Statement of the New Communist Party of Yugoslavia

On Sunday, March 23, symbolically at 12:44 PM, a protest was held in remembrance of the victims of NATO aggression and against the demolition of the General Staff building complex. Messages from the protest emphasized the memory of the victims and the importance of preserving the history of our independence through the fight to protect the General Staff.

Nearly 26 years ago, the criminal aggression against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia began, and it continues today in various forms. Although the bombing lasted for 78 days, the destruction is ongoing. This time, it is not through armed force but by gifting a symbol of our nation's pain and defiance to the very leader of the aggression. Once again, the demands of our initiative were highlighted.

Numerous messages were sent from today's protest. It was emphasized that the tragic fate of the General Staff complex was sealed solely due to the symbolism it carries—the symbolism of our warrior tradition and resistance to occupiers throughout various wars. That is why it was bombed in 1999, and that is why they want to demolish it today. Ilija Živković spoke on behalf of our initiative about this matter.

The demolition project is also legally problematic, as highlighted by our initiative member Mateja Grujičić. By bypassing all regulations, our government forcibly stripped this complex of its protected status as a cultural asset. With a shameful decision, this symbol was leased for 99 years to Jared Kushner, Grujičić pointed out. The act of granting such a significant site is also a security concern, as it would provide a foreign state with access to a location of exceptional importance to Serbia’s security.

Initiative member Vukašin Žunić spoke on behalf of the students. He emphasized that a large number of students oppose this barbaric act. He also pointed out that this is just one in a series of projects that are destroying the urban landscape of Belgrade. Besides the cultural and historical significance of the complex itself, its demolition would be the culmination of investor-driven chaos that has been ravaging and destroying our city for years. Žunić stressed that we will fight for the General Staff just as we fight for all the landmarks of our city and that it will not share the same fate as the Hotel Yugoslavia.

Finally, a letter of support from Colonel Zoltan Dani was read. Dani is renowned for commanding the unit that shot down an American stealth aircraft during the aggression. He stated that American interest in this complex is yet another example of a murderer returning to the scene of the crime. He also emphasized that even if the complex were to remain a ruin forever, it would be better than allowing the aggressor to do anything with it.

During the gathering, an invitation was extended for the next protest on April 27, the anniversary of the complex being hit. This is our message that today marks only the first day of our struggle, a struggle that will continue until this monument of resistance, defiance, and pain is preserved and given the dignity it rightfully deserves.