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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Mass protest held against unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo

Belgrade, 21 February 2008

A mass national protest themed “Kosovo is Serbia”, organised against the unilateral declaration of independence by the southern Serbian province Kosovo-Metohija, began at 5 pm in front of the House of Parliament in Belgrade with the national anthem “Boze Pravde” (God of Justice).

Author: Tanjug

The protest was organised to show Serbia’s opposition, in a peaceful and dignified manner, to the unilateral declaration of independence by the Kosovo Albanians and the move by some parts of the international community to support the act of self declared independence.

The people were addressed by Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, deputy president of the Serbian Radical Party Tomislav Nikolic, as well as sportsmen Novak Djokovic and Dejan Bodiroga and film director Emir Kusturica.

Nikolic said that Serbia will continue to protect all its children in Kosovo-Metohija and every bit of its territory, because if there is no Kosovo then there is no Serbia.

He pledged at the mass protest that he will not rest until Kosovo returns under the sovereign control of Serbia, and added that this is the largest protest which Serbia has ever seen.

Nikolic stressed that “we are all the same today, there are no differences today and everyone holds only Kosovo in their heart.” He said that every one in their own way has sworn an oath to defend Kosovo.

He reiterated that Kosovo-Metohija is the heart of Serbia, and that heart is irreplaceable. He called on Europe to show a friendly attitude towards Serbia again, and asked the people gathered in front of the House of Parliament to show what it is to be an ancient European nation.

Let us show that we are an ancient European nation, that when we gather together we do it like Serbs, and show how we are fighting for Kosovo-Metohija as Serbs, said Nikolic.

Celebrated Serbian basketball player Dejan Bodiroga said that the struggle for Kosovo is the most important match for Serbia, which will end in victory.

He stressed that for victory in the fight for Kosovo Serbia must show dignity and unity greater than ever. Serbian best tennis player Novak Djokovic, who is abroad, said via a telephone link, that this is one of the most difficult moments in the history of Serbia, that he will be with Kosovo with his heart for ever and that the Serbian people are ready to defend what belongs to them. I am sorry I am unable to be with you physically, but I want to tell everybody there that my family and I have always been for Kosovo wholeheartedly. This whole situation is very difficult for me as we all know that the history of the Serbian people was written in Kosovo. Djokovic pointed out that Kosovo is Serbia and that it should always remain like that.

Republika Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik and presidents of the Serbian People’s Party and People Party from Montenegro Andrija Mandic and Predrag Popovic also addressed the gathering.

Dodik stressed that Republika Srpska does not recognise the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo and that it wants peace and stability as well as a strong Serbia.

He said he loves that Serbia is dignified and knows what it wants, and Serbia wants Kosovo to remain within its borders.

Republika Srpska knows its road. Republika Srpska loves Serbia. Only a stable and strong Serbia can help Republika Srpska and only a strong Republika Srpska can help Serbia, the Republika Srpska Prime Minister stressed.

Serbia is our fatherland, although we live in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Dodik stressed.

Other speakers at the mass protest were rectors of the Belgrade and Pristina universities Branko Kovacevic and Zdravko Vitosevic, as well as students Marko Milutinovic, Sandra Todorovic and Vladica Lazarevic.

The first part of the protest in front of the House of Parliament ended with choir singing "Vostani Serbije" (Arise Serbia), thus marking the beginning of the protest walk to the St. Sava’s Church, were a prayer service was held by Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Amfilohije.