he is far from well.

"I feel like I've been hit by a train. I'm joking, of course. I don't feel well at all. I try to make jokes about everything because it makes it a little easier. But the truth is, I'm struggling with serious physical and psychological problems," Karović told Telegraf.rs.

When we met Ljubiša, it was evident that he was still in poor physical condition and that talking about the incident was extremely difficult for him. His wife, Svetlana, was also present during the interview. She told us that every reminder of the incident makes her feel physically sick.

To recap, the married couple from Vrnjačka Banja boarded a flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen, Germany, on Friday, July 10. Shortly after takeoff, their lives changed in an instant.

At an altitude of approximately 6,000 metres, a part of one of the aircraft's engines broke off and shattered the window next to Ljubiša's seat. What followed were terrifying moments. Oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling, and due to the sudden cabin decompression, Ljubiša was nearly sucked out of the aircraft.

His head and right shoulder were already outside the plane as he fought for his life. Fortunately, he was wearing his seatbelt, but he would not be alive today if the other passengers had not acted quickly and held him back from being pulled through the shattered window.

Read the exclusive interview with Ljubiša Karović on Saturday on Telegraf.rs.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo:Tanjug/Narodna skupstina Srbije/Pedja Vuckovic

President of the National Assembly Ana Brnabic scheduled the 9th extraordinary session for Monday, where the no confidence proposal in the Serbian government will be debated.

The session was convened at the request of 109 deputies, the Assembly announced.

For this session, the agenda includes only one item - the proposal for a vote of no confidence in the government, originally submitted on February 13 by 62 members from the ranks of the opposition.

Brnabic said earlier today that the session will be scheduled for Monday and pointed out that it will show whether the majority in the Assembly has confidence in the government led by Djuro Macut.

"We have 30 days (from a successful no confidence vote) to form a new government, if a new government is not formed, then the Assembly is dissolved," Brnabic told K1 and added that starting at that time, there would be a 60 day deadline until the election.

She stated that it may also happen that the Assembly expresses its confidence in the government of Prime Minister Macut.

"Let's just see if the parliament has confidence in the government or not," she added.

The no confidence proposal was submitted on February 13 by deputy by People's Movement of Serbia - New Face of Serbia, Freedom and Justice Party, Serbia of the Center, We the Strength of the People - Dr. Branimir Nestorovic, Environmental Uprising, Green-Left Front, Movement of Free Citizens, POKS, and independent deputy Miloljub Albijanic.

The reason why they are asking for a vote of no confidence, the motion stated, is the alleged existence of a well-founded suspicion of the involvement of certain members of the government in the General Staff (Generalstab building) case, as well as the fact that the prime minister did not undetake any action in this regard.

The proposal for a no confidence vote was presented to the deputies for the first time on April 15.

However, that session was not held on two occasions due to the lack of quorum, and the same was true in the third attempt the following day.

President of the Assembly Ana Brnabic stated at the time that 44 of the 62 deputies who signed the request for a vote of no confidence in the government of Serbia were present at the session and added that this shows how serious the opposition representatives really are in their intentions.

Brnabic said that the session with that issue on the agenda "will be held later, because before the Assembly, the laws are important for the citizens as well as for accession to the European Union."

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo collage MUP Srbije/Printscreen

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) has published a video that captured aggressive driving on the highway near the Belgrade municipality of Surcin, when members of the traffic police intercepted 20-year-old M.R. while he was driving an Audi at a record of 215 kilometers per hour.

The speed limit on this stretch of the highway is 100 km/h. The young driver was immediately excluded from traffic, and a misdemeanor complaint was filed against him for violent driving.

Members of the Traffic Police Administration at the Police Directorate, who patrol in unmarked vehicles with interceptors, spotted and stopped the car with Austrian license plates last night, around 01:00 hours.

Photo:MUP.RS

The vehicle was driven by M.R. (20), a citizen of the Republic of Serbia.

Dark July statistics: 35 people die on Serbian roads

In light of this latest incident, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a dramatic warning to the public, drawing attention to the alarming situations on the roads throughout Serbia.

Despite intensive traffic controls and a large number of implemented preventive activities, as many as 35 people have been killed in traffic accidents since the beginning of July. Of particular concern is the fact that as many as 11 people under the age of 30 are among the victims.

MUP: Speeding ​​is still number one killer

The MUP once again appealed on all participants in traffic to consistently follow traffic regulations, especially regarding speed limits. They stress that unadjusted speed is the most common cause of traffic accidents that result in deaths and serious injuries.

Members of the traffic police say that they will continue with increased control measures and consistent use of their legal powers against all perpetrators of the most serious violations, with the aim of improving safety and protecting human lives.

(Telegraf.rs)

The Spain left-back, who played a key role in La Roja’s World Cup triumph, showed a deeply personal side while opening up about his family’s private battle — life with his four-year-old son Mateo, who has autism.

Cucurella and his wife Claudia Rodriguez have been speaking openly for some time about their experiences as parents, and the Chelsea defender-turned-Real Madrid player became emotional during a recent television appearance while talking about his son.

“This is the first time I have spoken about this. It is very difficult for me. I suffer a lot, I don’t know how to help him, especially when I see him in a bad state. I am an emotional person... I have to talk about it and share this experience,” Cucurella said.

Foto: AP/Tanjug

The Spanish footballer struggled to hold back his tears as he continued his heartfelt confession.

“This is a subject that, honestly, makes me very sensitive. But I am happy to be here because, after all, this is the first time I have spoken about it and shared my experience. Look what you have done to me... Ah, sorry, forgive me...” Cucurella said through tears.

Cucurella and Claudia Rodriguez have three children together — son Mateo, daughter Bella and another son, Rio.

His wife Claudia has previously spoken about the challenges their family faced after Mateo’s birth.

“Mateo was born four years ago and we noticed some things that were different compared to other children. We did not receive much help from the nursery, those were the hardest months. Every time we left him there, we cried. However, many things have changed. It is not easy to find the right place for school, therapy and nutrition,” Claudia explained.

Watch the emotional moment:

Cucurella had a special condition during Real Madrid talks

Cucurella made a major career move this summer, leaving Chelsea and completing a move to Madrid, where he will wear the Real Madrid shirt.

However, his priorities during negotiations were not only related to football.

One of the defender’s main conditions was that his new club provide the best possible environment and support for his son.

“He has taught us so much. We always have to think about him. There are some things that are not good for him and we cannot do them. Holidays are always difficult,” Claudia Rodriguez said.

Cucurella also revealed one detail that shows just how important Mateo is to him.

Although his long hair has become his trademark appearance on the pitch, the Spanish defender does not want to cut it because he wants his son to be able to recognise him at all times when he is playing.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday that parliamentary elections will be called in September or early October, and held in October or November, while presidential elections will be held "a little later".

"It's to be expected that elections will be held either in October or in November and that would mean that they will be called either in September or at the beginning of October. So, we don't have the exact date yet, but I think everyone has known this for some time," Vucic told a press conference he held together with visiting Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis - when asked by a Czech journalist whether he plans to call elections and when they are expected to take place.

Vucic explained that he cannot call an election himself, instead that the Government must first inform the Serbian National Assembly, after which he can act.

"I said last year that elections would be held by the end of 2026, and I keep my word. It's up to the people to express their free will," said Vucic.

"Strategic dialogue with US important for Serbia, there are things that are not simple"

Vucic also noted that Serbia has just started a strategic dialogue with the United States, stressing that this is an important matter for our people and our country, but at the same time pointed out that there are also things that are not simple and easy.

Asked how important cooperation in the field of nuclear energy is and whether this partnership can bring concrete, important projects regarding the energy future of Serbia, bearing in mind that for the first time relations between Serbia and the US have been raised to the level of a strategic partnership, Vucic remarked that Serbia has just started a strategic dialogue with the United States.

"And that topic is very complex, it was given attention only symbolically, few people went into the essence, and few wanted to delve deeper and find out what it really entails. There are also things that are not simple, not easy, there are things that must be debated in our society, but this is an important change in the desire of the United States to treat Serbia in a different way," said Vucic.

He added that "we are grateful for that and ready to talk, and as a small but free and independent country, we conduct such a dialogue in line with the interests of the Republic of Serbia and respecting the strength of America and its position in the world."

"I want united and normal Serbia in which families will not be targeted"

The president of Serbia also said that he wants "a united and normal Serbia where families will not be the subject or target of any political actor."

Asked how he views the current atmosphere and "where Serbia is going with the rhetoric, 'your children are not your children' and 'your parents are not your parents'," - and that a handful of such statements come from former prosecutor Jasmine Paunovic, who is second on the student electoral list - Vucic said that he does not speak about internal matters in front of friends and guests from abroad or does so very rarely.

"I don't know what I would say to the people whose only agenda is to attack other people's families. I am proud of my elderly parents and all three of my children, Danilo, Milica, and Vukan, so whatever they (political opponents) do and say, that will not change. I won't be creating divisions within families in Serbia, or withing the society in Serbia. I want a united Serbia, I want a normal Serbia where families will not be the subject or target of any political actor, and that is the difference between us and them," said Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagic

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut said on Thursday, after a meeting in Belgrade with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, that membership in the European Union remains Serbia's strategic commitment, and that the expectation is that the EU accession process will be based on the principle of merit, bearing in mind that Serbia is "fulfilling all the demands placed before it."

During the meeting held in the Palace of Serbia, the two prime ministers assessed that relations between Serbia and the Czech Republic are characterized by traditional friendship, close historical ties and intense political dialogue, which represents a good basis for further deepening of cooperation.

The interlocutors discussed continued development of economic cooperation, increase of trade and investments, as well as implementation of joint projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, traffic, mining, agriculture, tourism and the automotive industry, the Government of Serbia said in a statement.

Current regional issues were also discussed, and Macut reiterated the position that preserving peace and stability, respecting international law and dialogue are of key importance for the region.

When it comes to the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, Macut emphasized that this is an issue of the highest national and state importance and thanked the Czech prime minister for supporting continued talks between Belgrade and Pristina.

Macut expressed his satisfaction with the Czech Republic confirming its participation in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, stressing that this event will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Babis stated that the very long tradition of good relations between Serbia and the Czech Republic represents a strong foundation to develop even more intensive cooperation and joint projects in the coming period.

Babis added that several times in meetings with EU officials, he publicly said that the countries in the Western Balkans should have become a part of the Schengen zone a long time ago.

The Czech prime minister is on a two-day visit to Serbia.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

A memorial for the Staro Gracko victims of NATO aggression, and of Albanian terrorists; Photo: N. Zejak

The Office for Kosovo and Metohija stated today, on the 27th anniversary of the massacre of 14 Serb farmers from the village of Staro Gracko near Lipljan in Kosovo and Metohija, that no one has yet been held accountable for this crime, and that Serbia will continue to insist on shedding light on the case and punishing those responsible.

The statement recalls that on July 23, 1999, 14 Serbs were shot and killed while out in their fields, and added that this monstrous crime happened with international forces present in the provinces, which "did not prevent the rampage of (Albanian) terrorists and protect our compatriots, and the same is true about many other murders of Serbs."

"The ideology of hatred that motivated the terrorists to take the lives of these innocent Serbs in a cruel way is unfortunately recognizable to this day in the political practice of numerous actors in Pristina, which has resulted in the systematic disenfranchisement of the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija that has been ongoing for years," the statement said.

The Office for Kosovo and Metohija noted that even 27 years later, the perpetrators have not been brought to justice, while the investigation was closed due to the alleged lack of evidence.

The state of Serbia, however, the Office said, will continue to reverently remember and honor the victims and demand that the perpetrators and those who ordered the crime be found and punished.

"The families and friends of the murdered Serb farmers deserve truth and justice, and shedding light on this and other crimes committed against Serbs is a civilizational and humane obligation for those who are most responsible for creating the political and social climate in Kosovo and Metohija today," the statement concluded.

The Office for Kosovo and Metohija reminded that fire from automatic weapons was opened on a group of Serb farmers, resulting in the murders of Milovan Jovanovic (b. 1969), Jovica Zivic (1970), Radovan Zivic (1967), Andrija Odalovic (1967), Slobodan Janicijevic (1965), Mile Janicijevic (1957), Momcilo Janicijevic (1946), Stanimir Dekic (1955), Bozidar Dekic (1947), Sasa Cvejic (1973), Ljubisa Cvejic (1939), Nikola Stojanovic (1936), Miodrag Tepsic (1951), and Novica Janicijevic(1981), who was only 17 years old at the time of his death.

The massacre took place in the evening of July 23, 1999, in the village of Bujance, some 20 kilometers south of Pristina, as the victims, farmers from the nearby village of Staro Gracko, were returning home after a day spent harvesting their fields.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic last night in Belgrade hosted a dinner in honor of Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babis. Babis was today officially welcomed in a ceremony in the Serbian capital.

"I am glad that on the first evening of his visit to Serbia, in pleasant conversation with Andrej Babis, I had the opportunity to exchange opinions about the relations between our countries and the possibilities for their further improvement," Vucic stated in a post on Instagram, and added:

"Serbia and the Czech Republic nurture traditionally good relations, based on mutual respect and understanding. I believe that tomorrow's (Thursday's) official talks will further strengthen our cooperation and open up new opportunities for joint work in areas of mutual interest," Vucic wrote.

Andrej Babis is on a two-day visit to Serbia.

During his previous term as Czech PM, Babis was on a working visit to Belgrade in February 2021.

Bilateral relations between Serbia and the Czech Republic are based on traditional friendship, and are characterized by developed cooperation in various fields, especially the economy, as well as continuous political dialogue at all levels, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.

The Serbian Statistical Office states that the total exchange of goods with the Czech Republic in 2025 amounted to 2.4 billion euros, of which 1.4 billion euros were exports from Serbia.

(Telegraf.rs)

Printscreen: Dnevnik.rs, photo collage: Telegrafrs, Instagram/mmijatovic_official

A terrible tragedy that happened early yesterday morning in the Novi Sad settlement of Klisa, when three young people lost their lives, is most likely the result of speeding, Telegraf.rs has learned.

The accident happened at around 06:45 hours in Majke Jugovica Street, when a Golf with Zrenjanin license plates, driven by Robert F. (32) from Novi Becej, ended up on its roof, in a canal.

According to initial results from the investigation and traces recorded at the scene, it is suspected that the driver lost control of the vehicle in a sharp curve due to driving at an excessive speed. The car went off the road and flipped onto its roof, directly into the water.

The canal, which is about six meters wide, is only about 1.5 meters deep in this spot. It is assumed that the impact and the fall into the water left the passengers with no chance to survive.

Apart from the driver, passengers Kristina M. (34) from Belgrade and N.P. (27) from Novi Sad also died in the crushed vehicle. Upon arrival, the emergency medical team could only pronounce all three victims dead.

Drama during investigation

The operation to pull the vehicle out of the canal was extremely difficult and dramatic. Due to the inaccessible area and the position in which the car ended up, the rescuers had to use a tractor to first turn the Golf over, and then pull ig out of the water.

During the investigation, a new shock awaited the emergency personnel - a woman's bag was found in the muddy water of the canal. This caused fears that there had been a fourth person in the car, so the divers were urgently deployed to thoroughly search the bottom of the canal. Fortunately, it was determined that there were no additional victims.

The bodies were transported to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Novi Sad for autopsies, which will show whether the deaths occurred as a result of injuries sustained during the crash, or if the victims drowned.

The wreckage of the car will also undergo technical inspection.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: MUP

Deputy PM and Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dacic met on Wednesday in Belgrade with Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Botsan-Harchenko.

In the conversation with the Russian ambassador, Minister Dacic pointed out that the two countries maintain an active political dialogue, based on long-term friendship and successful cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, and expressed his deep gratitude for Russia's strong and consistent support towards preserving Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The interlocutors stressed the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries in all areas of mutual interest, such as the fight against organized and all other types of crime and cooperation in the emergency situations sector.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo collage:Instagram/mmijatovic_official

A horrific tragedy sent shock waves through Novi Sad this morning.

