WASHINGTON DC -- Serbia is sincerely committed to opening an entirely new chapter in the relations with the United States, newly-appointed Serbian Ambassador Marko Djuric said.
Ambassador Djuric: We want the United States to be a part of Serbia's recovery
WASHINGTON DC -- Serbia is sincerely committed to opening an entirely new chapter in the relations with the United States, newly-appointed Serbian Ambassador Marko Djuric said.
Source: Politika
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Foto: Privatna arhiva
Serbia is sincerely committed to opening an entirely new chapter in the relations with the United States and that commitment of ours is not determined by specific appointments in the White House. I hope that we will have an excellent cooperation and partner relations with the administration of the new President of the United States of America Joseph Biden.
Serbia is sincerely committed to opening an entirely new chapter in the relations with the United States and that commitment of ours is not determined by specific appointments in the White House or political composition of the key U.S. institutions, the newly-appointed Serbian Ambassador to the United States Marko Djuric said in an interview for Politika. What kind of cooperation do you expect with the new administration?
We are open to friendly cooperation and building bilateral relations with all democratically elected officials in the United States. When it comes to President-elect Biden, he is a man who is very well informed about the situation in our region and is aware of the broader context of relations in the Balkans. I will also remind you that President Biden was our guest in Belgrade not so long ago, which is the only such case in the recent history of Serbia-U.S. relations. In the previous years, the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic maintained excellent personal relations with members of the Congress and politicians from both parties. He has known President-elect Biden for a long time and every meeting they had that I attended was excellent. I expect that on the U.S. side we will find equal interest in further improving relations between Serbia and the United States through the existing and possibly some new frameworks of cooperation.
What will be your priorities as Serbian Ambassador to the United States?
I am in the United States, among other things, to convey that Serbia today is a story of success, recovery and rising from the ashes because we want America with its companies, innovations, scientific community and even certain values, to be part of that recovery. Next year, Serbia and the United States will mark 140 years of diplomatic relations. During that period, we mostly had relations that can be described as friendly. We were allies in two world wars, and our countries have been based on the same or very similar core values since the beginning of their modern statehood. America as we know it today was built by so many famous Serbs, and a large number of our compatriots still live there today, so that we can also talk about the Serbian contribution to building the American dream. How would you describe our relations with the United States?
Our relations are deep and emotional, and as with any emotional relationship, we have had our ups and downs. I want to say that it is natural for our relations to be very good and friendly, and I will work on that with dedication, as I will do everything to make ordinary American people better acquainted with Serbia and Serbs, so that we can, I hope, once and for all close all dark pages of our still relatively fresh history. After all, everyone here respects the economic results of our country, which holds the top position in terms of gross domestic product growth at the time of the pandemic. Even the lobbyists of other sides are counting on the fact that they cannot push Serbia today as they did in the past. It has been speculated that Madeleine Albright could get involved in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue?
Serbia is not in a position to choose who to talk to. Our commitment to dialogue is sincere and consistent, and is not based on emotions, but on a rational understanding of our state and national interests. From the question of who will specifically take part in the dialogue on the U.S. side, the far more important question is whether Serbia and the United States today have a greater capacity to identify common interests and build a partnership than they did two decades ago. The world has changed substantially in the past twenty years, and I hope that in the new geopolitical context, our two countries will be ready and able to rearrange their mutual relations in a way that will open prospects for a safer and better future for the citizens of Serbia and our entire region. We will certainly insist on cooperation and mutual respect at the same time. As the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue continues, can we expect the United States' pressure on Serbia to increase?
International mediation in resolving frozen conflicts is a euphemism for pressure. Pressures have always been part of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. If international pressures are exerted in order to increase the dynamic of the process of normalization of relations, this coincides with Serbia's interest in permanently eliminating the sources of instability in our region so that we can generate joint economic and social development with even higher intensity and accelerate the European integration process.
However, if the pressures are there to impose some solutions that are not a result of compromise and true reconciliation, this cannot make anyone happy in the long run. I believe that there is an interest at the international level to resolve the problems between Belgrade and Pristina, and we are the constructive side here, because in order to achieve regional stability, which is important also for the perspective of future generations in Serbia and the economic progress, it is our interest to have a stable and secure Balkans.
