Belgrade University chief calls for easing of tensions

He told reporters that the students and a large part of the academic community are upset over the possibility of violence at next Saturday’s protest. “We are calling on everyone who has influence on politicians, the media and others to ease tensions,” he said in impromtu remarks prior to a news conference where a statement by the Expanded Rector’s Board was presented. That board has 52 members which includes all university school deans, the rector and his deputies.

The Rector said that the students want this protest to be peaceful like earlier protests in major university centers. “Not with undesirable scenes that some groups or individuals want. As a society we have to be reasonable and be dignified on that day,” he said, recalling that none of the students called for violence.

Asked about plans to resume classes, Djokic said that there is a window of several weeks to do that and added that all colleges have made plans to resume compressed classes by the end of the academic year.