U.S. ambassador critical of parliament's work

U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter says Serbia's biggest political problem is that its parliament "is not functioning".

Izvor: Beta

Sunday, 08.02.2009.

19:47

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U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter says Serbia's biggest political problem is that its parliament "is not functioning". According to an interview published in today's Vecernje Novosti, Munter said that as long as there is a blockade of parliament "necessary laws will not be adopted", and that this will slow Serbia down on its road toward the EU. U.S. ambassador critical of parliament's work The American ambassador advised that "great effort be put in solving this problem", adding that "strong political leadership of the government" would be needed. He also revealed that he is somewhat disappointed with the results so far of Serbia's reforms and democratic processes, according to the newspaper. "Many laws have not been adopted, and MPs spend more time in debates whether they should be filmed by television or not than in the passing of important laws," Munter said. Asked which was a better idea: a reshuffle of the current government or fresh elections, the U.S. ambassador said that "Serbian leaders will decide on that", but that, in his opinion, "it is more important to focus on political stability than on election campaigns". Munter also told the daily that he meets with "all political leaders who wish to meet with him", that he has good relations with them, and is happy to dispense and accept advice. He stated that Serbia is doing everything to arrest Ratko Mladic and that the United States welcome that, voicing hope that the former military leader of the Bosnian Serbs would be arrested soon, and describing it as an important step on the road toward the EU. As for the debate over the draft Vojvodina statute, the ambassador said this is an issue "for the Serbs to deal with", and that while supporting economic and political development "of all Serbia", Washington has "no position" on the statute issue. Asked whether his country is clashing with Russia in and around Serbia, Munter answered: "The real future of this country is the EU and Americans and Russians agree that Serbia belongs there." "Russia can play an important role here. They have just finished an important acquisition, of your oil company. We, too, play a big role as foreign investors." Munter also said that he "hopes the differences between Washington and Belgrade when it comes to Kosovo will not be an obstacle to good relations between the U.S. and Serbia".

U.S. ambassador critical of parliament's work

The American ambassador advised that "great effort be put in solving this problem", adding that "strong political leadership of the government" would be needed.

He also revealed that he is somewhat disappointed with the results so far of Serbia's reforms and democratic processes, according to the newspaper.

"Many laws have not been adopted, and MPs spend more time in debates whether they should be filmed by television or not than in the passing of important laws," Munter said.

Asked which was a better idea: a reshuffle of the current government or fresh elections, the U.S. ambassador said that "Serbian leaders will decide on that", but that, in his opinion, "it is more important to focus on political stability than on election campaigns".

Munter also told the daily that he meets with "all political leaders who wish to meet with him", that he has good relations with them, and is happy to dispense and accept advice.

He stated that Serbia is doing everything to arrest Ratko Mladić and that the United States welcome that, voicing hope that the former military leader of the Bosnian Serbs would be arrested soon, and describing it as an important step on the road toward the EU.

As for the debate over the draft Vojvodina statute, the ambassador said this is an issue "for the Serbs to deal with", and that while supporting economic and political development "of all Serbia", Washington has "no position" on the statute issue.

Asked whether his country is clashing with Russia in and around Serbia, Munter answered: "The real future of this country is the EU and Americans and Russians agree that Serbia belongs there."

"Russia can play an important role here. They have just finished an important acquisition, of your oil company. We, too, play a big role as foreign investors."

Munter also said that he "hopes the differences between Washington and Belgrade when it comes to Kosovo will not be an obstacle to good relations between the U.S. and Serbia".

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