Prior to his arrival in Budapest Chinese President Xi Jinping also visited France and Serbia on the second leg of his three Nation Europe tour. During his brief stay in Belgrade, Xi and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vučić signed 29 agreements promoting cooperation in multiple theaters. Watch in for more details!

China & Serbia sign agreement to 'build shared future' | Xi to complete Euro tour with Hungary visit

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia - AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines - Brazil floods leave 150,000 homeless - Students protests spread to Europe

Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia | AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade and as Beijing seeks to deepen its polical and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

China President Xi Jinping visits Serbia for talks to boost economic ties

Serbia welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping with a military guard of honour on Wednesday. Xi's visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of NATO's accidental bombing of China's embassy in Belgrade. Watch in for more details!

China's Xi Jinping visits Serbia on anniversary of 1999 NATO bombing

China President Xi Jinping visits Serbia: Xi hails ironclad friendship between China & Serbia

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US pauses bomb shipment to Israel - Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia - AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines - European Banks to record losses - Tornadoes sweep through US midwest

European Banks to record losses | Tornadoes sweep through US midwest

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US pauses bomb shipment to Israel - Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia - AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines - Stormy Daniels testifies against Trump - Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo

Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo | Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

China has poured billions into Serbia and neighbouring Balkan countries, particularly into mining and manufacturing, and last year Beijing and Belgrade signed a free trade agreement.&nbsp;

Xi arrived in the Serbian capital Tuesday night after a state visit to France that saw sometimes robust exchanges with President Emmanuel Macron on topics including trade and China's continued close ties to Russia despite the Ukraine war.

But the other two countries chosen by Xi for his first trip to Europe since 2019 -- with Hungary as the final stop after Serbia -- are seen as among the most sympathetic to Moscow in Europe.&nbsp;

In Belgrade, the Chinese leader will meet President Aleksandar Vucic for talks on Wednesday, before heading to Budapest.

Serbian finance minister Sinisa Mali told state broadcaster RTS that discussions Wednesday would centre on "a great project".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-in-france-calls-for-free-tibet-take-over-paris-during-chinese-leaders-state-visit-718403">Xi Jinping in France: Chants of 'Free Tibet' echo in Paris streets amid Chinese leader's state visit</a>

"We are aiming to attract a major investment from China in a very promising area," he said Tuesday, adding "I won't reveal our cards at this moment."

Streets in the Serbian capital were decked out with Chinese flags for the visit, along with posters and billboards that proclaimed a "warm welcome" to "Chinese friends".&nbsp;

<h2>NATO bombing</h2>

Xi's visit to Belgrade will also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 1999 US bombing of the Chinese embassy there, which killed three people.&nbsp;

The embassy was hit during a months-long, US-led NATO campaign targeting Serbian security forces who were waging a brutal war against ethnic-Albanian insurgents in Kosovo.

The US later apologised, saying that outdated maps had led the pilot to strike the wrong target.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Xi wrote in Serbian daily Politika that NATO had "flagrantly bombed the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia", warning that China would "never allow such tragic history to repeat itself".&nbsp;

He also hailed the "ironclad friendship" between China and Serbia, which he said was "forged with the blood of our compatriots".

Also watch |&nbsp;Xi Jinping's first trip to Europe in five years; after France, Xi to visit Serbia &amp; Hungary

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Stefan Vladisavljev, programme director at the Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society, said that the date of the visit meant it will have "significant symbolic importance".

"The focus is also expected to be on promoting existing cooperation between the two countries, and announcing projects that they can implement together in the future," he added.

<h2>Ukraine fears</h2>

Serbs questioned in central Belgrade said they welcomed Xi's visit.

"I think it's an excellent thing, this visit from the president of one of the most powerful countries in the world," 67-year-old Stojan Vidovic, a retiree, told AFP.

"It's fantastic for us," agreed 69-year-old Dijana Radic, a former translator. She said she hoped there would be "results from this visit, something good for both parties".