A fully submerged car that landed on its roof was discovered in a drainage canal in Majke Jugovica Street in the Klisa neighborhood of this northern Serbian city. The bodies of two men and one woman were found inside the car. According to unofficial information, the victims were on their way back from spending the morning fishing.

A Telegraf.rs portal reporter is at the scene and follows the entire dramatic situation on the ground.

Our reporter says that the approaches to the scene of the tragedy are completely blocked, secured by strong police forces. In addition to the police and the public prosecutor, there are firefighters-rescuers, a funeral company vehicle, while divers are still tirelessly searching the bottom of the canal.

Citizens first reported the accident at 09:15 hours

The first alarming report from citizens arrived at 09:15 hous, when passers-by spotted an overturned vehicle under water.

Institute for Emergency Medicine spokesman Dr. Zoran Krulj told the media that a medical team was dispatched to the scene as a priority after a call at 10:27 hours, but could only confirm that three people had died.

Metal cut through, divers working, wreckage removed

The extraction of the car was extremely dramatic and demanding due to the inaccessible location:

Firefighters-rescuers had to cut the bodywork of the car in the water in order to reach the cabin and pull out the victims.

Our reporter from the scene said that divers are still searching the muddy bottom of the canal to check if there are any more clues or objects important for the investigation.

After getting pulled out of the sunken car, the bodies of two men and a woman were taken for the autopsies.

The wreckage of the car was first pulled out of the mud onto the road with a tractor, after which it was taken over by a towing service, and will undergo emergency technical examination.

Prosecutor in charge of investigation

The on-site investigation continues under the direct supervision of the public prosecutor. The identity of the victims has not yet been officially announced, and the bodies were transported to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Novi Sad for autopsies, which will determine the exact cause of death and identify the victims.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Shutterstock

The editor of the Energija Balkana website Jelica Putnikovic said today that it is good that the operating license for Petroleum Industry of Serbia, NIS, and the license for MOL to negotiate the acquisition of the Russian share in NIS are separate, as well as that she expects that the US OFAC will extend the license that expires on July 31 and that there will be no shutdown of the Pancevo Refinery - something that happened last fall.

Putnikovic told Tanjug that even if OFAC decides that MOL is not the ideal buyer to whom Gazprom Neft should sell its shares in NIS, it does not mean that the Americans will not extend the operating license for NIS, since the two licenses are separate.

She added that the process of selling Russian shares in NIS should be completed as soon as possible so that the company can operate normally.

Asked how long the US will have patience over the sale of NIS and whether the understanding of the Americans can be influenced by the strategic dialogue that has been initiated between the US and Serbia, Putnikovic assessed that the strategic dialogue can certainly have an impact because she believes our representatives have presented in Washington that Serbia is very interested in NIS continuing to operate and completing the process of changing Russian ownership, as it is very important for Serbia's energy security.

She mentioned that NIS cannot develop, plan or complete some jobs, as well as that it cannot do normal business with foreign companies as long as it is under sanctions.

Asked whether the Russians would continue to supply Serbia with natural gas, if Serbia were forced to take over NIS, i.e. to buy the Russian share in the company, Putnikovic said that if OFAC stops the process of selling Russian shares to MOL and announces that it will impose total sanctions againstNIS, then Serbia will to come up with a back-up plan and reach an agreement with Moscow on ways to resolve the situation.

"What we have already heard from our politicians is that there will not be a hostile takeover of (the Russian stake) in NIS. There have been analysts who claim that this could have been done in another way, and that is still possible, however, since there the issue of Russian ownership in NIS is quite the hot topic, I believe that Serbia will not challenge the Russians precisely so that we don't run out of gas," she said.

Asked if a strategic dialogue with Washington can speed up Serbia's energy transition and tie it to new western energy corridors and supply chains in the long term, Putnikovic pointed out that when it comes to these corridors, Serbia is the country with the most developed network when it comes to energy cooperation and electricity transit, given that we have transmission grids connecting with all neighboring countries and an electricity exchange.

She added that Serbia is also building new gas pipelines in order to diversify the sources and directions of supply, which shows that Serbia has already started the energy transition.

"If the line were to be drawn, then the question is how much we are actually lagging behind some other countries, including some EU members. We should have as secure a domestic energy supply as possible. Since we do not have enough crude oil and natural gas, we have to turn to something else, and it's very good that the Bistrica hydroelectric power plant and Djerdap 3 will be built, which means that we will have enough electricity because electricity is the future," she noted.

When it comes to the importance of the strategic dialogue with the US on the issue of energy, Putnikovic said that the start of this dialogue shows that the US has decided to "enter" Serbia and the Balkans for geopolitical reasons in order to displace Russia and its influence in this region.

According to her, it is very important for Serbia to negotiate well with America regarding our energy security so that our country does not become dependent on the Americans in any sector, as it is now dependent on Russian gas.

(Telegraf Biznis/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug.rs

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic met today in Belgrade with a delegation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), led by Managing Director for South‑Eastern Europe Grzegorz Zielinski.

The meeting was held in the building of the General Secretariat of the President of the Republic in Belgrade, attended by Ministers of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijevic, and Minister of Environmental Protection Sara Pavkov.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development announced at the end of last year that it has invested 10 billion euros in Serbia since 2001, and that it wants to further strengthen its partnership with our country.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Printscreen: Tanjug/Live

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday received Ambassador of Germany to Serbia Anke Konrad on her farewell visit, and during the meeting he confirmed his strong commitment to further strengthening economic, institutional and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

"This farewell visit was a perfect opportunity to confirm with Ambassador Anke Konrad a strong commitment to further strengthening economic, institutional and strategic cooperation between our two countries," Vucic stated in a post on Instagram.

He stressed that the results of Ambassador Konrad's efforts left a mark on bilateral relations during her diplomatic mandate in Serbia.

Vucic added that they touched at numerous capital projects, primarily in the field of green transition and sustainable development, which "provided a strong impetus to our economy".

"I expressed my gratitude to Ambassador Konrad for the partnership and wished her success in her diplomatic career," said Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo generated by Gemini

This morning, very heavy rain was falling in the central, eastern and northeastern regions of Serbia, accompanied by showers in some places.

Photo: zoomEarth

Clouds bringing in precipitation are moving from west to east and during the night and early morning that brought rain to the western regions of Serbia, Kolubara, Sumadija, Macva districts, Belgrade, and the northern province of Vojvodina.

Photo: zoomEarth

As the morning continues and during early afternoon, it will rain in Pomoravlje, Podunavlje and in the Branicevo districst with a tendency to move towards the east of Serbia. The highest amount of precipitation is expected in these areas.

Photo: zoomEarth

It has stopped raining in the north of Serbia and the skies are currently clear.

This change in weather also brought a significant cooling.

Temperatures this morning ranged from 15 to 19 degrees Celsius, in Belgrade 16°C. Sjenica repoted 11, Zlatibor 10, and Kopaonik 8°C. Negotin was the warmest with 22°C.

Photo: meteociel

During the day, the sky will gradually clear up and there will be plenty of sunny spells, while showers with thunder are expected in the afternoon only in some places.

Maximum temperatures today will range from 24 to 28 degrees, in Belgrade up to 26 degrees.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Handout photo

Movement of Socialists leader Aleksandar Vulin spoke at an event to mark 18 years since the founding of the party, to state that the Movement of Socialists did not exit the executive branch of power in Serbia because he was not doing a good job, but because the EU said more than clearly that his presence in the Government of Serbia was unacceptable.

"I am the first minister, perhaps in the history of Europe, where the EU officially insisted that I must not be part of the government, and that wish was fulfilled. We (the party) were excluded from the government because we stubbornly and persistently represented the Serbian world and because we did not take into account whether it was time for the Serbian world and whether it would be accepted by the EU or anyone else," Vulin said, and added:

"I don't think that it was good for Serbia that we were not part of the executive power, I believe the voice of those who unconditionally reject that the possibility of the unification of the Serbs is not our last and most important task, had to ne heard. I don't think it's good that there was not a single voice in our government who could say that we will not unconditionally accept to clash with Russia or China because of any (EU accession negotiations) cluster and any blackmail that may come."

He added that he is infinitely grateful to ruling SNS leader Milos Vucevic for being there and for understanding it.

"As he said, whatever happens, our paths will cross when it comes to an independent, militarily neutral Serbia, which will never recognize Kosovo, which will never abandon the Serb Republic, which will never stop taking care of all Serbs wherever they live, Serbia which will never impose sanctions against the Russian Federation, which, when that blackmail to impose sanctions against Chinese capital or China comes - and it will come - will never agree to that, Serbia which will take care of itself and never allow it to be forgotten what it was like and how it was," said the leader of the Movement of Socialists.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Milos Milivojevic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic met today in Belgrade with Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Serbia Aleksandr Botsan Kharchenko.

The meeting was held in Villa Mir in Belgrade.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: MUP Srbije/Printscreen

Members of the Service for Combating Organized Crime (SBPOK) broke up an organized criminal group from Jagodina and arrested five people suspected of drug production and trafficking, while a search will be launched for another member of the group, who is not in Serbia.

The MUP announced that after several months of investigation, P.M. (21), M.B. (34), A.K. (37), M.J. (42) and M.M. (26) have been arrested. It is suspected that over a prolongued period of time they procured amphetamine oil and other precursors from unknown persons, which they then used for crystallization and production of amphetamine intended for the sale on the illegal market.

As can be seen in the video, members of the criminal group were arrested on the street, in front of a house, as well as in a bar. Members of the SBPOK and the Gendarmerie handcuffed them, searched the vehicle and the suspects, and then took them to the police station.

The suspects were arrested in the territory of Jagodina as they were trying to sell 10 kilograms of amphetamines.

During the operation, SBPOK members seized about 14.5 kilograms of amphetamines in total, as well as 50 grams of cocaine, about 200 grams of marijuana, a gas pistol, and 6,000 euros in cash, belived to be illegal gains from the sale of the narcotics.

Photo: MUP

By order of the competent prosecutor's office, the suspects are being detained for up to 48 hours by the police, after which they will be brought before the prosecution in Belgrade along with a criminal complaint.

At the same time, a criminal complaint will be filed against M.B. (43), who is a relative of one of the suspects, for the criminal offense of illegal production, possession, carrying and trafficking of weapons and explosive substances.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Jadranka Ilic

Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan Kharchenko said today that the talks between MOL and Gazprom Neft about NIS are ongoing and that such talks are difficult, but expressed hope that a final result would be reached and would be satisfactory for everyone.

"There have been some more statements and information these days, that is, assessments of the talks. We also heard from representatives of Gazprom Neft that talks of this kind are very complicated," Botsan Kharchenko told TV Prva, when asked if he thought that the final negotiations between MOL and Gazprom Neft would soon take place.

On July 1, the Hungarian oil company MOL received the approval from the US OFAC to continue negotiations with Gazprom Neft on the purchase of the Russian stake in NIS. The license lasts until July 31.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Treasury Department has extended the operating license for the continued operation of NIS, also until July 31.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Illustration; Photo: Tanjug/AP

The Trial Chamber of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague has rejected requests for the temporary release of two former leaders of the the terrorist so-called KLA ("Kosovo Liberation Army"), Kadri Veseli and Jakup Krasniqi. They are on trial for war crimes. The Chambers ordered their detention to be extended.

The panel determined that there are still risks that the accused could obstruct the course of the proceedings or commit new criminal acts, it was announced on the website of the Chambers.

Specialist Prosecutor Kimberly West stated in her explanation that there is a risk that the accused might intimidate witnesses and reminded that the verdict against the four former leaders of the so-called KLA will be pronounced on September 16, so their continued detention is not a disproportionate measure.

Former leaders of the so-called KLA - Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi - are charged on the basis of individual criminal responsibility with six counts of crimes against humanity, and four counts of war crimes.

They have been detained in The Hague since their arrest in November 2020.

During 1998 and 1999, the terrorist KLA committed numerous crimes, murders and kidnappings targeting Yugoslav Army and Serbian police members, as well as Serbs and other non-Albanian civilians in Kosovo and Metohija, but also ethnic Albanians who did not accept to become KLA members or helpers.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: PINK, instagram.com/192_rs/

19-year-old Vuk Matic, who was seriously injured in a traffic accident near Ruma, died after more than two and a half months of fighting for his life.

Vuk was seriously injured in a horrific traffic crash that happened on April 27 on the Sabac-Belgrade highway, when a driver moving in the wrong direction crashed his Ford into the vehicle the victim was traveling in.

On that fateful day, four lives were extinguished, while Vuk Matic, although seriously injured, started the most difficult battle of his life.

For days, weeks and months his family, friends and all good-hearted people believed in a miracle. They hoped he would manage to recover, make his loved ones smile again and continue the life that was just beginning. Unfortunately, the outcome was different.

Vuk Matic will be laid to rest on Friday, July 17, in Belgrade.

Beside him, Lenka R. (22), Vuk G. (20) and Dejan DJ. (24) died instantly during the crash that happened near the village of Hrtkovci. The driver of the Golf, 24-year-old M.P., died a short while later in the hospital.

Vuk Matic suffered severe, life-threatening injuries, after which his family made an appeal on social media for everyone who is able to donate blood for him.

Just three minutes before the collision, at 12:57 hours, a warning appeared on a local Viber group, reading, "A man is driving the wrong way at 130 kilometers per hour, be careful!"

Unfortunately, the young people in the Golf did not see the message. At 13:00 hours, the head-on collision occurred.

The driver of the Ford was identified as Miodrag Piperin (48) from Belgrade.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Handout photo

Prime Minister of Serbia Djuro Macut continued his regular consultations with members of the Government and today discussed the state of public finances, current economic trends and priority activities aimed at preserving macroeconomic stability and protecting the standard of citizens with First Deputy PM and Minister of Finance Sinisa Mali.

The interlocutors discussed the decision made at today's session of the Government of Serbia regarding an additional reduction of excise duties on oil derivatives, by a total of 20 percent, which is one of the measures aimed at preserving the supply stability and protecting the domestic market from the negative consequences stemming from disruptions in international flows.

Special attention was paid to the latest report published by the Fitch agency about Serbia's credit rating, which confirms that international financial institutions trust the responsible economic policy of Serbia, and is additional confirmation of the stability of the country's public finances. Potential risks on the international financial markets due to the continuation of war conflicts, as well as their possible impact on the energy market and overall economic trends, were also discussed.

The reform package containing 22 laws under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance was another topic. This package has been sent to the European Commission for its opinion. It was assessed that the package represents an important step in the continuation of the reform process and Serbia's EU integration.

Sinisa Mali informed the prime minister about the dynamics of work and preparations for EXPO 2027, in which 140 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation so far, which is proof of Serbia's international reputation and the importance of this project for the economic development of the country.

A special part of the conversation was devoted to measures to protect the living standard of citizens. Macut insisted on speeding up the completion of all necessary legal activities in order to expedite the realization of the assistance program for the most vulnerable persons, including financial support and measures to reduce prices of medications, something announced by President Aleksandar Vucic.

At the same time, the prime minister ordered Mali to undetake all available measures in coordination with all relevant institutions to preserve price stability, stressing that the protection of citizens' standard of living is one of the most important priorities of the Government of Serbia.

Macut and Mali also discussed the continuation of negotiations with representative trade unions on the minimum wage. The interlocutors assessed that it is necessary to achieve a sustainable solution that will ensure further growth of wages, while preserving the competitiveness of the economy and macroeconomic stability.

The prime minister assessed that the Government of Serbia will continue to lead a responsible economic policy, aimed at preserving financial stability, accelerating reform processes, implementing development projects and improving the quality of life of all citizens.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav

President Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday spoke briefly with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Their encounter took place in Kyiv, during the fifth Ukraine-Southeastern Europe Summit.