The Community of Serb Municipalities is just a precondition for the process to continue, not a concept that will permanently satisfy Serbia
The Community of Serb Municipalities has been one of the key issues in the dialogue with Pristina so far. As someone who played an essential role in these negotiations, do you expect that it will finally be formed in the foreseeable future?
You are right. The Community of Serb Municipalities is the key element of the First Brussels Agreement. Everything that was agreed in that document should be seen in the context of the Community of Serb Municipalities, because the agreement was conceived as a compromise in which both Belgrade and Pristina would make a gesture of good will and a step forward that could lead us to some new agreements at some point in the future. In that context, Pristina has expressed its readiness to compromise but only declaratory. However, in practice it has shown for years now that it does not care about compromise.
It would be irresponsible on our part if, despite all our readiness to seek solutions in Kosovo and Metohija by peaceful and political means, we make some significant new steps before Pristina confirms that it is a credible interlocutor and fulfills what it has committed to. I have to emphasize that the Community of Serb Municipalities is currently a necessity and a precondition for the continuation of the normalization process, but not a concept that will permanently satisfy Serbia and Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija if there is an opportunity to discuss a more permanent and comprehensive solution.
(Zmaxx, 6 January 2021 01:54)
Yes, Biden was a supporter of bombing Yugoslavia and the independence of Kosovo, but he is a cockroach and would do a double backflip with pike if it suited his purpose. I would not hold onto expecting him to support the Albos more than Trump because they have what they wanted aka Camp Bondsteel. Your lot are dispensable.
This is 2021 and as said the US of the 1990s and today are worlds apart.
Trump wanted to warm up to Russia to turn them against China and now Biden will look to snuggle up to China against Russia. Childish, but they are Americans who do not live-in reality.
You also must understand that the US/NATO would have a very difficult time attacking Serbia as the S400s have not left Serbia and it would be like shooting ducks in a barrel. After the smoke has lifted, they will not have enough aircraft left. As I said this is not the 1990s.
(sj, 7 January 2021 10:45)
How stupid are Albos? I don’t have enough time to write it all down.
Example: “But sure keep telling lies to yourself how everything is gonna "change".
Hey halfwit, I said it before and I repeat again and again, quote:
“NOTHING CHANGED UNDER TRUMP AND NOTHING WILL CHANGE UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION”
I don’t know how else you can say it. But if you think its back to 1990s, you’re drinking too much sake. That’s gone for good. Oh when are the US making the vaccines available to their Albos in Kosova?
Who is one of the largest investors in Serbia? CHINA. Whose arse is Biden going to kiss? Yes, it’s China. Put 2+2 together and see if you get 4.
Biden called the Chinese President a thug just recently, but watch Biden’s slow motion arse kissing of Xi Jinping very soon LOL.
(sj, 7 January 2021 05:10)
Imagine coping this hard. Whatever makes you sleep at night. Biden was the biggest supporter of both bombing Yugoslavia and the independence of Kosovo. Not to mention his administration will be the most russophobic administration to ever rule the US. But sure keep telling lies to yourself how everything is gonna "change". Have you ever even heard about what he said about serbs? LOL be my guest and google it. You will not like the answer for sure. Please stop taking drugs. Those are bad for your mental health
(Zmaxx, 6 January 2021 01:54)
You’re onto me? Should I be very afraid? Me thinks your onto too much plum brandy.
Jump ship LOL. Its always hard when dealing with simpletons like you who actually thinks that Biden is in and its back to 1999.
Its not. The US of the 1990s is not the US of 2020. Its much weaker both economically and militarily. If the US ignores its own people during this pandemic crises do you think they give a dam about Albos? If that was the case why have they not provided you with the vaccine? Why are the US giving Serbia the vaccine first? Why?
You guys are wasting your money in paying now Ritchie Torres, Engel’s replacement. Do you think anything will change? NO. Engel was in Congress for years and what difference did it make? Not a thing.
The US has its own agenda and you are there on the periphery and will never regain that stage again no matter how much money you throw in.
