Serbian Politician Urges Referendum on EU Accession Before Snap Elections

BELGRADE, August 14. /TASS/. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic should not step down or call snap parliamentary elections before a referendum on the country's accession to the European Union is held, Aleksandar Vulin, chairman of Serbia's Movement of Socialists, said.

"The only real answer that EU hypocrites will understand is a referendum on a path to the European Union. Mr. President, don't end your mandate or call elections until you ask parliament to hold a referendum on EU accession. This is the issue that everything else depends on. The sooner we ask the Serbs what they think of the EU, the sooner we'll have our freedom back," Vulin's press service quoted him as saying.

Vucic said earlier that he would keep his promise to set a date for early parliamentary elections in September or early October. According to him, the vote will take place in October or November, followed by a presidential election somewhat later. Vucic also said he expected the ruling Serbian Progressive Party to win the snap election and that he might become prime minister.