"I spoke with the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, about Serbia's European path and the next steps in the process of European integration. I thanked her for her personal commitment and support she provides to Serbia on its European path, with the belief that we will continue to improve cooperation with the European Union through open dialogue and a responsible approach," Vucic stated in a post on Instagram.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was in Ukraine yesterday where he represent Serbia at the summit.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric will today, at the invitation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, participate in a ministerial conference dedicated to the fight against political terrorism. This gathering is being held in Washington.

The conference will bring together ministers and top officials from more than 60 countries.

According to announcements, this will be an opportunity for discussions about strengthening international cooperation in the field of security and exchange of experiences, while a number of bilateral meetings between the heads of diplomacy are planned on the sidelines of the conference.

As he continues his visit to Washington, Djuric will also visit the NASA headquarters. The minister said Serbia will join the Artemis space program by signing a series of cooperation agreements between Serbia and NASA.

According to him, the agreements "will open the door wide for our institutions, institutes, and companies to get involved in space research."

Djuric is in Washington forthe opening of a strategic dialogue between Serbia and the United States, which should, for the first time in history, raise relations between the two countries to the strategic partnership level.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/AP

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday in Kyiv, where he participated in the fifth Southeastern Europe - Ukraine summit, that he held three important meetings: with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, Romanian President Nicusor Dan, and Prime Minister of Slovenia Janez Jansa, and had a short conversation with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Vucic told reporters after the summit that he and Dan discussed "the increasingly strong cooperation between Serbia and Romania."

"We have this good relationship, not only of mutual respect, but also (supporting) the territorial integrity. Romania, as you know, did not recognize Kosovo, and neither did Ukraine, and they are very firm on that. Special thanks to President Zelensky for showing respect toward the territorial integrity of our country, which is very important for us," Vucic said, according to Tanjug.

He added that Serbia always adheres to the UN Charter and resolutions of the United Nations and respects territorial integrity.

Vucic said that he and Dan also spoke about the Djerdap 3 hydropower plant on the Danube.

"Tomorrow (Thursday), our minister is going to sign a memorandum of understanding regarding Djerdap 3. It's a huge investment that changes our future in many ways and gives us the capacity and the chance to cope with the increasing demands for huge amounts of electricity, especially in terms of balancing electricity. But, we finally managed to speed it up with the help of the United States, and if we manage to build it together with the Romanians, it's a great thing for all of us," said Vucic.

He added that they also discussed roads and added that within a few days, Serbia will receive Romania's answer to the question which route they want to connect Timisoara with Serbia - whether they want to go to Vatin and Vrsac or to Zrenjanin.

"We said: whatever they want, whichever section of the road they want to build, we will build a high-speed road at least up to that point; with this we will connect Banat with Romania, fully with Timisoara, and solve that," said Vucic.

He added that the Belgrade-Zrenjanin highway is being built in Serbia and said that "we are ready to fully build the Belgrade-Vrsac-Vatin high-speed road."

"We are ready to connect with Romania, we talked about more energy connections between Serbia and Romania," stated Vucic.

As for the declaration adopted at the summit, Vucic said, "I am the only one who did not put my signature on it. When you see the text, you will understand why."

"As for (EU official) Koopman, he is a top professional, he has helped Serbia. We will continue to work (toward EU accession), but our life does not depend on it. We have overtaken many countries in terms of economy and the standard of living. Merit is not always the only criterion (for membership). The six largest (EU) members said that we have met (the conditions to open Cluster 3). We shouldn't despair," Kurir quoted the president as saying.

"Regarding me not accepting reality. I'm not sure that the future is as bright as Edi Rama sees it, as far as the southern Serbian province (Kosovo) is concerned. I hope we will resolve everything peacefully."

This was Vucic's fifth participation in the summit.

"All anyone talks about is arming. Enthusiasm for Ukrainian drones and military power is noticeable."

Regarding an opinion poll published by CRTA, according to which the so-called student electoral list would receive 10 percent more votes than the ruling SNS, Vucic said:

"They will have to explain where the students lost their support. Remember this. They are doing this because they know it's their last chance to do something. So that they can carry out the idea of ​​violently overthrowing the constitutional order. They mistakenly believe that they will convince someone."

Vucic assessed that Minister Paunovic's statement (that she would have ethnically cleansed Kosovo and Metohija in 1998) was careless and irresponsible and added that it was neither his policy nor that of the Government of Serbia, Kurir reported.

"Our policy is peace, stability, no ethnic cleansing."

President Vucic participated in the Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summit and pointed out that he came to Kyiv to present Serbia's positions on all important issues, and that the focus of the gathering was EU integration, as well as concrete steps to strengthen economic stability and energy security.

"This summit is an opportunity to openly discuss all important issues and challenges we face. The presence of key European and regional decision-makers, whose influence directly shapes the future of Europe, gives special weight to these discussions," Vucic stated in a post on the Instagram account "buducnostsrbijeav".

He pointed out that the goal of his participation was to present Serbia's position.

"I came to Kyiv to present Serbia's positions on all important issues at this important moment, with gratitude to the Ukrainian hosts for their exceptional hospitality," Vucic said.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Nikola Tomic

An international conference entitled,"Partners in a Changing World: Central and Eastern Europe, America, Israel and the New Middle East" was held in the Serbian National Assembly, whose president, Ana Brnabic, said that Serbia highly values ​​the strategic relationship with the United States of America, pointing out that the upcoming launch of a strategic dialogue with Washington is one of the most important achievements for our country in the last few decades.

During the gathering, which was organized by the Serbian-American Friendship Congress, Brnabic also referred to relations with Israel, stressing that Serbia deeply values ​​the partnership with this country. She stated that the friendship between the two nations rests on mutual respect, historical suffering and a sincere willingness to understand and support each other in difficult times.

She recalled her visit to Israel last year came at a very challenging moment, which further strengthened her belief in the necessity of direct dialogue.

Speaking about global circumstances, the president of the Assembly assessed that the "international landscape" is changing faster than could have been imagined just a few years ago, and that uncertainty has become a key feature.

"In such times, countries naturally look for reliable partners. However, such partnerships do not appear overnight and are not created only when circumstances require it, but are patiently built over years and decades - through dialogue, consistency and mutual trust that partners will remain constructive even in difficult moments," Brnabic said.

Brnabic said that the value of today's conference lies in the gathering of people who believe that dialogue is the strongest foundation for lasting cooperation, adding that there is no more appropriate place for such a discussion than the Assembly itself.

"Throughout history, parliaments have been places where societies face difficult issues through debate, not through confrontation; through dialogue, not through division," she said.

At the end of her address, Brnabic concluded that in today's world, parliamentary diplomacy far exceeds a mere addition to traditional diplomacy, becoming an irreplaceable channel for building trust and creating lasting institutional ties in increasingly challenging international circumstances.

In the introductory part of the conference today, KSAP President Vladimir Marinkovic and Vice President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) Ivan Bosnjak addressed the audience.

President of the Serbian-American Friendship Congress (Serbian initials: KSAP) Vladimir Marinkovic said today that there is nothing more natural and logical than for Serbia, Israel and the US to be allies and strategic partners, because throughout history they have shared the same values, and stated that in the changed geopolitical circumstances, Serbia wants to be a bridge between the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and Israel and the US.

"There was no better moment for this conference to happen. I would like to thank our friends from the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee for their great support and trust, as well as the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia for all the support of the business community, for the development of our economic cooperation, which further motivates political cooperation and military cooperation and joint affairs and arrangements between Serbia, Israel and America," Marinkovic said at the meeting organized by KSAP.

He stated that today's conference is dedicated to cooperation in the field of security, new technologies, information technologies, innovations, as well as the culture of memory and the joint struggle of the three states and peoples against historical revisionism.

Vice President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) Ivan Bosnjak said today that the US and Israel are very important political, economic and strategic partners to Serbia and stated that relations with these countries are developing through continuous dialogue, mutual understanding and increasingly intensive cooperation.

Bosnjak said that the international conference "Partners in a Changing World: Central and Eastern Europe, America, Israel and the New Middle East", which is being held in the Aseembly of Serbia, is taking place in complex geopolitical circumstances, as building stable relations based on trust is important for Serbia's international positioning and its connection with global partners.

"For Serbia, it's important that good political cooperation and established partnerships with the US and Israel are additionally strengthened through concrete economic and business projects. This is precisely why the economic sector plays a key role in turning political trust into new investments, knowledge exchange, development of innovations and strengthening of the capacities of domestic companies", Bosnjak said at the meeting organized by the Serbian-American Friendship Congress.

Today's conference brings together high-ranking Serbian state officials, as well as high-ranking officials and experts from the US, Israel, and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

(Telegraf.rs)

Illustration; Photo: Shutterstock

Horror in a Belgrade neighborhood! Telegraf unofficially learned that a 39-year-old man, N.M, suffered multiple wasp stings and eventually died in a local Healthcare Center.

According to initial information, on Tuesday evening N.M. was attacked by a swarm of wasps, which stung him on the head and neck. He fell ill and was immediately transported to the Healthcare Center.

The doctors tried to treat him, but unfortunately he died soon after. The body has been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for an autopsy.

Death from a wasp sting is most often the result of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock), which can develop very quickly.

However, the cause of death in this case will be known only after the autopsy, so for now it is not known whether it was the allergic reaction that had led to the fatal outcome.

Doctors are meantime waning people that in case an insect sting causes the swelling of the tongue or throat, difficul breathing, dizziness or loss of consciousness, this is a condition that requires them to immediately seek emergency medical help.

According to eyewitnesses, N.M., a father of three, was trying to help a neighbor who had just given birth by moving the furtniture in her apaprtment, when he inadvertently upset a wasp nest that had settled there.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Private archive

21-year-old Mexican tourist Diego Alonso Flores went missing on July 13 near Ploce Beach, in Krimovica near Budva, on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro.

His friends, who contacted the newsroom of the Montenegrin daily Vijesti, said that Flores was last seen between 17:00 and 18:00 hours that day, after which he went out to take a walk along the beach.

Since then, he seemingly dropped off the face of the earth, having never teturned to his accommodations.

Vijesti was told by the police that they received a missing persons report and that the prosecutor's office has been informed about it.

Flores has curly, dark brown hair and was wearing sunglasses and navy blue swimming shorts when he was last seen.

Members of the public who have any information relevant to the case are urged to contact the police.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Handout photo

The leader of the Movement of Socialists,Aleksandar Vulin, said on the occasion of the anniversary of the Berlin Congress, that Serbia must not forget all those who built their lives into the country's freedom.

Vulin reminded that on July 13, 1878, Serbia's renewed independence was internationally recognized at the Berlin Congress, assessing that freedom was not a gift from great powers, but the result of the Serb people's long-term struggle.

According to him, the Congress would not have happened without the Herzegovina Uprising, that is, the so-called Nevesinje Rifle event from 1875, adding that the Serbs in the what was then the occupying Turks' Bosnian Vilayet fought for years and died for the freedom of Serbia.

Speaking about the historical circumstances, Vulin assessed that the Serbs did not unite at the time, nor after each of the two world wars. He noted that Serbia must not forget the insurgents such as Pero Tunguz, Mica Ljubibratic, and Golub Babic, who he stated gave their lives so that the Serbs would not live divided.

"Serbia must not forget that Serbs died for its freedom wherever they happened to be born, and that Serb (nation) is one thing, while Serbia is a common fatherland," said Vulin.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Live

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has arrived in Kyiv, where he will represent Serbia at the "Southeast Europe-Ukraine" summit. After attending the military parade in Paris marking the French National Day, the president traveled to the Ukrainian capital, from where he posted an update early this morning on his official Instagram account.

Vucic confirmed that he took a long and demanding journey but stressed that he is ready for the upcoming diplomatic activities and to represent his country's interests.

"After Paris, I traveled throughout the afternoon and all night, via Moldova and central Ukraine, to reach Kyiv. I'm a little tired, but I will fight for and protect Serbia," the president wrote.

The summit continues a series of meetings held in this format, and the Serbian president recalled previous locations where regional cooperation and support for Ukraine were discussed.

"After Odessa, Athens, Dubrovnik, and Tirana, it's now the turn for Kyiv. I believe we will have a successful summit, support one another on the European path, and strengthen bilateral cooperation," Vucic wrote, highlighting Serbia's main objectives at the gathering.

However, participation in the summit also brings significant diplomatic challenges. While in Paris, speaking to reporters, the president openly acknowledged that reaching agreement among the participants would not be easy, primarily because of the proposed text of the joint declaration.

"Of course, cooperation is always good. So far, I've attended four such meetings - in Odessa, Dubrovnik, Athens, and Tirana. But this one won't be simple either, given the proposed declaration and all the rest of it," Vucic told journalists in France.

In addition to taking part in the summit's plenary sessions, several important bilateral meetings are expected to take place. Vucic previously announced that he was expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he plans to discuss geopolitical challenges and further development of relations between the two countries.

As was the case during previous gatherings, the Serbian delegation will focus on safeguarding Serbia's national interests, respecting international law and territorial integrity, while also promoting regional partnership and economic cooperation.

(Telegraf.rs)

From 9 PM, two footballing giants will battle for a place in the grand final, with the atmosphere in America reaching its peak ahead of one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

A Telegraf reporter is on site, among the fans, celebrities and guests who have arrived to witness a clash that could define the entire championship.

Among those who attracted huge attention were Victoria and David Beckham. The legendary English footballer and his wife arrived at the stadium ahead of the semi-final, and the Telegraf team captured their arrival.

Beckham, one of the most famous footballers of all time and a player who left a lasting mark on the global game, was among the many sporting icons who did not want to miss the highly anticipated showdown between France and Spain.

Interest in the match is enormous, as the reigning European champions face a star-studded national team packed with world-class talent. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, are aiming for another major final, while Spain’s impressive generation continues to prove that they can compete with the very best.

Telegraf brings you the atmosphere from the heart of the world’s biggest football spectacle.

Watch David and Victoria Beckham’s arrival:

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: TanjugLive/Printscreen

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was on Tuesday in Paris, where he attended a military parade on the occasion of the French national holiday.

The president afterwards addressed the citizens at home.

"We are not part of the European Union or NATO, and that is why I am particularly grateful to the president of France for the exceptional support and respect he showed to Serbia, because we are not even part of the 'Coalition of the Willing' that was formed in February 2023. These are the countries that stand for robust support for Ukraine and that created that alliance to provide enormous help to that country," he said.

It was good to be a citizen of Serbia today, he added, especially to represent Serbia on Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde.

"I hope we will have the opportunity to repay our French friends for that, sometime in the future. I also took the opportunity to speak with Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council, with Kier Starmer, the British prime minister, with Nikos Christodoulides, the president of Cyprus, and Alexander Stubb, the president of Finland. Additionally, I spoke with, I would say, some other very important people, once again with Mark Rutte, and yes, I briefly exchanged opinions," the president said today.

He pointed out that, unfortunately, some other things that come as news are not particularly favorable for anyone in the world, especially not for our country.

"I'm especially referring to the newly announced tariffs for those countries that import Russian gas and oil; we don't import Russian oil, but we do import Russian gas."

"So I hope that the beginning of the strategic dialogue with the United States will give us, that is, on Friday, the opportunity to discuss all these things and to try to solve these issues in a slightly different way, and to ask for some kind of understanding from the American side for Serbia. The continuation of the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the intensification of the conflict in Ukraine, is very bad news, because it leads to, speaking of very practical things, to a tremendous increase in oil prices."

"So, yesterday the price was 78.3 dollars per barrel, today this morning it was already 85.4, and if the conflicts continue, it will be at 90, and that will take us back again. Today, the price of diesel would be 247 dinars (per liter), so just to keep that in mind, we are losing huge money as a state due to the reduction of excise taxes."

"I know that people are not very interested in that, but they should know that it's very difficult, very difficult to withstand, to lose 27 dinars on every liter, and then it becomes clear how much the state loses and how the state has to bear the burden."

"Accordingly, I will propose to the minister of finance and the Government of Serbia to lower our excise taxes again by Friday, to 20%, to reduce our revenues by 20%, i.e. from the excise tax on oil, so that we can keep a normal price, a decent price for the people, to prevent any kind of surprise concerning the spiral of inflation. These are the real problems we are facing," Vucic said today.

