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EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he had a telephone conversation with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
The talks were initiated by Borrell, who told Vucic that important work lies ahead for the EU and the Western Balkans.
“We want to count on Serbia as a sincere candidate and a credible European partner for common principles, values, security and prosperity,” Borrell wrote on his Twitter account.
The conversation between Borrell and Vucic took place while the latter was in Ohrid, Northern Macedonia, to attend the next meeting of the regional initiative “Open Balkans”.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is under intense pressure from the European Union, which is urging Belgrade to impose sanctions on Russia, in line with the bloc’s decisions in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Called @predsednikrs Vucic. Important work for EU-Western Balkans ahead; want to count on Serbia as a sincere candidate & reliable European partner for common principles, values, security & prosperity. Also addressed regional issues & #BiHincl importance of upcoming elections.
– Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) June 7, 2022
Serbia, a candidate country for EU membership, is the only country in Europe that has not imposed sanctions on Russia.
Moreover, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was scheduled to visit Serbia on June 6th and 7th, but the visit was canceled after Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Bulgaria refused to allow his plane to enter the area. their airline, in accordance with European sanctions.
Earlier on June 7, EU spokesman Peter Stano again called on Serbia not to strengthen ties with Russia.
“At the time of Russia’s unprovoked and unreasonable military aggression against Ukraine, the EU expects Serbia, as a candidate country, not to further strengthen ties with the Russian Federation. “We expect candidate countries, including Serbia, to gradually harmonize their policies with the attitudes and decisions adopted by the EU towards third countries, including restrictive measures,” Stano said.
Stano said that “EU sanctions against Russia reflect the political and moral stance in the face of the brutal violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.” / REL
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