Munter: U.S.-Serbia relations improving

U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Cameron Munter says relations between the U.S. and Serbia are on an upward curve and that, Kosovo aside, there are no open issues. “The U.S. strongly supports Serbia's future within Europe and will do as much as possible to help the Serbian government overcome the economic difficulties,“ Munter said. Munter: U.S.-Serbia relations improving “Relations with Serbia are very good,“ Munter said in an interview with Tanjug. “There were difficult moments in the past, but things are now moving in the right direction,“ he said. Munter reiterated that there would be no changes in U.S. policy towards Serbia or the Balkans under the new administration of U.S. President Barack Obama. “Reforms, the integration of the Balkans with the European Union, and a more prosperous and secure future for the citizens of that region remain the objectives of that policy,“ the ambassador specified. “One of the aspects of efforts in that direction is to see how the countries of the region can step up their European integration through mutual cooperation,“ Munter explained. “The U.S. is very pleased that Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader visited Belgrade and that a return visit will also take place, and also that there have been overtures toward Montenegro and Macedonia. Provided they cooperate, Balkan countries will become more attractive to Europe, as Europe's foundations are built on good neighborly relations,“ he said. “It is good that the Serbian government is also in agreement with that policy,“ the ambassador said. Munter confirmed that the U.S. supported the unfreezing of the Interim Trade Agreement and the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) between Serbia and the EU, and that it had conveyed this view to Holland, though the final decision on this should be taken by the EU, he said. “The U.S. believes that the Serbian government is doing its utmost to apprehend Hague accused Ratko Mladic,“ he said, pointing out that Washington was impressed with the efforts of President of the National Council for Cooperation with the Hague Rasim Ljajic and War Crimes Prosecutor Vladimir Vukcevic. Cameron Munter (Tanjug)

Munter: U.S.-Serbia relations improving

“Relations with Serbia are very good,“ Munter said in an interview with Tanjug. “There were difficult moments in the past, but things are now moving in the right direction,“ he said.

Munter reiterated that there would be no changes in U.S. policy towards Serbia or the Balkans under the new administration of U.S. President Barack Obama.

“Reforms, the integration of the Balkans with the European Union, and a more prosperous and secure future for the citizens of that region remain the objectives of that policy,“ the ambassador specified.

“One of the aspects of efforts in that direction is to see how the countries of the region can step up their European integration through mutual cooperation,“ Munter explained.

“The U.S. is very pleased that Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader visited Belgrade and that a return visit will also take place, and also that there have been overtures toward Montenegro and Macedonia. Provided they cooperate, Balkan countries will become more attractive to Europe, as Europe's foundations are built on good neighborly relations,“ he said.

“It is good that the Serbian government is also in agreement with that policy,“ the ambassador said.

Munter confirmed that the U.S. supported the unfreezing of the Interim Trade Agreement and the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) between Serbia and the EU, and that it had conveyed this view to Holland, though the final decision on this should be taken by the EU, he said.

“The U.S. believes that the Serbian government is doing its utmost to apprehend Hague accused Ratko Mladić,“ he said, pointing out that Washington was impressed with the efforts of President of the National Council for Cooperation with the Hague Rasim Ljajić and War Crimes Prosecutor Vladimir Vukčević.