The first leg of Xi's visit in France saw meetings with Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging Xi not to allow the export of any technology that could be used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and to do all it could to end the war.&nbsp;

Xi for his part warned the West not to "smear" China over the conflict and also hit back at accusations that Chinese overcapacity was causing global trade imbalances.&nbsp;

Europe is concerned that while officially neutral over the Ukraine conflict, China is essentially backing Russia, which is using Chinese machine tools in arms production.&nbsp;

After meeting with Vucic, Xi will go to Hungary, where China has invested heavily in vast battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe. China has poured billions into Serbia and neighbouring Balkan countries, particularly into mining and manufacturing, and last year Beijing and Belgrade signed a free trade agreement. Xi arrived in the Serbian capital Tuesday night after a state visit to France that saw sometimes robust exchanges with President Emmanuel Macron on topics including trade and China's continued close ties to Russia despite the Ukraine war. But the other two countries chosen by Xi for his first trip to Europe since 2019 -- with Hungary as the final stop after Serbia -- are seen as among the most sympathetic to Moscow in Europe. In Belgrade, the Chinese leader will meet President Aleksandar Vucic for talks on Wednesday, before heading to Budapest. Serbian finance minister Sinisa Mali told state broadcaster RTS that discussions Wednesday would centre on "a great project". Also read | Xi Jinping in France: Chants of 'Free Tibet' echo in Paris streets amid Chinese leader's state visit "We are aiming to attract a major investment from China in a very promising area," he said Tuesday, adding "I won't reveal our cards at this moment." Streets in the Serbian capital were decked out with Chinese flags for the visit, along with posters and billboards that proclaimed a "warm welcome" to "Chinese friends". NATO bombing Xi's visit to Belgrade will also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 1999 US bombing of the Chinese embassy there, which killed three people. The embassy was hit during a months-long, US-led NATO campaign targeting Serbian security forces who were waging a brutal war against ethnic-Albanian insurgents in Kosovo. The US later apologised, saying that outdated maps had led the pilot to strike the wrong target. On Tuesday, Xi wrote in Serbian daily Politika that NATO had "flagrantly bombed the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia", warning that China would "never allow such tragic history to repeat itself". He also hailed the "ironclad friendship" between China and Serbia, which he said was "forged with the blood of our compatriots". Also watch | Xi Jinping's first trip to Europe in five years; after France, Xi to visit Serbia & Hungary × Stefan Vladisavljev, programme director at the Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society, said that the date of the visit meant it will have "significant symbolic importance". "The focus is also expected to be on promoting existing cooperation between the two countries, and announcing projects that they can implement together in the future," he added. Ukraine fears Serbs questioned in central Belgrade said they welcomed Xi's visit. "I think it's an excellent thing, this visit from the president of one of the most powerful countries in the world," 67-year-old Stojan Vidovic, a retiree, told AFP. "It's fantastic for us," agreed 69-year-old Dijana Radic, a former translator. She said she hoped there would be "results from this visit, something good for both parties". The first leg of Xi's visit in France saw meetings with Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging Xi not to allow the export of any technology that could be used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and to do all it could to end the war. Xi for his part warned the West not to "smear" China over the conflict and also hit back at accusations that Chinese overcapacity was causing global trade imbalances. Europe is concerned that while officially neutral over the Ukraine conflict, China is essentially backing Russia, which is using Chinese machine tools in arms production. After meeting with Vucic, Xi will go to Hungary, where China has invested heavily in vast battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants.

China's Xi in Serbia 25 years after Belgrade embassy attack

On his first visit to the EU in five years, Chinese President Xi Jinping met his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, and the European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen. Xi Jinping lauded China's ties with France as a model for the international community at opening of Paris talks. Watch in for more details!

Xi Jinping's first trip to Europe in five years; after France, Xi to visit Serbia & Hungary

On Thursday lawmakers voted for a new Coalition after 2 days of heated debates. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic government was backed by 152 to 61 votes in the 250 member Parliament. Watch in for more details!

Serbia: Prime Minister Milos Vucevic government backed 152-62 in 250 member Parliament

A prehistoric settlement of massive size has been discovered in the Banat region of northeastern Serbia. Archaeologists date back the previously known settlement to some 7,000 years, much later than the Late Neolithic period.&nbsp;

"This discovery is of outstanding importance, as hardly any larger Late Neolithic settlements are known in the Serbian Banat region," research leader Martin Furholt from the Institute of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology (IPPA) at Kiel University in Germany, said in a press release.

The settlement is located near the Tamis River in the Banat region of northeastern Serbia, a landlocked country in the Balkans.

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The team managed to fully map the extent of the geographical area of the settlement, determining that it covers an area of roughly 11-13 hectares. It is also surrounded by four and six ditches on each side.

