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Representatives of the Western Balkan countries and US and European envoys to the region discussed the war in Ukraine and its impact on the region’s security structure in Budva, Montenegro, on Monday.
During the debate on “War in Europe: Impact in the Balkans”, organized by the International Republican Institute from the United States, the need for cooperation between countries in the region and international institutions was stressed to avoid any possibility of destabilization, amid concerns that the war in Ukraine could affect the Western Balkans.
The Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazovi., Stressed that cooperation in the region is extremely important towards the common goal of all countries, which is membership in the European Union.
“We need to help each other along the way. This region has long suffered the consequences of irresponsible policies. Finally, the time has come to focus on cooperation rather than dispute politics. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a great reminder to the countries of the Western Balkans. It is the duty of every country in the Western Balkans to contribute to the preservation of peace, to send the message that war can not be an acceptable means in the 21st century“, Said Prime Minister Abazovi..
The US envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, stressed that it is “very optimistic about the prospects of the Western Balkan countries to become members of the EUAnd pledged that the United States would continue to support it in this regard.
“This crisis really shows us that the policy chosen and led by the United States – supporting, engaging and promoting the Western Balkans is yielding results“, Said Mr. Escobar.
The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said that the war in Ukraine poses a threat to the security structure in the region, while appreciating the importance of today’s debate to send a clear message and reiterate the position regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
“Kosovo strongly condemns the war in Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Once again, as in the Balkans in the 1990s, peace will prevail“, Said President Osmani, emphasizing that it is important for the Western Balkans to fully respect the European Union sanctions against Russia.
“So far Montenegro, Kosovo and several other countries in the region have been among the first to impose these sanctions, but not all, unfortunately. I therefore once again call on the EU to send a very clear signal to those who do not punish and who help or give artificial respiration (to Russia).“, Said President Osmani.
Escobar: I hope that Serbia will impose sanctions on Russia
The US special envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, expressed hope that Serbia would impose sanctions on Russia, despite its stance so far not to join the West in approaching Moscow because of its aggression in Ukraine.
“Almost all the countries of the Western Balkans have agreed that Russia will pay a price for this through sanctions, supporting Ukraine and its people. “I hope that Serbia will join this group and harmonize sanctions when the government is formed,” Escobar said during a speech at the Southeast European Summit in Montenegro on “War in Europe: Impact in the Balkans.” ”.
But Serbia has so far refused to join Western sanctions against Moscow. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic claims that his country is on the European path but maintains strong ties with Russia.
On Sunday, he said he had agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a new three-year contract to supply gas from Russia.
The EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, said the region is not alone and that the EU stands by the Western Balkans.
“The EU is here with you and the EU will help you deal with the consequences of the war related to refugees, economic and social effects and security. The EU has a plan to help the countries of the region“, Said Lajçak.
Mr. Lajçak noted that the effects of the war made the enlargement process politically alive.
“The enlargement process is based on shared values and it is very important that the countries of the region show that they share this value system. The region can not wait. This tragedy is an opportunity for the region and it is up to the region to take advantage of it“, Said Lajçak.
The UK’s special envoy for the Western Balkans, Stuart Peach, said his country supports the countries of the Western Balkans in the face of efforts to promote destabilization, while stressing that the war in Ukraine underscores the importance of collective security and the rule of law. .
“We must continue to build countries with a strong policy of resistance and the rule of law, we must face the situation we are in. We know Russia wants to create a problem here and we are with youSaid Mr. Peach.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs of Northern Macedonia, Bojan Maricik, said that the Russian aggression encouraged all countries in the region to stand for common values.
“Northern Macedonia is one of the first countries to fully respect European security policy and the imposition of sanctions. It is an undesirable situation for everyone, but it is also a moral choice for the country. Our choice to condemn aggression and stay close to Ukraine is not only an obligation, but also a moral choice of values“, Said Minister Maricik./VOA
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