(Telegraf.rs)

UKP officers; Photo: MUP Srbije

By order of the Public Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime, in cooperation with the UKP (criminal investigations police), the Service for Combating Organized Crime and as part of a joint investigation by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria aimed at uncovering and breaking up aninternational network of people smugglers - with the support of EUROPOL - five persons, including two police officers, were detained today in the territory of the town of Pirot in Serbia.

"This organized criminal group is accused of committing the criminal offense of illegal crossing of the state border and people smuggling," the prosecution said in a statement.

It added that the organized criminal group was led by N.DZ. - who on nine occasions organized the illegal crossing of the border between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Serbia, and then organized illegal transit and stay of irregular migrants, from the vicinity of the state border, to Belgrade.

The suspicion is that this organized criminal group, from January to July of this year, enabled at least 201 irregular migrants to illegally cross the state border between Serbia and Bulgaria, illegally stay in the Vlasinsko Lake area, as well as illegally transport them through the territory of Serbia with the aim of the migrants eventually illegally reaching EU countries.

"It is suspected that the role of police officers was to provide information about patrols and their movement routes, as well as police officers' work schedule. On several occasions the police officers who have been arrested drove their cars with the task of informing other members of the organized criminal group about possible patrols on the way to places where irregular migrants would disembark near Belgrade, that is, they would move in front of a van transporting migrants, to 'clear the road'. It is suspected that the police officers received at least 700 euros from the organizers for each transit they were involved in," the prosecution said.

After spending (up to 48 hours) in police detention, all the arrested persons will be brought to the Public Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime, and will have criminal complaints filed against them.

(Telegraf.rs)

Illustration; Photo: Telegraf.rs

A serious traffic accident occurred this morning in Veliki Crljeni near Lazarevac, when a passenger train and a car collided at an unsecured, unofficial level crossing, Telegraf.rs has learned.

According to initial information obtained by Telegraf.rs, the accident happened around 09:35 hours on the Belgrade - Bar railway line, when a passenger train hit the car driven by a 74-year-old man.

He was injured and transported by private vehicle to the infirmary in Veliki Crljeni, where the doctors diagnosed wounds to his head and left arm, and as Telegraf.rs has learned, the man was conscious and able to communicate after the accident.

After receiving first aid, the victim was transported by ambulance to the Emergency Center in Belgrade for further diagnosis and treatment.

Railway traffic on this part of the Belgrade - Bar railway was suspended this morning.

The police were at the scene to investigate, and will later announces the details concerning this traffic accident.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric says that a decision was made in Washington this morning to start a strategic dialogue between Serbia and the United States, and added that the first session is scheduled for Friday, July 17.

Djuric pointed out that for the first time in history, Serbia and the US are raising their relations to the level of a strategic partnership.

"This means that the US and the administration of President (Donald) Trump are sending a strong message not only to Serbia and our administration and our people, but a strong message to American institutions that Serbia is perceived as a partner and as a friendly country. This is something we have been working on for many years, something that, in a professional sense, is one of the more serious achievements for all our diplomats who fought for it, and of course for the Government and for all of us in Serbia," Djuric told RTS.

He added that at the invitation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he is traveling to Washington today, where he will participate in a summit on Thursday.

"But what will be happening on Friday is (making) diplomatic and, I would say, political history in relations between Serbia and the US. I think that the economy and citizens and the international position and reputation of Serbia will be additionally strengthened by this," said Djuric.

He thanked President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic for supporting the process.

"President Vucic has supported our efforts to improve relations with the US for years, and I am very happy and satisfied that I can announce this today," said Djuric.

Speaking about the importance of this strategic dialogue for the citizens and for the positioning of Serbia, Djuric said that the establishment of the dialogue places Serbia in the circle of countries that Washington has the highest level of institutional cooperation with.

"If we were to draw a parallel between relations with the EU and the US, this is 'the American cluster for Serbia' (reference to EU accession talks). This is putting Serbia in a completely different drawer," said Djuric, stressing that today Serbia is "in a situation in which not even (former) Yugoslavia was - to be officially recognized as one of the strategic partners of the US."

He assessed that the establishment of the strategic dialogue with the US is "a Serbian national interest that is important because of key national issues such as Kosovo and Metohija, the Serb Republic, and maintaining domestic stability".

"Last year, we enjoyed serious understanding from the administration of President Donald Trump for solving problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina and we managed to solve certain problems," said the head of Serbian diplomacy.

He pointed out that the strategic dialogue is also important for the economy and that it is a signal to investors. He cited Hungary as an example, which "made a quantum leap in its economy when it received the status of a strategic partner".

"Numerous American financial institutions, numerous American tech and other companies have started to use Budapest to operate towards Europe. This is a significant step for us," concluded Djuric.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic last night attended a gala dinner organized by French President Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of the French national holiday, which gathered heads of state and government.

"In Paris, on the eve of the celebration of the National Day of France and Bastille Day, which symbolizes the values ​​of freedom, equality and community, I had the opportunity to talk with numerous European and world leaders about the most important challenges we are facing today," he stated in a post on Instagram, and added:

"France is one of the most important partners of Serbia and I am convinced that we will continue to build relations based on mutual trust, respect and common interests. In times of complex international circumstances, dialogue, cooperation and understanding remain the most important way to preserve peace, stability and prosperity.

It is of crucial importance for our country to be present where the future of Europe and the world is being discussed and to consistently protect its state and national interests."

A large military parade will be held in Paris today, with Aleksandar Vucic in attendance.

This is the first time that a Serbian president has received an invitation to attend the military parade on the occasion of France's national day.

Vucic will represent the only country that is neither a member of NATO nor the EU, nor of "the Coalition of the Willing".

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Pritscreen Instagram buducnostsrbijeav

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic spoke today by phone with Italian Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani about current European and regional issues, the relations between Serbia and Italy and the possibilities for their further improvement.

"We exchanged opinions about Serbia's EU integration, continued reforms and the role of Italy in that process, as well as the further strengthening of the partnership between our countries in areas of mutual interest," Vucic announced in a post on Instagram.

The president added that he thanked Italy for its consistent and principled attitude towards the EU perspective of Serbia and said that he believes that the two countries, through mutual respect and constant communication, will continue to develop relations for the benefit of the citizens of Serbia and Italy.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Gemini

This week the weather in Serbia will be hot, but also more unstable than in the previous period.

Monday will be mostly dry, with localized showers and thunder in the afternoon, mostly on hills and mountains.

Maximum temperatures will range from 28 to 32, in Belgrade up to 30°C.

It will be sunny in much of Serbia on Tuesday, increasingly overcast towards the end of the day.

Temperatures will be from 30 to 34, in Belgrade up to 32°C.

Starting on Wednesday until the end of the week, it will be very hot, but also unstable, with showers and thunderstorms in places.

This will be most pronounced in the north of Serbia, in the province of Vojvodina, with storms also forecast to hit localized areas.

Temperatures will go up to 35-36 degrees, and this will be accompanied with high humidity.

Belgrade and Vojvodina will also experience nights when the minimum temperature never drops below 20°C.

Citizens are advised to protect themselves from very high levels of UV radiation.

Given that there will be conditions for thunderstorms, the advisory is to follow information and warnings updated by the competent services.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Telegraf.rs

Residents of Miami Beach witnessed a large explosion that shook a good part of this neighborhood, which luckily did not results in any deaths. Three people were injured and hospitalized, but are expected to recover.

The blast was heard around 20:00 local time last night. A Telegraf reporter who was there covering the World Cup happened to be in the immediate vicinity, a few hundred meters away.

The explosion shook the entire area filled with restaurants and bars, causing a power outage.

Immediately after, our crew went out to investigate what happened.

It's highly unusual to see so much police in Serbia even when dealing with extremely serious incidents. Fortunately, there were no victims, because the explosion, as the police officers at the scene told us, took place in the basement of a large store.

The area around that and several other stores was blocked for pedestrians, and the police also blocked several other surrounding streets for traffic.

The incident happened on the intersection of Lincoln and Collins streets.

After the explosion, a fire broke out, but firefighters managed to contain it. We also filmed the moment when firefighters helped one of the injured people.

There were also some bizarre scenes, involving young people taking selfies in front of firetrucks and flashing police vehicles.

Take a look at that it was like:

(Telegraf.rs)

Printscreen: Tanjug/Live

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met today in Belgrade with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu, with whom he discussed current security and political challenges in the region and Europe, as well as the role of the OSCE in preserving peace, security and mutual trust.

"We spoke about continuing cooperation, implementing reforms, improving the electoral process and strengthening democratic institutions. I pointed out that Serbia remains consistently committed to a responsible and serious policy, based on respecting international law, dialogue and peacekeeping," Vucic said in a post on Instagram.

He added that he and the OSCE secretary general also discussed the situation in the region, and that both assessed that stability and a responsible approach are of key importance for the future of the Western Balkans.

"I am convinced that only a responsible relationship, mutual respect and consistent respect for assumed obligations can contribute to strengthening trust and a more secure future for all citizens," President Vucic stated.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Facebook/VATROGASNA JEDINICA KOTOR

A 21-year-old woman from Serbia was killed and 16 others injured on Sunday in a traffic accident that happened yesterday on the Kotor-Niksic road in Montenegro.

All the passengers in the van were Serbian citizens. The vehicle suffered complete damange in the crash, and according to the authorities, the young person died despite an attempt at resuscitation.

This was announced yesterday evening by the director of the Special Hospital for Orthopedics, Neurosurgery and Neurology in Risan, Dino Panjako.

"A total of 17 patients were admitted, of which 14 were kept for treatment in our institution. Three patients were in serious condition, one of whom died after resuscitation attempts due to severe bodily injuries to internal organs," Panjako told the daily Pobjeda.

The doctor added that of the 14 patients who were kept in the hospital, five are in intensive care, and others are also being treated for serious injuries.

The director of the hospital said that they were citizens of Serbia who were vacationing in Boka Kotorska, and who, as far as he was aware, were on a day trip to the Ostrog Monastery. The accident happened on the way back, writes Pobjeda.

A child, who was admitted right after the accident, was resuscitated and is now in a clinic in Podgorica where the treatment continues, Panjako said, adding that several children were injured, the others with minor wounds.

The doctor also stated that at this point, none of the patients are in a life-threatening condition.

(Telegraf.rs)

Printscreen: Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday visited the EXPO construction site in the Belgrade municipality of Surcin, along with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Sinisa Mali.

"We are doing great things. Despite my fears and constant questions, will we get it done - at this moment I can say that I see the light at the end of the tunnel. With great work and effort, we will overcome all obstacles and present Serbia to the world in the best possible way," Vucic stated in a post on the Instagram account "buducnostsrbijeav".

In another post, the president revealed how he spent the morning.

"A tour of EXPO (site) in impossible conditions. At least I ruined Sinisa's Sunday morning," Vucic is heard saying in an Instagram postshowing him driving with Minister Mali as his passenger.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Rade Prelic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said today that he fully supports the proposal made by the leader of the opposition Democratic Party (DS) that an investigation should be launched into how officials bought villas abroad, and reiterated that he does not own any property outside of Serbia.

Vucic was on Pink TV when he was asked to comment on the DS leader saying that the investigation should be launched, claiming that houses have been bought in Trieste (Italy), Greece, France, Spain. The repsident said that this was "an exceptional idea coming from ​​the leader of a once-respectable party" - and that he fully supports it.

"I think it's super important to look into that. Because whoever has held public office and who could somehow acquire the wealth needed (to buy) villas in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, anywhere. Maybe they earned the money doing some other job, but it's good for him to tell people, because I think it's fair that people know that," said Vucic.

The president added that he has no problem with that, and that he himself owns neither a house nor an apartment anywhere outside of Serbia, while his father renovated a small family home in the village of Cipuljic near Bugojno (in Bosnia and Herzegovina) - one of eight or nine homes belonging to the Vucic family that were burned down or demolished there.

"We don't own holiday homes in Montenegro, nor in Croatia, thank God, nor anywhere else," said Vucic.

He stressed that he would like the investigation to spread to locations around the world because, "then people would see that I was telling the truth."

"I tried to find out about one of those places because I was atonished when I saw how many Serbians wanted to get the 'golden passports' from other (countries). I guess people have some needs, although our passport is better than that country's passport, it's worth more than that country's passport and you can go to more places without a visa than if you have that country's passport. I was astonished by how many of our citizens buy real estate (there), but that shows that life is good here," stated Vucic.

Addressing the campaign run by his political opponents, he pointed out that they resort to many lies, such as the one about the use of a sonic cannon (during anti-government protests last year).

"Now, look at their statements, the disgraceful statements given to the police, 'It wasn't me (who made the claim), I saw that one write it, then I protected my client, then I protected my students, I protected I don't know who' - and it's nobody. And nobody is who? That's what the prosecutor will say. The prosecutor and the police are working and they will do it, show and prove to the whole world where the falsehood started," said Vucic.

He added that some very interesting information will be revealed.

"How they talked from certain channels, how they added and made things up - (claimed) it was infrared activity, this, the other. There will be very interesting information for the public to learn," stated Vucic.

When asked if someone will be held accountable for that, Vucic said that someone will certainly be held accountable in the case of a made-up death that supposedly happened in Valjevo (during one of the protests).

"Valjevo, the whole case of the fabricated death and serious injuries of a young man from Valjevo, which was supposed to lead to a civil war, and the whole story about Jovanjica (drug farm), which we have now fully established, we will soon present to you with the evidence. Some representatives of the state authorities, that is, the Security and Information Agency, participated in that dirty business," said President Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Sava Radovanovic

Minister of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Milica Djurdjevic Stamenkovski says that the issue of the status of the Serbian language in Montenegro is not only a language issue, but one of respect for the democratic will of the citizens, equality before the Constitution, and the right not to be treated like a second-class citizen because of the language you speak.

"If Montenegro is founded on democracy and the rule of law, then it is time to include in its Constitution what the citizens have clearly expressed during the census - that the Serbian language, which is spoken by the majority of (Montenegrin) citizens, deserves the status of an official language," Djurdjevic Stamenkovski said in a post on Instagram.

She wondered how it is possible that the language (Petar Petrovic) Njegos spoke and wrote in, cannot be an official language in Montenegro today.

Djurdjevic Stamenkovski pointed out that, according to the last population census, the majority of Montenegrin citizens (43.18 percent, i.e. 269,307 people) said that their language is Serbian, and added that if democracy is based on respecting the will of the people, then it is natural to ask why this will is not reflected in the constitutional status of the Serbian language in Montenegro.

"No one is asking for any other language to be abolished or suppressed. We are asking that the language spoken by the majority of citizens has the status that corresponds to the reality and the principle of equality," the minister said.

She pointed out that in North Macedonia, the Albanian language, which is spoken by 25 percent of the population, is fully equal in status with the (North) Macedonian language, while in Montenegro there is no similar mechanism that would ensure full institutional protection of the rights of the majority of citizens, who speak the Serbian language.

On Thursday, members of the Assembly of Montenegro adopted the Draft Amendments XVII to XXI to the Constitution. The proposal to make Serbian an official language was not included.

70 deputies voted to approve the draft as it was, while two MPs from the DNP party voted against it.

DNP deputy Milan Knezevic reiterated that his party will not give up on the demand to include Serbian among the official languages in the Constitution of Montenegro.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Rade Prelic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic met today in Belgrade with Mexican Ambassador Carlos Felix Corona, with whom he discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, current geopolitical situations and opportunities for further improvement of cooperation.

"The fact that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Mexico is a special pleasure, a significant anniversary that testifies to the long friendship, mutual respect and partnership that we want to continue to develop," Vucic stated in a post on Instagram.

He added that he thanked Mexico for its principled stance and consistent support for international law, as well as for not recognizing the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo.

"We extremely value such a relationship and I believe that we will continue to develop political, economic, cultural and any other cooperation of mutual interest," stated President Vucic.