"A settlement of this size is spectacular. The geophysical data also gives us a clear idea of the structure of the site 7,000 years ago," Fynn Wilkes, co-team leader of the German-Serbian research team with the IPPA, said in the release.
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During the mapping of the site, archaeologists also found some artefacts that show a link to the Vinca culture, which dates back to between 5400 BC and 4400 BC. The Vinca culture is a prehistoric group that occupied a region of southeastern-central Europe during this period.&nbsp;

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Its territory now primarily corresponds to Serbia and Kosovo, as well as parts of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Among other distinctive characteristics, the culture is known for producing some of the largest settlements in prehistoric Europe.

The newly uncovered settlement is also associated with the Vinca culture based on the material found at the site. The site also appears to have been strongly influenced by the regional Banat prehistoric culture.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/surprise-scientists-discover-earliest-known-galaxies-since-about-beginning-of-time-717378">'Surprise'! Scientists discover earliest known galaxies since about beginning of time</a>

"This is also remarkable, as only a few settlements with material from the Banat culture are known from what is now Serbia," Wilkes said.

Further investigations of the site are still going on, but the discovery of the settlement itself will be of great help to researchers to better understand prehistoric societies in the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A prehistoric settlement of massive size has been discovered in the Banat region of northeastern Serbia. Archaeologists date back the previously known settlement to some 7,000 years, much later than the Late Neolithic period.

A prehistoric settlement of massive size has been discovered in the Banat region of northeastern Serbia. Archaeologists date back the previously known settlement to some 7,000 years, much later than the Late Neolithic period. "This discovery is of outstanding importance, as hardly any larger Late Neolithic settlements are known in the Serbian Banat region," research leader Martin Furholt from the Institute of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology (IPPA) at Kiel University in Germany, said in a press release. The settlement is located near the Tamis River in the Banat region of northeastern Serbia, a landlocked country in the Balkans. Also Read | ISRO captures high-resolution images of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander, Pragyan rover resting on Moon The team managed to fully map the extent of the geographical area of the settlement, determining that it covers an area of roughly 11-13 hectares. It is also surrounded by four and six ditches on each side. "A settlement of this size is spectacular. The geophysical data also gives us a clear idea of the structure of the site 7,000 years ago," Fynn Wilkes, co-team leader of the German-Serbian research team with the IPPA, said in the release. During the mapping of the site, archaeologists also found some artefacts that show a link to the Vinca culture, which dates back to between 5400 BC and 4400 BC. The Vinca culture is a prehistoric group that occupied a region of southeastern-central Europe during this period. Also Read | Big! World's highest astronomical observatory is finally open and sits atop Chile's Andes Mountains Its territory now primarily corresponds to Serbia and Kosovo, as well as parts of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Among other distinctive characteristics, the culture is known for producing some of the largest settlements in prehistoric Europe. The newly uncovered settlement is also associated with the Vinca culture based on the material found at the site. The site also appears to have been strongly influenced by the regional Banat prehistoric culture. Also Read | 'Surprise'! Scientists discover earliest known galaxies since about beginning of time "This is also remarkable, as only a few settlements with material from the Banat culture are known from what is now Serbia," Wilkes said. Further investigations of the site are still going on, but the discovery of the settlement itself will be of great help to researchers to better understand prehistoric societies in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists discover a massive 7000-year-old pre-historic settlement in Serbia

Chinese president Xi Jinping is set to embark on a tour of Europe. He will be visiting several countries on his first trip to the continent since the covid pandemic. As China looks for greater trade and strategic ties with the region. During the reported tour the Chinese leader will make stops in Hungary, Siberia and France. Watch in for more details!

China President Xi Jinping to visit France, Serbia & Hungary

Officials stated that on Sunday (April 21), experts removed an unexploded bomb from a southern Serbian city that dated back to the NATO bombing of the country in 1999.

This action led to the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The 1,000-kilogramme (2,200-pound) bomb was safely extracted from a construction site in the Nis neighborhood, as confirmed by an official from the interior ministry.

"It is being transported to a safe location where it will be destroyed,"&nbsp;official Luka Causic told reporters.

He added that prior to the bomb's removal, 1,300 residents from the area where it was discovered were evacuated to ensure their safety.

Police, firefighters, and medical teams were on site to guarantee its safe transportation.

Causic mentioned that the MK-84 bomb contains an explosive charge of 430 kilogrammes.

