**Serbian PM Slams University Rector’s Decision as “Unacceptable and Unacademic”**
In a recent statement, Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut has strongly criticized the decision of University of Belgrade Rector Vladan Djokic to cancel a scheduled meeting through an open letter in the media. This move effectively halted ongoing discussions about normalizing university operations in the country.
According to Macut’s written statement, he had been looking forward to continuing talks with academic community representatives that began on Tuesday. However, instead of engaging in further discussion, Rector Djokic issued a public statement canceling the meetings and portraying the talks as failed.
**A Disappointing Turn of Events**
Macut was clearly disappointed by this turn of events, calling it “unacceptable and unacademic.” He emphasized that communication within the academic community should take place through dialogue and mutual understanding, rather than through media statements. The prime minister noted that an agreement had been reached to continue talks on Tuesday, but Rector Djokic’s decision has put a hold on these discussions.
**The Background of the Dispute**
It appears that tensions between Prime Minister Macut and University of Belgrade administrators have been simmering for some time. On Wednesday, Rector Djokic announced that he was unable to attend a scheduled meeting with the prime minister due to a summons from the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade. This move was seen as an attempt by the rector to sidestep further discussions.
**A Clarification on the Summon**
However, it has been clarified that no interrogation of Rector Djokic had been scheduled or planned. Instead, the prosecutor’s office simply requested information from the University of Belgrade’s Rectorate regarding a second criminal complaint filed by student Milos Pavlovic, alleging discrimination.
**A Call for Dialogue**
Despite this setback, Prime Minister Macut has expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with academic community representatives. He called on the University of Belgrade to show a willingness to dialogue without stipulating conditions. This call for cooperation and understanding is likely to be met with interest by many observers, who see the normalization of university operations as essential for the country’s progress.
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