Vucic also hopes that "there will soon be an opportunity to exchange high-level visits, which will further improve relations between the two countries".

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Printscreen

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic announced earlier the launch of the "Ko si bre ti" (Serbian for, "Who the hell are you") portal, and today that platform was officially launched.

By clicking on this link or visiting www.kosibreti.rs, citizens can start using the site, which states to guarantee the anonymity of everyone who wants to report a problem.

Citizens can report corruption, and other types of abuses and irregularities that affect the public interest, and according to the announced concept, it should provide a high level of protection of the identity of the citizens who submit reports.

Foto: Printscreen

A report can be submitted without registration or sharing any personal data. Those behind the platform state that there is no tracking of users and no collection of IP address or personal data.

Thanks to the encrypted architecture, the system ensures the maximum level of anonymity, confidentiality and technical protection, which is why it is one of the safest solutions available for reporting corruption, abuses and other irregularities carried out by public servants in Serbia.

"Ko si bre ti" is built using the GlobaLeaks platform, a globally recognized solution used by the most sensitive institutional and anti-corruption systems across Europe.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Telegraf.rs

Two young men, DJ.M. (24) and M.M. (25) were found dead last night around 22:00 in the suburban Belgrade municipality of Batajnica, after their quad bike ended up in a canal.

Telegraf.rs has learned that the accident occurred when the quad bike overturned and fell into the canal for as yet unknown reasons.

Emergency crews quickly arrived at the scene, but the young men did not show any signs of life.

We have learned that the accident happened on the side of Mt. Avala, in the fields in the area that extends from Velika Medja and Stevana Simica streets.

A friend of the victims explained that they were driving during the afternoon, but at one point stopped communicating, which is why a search was launched. The police were called around 22:00.

Unfortunately, the search ended in a tragic discovery of an overturned vehicle and the bodies of the victims close to it.

(Telegraf.rs)

Illustration: Shutterstock/Laszlo66/Haru photography, Marko Jovanovic

After Telegraf reported that a group of thieves had desecrated a number of graves in Mali Mokri Lug, a neighborhood of Belgrade, members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Belgrade on Monday arrested N.S. (26), M.J. (21) and B.R. (43).

All three are employed by the cemetery in Mali Mokri Lug, and it is suspected that they organized raids on graves to steal valuable items.

The suspects are accused of abusing their jobs and repeatedly approaching grave sites and searching the graves in the hope of stealing from them, and this included opening coffins and removing fine jewelry and other valuables from the remains of the deceased.

Photo: Mateja Beljan

Telegraf learned last week that a number of graves in this cemetery were desecrated and robbed, some by having heavy tombstones removed first, before the coffins were opened...

According to information available so far, the suspects would later sell their loot to local jewelers.

The investigation against the three suspects is conducted by the First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, which will take further procedural actions after they have been questioned.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Dejan Zivancevic

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke today with the Russian ambassador to Serbia, Aleksandr Bocan-Kharchenko, about bilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially in the field of economy, as well as about regional and global issues.

"A very good conversation with the ambassador of the Russian Federation, Aleksandr Bocan-Kharchenko, about the relations between Serbia and the Russian Federation, as well as about regional and global issues. We paid particular attention to all key aspects of bilateral cooperation, especially in the field of economy," Aleksandar Vucic stated in a post on Instagram.

The president added that Serbia and Russia will protect the heritage of the great victory in the Second World War, and oppose all attempts at historical revisionism.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Dejan Zivancevic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic met today with Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Serbia Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko.

The meeting was held in the building of the General Secretariat of the President of the Republic, in Andricev Venac in Belgrade.

A press release from the meeting will released during the day.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Rade Prelic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic says that elections will be held in October or November, probably parliamentary first, then presidential.

"Last time they asked, they always asked, they insisted, and I respect the requests both from the opposition parties and everyone else, to have separate elections, to have more opportunities and for people to make decisions in different ways," Vucic told the RTS public broadcaster when asked whether parliamentary and presidential elections will be held simultaneously.

According to the Serbian president, the decision to call elections will likely be made in August or  in September.

"So, those elections can be held either in October or November, that's it, most likely first the parliamentary, then the presidential," said President Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/AP

The European Union once again decided not to open Cluster 3 in membership negotiations with Serbia. President Aleksandar Vucic responded with a message that shows the change in the country's economic narrative. Instead of focusing on EU integration, he prioritized the growth of wages, the standard of living, and the influx of investments from Asia.

This represents an important signal to both the domestic and the international audiences - Serbia wants to show that its economic development is no longer exclusively tied to the dynamics of EU accession.

Economy becomes main argument

The president's message can be interpreted as an attempt to measure the country's success by economic indicators, and not solely by the progress made in negotiations with Brussels. When he points out that Serbia is overtaking other countries of the region and even some EU members in terms of salaries, he shifts the focus from political obstacles to the standard of living.

That approach also has an internal political logic. For citizens, higher wages, pensions and employment is often a more tangible indicator of success than the opening of negotiation chapters, that would have an effect only in the long term.

Asian capital in response to slower EU path

Vucic's assertion that more and more investments are coming to Serbia from Asia is particularly significant. This sends a message that the country continues the policy of diversifying foreign investments and that EU companies are no longer the only pillar of economic development.

In recent years, Serbia has attracted a significant portion of large investments from China, Japan, South Korea and other Asian countries, while at the same time trying to maintain a high level of investments from EU countries, that are still the largest individual investors.

Message to Brussels without stopping cooperation

Although he said that Serbia "understood the message" sent yesterday by the European Union, Vucic did not sharpen his rhetoric. On the contrary, he thanked President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council Antonio Costa, for their support.

This shows that Belgrade does not want to sever relations with the EU, but is trying to send a signal that it will not allow the deadlock in accession negotiations to slow down the country's economic development.

What is the real message?

The essence of Vucic's statement is that Serbia wants to lead a pragmatic economic policy. Membership in the European Union remains a strategic goal, but it is no longer presented as the only prerequisite for economic growth and a higher standard of living.

Such a message is at the same time a response to Brussels and an attempt to show investors that Serbia continues to develop the economy regardless of the political dynamics of EU integration.

However, the fact remains that the European Union is still Serbia's largest trade partner, the largest source of grants and one of the most important investors, which is why progress in relations with Brussels will continue to have a significant impact on the country's long-term economic growth.

(Telegraf Biznis)

Photo: Shutterstock

EU ambassadors today discussed a European Commission non-paper which recommends to open Cluster 3 in membership negotiations with Serbia, during which discussion eight countries stated that they are against the opening of that cluster.

They are the three Baltic countries, as well as Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Croatia. The main reason their representatives cited is "the lack of the rule of law and non-alignment with EU foreign policy" - i.e., Serbia's decision not to impose sanctions against Russia, Tanjug has learned.

Three more countries declared that they were "not convinced that the Cluster should be opened" - namely, Luxembourg, Latvia, and Denmark.

The European Commission made a recommendation to the EU Council to open Cluster 3 this July, taking into account Serbia's efforts made regarding the key issues and the fact that the overall balance necessary for that step is currently achieved.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: TANJUG/VLADA REPUBLIKE SRBIJE

Prime Minister of Serbia Djuro Macut today hosted a lunch today for ambassadors of some of the countries that did not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of so-called Kosovo.

The prime minister thanked the representatives of each country individually for the joint struggle to preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, and for respecting international law.

He stressed that Serbia does not forget its friends and remains a reliable ally in the joint efforts to respect the principles on which the United Nations and the entire international order rest.

"Our shared struggle to preserve territorial integrity and sovereignty is at the same time a struggle to preserve the foundations of the UN Charter and international law," Macut said, according to a statement issued by the Government of Serbia.

He pointed out that the situation in Kosovo and Metohija is very serious and that the daily attacks on the Serb people, including the unlawful arrests and denial of all basic human rights, clearly indicate that the goal of Albin Kurti's regime is to expel the remaining non-Albanians from the Province by creating and maintaining intolerable living conditions.

The prime minister noted that for more than 13 years, Serbs have been waiting for the Community of the Serb Municipalities (ZSO) to be formed as a mechanism to protect their individual and collective rights.

"I use this opportunity to repeat that it (ZSO) is binding and is part of the Brussels Agreement," Macut said and called on all friends of Serbia to continue putting pressure on Pristina to meet its obligations.

He pointed out that Belgrade remains committed to the dialogue process, but will never give up its southern province.

"The Republic of Serbia remains your friend and you can count on our help in every area in which you need it," Macut told the ambassadors and chargé d'affaires gathered for the lunch.

It was attended by diplomats representing of Morocco, Brazil, Algeria, Cambodia, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Argentina, Myanmar, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Venezuela, Tunisia, Palestine, Cuba, the Russian Federation, Iraq, China, Kazakhstan, Ghana, Belarus, and the Holy See.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Shutterstock

The heatwave at the end of June was followed by cooler weather, but during July the temperatures will return to the average summer values. However, sensationalist reporting about extreme temperatures of 45 to 50 degrees Celsius are not based in current meteorological forecasts.

Summer is in full swing, and the weather conditions in Serbia currently fully correspond to the calendar. The end of June brought the first significant heatwave, when maximum temperatures in some parts of the country reached 41°C, including Subotica and Kikinda in the north. Such high temperatures were caused by the penetration of very warm air from the west of Europe, where an even more extreme heatwave was happening during those days.

The beginning of July brought a drop in temperatures, but that is not the end of hot summer weather. In the following days, the highs will again be around and above 30°C, while a new hotter period is expected from the middle of the month with values ​​mostly from 33 to 37°C. Such temperatures are common for July, which is the hottest month of the year in Serbia.

In recent days, bombastic headlines have appeared on social networks and on certain internet portals saying that temperatures of 45 and even 50 degrees are expected in Serbia. Such claims are not based on relevant numerical meteorological models or official forecasts. Although forecasts are analyzed daily during the summer and corrections are possible, there are currently no indications that such extreme weather ​​could occur in Serbia.

The official air temperature is measured according to the standards of the World Meteorological Organization, in a meteorological station, at a height of two meters above a grass surface, in the shade, and with natural ventilation present. Therefore, temperatures shown by thermometers exposed to direct sunlight, in cars or placed on heated asphalt or concrete surfaces are not official air temperatures and are often much higher than those registered by weather stations.

Summer heat is ahead of us, with occasional heatwaves, but according to all available forecasts there is no reason to panic because of temperatures that will supposedly go as high as 45 or 50 degrees. Citizens are advised to follow only official meteorological forecasts and warnings, rather than sensationalist reports that often have no scientific basis.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo:printscreen/instagram/vlada.republike.srbije

Prime Minister of Serbia Djuro Macut on Tuesday held regular consultations with the ministers of foreign affairs, EU integration, construction, transport and infrastructure, and of economy. Special attention was devoted to speeding up the implementation of obligations from the Reform Agenda of the Republic of Serbia.

Prime Minister Macut pointed out that the acceleration of EU integration is one of the priorities and that all departments in the Government of Serbia are dedicated to this goal.

It was assessed during the conversation with Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic that the opening of Cluster 3, for which, it was emphasized, Serbia has been fully prepared for a long time, would be of great importance for the country's EU path.

Prime Minister Macut also discussed the further process of Serbia's European integration with Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric, and the need for all resources in the country to be dedicated to this goal.

Macut discussed the implementation of capital infrastructure projects, which, he pointed out, are very important for GDP growth, with Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijevic.

Economy Minister Adrijana Mesarovic announced a new package of measures to support small enterprises, while Prime Minister Macut assessed that state support is essential for the further development of this sector and improving the economic environment in Serbia.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Live

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic met on Tuesday in Belgrade with the spiritual adviser of US President Donald Trump, Pastor Mark Burns, with whom he discussed the strengthening of the relations between the two countries, preserving peace and stability in the region, as well as the position of the Serb people and the protection of the Serbian holy places in the area of Kosovo and Metohija.

"I discussed the further strengthening of relations between Serbia and the United States of America with Pastor Burns, President Trump's adviser on spiritual matters, preserving peace and stability in the region, as well as the importance of understanding and dialogue," Vucic stated in a post on Instagram.

He added that he thanked Burns for paying respect to the innocent Serb victims during his visit to Bratunac (in Bosnia and Herzegovina) and sending a message of peace, respect for all victims and the need to preserve the truth and memory for the sake of future generations.

"We exchanged opinions about the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, with special reference to the position of the Serb people, the protection of our holy places and the preservation of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage. I pointed out that it is of crucial importance to respect religious freedoms and rights of all people, as well as to ensure peace and security for our people," stated Vucic.

He added that they also talked about the values ​​that connect the two nations, "about religion, family, freedom and mutual respect".

"I am convinced that it is precisely on these foundations that we can further develop cooperation and build stronger ties between Serbia and the United States of America," concluded President Vucic.

On Sunday and Monday, Burns visited Serbian Orthodox monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija - the Patriarchate of Pec, Visoki Decani, and Gracanica - together with Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, while he was in Bratunac on Saturday where he attended a memorial service for the 3,267 Serb victims killed in this area of Bosnia and Herzegovina by members of Muslim (Bosniak) units from 1992 to 1995.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug / AP

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic was fined after his epic match against Felix Auger-Aliassime ​​in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, which he won after 5 hours and 15 minutes of play, progressing to the semifinal where he will face Jannik Sinner.

The reason for the fine was, "audible obscenity".

Despite the fact that the organizers did not specify exactly when this happened, Djokovic will have to pay about 6,500 euros.

It is assumed that the moment that the organizers referred to happened during Djokovic's game against Roman Safiullin of Russia, in the fourth round, when he cursed in Serbian during a break in the third set.

Be that as it may, this will not distract the Serbian ace as he prepares for the match against Jannik Sinner on Friday. Wednesday is a day of rest and recovery.

Several other participants in the tournament this year have also been fined due to various transgressions.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Live

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic is today attending the Conference of Speakers of the Parliaments of European Union Candidate Countries, which is held in the Palace of Serbia in New Belgrade.

President of the National Assembly of Serbia, Ana Brnabic, greeted the participants and opened the conference.

"I hope that today we are laying the foundations for a completely new format. It's important for me to point out that this is the first time ever that we are launching a joint initiative. This conference is the result of a long-term dialogue. A big thank you to all parliamentarians who joined," Brnabic said, and added:

"We don't come together because we are the same, but because we believe that we can be each other's partners. Without strong parliaments, there are no strong institutions, and without them there is no strong integration. Our goal is to launch joint initiatives, to build a permanent network of cooperation. I want to thank President Vucic for his support. I am convinced that Belgrade will be remembered as the place where the first step was taken."

Vucic then also addressed those gathered at the Palace of Serbia.

"I am proud that you are Serbia's guests . Recently I was in the Georgian parliament, I learned a lot about our connections, relations. We must not be competitors but partners. Unfortunately, we in the Western Balkans have always been divided, doing things that someone told us to do. That's why we always gave everyone a chance to turn us against each other," the president said, and added:

"I am not optimistic about quick EU memberships for all of us. I don't think the EU can make decisions about enlargement in the next few years. I think it's otherwise pointless for Serbia to become a member of the EU, but not North Macedonia or Bosnia and Herzegovina. When I was proposing that all of us together should have the opportunity to become a part of the single market, it made sense."

The parliament speakers gathered in Belgrade today will take part in the main panel entitled, "European integration in new geopolitical circumstances: The role of the parliaments of candidate countries in strengthening European cooperation and improving the process of accession to the European Union".

(Telegraf.rs)

Printscreen: Tanjug/Live

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic met today in Belgrade with Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, with whom he discussed further strengthening of cooperation in combatting all forms of organized crime and security threats, that know no borders.

"We paid special attention to improving information exchange, the fight against cybercrime, financial crime, human trafficking and drug smuggling, as well as strengthening the capacity of our institutions through international police cooperation," Vucic said in a post on Instagram.

