“Reduce dependence on Russia” / Escobar-Serbia: Join the sanctions!

The US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, said at the South East European Democracy Summit in Montenegro that “Almost all the countries of the Western Balkans have agreed that Russia should pay the price for the occupation of Ukraine through sanctions, supporting Ukraine and its people. I hope that Serbia will join this group and harmonize sanctions when the government is formed”.

Escobar also welcomed the stance of the EU and NATO, reports REL, which reaffirmed the “open door policy” adding that it is “Very optimistic about the prospects of the Western Balkan countries to become full members of the EU”saying the US continues to support this goal.

Meanwhile, MEP Viola von Cramon arrived in Belgrade on Monday, conveying the message that when it comes to imposing sanctions on Russia by Serbia, this should be a matter of Serbia’s interest.

“The decision must come from within, from the Serbian government, with their understanding that if they want to be part of the EU, it goes with the values ​​and standards that include the implementation of sanctions. I understand the dependence on Russian gas, but this must be reduced in the future“, Said Viola von Cramon, after a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Von Cramon told reporters that during the conversation with the Serbian president, the main topics were Serbian-Russian relations, economic dependence on Russian gas and Russia’s general political influence in this area.

“Serbia is the only country in Europe that has not imposed sanctions on Russia, despite voting in favor of United Nations resolutions and statements by the European Union condemning the Russian occupation of Ukraine. Official Belgrade is justified in taking such a stance on it.”protect the vital interests of the country”.

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