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NATO initiated its bombing campaign against Serbia on March 24, 1999, without authorisation from the UN Security Council, and it continued for 78 days.

The objective was to halt the violent suppression of ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo by Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic.

One of the deadliest incidents during the campaign occurred in Nis on May 7, 1999. Over a dozen people lost their lives when NATO aircraft dropped cluster bombs on a crowded central outdoor market. This event was later acknowledged as a "mistake."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-arrested-from-denmark-airport-after-bomb-threat-triggers-evacuation-probe-on-713418">Also read |&nbsp;Man arrested from Denmark airport after bomb threat triggers evacuation, probe on</a>

Additionally, the city experienced another bombing on May 12 of that year, resulting in the deaths of 11 civilians due to cluster bombs.

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials stated that on Sunday (April 21), experts removed an unexploded bomb from a southern Serbian city that dated back to the NATO bombing of the country in 1999.

Officials stated that on Sunday (April 21), experts removed an unexploded bomb from a southern Serbian city that dated back to the NATO bombing of the country in 1999. This action led to the evacuation of over a thousand residents. The 1,000-kilogramme (2,200-pound) bomb was safely extracted from a construction site in the Nis neighborhood, as confirmed by an official from the interior ministry. "It is being transported to a safe location where it will be destroyed," official Luka Causic told reporters. He added that prior to the bomb's removal, 1,300 residents from the area where it was discovered were evacuated to ensure their safety. Police, firefighters, and medical teams were on site to guarantee its safe transportation. Causic mentioned that the MK-84 bomb contains an explosive charge of 430 kilogrammes. Also watch | IDF bombs Hezbollah in Lebanon | US house passes $95 billion aid bill NATO initiated its bombing campaign against Serbia on March 24, 1999, without authorisation from the UN Security Council, and it continued for 78 days. The objective was to halt the violent suppression of ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo by Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic. One of the deadliest incidents during the campaign occurred in Nis on May 7, 1999. Over a dozen people lost their lives when NATO aircraft dropped cluster bombs on a crowded central outdoor market. This event was later acknowledged as a "mistake." Also read | Man arrested from Denmark airport after bomb threat triggers evacuation, probe on Additionally, the city experienced another bombing on May 12 of that year, resulting in the deaths of 11 civilians due to cluster bombs. (With inputs from agencies)

1,000 kg NATO bomb excavated from Serbian city; thousands evacuated

Nearly two dozen of women are at the centre of a battle in Eastern Serbia to have their village relocated, away from a copper mine that they say has polluted their land and water and ruined the surrounding countryside.

Meet the women fighting to relocate their Serbian village to escape encroaching mine

Serbia, without Novak Djokovic, proved no match for Slovakia who surged into the group stage of the Davis Cup finals for the first time, with Germany and Finland among five other countries qualifying on Saturday.

Slovak doubles duo Lukas Klein and Igor Zelenay clinched the decisive point with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win over Nikola Caci and Miomir Kecmanovic to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie.

Lukas Pokorny made it 4-0 after Laslo Djere retired while trailing in the first set of the reverse singles on indoor clay at Kraljevo.

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"Too many years we didn't qualify but finally we made it," said Zelenay.

Alex Molcan, who won Friday's second singles, added: "We knew it was going to be tough against Serbians in their home nation. I'm happy we were able to win two matches today."

Zelenay and Klein had recovered from a break in the first set, digging deep with 31 winners to see off 2010 champions Serbia.

On Friday, Klein got Slovakia off the mark with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 win over Kecmanovic, with Molcan rallying past Dusan Lajovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-0.

In Hungary, three-time winners Germany -- missing Alexander Zverev due to illness -- clinched the first two of Saturday's matches for an eventual 3-2 victory.

Doubles pairing Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz's 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) win over Fabian Marozsan and Mate Valkusz pulled the Germans ahead.

Jan-Lennard Struff sealed their ticket with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Valkusz to advance to September's group stage featuring 16 teams. Zsombor Piros won a dead fifth rubber against Krawietz.

Finland cruised to a 3-1 win over Portugal, while Brazil qualified for a first finals appearance as Thiago Monteiro defeated Elias Ymer in three sets to cement a 3-1 victory of their own.

<h2>Dutch delight</h2>

The Netherlands won a thrilling contest against Switzerland, Botic van de Zandschulp edging Marc-Andrea Huesler 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 in the decisive second reverse singles as the Dutch prevailed 3-2 in Groningen.

