In her speech at the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Brnabic stated that she was forced to deal with that "issue of deep importance" which, not only deeply affected the nation, but also tested the very structure of international law and the fundamental principles which, she pointed out, govern our collective coexistence. "This act of aggression against a sovereign state, which has not set foot on the territory of another country, recognised even by NATO and its member states as illegal under international law, and paradoxically considered legitimate, was one of the most critical moments in recent history when the established norms of international behaviour have been openly violated", Brnabic pointed out.

She reminded that the arbitrary use of armed force, without the express approval of the UN Security Council, is unequivocally prohibited, except under strictly defined conditions of self-defence, which, she pointed out, was not the case at the time. "NATO's actions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia created a dangerous precedent that continues to threaten the very order established by the UN Charter," she said, adding that this act had numerous consequences.

According to her, "the illegal NATO aggression that caused enormous suffering and destruction to Serbia" resulted in the subsequent unilateral declaration of independence by Pristina in 2008, which represented a further violation of international norms, the UN Charter and the UN Security Council Resolution 1244. "It is important to emphasise that these events represent the opening of Pandora's box, unleashing far-reaching consequences that have been felt far beyond our borders for years and decades to follow. We are, without any doubt, witnessing the ripple effects of those catastrophic events unfolding today across Europe and beyond," said the Serbian National Assembly Speaker. She said that today, as tensions escalate and "the spectre of global conflict" looms, it is imperative that we "learn from history and redouble our efforts to prevent such catastrophic outcomes." "Everyone around the world, regardless of their size and power, must unwaveringly adhere to the principles of international law, respecting, under any and all circumstances, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of internationally recognised countries, members of the United Nations, as a basic principle of international law", Brnabic said.

She said that law, fostering dialogue and cooperation are "the only way to sustainable peace and stability". He emphasised that, regardless of the international presence and UN Security Council Resolution 1244, Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija suffer under difficult conditions and that the ban on the use of the Serbian currency, the dinar, prevents them from accessing basic resources such as pensions, salaries and social benefits. "During the past year, 13% of the Serbian population was forced to flee from Kosovo-Metohija. While we are talking, families are thinking about it," said Brnabic. She said that it was her honour to speak for the first time at a forum with, she said, such a long tradition and significant role, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union. "Until recently, I was the Prime Minister of Serbia for three terms and I fully intend to use all my skills and experience in order to improve and further strengthen parliamentary democracy around the world, as well as to nurture the values that this organisation has maintained for 135 years," Brnabic pointed out. She stated that she firmly believes that the equality of countries, mutual respect and appreciation and the free exchange of opinions is the absolute foundation of international relations, and that in an era marked by rapid changes and complex challenges, the importance of parliamentary diplomacy cannot be overestimated, and that the world should be led towards a future in which dialogue overcomes discord and understanding replaces conflict. "Peace. It seems that world peace has never, in the past 80 years, been more fragile than today. That is why we need to remember: peace depends on respecting international law," Brnabic said, adding that in the absence of this respect, those with greater military power or those with less to lose prevail - leading the world into constant wars, loss of life and instability.

SOURCE: TANJUG