After so meaningful, truthful and highly inspirational speech delivered by Mr. President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić that was reported and here at philosophyofgoodnews.com, as a genuine good news, I read it again. It is always wise to leave some time to pass, to settle impressions and thoughts and read such an important speech again. If it was historical or not time will show, but what looks certain is that it became already memorable and widely publicly or privately discussed.

That is why reading again the particular speech helps and inspires all that are not blinded by hatred. Even for those can be of help for soul searching.

As legendary Serbian poet Branko Miljkovic(1) said, there are some words, those called the strongest, that can kill, but there are others that will cure, that will clear the mind, that will open new avenues of understanding, help us create new, genuinely human ideas, unblocking the blocked parts of the brain and finally enabling us to become better than we are.

The truth told in the speech of the President of Serbia, Mr. Aleksandar Vučić, may hurt some, but awakens the majority from lethargy. That speech has a sobering effect, like the brine from sauerkraut.

I mentioned sauerkraut whose side product the brine, the juice, (rasol in Serbian) is very healthy and is widely used to cure hangovers and sober up. Symbolicaly it represents the process of awaking that has started and is irrevocable. Just to mention, for the food lovers, that sauerkraut is a traditional Serbian but not only Serbian dish. It is widely used for making many amazing dishes in the whole of Balkans. Like sarma, or stuffed cabbage leaves, usually with pork or lamb minced meat. It is a kind of connection between all Balkan countries with some of them already developing closer ties with the OPEN BALKAN INITIATIVE .

The speech has many important points. For those who like a taxative statement, let me start from number 1 and continue further.

1) Truth
When saying truth I mean first and foremost the PLAIN TRUTH, and ONLY TRUTH. The last part, SO HELP ME GOD, I leave for those that were participating in crime against one nation that did not attack any other nation. Let the God help them as that nation wanted to be on their own, and completely free.

“The attempt of cutting my country into pieces, that had formally started in 2008 by the unilateral declaration of independence of the so-called Kosovo, has not ended yet. Precisely the violation of the UN Charter in case of Serbia was one of the visible precursors of numerous problems we are all facing today, and that go far beyond the borders of my country and scopes of the region I come from.”

“At the same time, only a few meters away from this hall, the German Minister said that Germany firmly observed the UN Charter and UN decisions and documents, and that it
would never give up on it. All that would be nice, if it were true. Namely, almost all western powers brutally violated both the UN Charter and the UN Resolution 1244, which had been passed in this renowned Organization, as they denied and violated precisely those principles they are defending today, and it happened 24 and exactly 15 years ago. For the first time, unprecedented in the world history, the most powerful 19 countries made the decision, without involvement of the UN Security Council, I repeat, without any decision by the UN Security Council, to brutally attack and punish a sovereign country on the European soil, as they had said, to prevent the humanitarian disaster.“

He continued adding more of the truth.

“They didn’t laugh out loud when Russian President used the very same words, justifying his attack against Ukraine. They forgot that they themselves had used the same narrative, the same words and the same explanations. Whereby, I would like to inform you that Serbia had not stepped its foot in the territory of some other country, nor it jeopardized its existence; but 24 years ago, the most powerful and the strongest 19 had no mercy with small Serbia. Even when they had finished this job, they said that the issue of Kosovo is a democratic issue and that it would be resolved in accordance with the UN Charter and other international law
documents. And then, contrary to all, but absolutely all documents of the international public law, it occurred to them in 2008 to support the independence of the so-called “Kosovo”.”

“Namely, since the moment of the victory of those 19 against small Serbia, 70% of Serbs from Kosovo have left their thresholds, and there are by 300.000 Albanians more than there have ever been in Kosovo. Well, that much about the law, that much about the justice.”

2) Principles

“Principles do not change from one circumstance to another.
Principles do not apply only on the strong ones, they apply to all. If that’s not the case, then, they are no longer principles. And that is why I believe that in the modern world there will either be principles, and the same rules will apply to all, or, as the world, we will end up in
the deepest divisions in our history, in the most difficult conflicts and in problems we will not manage to cope with.”

Another important thing, peace has become a forbidden word, because all of them have their favorites and their culprits. And the only value that remained to great powers are precisely the principles, but the false ones. As long as they are fine with them, they will call upon them.
First time – as it was in the case of Serbia- they disagreed with the principles, law and rules, law, justice and principles suffered.

