BELGRADE (Sputnik) — On February 19, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic signed a confirmation of the country’s cooperation plan with NATO. Serbian lawmakers ratified a diplomatic immunity agreement and logistical support for NATO representatives on February 12. The latest Belgrade's moves became the discussion topic within Serbia and caused a series of protests across the country, as well as calls for a referendum.
"We have not received an invitation, has anyone invited us? Of course, it depends on Serbia… I do not understand why a referendum is needed, to spend the people's money?" Vucic told the RTS broadcaster in an interview.
The Serbian prime minister added that Serbia would not be joining NATO, as it wants to stay militarily neutral.
Belgrade is part of the NATO's Partnership for Peace program alongside other former Yugoslav republics. Its Individual Partnership Action Plan entered into force in January 2015.
Serbia is also an observer state in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and an associate member in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
