Government Students Visit Embassy of Serbia

Matt standing on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Serbia!

 Aleksandar Vidojevic, Counselor for Political Affairs at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia met with Herndon High School Honors Government students on November 19, 2013. He discussed the recent history of Serbia, its relations with its neighbors and its relationship with the United States. Kevin thank Mr. Vidojevic for meeting with our class and participating in a fascinating discussion.

Amelia (R)- Does it bother you that the United States blamed Serbia more than the other republics of the former Yugoslavia for the violence in the 1990’s? ANSWER- It's not an easy thing to talk about. We have to take responsibility for what happened. Very hard to forget. No one was killed in my family. But we still hurt. It's history and we are trying to move on. Only the result matters.

Aisha (L)- What do you want us to know about the people in your country? ANSWER-  We are an open minded people , warm hearted.  We like to eat meat!  We have tempers like the Italians. We are proud of our diversity. Become friends with someone who is Serbian and you will get the main experience of them as a person.

Christina (Center back)- From the Serbian perspective what would be the best resolution to the Kosovo situation? ANSWER- We are still trying to repair the damages but it's going in a good direction. We want to have things like high school diplomas recognized, license plates, making the border easier.

Maria (R)-How are your relationships with the other nations that made up the former Yugoslavia? ANSWER We have good relations and we know how to communicate with them.

Charley (2nd right)- At the end of Once Brothers, the documentary on the former Yugoslav basketball team, the Serbian team won the European championship and while on the medal stand made THIS hand gesture. What is the meaning of that gesture and why did the Croatian team leave? ANSWER- It is who we are.  It means we are Serbians. The 3 represents the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Max (R)- Right now President Obama's poll numbers are as low as they have ever been.  Is Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and President Tomislave Nikolic supported by most Serbians?  ANSWER- The president is elected by direct suffrage. The prime minister has the support of the people.

Kennia (3rd L)- How do you think Slobodan Milosevic should go down in history?  ANSWER- Milosevic should be remembered by historians, but he in fact was a negative character and did not get the proper punishment that he deserved because he caused much grief.

Edith (R)- On your embassy website it states The Serbian Ambassador has a “shared Illinois past” with President Obama.  What was the Ambassador’s experience in Illinois? ANSWER- Before being the Ambassador he worked for the state government in the trade center, he has also lived in Chicago for awhile and has also fundraised for Obama.

Rashid- Some of the strongest allies of the U.S. are Canada, England and Israel.  Who are Serbia’s strongest allies? ANSWER- Russia has always been one of our strong allies.  We also consider historically the U.S. as a strong ally as we both fought the Nazi's.  We also have good relations with members of the European Union.

Matt (L)- Who was a better basketball player, Vlade Divac or Drazen Petrovic?  ANSWER- Drazin was amazing!  We loved watching him when we were younger.

Kevin- Since Kosovo declared its independence in 2008, the U.S. is one of the nations that has recognized it.  Have you tried to persuade the U.S. to withdrawal that recognition? ANSWER- Yes we have tried to stop other countries from recognizing Kosovo, but there is only so much we can do about it.

Cierra (L)- If a Croatian basketball star Toni Kukoc came to Serbia would he be welcomed?  ANSWER- Yes. Most likely. Ghosts of the past have begun to disappear. He is a nice man and other Croatian celebrities have not had such issues when traveling.

Paria- Are there any cars (beside the Fiat) that Serbia exports to the US?  ANSWER- We used to export the "Yugo" but we also export organic food, textiles, and furniture. 

Chyenne- Is Vlade Divac considered a hero in Serbia? ANSWER- ABSOLUTELY, he's a great guy. First Serbian basketball player for the NBA and the Lakers. Nobody could believe it.

Mumin (L)- Did you watch “Once Brothers”, the documentary about the former Yugoslav basketball team, and if so what was your reaction to it? ANSWER- I have not seen it but I want to.

Kent- What are your favorite areas around DC to visit?  ANSWER- This is a gorgeous area. I love Great Falls and visiting the monuments and museums in DC.  

Azi- Just out of curiosity, because your nation is in between several others, what language/languages do you speak in Serbia? ANSWER- We used to speak Serbicroation when we were a joined nation, but because of the split, we each speak our own language. Like Macedonians speak Macedonian, Greeks speak Greek, etc.  Azi- Could you teach us a few words?  ANSWER-  Dohb-eh-dahn = Good day/Hello.  Kh-vahlha = Thank you.

After being ejected from the National Cathedral and NOT taking a walk down Embassy Row ("It's too cold!!") we decided to hang out with Gandhi for a few minutes.