3) Peace

“I believe that we are all aware that there is no development without peace. Just like Nelson Mandela said: “Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person can have”. We must believe in that and work together on it. Conditio sine qua non is, first and foremost, conversation; to listen and to try to hear and understand each other. There is no alternative to peace.“

4) Serbia Position

“And in such a world, I believe that one small Serbia, by raising its voice and fighting for universal values of principles of inviolability of internationally recognized borders, territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence, gives the example of the fight for the right, the one that was abolished here, even in this building, and protects the principles the world should be made of, with its not such a big strength, but with its paramount decisiveness and courage. We did not change the principles for the purpose of daily politics and our own
needs. And just like we preserve the integrity of Serbia, we defend the integrity of each UN member state.”

It is only a bit sad that all the big ones, who are not interested in the law and justice, call upon different principles in different circumstances the principles they find the most suitable at that
particular moment. When one follows such politics, when there is no morality in the world politics, then it is clear that we are about to enter the era of big divisions and big conflicts. And not only political and economic, but military ones, as well.

5) United Nations, Integrity and Sovereignty

And precisely in this difficult situation, the United Nations is the last substantial platform that brings us all together, regardless of all our differences and divisions. I believe that the commitment to peace and development, the desire to resolve disputes through dialogue, to
find common ways to end human suffering and to ensure a more prosperous and stable future are precisely what unites us. That is why we extend full support to all important reform processes of the UN Organization itself, including the initiatives of the UN Secretary-General.
For preservation of global peace and so that we all do not disappear in a Darwinist conflict led by great powers, it is necessary to join our forces, just like 78 years ago, in common fight
for international order based on the UN Charter. It would be much wiser and better for our children to do the respective before the World War than after it, once it is too late.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Respecting the UN Charter is not a choice, it is an obligation. After all, like I have already said by mentioning some names, this is what we had the opportunity to hear during the
previous presentations of most of my colleagues while talking, among other issues, about the topic that is still dominant in all forums – the conflict in Ukraine. I will agree with them when it comes to the necessity of respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, which the Republic of Serbia has been consistently showing from the beginning. We have been making such appeals continuously for decades, but with a significant difference – Serbia supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all UN member states. I repeat, ALL member states.

6) History and Future

As many of you maybe know, different interpretations of history are the cause of many disagreements and open issues in our region. I believe in future, and I believe that that, by using joint efforts, we still have the capacity and ability to try to overcome differences and focus on what connects us – care for wellbeing of our nations. We want to build bridges, not walls. We need to look towards the future. We need to move forward, to use every chance for economic growth, connectivity and exchange of ideas. Today, we have common toll collection from Belgrade almost to the Adriatic Sea, and soon we’ll have it to the Aegean Sea. We open borders in the Balkans, we open labor market and enable free flow of people, goods and capital.

Precisely this was the guiding star and initiator of the “Open Balkan” Initiative, which has given concrete results so far and strengthened regional ownership of the processes of the economic connectivity of the region. The “Open Balkan” improved also the political atmosphere. We have such approach to all our neighbors and our key interest is to preserve stability in the region and turn towards as intensive cooperation as possible in all areas. These processes are certainly inseparable part of our strivings to become a full-fledged member of the European Union, which is at the same time one of the key priorities of our foreign policy.
This priority certainly does not exclude our commitment for cooperation development and deepening of relations with our traditional friends from all parts of the world, where we remain reliable and responsible partner. We will strive to strengthen existing and build new friendships, both bilaterally and through participation in initiatives and fora of different regions all over the world. The latest confirmation that the geographic distance should not be a barrier for cooperation is recent accession of the Republic of Serbia to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia- TAC.

Additionally, we are proud for being given a unique opportunity that the spirit of friendship I speak about is to be felt in Belgrade, which will host the Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2027.
We are grateful to all those who supported us and had faith in us. Thank you dear friends.

7) Open Invitation to Visit Serbia a Country to Host EXPO 2027

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to invite the representatives of all UN members states to take part in World Exhibition EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. Serbia’s capital, a cosmopolitan
metropolis with two million inhabitants is your home and we extend the welcoming hand forbparticipation in the freest and most diverse international exhibition so far. Come to Belgrade to celebrate the humanity together.
Now I know that I spoke much longer than I was asked, but I gave myself the same right the big powers gave to themselves.

Thank you for your attention.”

————————————————————-

Without exaggeration, and country of origin preferences, I can say that Serbian President Mr. Aleksandar Vučić hit the bullseye and gave all of us food for thought how to improve and cherish cooperation, conversation, compassion and balance our countries interests. It is easy when the right decisions are taken!