He added that he is proud of the results Serbia's security services are achieving in terms of international police cooperation, and that he is especially pleased that there is significant support from a large number of countries for Serbia to become the headquarters of Interpol's regional bureau.

"That would be an important recognition for our country and confirmation of our role in preserving regional and international security," Vucic stated.

He added that he believes that by working together, cooperation between Serbia and Interpol will be further improved to benefit the citizens and common security.

Urquiza is on an official visit to Serbia, where he on Monday met with Prime Minister Djuro Macut, as well as with Deputy PM and Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dacic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Printscreen: RTS

Police and firefighters-rescuers are still present at the scene of a serious traffic accident that happened early this morning on Mt. Golija, which resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy.

As can be seen in the photos from the scene, traffic on this section of the road slowed down significantly , so long lines of vehicles formed in both directions while the police and rescue activities continued. The car that drove off the road has since been pulled out, and images from the scene testify to the force of the impact.

The front part of the vehicle is completely deformed, the windshield and side windows are broken, while the metal is crumpled and distorted, which indicates that the car suffered extensive damage as it flipped over.

According to unofficial information, the accident occurred when the car overturned for unknown reasons. The boy fell out and suffered fatal injuries.

Three other persons were in the car at the time of the accident, one has serious injuries, while the extent of the injuries the other two persons suffered has not been officially announced at this time.

Only one vehicle was involved in this traffic accident, and the exact cause will be determined by the investigation, which is still ongoing.

Because of this tragedy, the event, "Sa Golija Kolo se Vije", which was supposed to be held today on this mountain, has been cancelled.

(Telegraf.rs/RTS)

Photo: Tanjug/Jadranka Ilic

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic will meet with Ukrainian Parliament (Rada) Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. The meeting will start at 11:00 in the Palace of Serbia in New Belgrade, the presidential press office announced on Monday.

Stefanchuk arrived in Belgrade on Monday, where he will today participate in the Conference of Speakers of the Parliaments of European Union Candidate Countries. He was met at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport by President of the National Assembly of Serbia Ana Brnabic.

"I welcomed the president of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, at the airport. I am looking forward to tomorrow's conference of candidate countries for membership in the European Union, which is being organized at the initiative of the Assembly of Serbia and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Welcome to Serbia, dear friend!," Brnabic stated in a post on Instagram last evening.

Belgrade will host the conference today and on Wednesday. It will be officially opened by Ana Brnabic and Ruslan Stefanchuk, at the Palace of Serbia at noon today.

After that, the gathered parliament speakers will take part in a panel entitled, "European integration in new geopolitical circumstances: The role of the parliaments of candidate countries in strengthening European cooperation and improving the process of accession to the European Union".

Brnabic will hold a bilateral meeting with Stefanchuk on the sidelines of the conference later in the afternoon.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Milos Milivojevic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic welcomed on Monday afternoon in Belgrade Deputy Italian PM and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini.

Vucic welcomed Salvini at Tolstoy Club, the former Club of State Representatives, together with Deputy Serbian PM and Minister of Economy Adriana Mesarovic, Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijevic, and Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade Jagoda Lazarevic, while the Italian official was accompanied by the Italian ambassador to Serbia, Luca Gori.

Immediately afterwards, Serbian and Italian delegations held their meeting in Topcider.

Salvini is on a two-day official visit to Belgrade until July 7, and the goal of the visit, as previously announced by the Italian Government, is to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, with a special focus on infrastructure, traffic and economic development.

Vucic and Salvini previously met at the highest level in May 2019 in Rome, when Salvini served as Italian interior minister, and at the time confirmed Italy's support for Serbia's accession to the European Union.

Last year in August, the president of Serbia also hosted the prime minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and during that working visit, a dinner was held during which bilateral relations and the process of Serbia's EU integration were discussed.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Tanjug/Kobi Gideon

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic today spoke by phone with Prime Minister of the State of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu.

They discussed the current situation in the Middle East, regional and global security challenges, as well as the further development of bilateral relations between Serbia and Israel.

President Vucic stated in a post on Instagram that he and Netanyahu exchanged views on the possibilities for further improving cooperation between the two countries.

"We exchanged opinions about the possibilities for further improvement of cooperation between our countries in areas of mutual interest and confirmed our readiness to continue an open and direct dialogue with the aim of strengthening friendly and partner relations," President Vucic stated in his Instagram post.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: MRI

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said today that the US administration, with the latest license extension until July 31, sent a positive signal to Petroleum Industry of Serbia, NIS, (which is under US sanctions) to continue to operate, and to MOL to negotiate acquiring the Russian stake in NIS, and gave a chance to conclude those negotiations.

"The latest extension of 30 days shows the willingness of the US administration to really give these negotiations a chance to conclude. Let me remind you, the extension before that was only two weeks, so 30 days is still a longer deadline," said the minister.

Djedovic Handanovic told Radio Beograd 1 that the US administration in that way communicated, "Okay, now you have 30 days, one more opportunity to successfully complete the negotiations".

Djedovic Handanovic stressed that such negotiations are really complex even in regular circumstances when they concern a large energy company like NIS, and added that they are even more difficult in the context of sanctions.

On the other hand, she continued, "everyone is exhausted by this situation".

"I think the most important thing at this moment is to give it another chance. Serbia, for its part, has done everything it could. And indeed, we managed to reach a satisfactory shareholder agreement with the Hungarian company that is also negotiating with the seller. The prerequisite for this is that the purchase and the sale transaction is completed between Gazpromn Neft, meaning the Russian owner, and Hungary's MOL. And then, let's see if we will enter a new era for NIS'," said the minister.

She added that it is important that through these negotiations and the new contract, Serbia managed to improve its position significantly compared to the one created in 2008.

"And that is what is good for our country, for our citizens, for the future of NIS. How everything will unfold in the next three, four weeks remains to be seen. We are certainly in regular communication with all actors and, let me say, we are trying to, through our diplomatic activity, create the conditions for a solution, because to us the only acceptable is a long-term solution," said the minister.

She stressed that NIS is our resource and our asset.

"And why should someone now come from the outside and tell us: You can have it, or you can no longer have it? So, these are two great powers (the US and Russia) that have their own relations, which are unfavorable at the moment, above all of course because of the geopolitical circumstances, but they are talking to each other regardless, and we see that, with the arrival of the Trump administration, they are in touch. Meanwhile everything is happening to Serbia, and for us, NIS is our strategic energy resource, which, of course, we do not want to be left without," she said.

Djedovic Handanovic concluded that "we want to have a refinery and secure supply, but it is very difficult to find a way out of that equation".

(Telegraf Biznis/Tanjug)

Printcreen: instagam/vestisabac

A video which has been spreading on social networks since this morning has caused strong reactions from citizens and a wave of condemnations throughout Serbia. It shows a disturbing incident in which, according to the allegations published along with the video, the victim is a boy of Romani ethnicity. Many citizens demand an immediate response from the police and the prosecutor's office, as well as for those responsible to face prosecution.

The comments on social networks are dominated by messages that violence against children must not be tolerated under any circumstances, while members of the public expects the competent authorities to determine all the circumstances of the event as soon as possible and bring those responsible to justice.

Leader of the Unija Romani Srbije party Milos Mihajlovic also reacted to this event, strongly condemning the attack on the boy and saying that such cases must be urgently and strongly sanctioned.

"Violence against a child is unacceptable, and it's especially worrying when there is suspicion that it is motivated by national or ethnic hatred. I expect the state to finally react decisively to the increasingly pronounced hate speech that has recently been increasingly present in the public spaces against the Romani. Such an atmosphere can have serious consequences and must not remain without reaction by the institutions," said Mihajlovic.

The attack was also condemned by the National Council of the Romani National Minority, whose general secretary Bajram Morina said that such events must not pass without a reaction from the competent institutions.

"We expect that the police and the prosecutor's office will urgently shed light on all the circumstances of this case and that the person responsible for the attack on the child will be adequately punished in line with the law. Society must clearly show that violence against children will not be tolerated," said Morina.

The National Association of Romani Journalists - NARON, also issued a strong condemnation. Its members said that the attack on the boy deeply disturbed the Romani community, as well as the entire society, and that they expect an immediate reaction from all competent institutions.

NARON stated that, if the competent authorities do not identify and process the responsible person as soon as possible, they will file a criminal complaint against the currently unknown perpetrator (NN), with a request to determine whether there are elements of a criminal act with elements of racial, national or ethnic hatred in this case.

Representatives of the Romani community assess that such incidents are not only an attack on one child, but also send a disturbing message to the entire community, which is why they insist on a swift, efficient and impartial reaction from the institutions.

The public expects the competent authorities to conduct a detailed investigation, establish all the facts and provide protection to the child who was at the center of this disturbing event.

Violence against children must not be justified. Every child has the right to grow up without fear and discrimination, and the state has an obligation to ensure their protection and to sanction any form of violence, in accordance with the law.

You can watch the video in a separate news story (in Serbian).

(Telegraf.rs/Aleksandar Nedeljkovic)

Photo: Oliver Brankovic, Facebook

Oliver Brankovic, a long-time correspondent of the Macedonian Radio Television (MRTV) from Belgrade and a former correspondent of the Macedonian agency MIA, announced on social networks that he was verbally and physically assaulted by an unknown man, who had a pit bull with him at the time of the incident.

Brankovic posted a video of the attack on Facebook, explaining that he was sitting with a friend in a cafe in Takovska Street in Belgrade on Sunday, where they were talking and flipping through a magazine. He added that a man between 30 and 40 years old entered the cafe with a pit bull, which, according to Brankovic "got in his face in an unpleasant manner."

"When I asked that he move the dog away from me, because I was uncomfortable, he started insulting me, yelling at me and finally punched me in the face. I kept my composure, I didn't retaliate," said Oliver Brankovic, who posted a video taken from a surveillance camera.

He also stated that, after 14 years of living and working in Serbia as a correspondent for the Macedonian Radio Television and the MIA agency, he did not believe that something like this could happen to him in Belgrade.

"It goes for Belgraders, for us foreigners, and for tourists... I don't know, despite the numerous positive stories that I have created and published. With the bitter dilemma of whether to continue living and working in this city, I would add that the police immediately arrived and investigated," Brankovic wrote.

(Telegraf.rs/Kurir)

Printscreen: Tanjug/Live

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic will meet today in Belgrade with Vice-President of the Italian Council of Ministers and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini.

Vucic and Salvini will meet in Club Tolstoy starting at 19:00, the presidential press office has announced.

As previously announced by the Italian government, Matteo Salvini will be on an official visit to Belgrade on July 6 and 7.

The goal of the visit, the statement said, is to further strengthen cooperation between Italy and Serbia, with a special focus on the areas of infrastructure, traffic and economic development.

Vucic and Salvini previously met at the highest level in May 2019 in Rome, when Salvini served as Italian interior minister, and at the time confirmed Italy's support for Serbia's accession to the European Union.

Last year in August, the president of Serbia also hosted the prime minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and during that working visit, a dinner was held during which bilateral relations and the process of Serbia's EU integration were discussed.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Nikola Tomic

Miroslav Djordjevic, chairman of the High Prosecutorial Council, said over the weekend that from the moment of his resignation, the president of the Republic ceases to hold any public function. On the other hand, the National Assembly, after it gets dissolved, continues to carry out urgent tasks until a new convocation has been constituted.

When the president resigns, he immediately loses all presidential functions and has no power to dissolve the National Assembly. At that point, the role of the president of the Republic with reduced powers is assumed by the President of the National Assembly. However, it is impossible for both the National Assembly and the government to be dissolved at the same time, Djordjevic stressed.

The National Assembly and the government, even after dissolution, remain in a technical mandate, performing all necessary current tasks. Deputies continue to work until a new National Assembly is formed, Djordjevic explained.

Speaking about the possible resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic, Djordjevic said that all mechanisms are clearly defined by the Constitution and laws. The resignation is submitted to the president of the National Assembly, who assumes the status of Acting President of the Republic. This can last up to three months, during which presidential elections are held.

The president of the Republic calls parliamentary elections based on the proposal coming from the prime minister. If the president resigns, those powers cease, but he can call parliamentary elections before resigning, Djordjevic added.

If political actors want early parliamentary and presidential elections to be held simultaneously in the fall, the president needs to dissolve the National Assembly and call elections, and then resign.

The president of the National Assembly takes over certain presidential powers, but not all, including the right of suspensive veto, which prevents the possibility of the president of the National Assembly vetoing themselves. As acting president of the Republic, the president of the National Assembly calls elections only when the president is under obligation to do so, which is not the case this time, Djordjevic explained.

Constitutionally and legally, it is possible to organize both elections in the fall, as well as only presidential or only parliamentary elections. If Vucic resigns without dissolving the National Assembly, early parliamentary elections can be held only after a new president is elected, which is currently the only limitation, Djordjevic stressed.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Illustration: Shutterstock

Telegraf.rs has learned that a 71-year-old man, M.S., died on Thursday in Ripanj, suburban Belgrade, after he was attacked and stung by a swarm of wasps.

According to initial information obtained by Telegraf.rs, the unfortunate man was at his property in Narednika Petra Milojevica Street yesterday, together with a friend. At one point he was attacked by a large group of wasps that started stinging him.

His friend reacted immediately and the competent services were informed, with an emergency crew and the police arriving at the scene quickly; however, by that time the man was already dead.

It has not been confirmed at this time whether M.S. was allergic to wasps and if this is what had led to the fatal outcome.

All the circumstances of this tragic event that took place on the outskirts of Belgrade will be determined by the investigation.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Shutterstock

The weekend ahead will be sunny and very pleasant in Serbia. It will be moderately warm and much more comfortable at night. It is also forecast to be windy.

There will be moderate to strong northwesterly wind, with gusts in the northern province of Vojvodina and in the east of Serbia.

Maximum temperatures will range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, in Belgrade from 26 to 28 degrees, which is the average for early July.

Next week will being changeable weather, with sunny and cloudy spells. Occasionally, that will turn into thunder and showers.

It will be hot on Monday with temperatures up to 33, but only for a short time, given that on Tuesday and Wednesday the weather will cool by 5 to 7 degrees, while in the middle of the week, in some places, temperatures will drop below 25 degrees.

Towards the end of the week, they will start rising.

According to current forecasts, Serbia will be hit by a new heatwave after July 11, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees, with over 35 degrees expected in mid-July.

The first two days of this weak brought the peak of the previous heatwave. Temperature in Subotica and Kikinda in the north reached a historical high of 41°C, for the month of June.

This was followed by cooler weather, showers and thunderstorms, and temperatures dropping by some 15 degrees.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: MRI

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic has spoken with German Ambassador to Serbia Anke Konrad and a delegation of the German Development Bank (KfW), led by Klaus Mueller, the bank's director for Europe, Asia and Global Initiatives, about the implementation of ongoing projects through which that financial institution supports Serbia in the energy transition process.

The ministry announced today that the key topic of the conversation was the continuation of the implementation of the Kostolac wind farm project.

During the conversation, shared commitment of all partners to find a sustainable solution through open dialogue and intensive cooperation in line with undertaken commitments, and to overcome the challenges that have led to a standstill in the implementation of an important energy project, was confirmed.

"It is in the interest of all of us, but above all the state of Serbia, to remove the obstacles and for the first EPS wind farm to start producing green energy. The previous cooperation with the German Development Bank and Siemens Group on other projects represents a good foundation for further cooperation on the wind farm project in Kostolac," said the minister.

Ambassador Konrad said that Germany remains committed to supporting Serbia on its path to carbon neutrality.

"The Kostolac project, the first state-owned wind farm in Serbia, supported by German development cooperation through KfW and the EU, is a key part of these efforts. This meeting strengthened trust between all partners towards our common goal - a successful implementation of this project and laying the foundations for many others," said Konrad.

The meeting was also attended by the EPS executive director for investments, Aleksandar Jakovljevic, and the director of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy for Serbia, Petar Sainovic.

