"U.S. supports Serbia's EU path"

A stable, prosperous and democratic Serbia is of key importance for regional stability and cooperation, says a senior U.S. official. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Stuart E. Jones was speaking at a debate on challenges in the Western Balkans and measures for overcoming them, held before the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Voice of America reports. "U.S. supports Serbia's EU path" “The visit of Vice-President Biden to Belgrade last May emphasises our wish to intensify relations between the United States and Serbia,“ said Jones, adding that Washington supported Serbia's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. “Our military cooperation is gaining strength, Serbia's partnership with the Ohio National Guard is a model for the region,“ said Jones. “As Vice-President Biden has already told Serbian President Boris Tadic, we can agree to disagree on the issue of Kosovo, but together we should search for pragmatic solutions for improving the life of the Serb minority and to make sure their voice is heard,“ said Jones. Bjorn Lyrvall from the Swedish Foreign Ministry also expects Serbia’s speedy EU integration, as soon as Belgrade’s cooperation with the Hague Tribunal is deemed satisfactory. “As soon as it settles the problem of cooperation with the Hague, which is within reach, Serbia will apply for membership, and, thanks to very strong administrative capacities, will probably catch up with other countries quickly,” he said. The EU is also devoted to long-term commitment in Kosovo, in spite of the member states’ clashing positions on the issue of Kosovo independence, said Lyrvall.

"U.S. supports Serbia's EU path"

“The visit of Vice-President Biden to Belgrade last May emphasises our wish to intensify relations between the United States and Serbia,“ said Jones, adding that Washington supported Serbia's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

“Our military cooperation is gaining strength, Serbia's partnership with the Ohio National Guard is a model for the region,“ said Jones.

“As Vice-President Biden has already told Serbian President Boris Tadić, we can agree to disagree on the issue of Kosovo, but together we should search for pragmatic solutions for improving the life of the Serb minority and to make sure their voice is heard,“ said Jones.

Bjorn Lyrvall from the Swedish Foreign Ministry also expects Serbia’s speedy EU integration, as soon as Belgrade’s cooperation with the Hague Tribunal is deemed satisfactory.

“As soon as it settles the problem of cooperation with the Hague, which is within reach, Serbia will apply for membership, and, thanks to very strong administrative capacities, will probably catch up with other countries quickly,” he said.

The EU is also devoted to long-term commitment in Kosovo, in spite of the member states’ clashing positions on the issue of Kosovo independence, said Lyrvall.