Yugoslavia is a multinational community and it can survive only under the conditions of full equality for all nations that live in it.

In this quote, Slobodan Milosevic emphasizes that Yugoslavia is a multinational community, meaning it is made up of various ethnic and national groups. Milosevic argues that for the country to remain united and stable, there must be full equality among these different nations. This concept of equality is crucial to ensuring that no group feels oppressed or marginalized, allowing for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect within the state.

The origin of this quote lies in the context of the Yugoslav Wars and the complex political landscape of the region during the late 20th century. Yugoslavia, which was formed after World War I, comprised several ethnic groups, including Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Albanians, and others. Throughout its history, tensions among these groups often arose, particularly regarding issues of political representation, cultural autonomy, and national identity.

Milosevic, who was the President of Serbia and later the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, used this notion of equality to justify his policies, especially as they related to the rights of the Serb population in Yugoslavia. However, his view on equality was controversial, as many critics argued that his actions, particularly during the Bosnian War, contributed to ethnic tensions and conflict, undermining the very idea of unity he advocated.

Ultimately, the quote reflects the complexities of managing a diverse country, where competing nationalisms and historical grievances often lead to division. While the idea of equality for all nations within Yugoslavia seemed idealistic, the practical challenges of maintaining it were significant, and the failure to achieve lasting harmony led to the eventual disintegration of the state in the 1990s.