At the end I feel that I need to refer to a remarkable speech of Al Pacino in the “Scent of a Woman.” Let it be the philosophyofgoodnews.com message to all those that are in hiding, full of narcissism and hatred, that continue insidiously to destabilise the Earth and its most beautiful inhabitants, us, the human beings.

Hope you find it meaningful.

“Scent of a Woman” (1992)

Lt. Col. Frank Slade Addresses Baird School Disciplinary Hearing

Mr. Trask: I’m going to recommend to the disciplinary committee that you be expelled, Mr. Sims. You are a cover-up artist and you are a liar.

Frank Slade: But not a snitch.

Trask: Excuse me?

Slade: No, I don’t think I will.

Trask: Mr. Slade.

Slade: This is such a crock of shit.

Trask: Please watch your language, Mr. Slade. You are in the Baird School not a barracks. Mr. Sims, I will give you one final opportunity to speak up.

Slade: Mr. Sims doesn’t want it. He doesn’t need to labeled: “Still worthy of being a ‘Baird Man.’” What the hell is that? What is your motto here? “Boys, inform on your classmates, save your hide” — anything short of that we’re gonna burn you at the stake? Well, gentlemen, when the shit hits the fan some guys run and some guys stay. Here’s Charlie facing the fire; and there’s George hidin’ in big Daddy’s pocket. And what are you doin’? You’re gonna reward George and destroy Charlie.

Trask: Are you finished, Mr. Slade?

Slade:No, I’m just gettin’ warmed up. I don’t know who went to this place, William Howard Taft, William Jennings Bryan, William Tell — whoever. Their spirit is dead — if they ever had one — it’s gone. You’re building a rat ship here. A vessel for sea goin’ snitches. And if you think you’re preparing these minnows for manhood you better think again. Because I say you are killing the very spirit this institution proclaims it instills! What a sham. What kind of a show are you guys puttin’ on here today. I mean, the only class in this act is sittin’ next to me. And I’m here to tell ya this boy’s soul is intact. It’s non-negotiable. You know how I know? Someone here — and I’m not gonna say who — offered to buy it. Only Charlie here wasn’t sellin’.

Trask: Sir, you are out of order!

Slade: Outta order? I’ll show you outta order! You don’t know what outta order is, Mr. Trask! I’d show you but I’m too old; I’m too tired; I’m too fuckin’ blind. If I were the man I was five years ago I’d take a FLAME-THROWER to this place! Outta order. Who the hell you think you’re talkin’ to? I’ve been around, you know? There was a time I could see. And I have seen boys like these, younger than these, their arms torn out, their legs ripped off. But there isn’t nothin’ like the sight of an amputated spirit; there is no prosthetic for that. You think you’re merely sendin’ this splendid foot-soldier back home to Oregon with his tail between his legs, but I say you are executin’ his SOUL!! And why?! Because he’s not a Baird man! Baird men, ya hurt this boy, you’re going to be Baird Bums, the lot of ya. And Harry, Jimmy, Trent, wherever you are out there, FUCK YOU, too!

Trask: Stand down, Mr. Slade!

Slade: I’m not finished! As I came in here, I heard those words, “cradle of leadership.” Well, when the bough breaks, the cradle will fall. And it has fallen here; it has fallen. Makers of men; creators of leaders; be careful what kind of leaders you’re producin’ here. I don’t know if Charlie’s silence here today is right or wrong.

I’m not a judge or jury. But I can tell you this: he won’t sell anybody out to buy his future!! And that, my friends, is called integrity! That’s called courage! Now that’s the stuff leaders should be made of. Now I have come to the crossroads in my life. I always knew what the right path was. Without exception, I knew. But I never took it. You know why? It was too damn hard. Now here’s Charlie. He’s come to the crossroads. He has chosen a path. It’s the right path. It’s a path made of principle — that leads to character. Let him continue on his journey.

You hold this boy’s future in your hands, committee. It’s a valuable future. Believe me. Don’t destroy it! Protect it. Embrace it. It’s gonna make ya proud one day — I promise you.“

Courtesy of THE AMERICAN RHETORIC

Let’s PRACTICE TO PROTECT AND EMBRACE THE EARTH AND ALL OF US HER INHABITANTS!

That is the message I got from the speech Mr.Vučić, the President of Serbia.

Deeply and genuinely hope, you too!

D.R.L.

September 24th, 2023

Philosophyofgoodnews.com

Connect and Respect

(1) Branko Miljković Serbian Poet