US-sanctioned head of Security Information Agency in Serbia resigns citing Western threats

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Serbia's Chief of the Security Information Agency Aleksandar Vulin announced his resignation from the position on Friday.

In a press release, Vulin stated that his decision was aimed at removing the danger of Western "threats and blackmail" directed towards President Aleksandar Vucic and Serbia.

Vulin's resignation came after the US imposed sanctions on him in July over alleged corruption, involvement in drug trafficking, and ties to Russia.

"I am not the cause of blackmail and pressure on Serbia and the Serbian world, but I will not allow myself to be the cause of blackmail and pressure on Serbia and the Serbian world," said Vulin.

The US accused Vulin of being implicated in transnational organized crime, illegal narcotics operations and misuse of public office.

"I refuse to become part of the anti-Russian and anti-Serb hysteria because of any position, to stop caring about the Republika Srpska and its survival and to stop believing in the inevitability of the unification of the Serbs and the creation of the Serbian world," Vulin said.

He added that his resignation was a small victory for the US and the EU but that it was a big victory for him.

Vulin had previously served as both defense and interior minister.