"Kosovo stumbling block in relations with U.S."

Serbia's Ambassador to the U.S. Vladimir Petrovic said the relations between the two countries are "at a pretty good level". But, he pointed out, the future status of Kosovo remains a stumbling block. "Kosovo stumbling block in relations with U.S." "Unfortunately, the future status of Kosovo remains a stumbling block in our relations and the famous formula 'we agree to disagree' is still valid there," Petrovic said in an interview for Voice of America. "For now, we have not succeeded in convincing our partners in Washington that Serbia wants to solve the issue in a just manner, which might or might not satisfy everyone. But we want to have a solution that is fair and right," the ambassador said. He expressed hope that next year, Serbia will be able to find people open to its national interests in Washington, and reminded that the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs recently held a hearing at which different opinions could be heard. Noting that this year marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Petrovic said military relations between Serbia and the U.S. are very good and similar cooperation should extend to other areas. The ambassador said the Serbian army is a factor of stability in the region through its cooperation with KFOR, and it is working to preserve peace and stability in the Balkans. Talking about economic relations, he pointed out the global economic crisis has negatively affected both countries, but he nevertheless remains optimistic. Petrovic said he hopes the relations with the U.S. will continue to improve next year, pointing out this is one of the priorities of the Serbian government, which is trying to make as many contacts as possible with the Washington administration.

"Kosovo stumbling block in relations with U.S."

"Unfortunately, the future status of Kosovo remains a stumbling block in our relations and the famous formula 'we agree to disagree' is still valid there," Petrović said in an interview for Voice of America.

"For now, we have not succeeded in convincing our partners in Washington that Serbia wants to solve the issue in a just manner, which might or might not satisfy everyone. But we want to have a solution that is fair and right," the ambassador said.

He expressed hope that next year, Serbia will be able to find people open to its national interests in Washington, and reminded that the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs recently held a hearing at which different opinions could be heard.

Noting that this year marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Petrović said military relations between Serbia and the U.S. are very good and similar cooperation should extend to other areas.

The ambassador said the Serbian army is a factor of stability in the region through its cooperation with KFOR, and it is working to preserve peace and stability in the Balkans.

Talking about economic relations, he pointed out the global economic crisis has negatively affected both countries, but he nevertheless remains optimistic.

Petrović said he hopes the relations with the U.S. will continue to improve next year, pointing out this is one of the priorities of the Serbian government, which is trying to make as many contacts as possible with the Washington administration.