The Swiss led the tie 2-1 after Huesler and Leandro Riedi won Saturday's doubles, but Tallon Griekspoor kept the hosts alive by seeing off Riedi in two tie-break sets.

"We had to win and it was up to me to do it," said Griekspoor. "That is what you have to do as a team leader. I really didn't feel any tension - I really enjoyed it."

Canada, the 2022 champions, seized a 3-1 lead over South Korea to clinch victory on Saturday in Montreal when Gabriel Diallo defeated Hong Seong-chan 7-5, 4-6, 6-1.

Two-time winners Croatia are level at 1-1 with Belgium as are Argentina and Kazakhstan.

France hold a 2-0 lead against Taiwan, in one of five qualifiers set to conclude on Sunday. The Czech Republic have a similar advantage over Israel.

Defending champions Italy and last year's runners-up Australia, as well as Britain and Spain have advanced automatically to the finals.

On Friday, the United States advanced 4-0 with Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram sealing their spot with a doubles win against Ukraine.

Taylor Fritz then eased past Vladyslav Orlov 6-3, 6-4 to complete an American sweep.

"I'm proud of the guys," said US captain Bob Bryan of the record 32-time winners who have not lifted the trophy since 2007.

Serbia, without Novak Djokovic, proved no match for Slovakia who surged into the group stage of the Davis Cup finals for the first time, with Germany and Finland among five other countries qualifying on Saturday.

Serbia, without Novak Djokovic, proved no match for Slovakia who surged into the group stage of the Davis Cup finals for the first time, with Germany and Finland among five other countries qualifying on Saturday. Slovak doubles duo Lukas Klein and Igor Zelenay clinched the decisive point with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win over Nikola Caci and Miomir Kecmanovic to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie. Lukas Pokorny made it 4-0 after Laslo Djere retired while trailing in the first set of the reverse singles on indoor clay at Kraljevo. Also Read: IND v ENG: ‘We believe we can chase anything’ – Crawley on England’s chances in Vizag "Too many years we didn't qualify but finally we made it," said Zelenay. Alex Molcan, who won Friday's second singles, added: "We knew it was going to be tough against Serbians in their home nation. I'm happy we were able to win two matches today." Zelenay and Klein had recovered from a break in the first set, digging deep with 31 winners to see off 2010 champions Serbia. On Friday, Klein got Slovakia off the mark with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 win over Kecmanovic, with Molcan rallying past Dusan Lajovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. In Hungary, three-time winners Germany -- missing Alexander Zverev due to illness -- clinched the first two of Saturday's matches for an eventual 3-2 victory. Doubles pairing Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz's 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) win over Fabian Marozsan and Mate Valkusz pulled the Germans ahead. Jan-Lennard Struff sealed their ticket with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Valkusz to advance to September's group stage featuring 16 teams. Zsombor Piros won a dead fifth rubber against Krawietz. Finland cruised to a 3-1 win over Portugal, while Brazil qualified for a first finals appearance as Thiago Monteiro defeated Elias Ymer in three sets to cement a 3-1 victory of their own. Dutch delight The Netherlands won a thrilling contest against Switzerland, Botic van de Zandschulp edging Marc-Andrea Huesler 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 in the decisive second reverse singles as the Dutch prevailed 3-2 in Groningen. The Swiss led the tie 2-1 after Huesler and Leandro Riedi won Saturday's doubles, but Tallon Griekspoor kept the hosts alive by seeing off Riedi in two tie-break sets. "We had to win and it was up to me to do it," said Griekspoor. "That is what you have to do as a team leader. I really didn't feel any tension - I really enjoyed it." Canada, the 2022 champions, seized a 3-1 lead over South Korea to clinch victory on Saturday in Montreal when Gabriel Diallo defeated Hong Seong-chan 7-5, 4-6, 6-1. Two-time winners Croatia are level at 1-1 with Belgium as are Argentina and Kazakhstan. France hold a 2-0 lead against Taiwan, in one of five qualifiers set to conclude on Sunday. The Czech Republic have a similar advantage over Israel. Defending champions Italy and last year's runners-up Australia, as well as Britain and Spain have advanced automatically to the finals. On Friday, the United States advanced 4-0 with Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram sealing their spot with a doubles win against Ukraine. Taylor Fritz then eased past Vladyslav Orlov 6-3, 6-4 to complete an American sweep. "I'm proud of the guys," said US captain Bob Bryan of the record 32-time winners who have not lifted the trophy since 2007.