(Telegraf Biznis/Tanjug)

Illustration; Photo: RINA, Shutterstock/RODWORKS/AleksZa Photo

Members of the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) have arrested a 17-year-old in Belgrade on suspicion of committing the crime of extortion.

According to a statement, the operation was carried out by members of the UKP (Criminal Police Directorate), the unit's Service for Combating Organized Crime, in cooperation with the Crime Suppression Service, the Directorate for Technology of the Police Administration for the City of Belgrade, as well as BIA, the domestic intelligence agency.

These law enforcement agencies acted by order of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade.

"The minor is suspected of, together with other persons, participating in an attempt to extort 2 million euros from owners of several businesses in the territory of Belgrade," the MUP said in the statement.

After the minor was questioned, the pre-trial judge ordered that he be detained for up to 30 days.

Further investigation should establish all the circumstances of this case, as well as the roles of other persons linked to the extortion attempts.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Instagram/ivica.dacic.rs

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic last night welcomed the visiting Minister of the Interior of Hungary Gabor Posfai.

"Tonight, with traditional Serbian hospitality, I hosted a formal dinner in honor of the arrival of Hungarian Minister of Internal Affairs Gabor Posfai and his distinguished delegation.

In a good mood and a friendly atmosphere, we continue to strengthen the ties that unite our two countries.

Welcome," Dacic's post reads.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Rade Prelic/bs

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic last night attended a reception organized by the United States Embassy in Serbia on the occasion of the US Independence Day, and congratulated the American people and President Donald Trump on that occasion, wishing them peace, success and prosperity.

"I believe that our historic alliance can be a good foundation for building even better relations in the future," President Vucic wrote in a post published on the Instagram account "buducnostsrbijeav".

The pressident stressed that Serbia remains committed to peace, dialogue and cooperation with partners around the world.

"Serbia remains convinced that open dialogue and mutual respect bring the best results for our citizens," stated Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo:Telegraf.rs

The construction of approximately 500,000 square meters of space is planned on Makisko Polje (Makis Field) in Belgrade, of which 400,000 square meters will be housing units, while the remaining 100,000 square meters will be business, commercial and related premises.

Photo:Screenshot/You Tube

This is planned in a report for early public evaluation of amendments and additions to the plan for detailed regulation of the part of Makisko Polje between Nova 32 and Nova 30 streets, in the territory of the Belgrade municipality of Cukarica.

In mid-June, the Secretariat for Urbanism and Construction Affairs of the City of Belgrade announced the early public evaluation of the planning document, which will last until July 3, after which any objections from citizens and the professional public will be considered.

The scope of the plan covers more than 160,000 square meters, that is, about 16 hectares of land, while a completely new urban block will be able to accommodate about 6,280 residents.

According to the planning documents, up to 12 stories tall multi-family residential buildings will be built in the zone marked M4, along with business facilities on the ground floors and in some parts of the complex.

Special attention is paid to the support infrastructure. The plan is to build a preschool for 270 children, as well as a primary school for 960 students, which would give the new settlement a complete education infrastructure already in the first stages of its development.

In addition, the project envisages new roads, water and sewerage networks, power and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as systems to tackle groundwater, which represent one of the biggest challenges in this area of Belgrade.

Metro is changing Makis

One of the most important parts of the project is the construction of the main depot of the first line of the Belgrade Metro, which will be located in Makisko Polje.

The Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure has already issued a temporary construction permit to the company Beogradski Metro i Voz ("Belgrade Metro and Train") in order to put up a temporary fence for the future depot complex.

Photo: Grad Beograd

The value of these initial works is estimated at more than 54 million dinars, minus VAT.

The depot will represent the central operational center of the first metro line, where maintenance, servicing and parking of trains will be carried out, and experts consider it one of the key facilities without which the future metro system will not be able to function.

Makis is becoming Belgrade's new development center

In recent years, the Makisko Polje area has been among the most important development zones of the capital. In addition to the planned metro construction, this part of Belgrade is also connected to the future expansion of the city towards the southwest, as well as to large infrastructure projects in the area, including the development of the traffic network and access to new city boulevards.

Printscren: Direkcija za gradjevinsko zemljiste i izgradnju Beograda

The plan envisages the formation of a mixed purpose city center covering an area of ​​almost nine hectares, while an additional two hectares will used for an educational campus with a school and a kindergarten.

Urban planners point out that the goal is to activate the currently unused construction land, increase Belgrade's housing capacity, develop new business facilities and improve communal infrastructure.

This project is part of a broader strategy for the development of the Serbian capital, where Makis should be one of the most important new urban areas of Belgrade, with modern traffic connections, public amenities and direct reliance on the future metro network.

(Telegraf Biznis)

Photo: Tanjug/Rade Prelic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic will meet on Friday with Minister of Defense of Spain Margarita Robles Fernandes.

This has been announced by the Serbian president's press service.

After the meeting, a ceremony will be held to award Serbia's Order of Karadjordje's Star, First Class, and Spain's Order of Military Merit to the family of the posthumously decorated Serbian Army NCO Milovan Jovanovic.

Jovanovic was recently killed while serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

The meeting between Vucic and the Spanish defense minister will start at 13:30 in the building of the General Secretariat of the President of the Republic in Belgrade.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: SPC

Deputy Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Milos Terzic says that the experiences of the Serbs who were detained at Gazimestan on Vidovdan are terrifying and disturbing and testify to brutal police violence.

"What we heard from our people speaks of brutal police violence. We believe that this is a continuation of the anti-Serb policy that Albin Kurti has been implementing for years," Terzic told RTS.

This official added that he was present at Gazimestan and that there were no incidents during the celebration of Vidovdan.

"There were no provocations or national symbols. Last year, people were arrested because of flags, this year because othey sang traditional Serbian songs," said Terzic.

Speaking about next steps, he said that the Office for Kosovo and Metohija will continue to point out the position of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija to international institutions.

"Medical documentation will be used in an effort to protect the rights of the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija. We expect a more specific reaction from the international community," said Terzic.

He stressed that the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO) would contribute to better protection of individual and collective rights of Serbs.

Regarding the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Terzic pointed out that current events make it even more difficult to continue the conversation and that it is difficult to talk about dialogue at a time when people are arrested for singing traditional songs.

"Serbia remains committed to dialogue, but insists on protecting the rights of the Serb people, and on the implementation of the already reached agreements," Terzic stated.

During Vidovdan celebrations at Gazimestan, held each year on June 28 to honor the heroes of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, the so-called Kosovo police detained 36 Serbs, who were then fined and banned from entering Kosovo and Metohija.

The detained Serbs stated that they experienced psychological and physical torture during the detention and interrogations.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo montage: Tanjug/AP, kosovo-online.com

The Specialist Chambers for Kosovo located in The Hague scheduled the reading of the verdicts in the case against former leaders of the so-called KLA Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi for September 16, reports RTS.

Previously, the verdicts were scheduled to be revealed on July 20.

"The trial panel reasoned that the deliberation should be extended in accordance with the Rulebook on Procedure and Evidence. The extension was necessary due to the large volume of evidence presented and the complexity of the case, and in order to enable a fair, comprehensive and valid evaluation of the evidence files," the Specialist Chambers announced.

Former leaders of the so-called KLA ("Kosovo Liberation Army") Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi are charged with six counts on the individual criminal responsibility basis. The indictment covers crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The closing arguments ended on February 18, when the prosecution asked the court to sentence the four defendants each to prison sentences of 45 years.

Thaci, Veseli, Selimi and Krasniqi have been detained in The Hague since their arrest in November 2020, while the trial began in April 2023.

The terrorist so-called KLA committed numerous crimes during 1998 and 1999, including murders and kidnappings, targeting Yugoslav Army and Serbian police members as well Serb and other non-Albanians civilians, but also ethnic Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija who refused to join or aid the group.

(Telegraf.rs / RTS)

Illustration; Photo: Shutterstock/light name

As many as 98 traffic accidents occurred in the Republic of Serbia during the previous day, it has been confirmed by the Traffic Police Administration.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities in these accidents, but as many as 60 people were injured.

Because of the drastic increase in the intensity of traffic on the state roads, as well as the heatwave, the Ministry of Interior (MUP) issued an urgent appeal to all drivers.

Motorcyclists most at risk: "Make yourselves visible at night!"

The Traffic Police Administration particularly stressed that during the summer, the number of two-wheelers on the roads drastically increases, which is why this is the most critical part of the year for motorcyclists and cyclists.

"We appeal to all participants in traffic to be extra careful, show mutual respect and responsible behavior. Motorcycle drivers must adjust their speed to the conditions on the road. High temperatures contribute to a faster onset of fatigue and a drop in concentration, which drastically increases the risk of an accident. Make yourselves visible, especially at night," the MUP warned.

"Reduce speed in populated areas and be rested"

As traffic on all key national roads has increased due to the tourist season, the police advise maximum caution, patience and strict compliance with regulations.

Drivers are advised to go on the road only when they are rested, as well as to reduce speed in populated areas, and on state roads that pass through settlements. This is crucial in order to see other participants in traffic in time and react in a timely manner.

"From the Traffic Police Administration, we wish you a pleasant day and safe participation in traffic!", concludes the statement.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Shutterstock

Petroleum Industry of Serbia, NIS, has issued an official statement saying that the US Treasury Department has issued a new specific license to NIS, which allows the company to continue operating activities until July 31.

"This licence allows for the maintenance of business operations, contracts and other agreements involving NIS or its operating subsidiaries, including refining activities, crude oil imports, the execution of transactions necessary for the security of supply and technical maintenance, as well as financial settlements," the company said.

NIS also thanked all domestic and foreign partners who supported this process.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US State Department also issued a new license to Hungary's MOL to continue negotiations with Gazprom Neft regarding changes to the ownership structure, that is valid until July 31.

The previous licenses OFAC granted to NIS and MOL were valid until July 1.

(Telegraf Biznis/Tanjug)

Terazije fountain, and Hotel Moskva; Photo: Tanjug/Dragan Kujundzic

The city now known as Belgrade (Serbian: Beograd) has had its waterworks system for 2,000 years. The system, that guarantees life, is historically inextricably linked to one of its parts - Terazije Square!

And this is how this part of Belgrade got its present-day name - albeit officially, only in the 20th century.

About a hundred years ago, water towers built by the Ottoman Turks, who in teh past occupied Serbia's medieval state,, were called, "terazije". They no longer exist, and the word has since acquired a different meaning in Serbian. Terazije now means, balance scales.

In the past, such "scales" were used to regulate water pressure in the pipes and were located between what are today hotels Moskva (Serbian for "Moscow") and Balkan.

Over the millennia, water was supplied to Belgrade through three systems. Water from Mali Mokri Lug was delivered to the heart of Singidunum (original Celtic name of what is today Belgrade) through the old Roman waterworks, which date back to the first century AD.

The Turk occupiers of what in the meantime became a Serbian state built "the Bulbud waterworks" in the first half of the 17th century. During the Austrian occupation of Belgrade in the 18th century, another system was in use. And for the rest of the time they were still here, the Ottomans combined all three systems into one, with Terazije as the hub!

Thus this part of the city became the heart of the system. There was also a public fountain, which many citizens who did not have water pipes in their homes used to fetch water from.

Photo: Tanjug/Dragan Kujundzic

Even today, one of the most important memorials in the capital is located at that very place - the Terazijska Cesma ("Terazije Fountain"), carved out of Tasmajdan limestone. It bears the initials of Knjaz (or Knez, meaning, "Prince") Milos Obrenovic. This Serbian ruler built the fountain as a memorial in 1860, in honor of his return to the throne.

This fountain was removed in 1912 and until was kept out of sight in Topcider. It was brought back to to its rightful place - the former hub of the Belgrade water supply system - in 1975.

How important this site is, is evident by the historical fact that after the construction of the new, modernized Belgrade waterworks in 1892, the ceremony to launch it was held precisely on Terazije Square.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Shutterstock

An 3.9 magnitude earthquake was registered this morning at 09:46 in the region of the town of Leskovac, the Seismological Survey of Serbia has announced.

According to initial, preliminary data, the theoretical intensity in the epicenter was estimated at V-VI degrees on the Mercalli scale, which means that earthquakes of this intensity can cause minor damage to buildings in that area.

Photo: Seismological Survey of Serbia

Immediately after the earthquake, many citizens reported to the newsroom to say that they felt the ground shaking.

"We were sitting in the living room when the sofa shook. At first we didn't know what was happening, and then we realized it was an earthquake," said one of the readers.

One of the comments left on the Dnevnik Juga Facebook page said, "creaking wardrobes, moving beds, swinging chandeliers" - showing that the earthquake was noticeable.

Other citizens shared similar experiences, confirming that the earthquake was felt in different parts of the city and lasted for several seconds.

Photo: Seismological Survey of Serbia

According to the data from the Seismological Survey of Serbia, the epicenter of the earthquake was registered at latitude 42.95 north, longitude 21.91 east, in the region of Leskovac.

The Institute noted late this morning that the published data is preliminary and may be subsequently corrected.

(Telegraf.rs/jugmedia)

Printscreen: Instagram/showbizzer.rs

The Serbian national basketball team is about to continue qualifications for the World Cup, and the players, including Nikola Jokic, used their free time to relax a little and go out.

As the new captain, Jokic was also the leader of the night-on-the-town crew, so together with his teammates he spent the evening in a Belgrade tavern, and enjoyed it.

At one point, a well-known Serbian singer, Uros Zivkovic, approached the national teams' table. He and Nikola Jokic hugged, and the smile never left the face of the Serbian basketball star.

The Serbian national team has two games to play in the World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and against Bosnia and Herzegovina. These will complete the first stage of the qualification process, after which a new group will be formed.

It is not yet known who Serbia will play against then.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagic

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday had a working lunch with ambassadors of EU member states, held to mark the end of the presidency of Cyprus over the Council of the European Union.

"An excellent conversation, over a working lunch, with ambassadors of member states of the European Union about relations with the EU, the enlargement policy and Serbia's European path. I thanked the Republic of Cyprus, which is ending its presidency of the Council of the European Union, for its principled attitude towards Serbia and its continued support for our country," Vucic stated in a post on his Instagram account.

The president added that Serbia remains focused on the European path and will continue to implement reforms, while fully respecting and protecting state and national interests, always taking into account the best interests of its citizens.

Cyprus has ended its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, with Ireland taking over.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Telegraf.rs

Aleksandar Vulin met today in Jerusalem with the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rishon LeZion Rabbi David Yosef, with whom he discussed historical ties and relations between Serbian and Jewish peoples.

During the conversation the interlocutors stressed that Serbs and Jews are connected by common historical suffering and the Second World War, which represents an indelible and permanent memory, but also a solid foundation for further strengthening and improvement of future relations between Serbia and Israel, based on sincere respect and trust.

Aleksandar Vulin conveyed the greetings from the Jewish community in Serbia, emphasizing the importance of friendly relations between the two nations. At the end of the meeting, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel handed Aleksandar Vulin one of his books, which are known and appreciated around the world.

On that occasion, the rabbi wrote a personal dedication to Vulin as a sign of respect and friendship. Vulin invited the rabbi to visit the Republic of Serbia, with the aim of continuing to strengthen cooperation and friendly ties.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/DEJAN ZIVANCEVIC

Members of the Gendarmerie, an elite unit of the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) of Serbia, was held today at the base in Lipovica, which was attended by President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, the director of the police, Dragan Vasiljevic, and Gendarmerie Commander Radoslav Repac.

A report was handed over to President Vucic by the deputy commander of the Gendarmerie, Mirko Miucic, which was followed by a presentation of the capabilities and skills of the members of this unit.

During the exercise, several tactical scenarios were performed, including stopping a bus and raiding it, raiding a building with the support of a helicopter, as well as exercises in a "tactical house". Members of the Gendarmerie demonstrated tactical infantry combat, patrol movement, as well as martial arts they apply in the execution of the most complex tasks.

A tactical-technical meeting was organized afterward where the equipment, weapons and vehicles used by the Gendarmerie were presented, while the attendees were also shown a promotional film about the the Diving Unit.

