Dačić: Matković’s statement on Putin is not Serbia’s view

Dačić: Matković’s statement on Putin is not Serbia’s view

“Serbian ambassador’s statement does not reflect the official views of our country,” Dačić said.

According to The Chicago Maroon, while answering questions during the debate titled “Relations between the USA and Serbia and Serbia's EU integration,” Matković said, among other things, that the United States – instead of going against Putin and causing negative reactions of the Russian side – should engage more in the dialogue and seeking solutions.

Matković’s remarks about the Russian have been described by many diplomats as deviating from the rules of diplomatic practice, and also violating the authority of a diplomatic representative of Serbia in one of the most influential countries in the world.

During the discussion, Matković also said that he hoped that US companies would move their production to Serbia so as to take advantage of the free trade agreements.

“In short – I am very pleased with the relationship. It makes my job easier,” says Matković.

He also pointed out that the Serbian government remained committed to its path to the EU, despite the growing scepticism about European integrations, but noted that additional barriers had diminished the enthusiasm for the process, which can be a “little frustrating” at times.

“We would make a very constructive and cooperative member of the EU. In Serbia, we comply with all EU standards and we would be a member that contributes to the richness of the European Union,” Matković said.

He thanked for the US support to Serbia’s EU path, and then talked about the “issue of Kosovo, a region where ethnic Albanians live, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008,” The Chicago Maroon reports, stressing that Kosovo was a topic of talks between the US and Serbia, that Serbia does not recognize Kosovo, and that Kosovo has the support of the United States.

Matković said that the Serbian government is not interested in negotiations on the final status of Kosovo, but that it is willing to take measures to improve the living conditions of ordinary people.