Slovakia beat Djokovic-less Serbia to enter maiden Davis Cup finals

Braving bitter cold and wind, archaeologists in Serbia survey the site of an ancient Roman triumphal arch, one of only a handful in the Balkans, that dates back to the third century. Watch this video for all details.

Roman triumphal arch unearthed by Serbian archaeologists

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied peacefully in the Serbian capital Belgrade on Tuesday in an anti-government protest to demand the annulment of last month's elections, which were described by international observers as unfair.

Serbian Opposition rallies in Belgrade demand annulment of December election results

The situation in Serbia remains tense over massive demonstrations over the alleged election fraud in the country. Serbian President Alexander Vucic has said that he has secured a commanding victory in the December 17th elections, as demonstrators and opposition groups head to the streets demanding annulment of the results.

Serbia unrest: 24-hour blockade staged in central Belgrade

Serbia unrest: Anti-government agitation enter day 13

Thousands of people gathered in Serbia's capital city Belgrade on Saturday (Dec 30), protesting over the results of the parliamentary and municipal elections on Dec 17.

Thousands of people gathered in Serbia's capital city Belgrade on Saturday (Dec 30), protesting over the results of the parliamentary and municipal elections on Dec 17. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won 46.72 per cent of the votes in the parliamentary election and was declared the winner. Serbia Against Violence came second in the election with 23.56 per cent of the vote. The Socialist Party of Serbia was third with 6.56 per cent. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Saturday, Serbia Against Violence, which has led protests since Dec 17, accused the SNS of widespread vote fraud. During the protest in a square in central Belgrade, Serbia Against Violence leader Marinika Tepic demanded an annulment of the Dec 17 vote. "I'm sorry that I can't, and I don't have much to tell you. The only thing I can (say) is that I have already said everything and that these elections must be annulled," said Tepic, who has been on a hunger strike since Dec 18. She was cheered on by protestors waving Serbian flags. 'Freedom and democracy belong to Belgrade' Speaking to Reuters, a protestor named Katarina Popovic said, "I expect us to send a signal, a sign that Belgrade is ours, that Belgrade is free. They took it away from us, but we won't give it away. Whether we will succeed this time, we don't know. Maybe we need one more day, ten days, and a hundred days, but we will not give up Belgrade. Freedom, and democracy - this is something that belongs to Belgrade." Also read: Serbia: Riot police use ‘excessive force’ to repel protesters alleging election fraud "If one feels that something is not right, then one casts a vote to disagree with what is wrong, that is what we can do - not to take the side of what we think is wrong. One day, our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will see who said what at which moment in history and where they were," another protestor told the news agency. Oppn demands international probe of vote The opposition has demanded an international investigation of the vote after representatives of several global watchdogs reported multiple irregularities, including cases of vote-buying and ballot box stuffing, the news agency Associated Press reported. Local election monitors alleged that voters from across Serbia and neighbouring countries were registered and abused in to casting ballots. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and the SNS have rejected these allegations as fabricated. President Vucic has said the elections were fair and his party won and accused the opposition of inciting violent protests to overthrow the government on instructions from abroad. Opposition leaders have, however, denied this. On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Milos Vucevic said the “small number of demonstrators” at the rally in Belgrade showed that “people don’t want them (the opposition.)” (With inputs from agencies)

Serbia: Thousands protest over election results; oppn demands annulment of vote

Massive anti-government protests have gripped Serbia's capital Belgrade. The protests come as the opposition alleges fraud and malpractice in the elections held last week. Some opposition politicians have also gone on a hunger strike.

Thousands protest in Serbia demanding elections must be annulled

Serbian Opposition demonstrators broke windows as they tried to storm in Belgrade's City Hall during demonstrations over alleged election fraud. Demonstrators used flag poles, rocks and eggs to break the windows of the City Hall.

Protests continue to rock Serbian capital, protesters demand polls to be annulled

Protests continue to rock Serbian capital, protesters demand polls to be annuled

Serbia police on Sunday (Dec 24) reportedly used excessive force to disperse opposition protesters who tried to force their way into the capital’s city council building.

Police in Belgrade intervened after the protesters turned violent, smashing windows of the city hall. The riot police used pepper spray to repel the opposition leaders.

