Photo by Andy Mettler
On Wednesday, United States Vice President Joe Biden will visit Belgrade – the most senior US official to do so in 30 years. According to the US, the visit is an opportunity to “reset” US-Serbia relations. Of course, security is going to be extremely tight. Here’s a rundown of some of those measures (according to Blic):
- Serbia’s airspace will be closed and no flights will land at or take off from Belgrade Airport
- Several thousand will be involved in the security, including more than 150 US operatives
- The exact route of the VP’s motorcade won’t be revealed until the last minute
- The maximum number of Serbian police officers will be deployed onto the streets
- The route and the immediate vicinity will be cleared of all traffic and the bridge used will be closed
- All streets around the motorcade will be entirely cleared, including rubbish containers, parked cars and other objects (does that include kiosks?!)
- Mobile phones will not work in the high security zone while the VP is in town
It’s also possible that manhole covers will be welded shut, that all shutters/blinds along the route will have to be closed (I don’t have any shutters, so I’m hoping he’s not passing by my flat) and there will no doubt be hidden snipers on the rooftops along the route. All food and water (as well as air!), which will be given to (breathed in by) the VP will also be checked.
Joe Biden will also visit Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina during his Balkan trip, which begins on Monday.
[UPDATE: Click here for a report on Biden's visit to Belgrade]
What’s your view on US VP Joe Biden visiting Belgrade? Let us know by leaving a comment.
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on May 17th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
As for Joe Biden’s security risks, for me its perfectly fine to do whatever it takes. But since I was a journalist (in my “previous life
), I couldnt resist to investigate in which tone media in Serbia are reporting about upcoming visit…
On top of guessing about reasons (like its not published and explained earlier on web), there are some really strange stuff…like Ivica Dacic apologizing for not revealing the exact route?? Funny. And scary actually – who needs it, whats that audience and how well organized / how important they are if he is so modest talking to them?
There is one video (in Serbian) that explains well who stands behind the organized rallies in front of US embassy. Its a work of my colleague and its also somewhat spooky to hear what kind of influencers Serbia has among its politicians and police. Main question is – does Government sometimes supports mess on streets weve seen so far?
Watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlheU8OOX8Y
Not suggesting anything. Just saying. This is a place for comments, right?
OMG must say I feel guilty when I am reading the apologizing stuff even I am not connected in any way with ANY f**in bullshit in .rs And then there is that stupid story about (re)branding Serbia…yeah, right. Makes no sense long term.
on May 19th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
“Dear” Miss J if you realy think, that Serbia is so much dangerous to your beloved wice president, that i have to say that you are a ignorant and so stupid…Please no more comment from you, what ever topic is concern…I think, mayby in your next life you will be better journalist…And what do you mean when you say that rebranding Serbia is stupid story? Once more, PLEASE NO MORE COMMENT FROM YOU!
on May 19th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I just hope that we will be allowed to breathe while this gentleman is in Belgrade. Maybe they will contaminate the air with something that will make all of us fall asleep. In that way, the VP will be 100% secure. Let me live my life, you bastards, I don’t give a fuck about this fucking old moron! Idiots!
on May 20th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Biden needs all the security he can get; even though most Serbs are friendly there are still the 30% insane nationalist m****** that are psychologically insane
on May 20th, 2009 at 9:47 am
I wish people could make comments without hurting each other’s feelings and without profanities. I think it’s perfectly normal to take such security measures for a visiting VIP. I imagine I’ll have some trouble crossing Gazela Bridge this afternoon, but I’m not fussing over it. I do agree with Mark that the nationalists are such a thorn in Serbia’ side.
on May 20th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Vladimir’s comments above show a vein of hostility that runs through the Serbian population, which in my opinion isn’t unjustified, but unfortunately itself gives justification to the security measures put in place today. Bibi’s comments of love and peace are a little naive, it has nothing to do with not hurting other peoples feelings (which I assure you, Miss J wasn’t hurt by his comments), and has everything to do with diplomacy, in which Serbia has much to learn. Strong, well thought out, intelligent arguments would be much more effective for Serbia.
I would like to think that Vladimir is an American spy trying to propagate negativity within the Serbian society and culture. Unfortunately I don’t think this is true, Serbian nationalism is doing a wonderful job shooting itself in the foot.
What Serbia needs are more people like Bibi! PEACE out!
on May 20th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
I can personally attest to the high security in and out of Belgrade. It was extremely difficult to get in and out of the Security Zone today as I was attempting to get to the Canadian Embassy for an appointment.
Kudos to the Serbian Police Force – they were very helpful throughout the day but would not let us anywhere near Kneza Milosa.
I was able to view Mr. Biden’s motorcade as it wended it’s way through the city.
on May 20th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
We are as normal as other people living on this planet! Please, don’t incite any hatred against Serbs and don’t provoke our hatred toward you! everyone makes mistakes and so the USA do. We neither love you nor hate you! We have long tradition and histiry worth of respect. Also, we did make mistake, and we admit that! But, for God’s sake, let us live now!
on May 21st, 2009 at 8:19 am
@Miss J
Thanks for your comment, of course feel free to post whatever you think here at BalkanFile.
@Vladimir
There’s no need to directly ‘attack’ other commenters here, even if you don’t agree with what they wrote.
@Vladimir T
Thanksfully, they didn’t knock us all out
@Mark and Aleksandar
The nationalist’s are a thorn in Serbia’s side and sadly can at times contribute to Serbia’s negative image abroad.
@Bibi
Yeah, if the situation calls for it then high security is OK – even though it can be a tad annoying for the rest of us trying to get on with our daily tasks. Did you manage to get across the bridge yesterday?
@Andrew G
I hope you managed to make your appointment?!
@Serbian Youth
Who’s inciting hatred towards Serbs? Who is your comment directed at?
on Jun 6th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
@Adam
Ive been thinking a bit about what would I suggest to Ivica Dacic if I am his in his PR team. Probably the same – be modest, DO NOT piss them off.
Somehow I managed to do it here. Fortunately I am not a Minister and blog actually is democratic media
And I do agree most of the young Serbian people doesnt care about nationalism, especially in Vojvodina and partly in Belgrade. Rest of the country is somewhat critical …
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