Addressing the members of the Gendarmerie, President Aleksandar Vucic thanked them for their patriotism and love for Serbia, adding that the country can always count on them.

"Thank you for your patriotism, thank you for your love for Serbia. This was wonderful. If there weren't so many journalists, I would have shed a tear, I shouldn't have. But thank you for a wonderful day," said Vucic.

Members of the Gendarmerie Diving Unit showed Vucic the equipment and weapons at their disposal.

The divers said that the unit is trained to carry out highly specific tasks and that they have all the tools necessary for the execution of these tasks. They pointed out that in cooperation with the Prvi Partizan defense factory in Uzice, a special type of bullet was developed for members of the Gendarmerie.

At the end of the event, Gendarmerie Commander Radoslav Repac presented plaques to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Minister of Interior Ivica Dacic, as a sign of gratitude for the support of this unit. On that occasion, the president was also presented with an icon of Saint Prince Lazar, the patron saint of the Serbian Gendarmerie.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagic

President Aleksandar Vucic met today in Belgrade with UAE Minister for Youth Affairs Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, the first Arab astronaut, and pointed out that Serbia plans to emulate the UAE in this regard as well.

"Thank you for your friendship. We will have to look up tp you, to have Serbs who will go into space and walk around in space. It will take years for us to do that, but we will progress with your help and support," Vucic said in a conversation with his guest.

Vucic invited Al Neyadi to feel at home in Belgrade, while the UAE thanked Vucic for his hospitality and a warm welcome.

"I met with the ministers of youth and culture in the Government of Serbia, and so far, it has been incredible," said Al Neyadi.

Vucic asked the UAE minister to convey his warm greetings to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and tell him that we expect him in Serbia as soon as possible.

Al Neyadi said he would do so, and also noted added that the situation in the Middle East is calming down.

Sultan Al Neyadi is one of the first two Arab astronauts from the United Arab Emirates, along with Hazzaa Al Mansoori.

Al Neyadi made history in March 2023 when he became the first Arab onboard the International Space Station (ISS), during a six-month mission as part of Expedition 69, and the first Arab astronaut to perform a spacewalk on April 28, 2023.

He spent a total of 185 days, 22 hours and 43 minutes in space.

In preparation for the ISS mission, Al Neyadi underwent training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Moscow, based on an agreement with Roscosmos, as well as additional training in Houston, Texas, and Cologne, Germany, as part of partnership agreements with major space agencies, including NASA, ESA, and JAXA.

The UAE Astronaut Program is one of the projects managed by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center, funded by the ICT Fund which aims to support research and development in the ICT sector in the UAE and promote the country's integration on the global stage.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Telegrafrs

A terrible tragedy took place this morning around 07:00 on the road between Ruma and Irig in northern Serbia when, according to initial information, a man lost his life in a horrific way, while another was seriously injured. This is the result of a head-on collision of two trucks.

Telegraf reporters at the site describe a horror scene. Only a charred wreck remained of the truck that caught on fire after the violent crash. Black soot is visible on the road, and at one point the body of the driver who died was still lying next to the wrecked truck.

Photo: Telegrafrs

Firefighters prevented even greater disaster

All emergency services immediately rushed to the scene of this serious traffic accident. The second truck suffered extensive damage, leaving the driver trapped in the crumpled metal.

An even greater tragedy was prevented by the quick and extremely efficient reaction of the firefighters-rescuers, who cut through the crushed cabin and were able to pull the driver out before his vehicle was engulfed in flames.

Photo: Telegrafrs

The man was in serious condition having suffered life-threatening injuries and was immediately transported to the hospital for resuscitation.

Traffic at complete standstill

Traffic was at a complete standstill on this part of the road between Ruma and Irig as of Tuesday morning, with the police diverting drivers to alternative routes. The police and an on-duty prosecutor are investigating to determine what caused to this horrific accident, while fire crews continue to secure the scene.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Rade Prelic

President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday that elections in Serbia will be held in the next three to four months and noted that his decision on whether to run for prime minister will be transparent and in accordance with the Constitution and the law, whole citizens can expect to learn what the decision is "from the end of July".

Vucic was at the Palace of Serbia, where he presented a package of new measures to improve the standard of living of citizens, when he gave this answer to a journalist who asked if the fact that he announced at the "Serbia One Family" rally on Saturday that he will be the president of the republic "for a few more weeks" means that early parliamentary elections will soon be called in Serbia, and whether it is realistic to expect that in the event of an absolute victory of the SNS, he will take over as prime minister.

"We will hold elections soon. When I say soon, in the next three, four months, that's it. I don't know what else I can tell you. And as for whether or not I will run for prime minister, I certainly will, whatever I do and whatever decision I make, it will be transparent, as I did with the announcement of my resignation. It won't be a surprise for anyone when it happens, whether it's in August or on September 1, it's completely all the same to people, now they can expect it - or at the end of July, they can expect (it)," said Vucic.

He added that this will depend on political parties, but also "on his energy and everything else".

"So we're going to talk about that. But I'm not saying that I (will) cut my term short or anything like that, I stick to the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia and the constitutional categories, I do everything transparently in line with the Constitution and the law, and it will be like that going forward," said Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Gemini

The sky over Serbia is clear this Monday, with hot weather continuing under the influence of the so-called heat dome. Temperatures as of the early afternoon were above 35 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country, while the peak of the heatwave is expected tomorrow, when temperatures will go up to 40 degrees in some places.

Current temperatures

Photo: meteociel

The "heat dome" has subsided over Western Europe thanks to a cooler air mass from the Atlantic.

But the cooler mass is now also creating storms.

Photo: nmmb

This heatwave brought record high temperatres to Central Europe, up to 41°C in Poland and the Czech Republic.

At this time, the cold front from the northwest and west has reached the western part of central Europe, along with storms, while it remains extremely hot in the east of Poland.

Photo: meteociel

This cold front continues its journey further east and on its way brings clouds with rain, showers and thunderstorms, along with hailstorms, and temperatures will drop by 15 degrees and return to average values for this time of year in these parts of Europe.

Photo: sat24.com

As early as tomorrow afternoon, pre-frontal instability is expected in the southern and central regions of Serbia, with localized showers and thunderstorms, while on Wednesday they are expected throughout the country.

The danger of thunderstorms and bad weather is also present, along of that of hailstorms and gale force winds.

On Wednesday, the temperature will drop slightly, but it will still be hot, up to 35 degrees, and very humid.

In the night of Thursday, a cold front is expected to arrive from the northwest and along the Alps, so Thursday is forecast to be cooler by 15 degrees compared to the current weather, along with stronger northwesterly wind.

The temperature will drop to around 25 degrees in most areas.

There will also be localized showers with thunder.

Storms are unlikely on Wednesday.

It will get cooler for the rest of the week, with temperatures below 30 degrees.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: MUP

Information that a person with a knife was in the crowd spread during the final evening of the Belgrade Music Week festival last night, which caused panic among the visitors.

According to information from the MUP, Serbian Interior Ministry, police officers quickly responded to verify these claims. After checks were carried out, it was determined that no one was injured during the festival.

Those present called the police after hearing rumors that someone had seen a person with a knife. Police investigated the situation further and contacted healthcare facilities to confirm that no one was admitted with stab wounds.

It is suspected that the panic was caused by spreading a story that several people had allegedly been stabbed, although there was no concrete evidence of this.

Belgrade Music Week organizers categorically denied the claims that appeared on social networks about injuries inflicted to several people during the festival. They condemned the irresponsible spreading of panic and false information that could have caused additional problems.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Gemini

A hot weekend is behind us, when temperatures reached up to 37 degrees Celsius. The heat dome will bring even hotter weather and a peak of the current heatwave to Serbia in the next two days.

Maximum temperatures will be up to 40 degrees this Monday and tomorrow.

The heat will be accompanied by very high levels of UV radiation.

From 10:00 until 16:00, citizens are advised not to be exposed to the sun for more than 10 minutes without adequate protection.

Extreme caution is also necessary to avoid the risk of heatstroke.

Vehicles should be aired regularly and citizens are advised not to start trips during the hottest part of the day.

The temperature difference between air conditioned spaces and the outside environment should not be more than 10 degrees, to avoid shock to the body.

When going for a swim, this should not be done suddenly, for the same reason.

Already on Tuesday there will be conditions for localized showers with thunder, and for storms and thunderstorms in some areas.

The weather will be unstable on Wednesday, occasionally with showers and thunderstorms, while hailstorms are also possible.

Temperatures will drop on Wednesday but it will still be hot, around 35 degrees.

Significantly cooler and more pleasant weather is expected on Thursday.

Compared to the previous days, it will be cooler by 10 degrees, with maximum temperatures remaining below 30 degrees.

Thunderstorms are forecast for this period, with the possibility of hailstorms, gale-force winds, and heavy downpour.

Towards the end of next week, the weather will turn noticeably more pleasant, bringing temperatures that are average for the beginning of July in Serbia.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/Sava Radovanovic

Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic on Sunday asked representatives of the international community and the European Union - regarding the violence carried out by the so-called Kosovo police and the arrest of Serbs at Gazimestan after the celebration of the great Serbian holiday Vidovdan - what it would take for them to react to Pristina's actions.

Gazimestan is a monument built at the site of the Battle of Kosovo, which the Serbian medieval state fought against the invading Ottoman Turks on Vidovdan, June 28, 1389.

"What else needs to happen, gentlefolk in Brussels, from international missions, and the Quint, for you to react to (Albin) Kurti's brutal violence against Serbs on Vidovdan, at Gazimestan? Shame on you!", Petkovic stated as he posted a video of the arrests.

The so-called Kosovo police arrested 36 Serbs at Gazimestan yesterday, including a minor who was released after questioning, said the lawyer for one of the arrested, Bogdan Hadzi-Lazic.

Among those arrested are people from Kosovo and Metohija as well as from central parts of Serbia.

The police took them into custody after the commemoration for the Battle of Kosovo heroes, which is held at Gazimestan each year.

A large number of members of the so-called Kosovo police in uniform and civilian clothes were posted at the entrance to the memorial complex, searching and mistreateing those who came to mark the holiday and honor the heroes.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: Serbian Government Slobodan Miljevic

Prime Minister of Serbia Djuro Macut met on Friday with Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community in Serbia Isak Asiel, with whom he discussed the position of the Jewish community in Serbia, as well as the importance of fostering interreligious dialogue and the culture of remembrance.

Macut and Asiel stressed the importance of preserving traditionally good relations between state authorities and the Jewish community, based on mutual respect, understanding and common values, and they assessed that the Jewish community makes a significant contribution to the social and cultural life of Serbia.

Prime Minister Macut said that Serbia remains committed to protecting the rights of all of its religious and ethnic communities, as well as preserving cultural and historical heritage.

The interlocutors particularly pointed out to the importance of educating young people about the suffering of the Jewish people during World War II and preserving historical memory as an important foundation for building a society based on tolerance and mutual respect.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Private archive, YouTube/Glisok/printscreen

The section of the Morava Corridor from the Preljina interchange (Cacak) to Adrane near Kraljevo will be ceremonially opened for traffic on Friday in the presence of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and the state leadership.

This narly 30-kilometer Morava Corridor stretch is known informally as the Cacak-Kraljevo highway. It will allow for a significantly faster connection between Belgrade and Kraljevo, as well as Moravicki and Raski Okrug (districts), thus incorporating this region into the modern highway network and rounding off one of the most significant infrastructure investments.

Photo: Private archive

The importance of the Morava Corridor is primarily measured by the time that citizens and the economy will be able to save. Krusevac, Trstenik, Vrnjacka Banja, Kraljevo and Cacak get a faster and safer connection with the most important routes in the country. Cargo traffic will be more efficient, and industrial zones will be more accessible to domestic and foreign investors.

The Morava Corridor will connect over half a million people in central Serbia. The section of the Morava Corridor from the Preljina interchange near Cacak to the Adrane interchange near Kraljevo is about 29 kilometers long.

A video taken from a drone, above the Glisok canal, shows what the new stretch of the E761/A5 motorway looks like, as well as the entrance from the direction of Belgrade towards Kraljevo, that also serves those coming from Pozega, i.e. Uzice, Mt. Zlatibor... After exiting at the Preljina interchange, drivers will be able to go full throttle towards Kraljevo, Vrnjacka Banja, Krusevac...

(Telegraf.rs)

Banner reads, "For Serbia, Kosovo and Metohija, for Vucic"; Photo: Handout photo

More than 350 Serbs from the north of Kosovo, from Kosovo Pomoravlje, and Gracanica set off this morning in an organized way to the town of Kraljevo to support President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic during the opening of one of the most important sections of the Morava Corridor (E761/A5 motorway).

After that, the Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija will continue their journey to Belgrade, where they will join other compatriots from across Serbia at a large rally in front of the House of National Assembly, scheduled to start in the early evening of Saturday, June 27.

Around 200 citizens departed from Leposavic, Zvecan, northern Kosovska Mitrovica and Zubin Potok, while more than 150 Serbs are traveling to central Serbia from Kosovsko Pomoravlja, Gracanica and the surrounding settlements in that area of Kosovo and Metohija.

(Telegraf.rs)

Photo: Tanjug/RADE PRELIC

The leader of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, SNS, and presidential advisor Milos Vucevic on Friday invited people from all over Serbia to come to Belgrade tomorrow for the (day before) Vidovdan gathering that will be held under the slogan "Serbia, One Family".

"On Saturday, we are holding a big people's rally before Vidovdan. I believe that we will present important messages at that rally and that you will hear our ideas and goals. I invite patriotic people from all over Serbia to come and be a part of it. There will be events all day, for children, there will be robots, different political offers. The largest Serbian flag thus far will be displayed, that sacred tricolor of ours is a reminder to everyone that the flag and the coat of arms are above us all," said Vucevic.

Vucevic also told RTS this morning that the call for unity is symbolized through the Serbian flag, the heraldry of the coat of arms, the lyrics of our national anthem, and that the citizens of Serbia believe in this.

"I believe that we are entering a more stable period that doesn't depend only on Serbia. Whoever is in politics is always campaigning. There are always activities. If I understood the president of Serbia correctly, in the next few months we are expected to make a decision on calling elections, and in the fall we are expected to make more important decisions," said Vucevic.

He added that an important beginning of next week and weekend are ahead for the citizens of Serbia, recalling that the longest section of the Morava Corridor officially opens in the afternoon and that people from Kraljevo and Cacak will enjoy a better and safer traffic connection.

"We'll have an active day on Sunday, the president announced that an agreement will be signed on the completion of the construction of the St. Sava Temple, the Serbian Army will show its weapons in the morning, an event awaits us in Ravanica, and in Krusevac we will be celebrating Vidovday," said Vucevic.

The SNS leader added that new measures will be presented on Monday and that citizens will be able to hear many good and useful things.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)

Photo: MUP

Serbian Deputy PM and Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dacic has offered his condolences to the state leadership and citizens of Venezuela, after that country was hit by a devastating earthquake.

"I was very surprised and concerned by the news of the devastating earthquake that hit Venezuela, claiming human lives and leaving behind great destruction and suffering.

On behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and on my own behalf, I send my sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the state leadership and the friendly people of Venezuela, and I wish the injured a successful recovery," Dacic's message said, adding:

"In these difficult moments, our thoughts are with everyone who lost their loved ones, as well as with those who are struggling with the consequences of this great tragedy. Natural disasters always remind us that solidarity, humane approach and mutual support are the values ​​that bind people and are stronger than any borders or differences.

As proof of sincere friendship and solidarity with the people of Venezuela, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia made available specialized rescue teams from the Sector for Emergency Situations, who are ready to use their knowledge and experience to help eliminate the consequences of this tragedy, and communication with the Venezuelan authorities is underway."

"I am convinced that Venezuela, relying on the strength of its people and the support of friends around the world, will overcome these difficult moments and continue on the path of recovery and reconstruction," Dacic concluded.

(Telegraf.rs)