Opposition parties have raised concerns over alleged fraud in last week’s general elections where the ruling party led by President Aleksandar Vucic emerged victorious.

Belgrade has been witnessing massive opposition protests ever since. However, Sunday’s were the first one to turn violent. There were no reports of injuries.

President Vucic has termed these protests&nbsp;an attempt to overthrow the government orchestrated from abroad. At least 35 people have been arrested so far.

“This was an attempted violent takeover of the state institutions of the Republic of Serbia,” Vucic told the pro-government Pink TV.

<h2>Statement from opposition leaders&nbsp;</h2>

Opposition parties say the elections were manipulated, a claim dismissed as “rubbish and lies” by the president.

Domestic and international observers have also flagged “irregularities” in the elections, amidst claims of ballot box stuffing and vote buying.

Watch:&nbsp;Serbia's ruling party claims absolute victory with 47% of votes

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The observers also noted unjust conditions for opposition candidates due to media bias, abuse of public resources and the president's dominance during the campaign.

The opposition leaders blamed Sunday’s violence on agents provocateurs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serbian-parliamentary-poll-president-vucic-says-his-sns-party-won-the-election-670767">Also read:&nbsp;Serbian parliamentary poll: President Vucic claims his SNS party has won elections</a>

Sofija Mandic, a lawyer, told those assembled that Mr Vucic should "hand over power peacefully". The government was "usurping" power, she added.

The opposition had high hopes of defeating the incumbent president in the elections, which was eventually won by Vucic’s party with a majority.

Several opposition figures have also gone on hunger strike.

"Vucic stole thousands of votes," Marinika Tepic, one of the hunger strikers, said at Sunday's protest.

<h2>Election Commission’s response</h2>

Amidst claims of large-scale irregularities, Serbia’s election commission on Wednesday said it will be re-running elections on at least 30 polling stations, out of 8,000 nationwide.

The political turmoil in Serbia, a nation hopeful of joining the European Union (EU), has also attracted reactions from key European capitals.

Berlin said that allegations of electoral misconduct were "unacceptable".

(With inputs from agencies)

Serbia police on Sunday (Dec 24) reportedly used excessive force to disperse opposition protesters who tried to force their way into the capital’s city council building.

Serbia police on Sunday (Dec 24) reportedly used excessive force to disperse opposition protesters who tried to force their way into the capital’s city council building. Police in Belgrade intervened after the protesters turned violent, smashing windows of the city hall. The riot police used pepper spray to repel the opposition leaders. Opposition parties have raised concerns over alleged fraud in last week’s general elections where the ruling party led by President Aleksandar Vucic emerged victorious. Belgrade has been witnessing massive opposition protests ever since. However, Sunday’s were the first one to turn violent. There were no reports of injuries. President Vucic has termed these protests an attempt to overthrow the government orchestrated from abroad. At least 35 people have been arrested so far. “This was an attempted violent takeover of the state institutions of the Republic of Serbia,” Vucic told the pro-government Pink TV. Statement from opposition leaders Opposition parties say the elections were manipulated, a claim dismissed as “rubbish and lies” by the president. Domestic and international observers have also flagged “irregularities” in the elections, amidst claims of ballot box stuffing and vote buying. Watch: Serbia's ruling party claims absolute victory with 47% of votes × The observers also noted unjust conditions for opposition candidates due to media bias, abuse of public resources and the president's dominance during the campaign. The opposition leaders blamed Sunday’s violence on agents provocateurs. Also read: Serbian parliamentary poll: President Vucic claims his SNS party has won elections Sofija Mandic, a lawyer, told those assembled that Mr Vucic should "hand over power peacefully". The government was "usurping" power, she added. The opposition had high hopes of defeating the incumbent president in the elections, which was eventually won by Vucic’s party with a majority. Several opposition figures have also gone on hunger strike. "Vucic stole thousands of votes," Marinika Tepic, one of the hunger strikers, said at Sunday's protest. Election Commission’s response Amidst claims of large-scale irregularities, Serbia’s election commission on Wednesday said it will be re-running elections on at least 30 polling stations, out of 8,000 nationwide. The political turmoil in Serbia, a nation hopeful of joining the European Union (EU), has also attracted reactions from key European capitals. Berlin said that allegations of electoral misconduct were "unacceptable". (With inputs from agencies)

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