Ambassador expects no changes in U.S. Kosovo policy

Ambassador expects no changes in U.S. Kosovo policy

The ambassador spoke during a gathering in Belgrade dedicated to the recent U.S. presidential elections and to cooperation between Serbia and the United States, organized by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).

Scott added that, for Serbia, this means a focus on stability, progress and economic growth, and improving relations with its neighbors, stressing at the same time that he "does not expect a change in the U.S. policy towards Kosovo's independence."

"I'm not saying it's impossible, but there is no indication from the Trump headquarters," he said.

The U.S. foreign policy usually does not change, Scott continued, "in part because it is a large country," and compared it to "attempting to quickly change the course of an aircraft carrier."

The ambassador said there was no hint of a shift in the U.S. policy towards the region during the election campaign , and added that he "knows from his own diplomatic experience that changes in the administration do not mean changes in the foreign policy."

"The foreign policy is guided by the country's interests and I think that they do not change much because someone else will sleep in the White House," Scott has been quoted as saying.

He also "praised the Serbian government for its dedicated to the European road and because it had a good year when it comes to the economic situation, but added that more reforms were needed," Beta reported.

"Our relationship with the government is good, but I occasionally disagree with some public statements. But there is no department in the government where the door is not open for me. We cooperate well on the issues of migration, border security, general security, the drafting of legislation - such as the law on inspections," he said.

Speaking about his country's investments in Serbia, Scott said investors expect stability and urged the Serbian government to live up to its promises, implement reforms and maintain macroeconomic stability.

Scott also said that his expectations have mostly been fulfilled since becoming his country's ambassador to Serba, but added that every day "certain things in the media" surprise him.

"I'm not satisfied with the quality of the tabloids. I wish reporters did more fact-checking," said he.

The ambassador also recalled that in the last 15 years, the U.S. has assisted the reforms in Serbia with more than 350 million dollars.