(sj, 5 January 2021 11:20)
Sj, we are onto you, sj, and you know it. It is only a matter of time before you jump ship in hopes of being on the winning side. Like many haters of the US, you wish and hope for the impossible to happen, but Djuric is a rank novice and will end up making a fool of himself and Serbia.
(Timo, 4 January 2021 07:32)
So, you think that Serbia cannot chose their friends? But they have. It’s the Russians. I don’t know about you but if someone went to war against me, I would not be too keen to be close to them, but I can only speak for myself perhaps Albos have a different mindset.
Russia saved Serbia in the UN many times, more recently when the US pushed the UK to try and pass the so-called Srebrenica genocide resolution. Serbs are thankful and they have been close to Russia for centuries. In fact, Russia was the only country that went to war in 1914 to help Serbia when it did not have to.
Now your beloved US. How has it helped its Albos? Little to nothing. Serbia vaccinated the Serbs in Kosovo and your lot complained to the EU that Belgrade completely overlooked them – you Albos are a funny people; you hate the Serbs but Serbs have to look after you LOL.
I know Albos and some Bosniaks are pissing in their shorts with joy over Biden’s election thinking its back to the 1990s. Lads you’re going to bitterly disappointed. The US of those days is no longer with us.
As I said the US will continue to kiss Serbian arse to show them they are their “friends” and ignore Albos. If I am wrong why haven’t they helped with the standard of living/employment opportunities in Kosova??? They don’t give a s*** since they have Camp Bondsteel.
(sj, 31 December 2020 05:33)
The Albos will be pissing in their pants with joy making statements like Biden is in so you Serbs have had it. Yet it not going to happen like that at all.
The US has the Albos in their pocket and don't need to do a thing, but with Serbia they will continue to try and show Serbia the US is their friend and give aid despite the US citizens dying in their thousands due to the virus. Last count for December is 65,000.
(sj, 30 December 2020 07:41)
Serbia is not in a position to choose whose "friend" they wont to be . the moment you will try to get to close with the West/US , Serbia will get punished by Russia only one exampel ( the basic instinct humiliation for vucic that came from your ally's LOL) punishment could be even by revoking the UN veto for Kosovo. All This makes you a irrelevant country today and after the process of recognition you will be the same irrelevant .
The US knows this and told you allready not to try to sit on two chairs lol
(Dardan, 30 December 2020 11:24)
The Albos will be pissing in their pants with joy making statements like Biden is in so you Serbs have had it. Yet it not going to happen like that at all.
The US has the Albos in their pocket and don't need to do a thing, but with Serbia they will continue to try and show Serbia the US is their friend and give aid despite the US citizens dying in their thousands due to the virus. Last count for December is 65,000.
(sj, 30 December 2020 07:41)
Is this a photograph Amb. Djuric? There must’ve some mistake since the person in the photo looks very young, I would guess the person in photo is mere a teenager, it’s obviously a mix up of some sort.
(Frank Gordan, 30 December 2020 02:59)
The Albos will be pissing in their pants with joy making statements like Biden is in so you Serbs have had it. Yet it not going to happen like that at all.
The US has the Albos in their pocket and don't need to do a thing, but with Serbia they will continue to try and show Serbia the US is their friend and give aid despite the US citizens dying in their thousands due to the virus. Last count for December is 65,000.
(sj, 30 December 2020 07:41)
Serbia is not in a position to choose whose "friend" they wont to be . the moment you will try to get to close with the West/US , Serbia will get punished by Russia only one exampel ( the basic instinct humiliation for vucic that came from your ally's LOL) punishment could be even by revoking the UN veto for Kosovo. All This makes you a irrelevant country today and after the process of recognition you will be the same irrelevant .
The US knows this and told you allready not to try to sit on two chairs lol
(Dardan, 30 December 2020 11:24)
Is this a photograph Amb. Djuric? There must’ve some mistake since the person in the photo looks very young, I would guess the person in photo is mere a teenager, it’s obviously a mix up of some sort.
(Frank Gordan, 30 December 2020 02:59)
Sj, we are onto you, sj, and you know it. It is only a matter of time before you jump ship in hopes of being on the winning side. Like many haters of the US, you wish and hope for the impossible to happen, but Djuric is a rank novice and will end up making a fool of himself and Serbia.
(Timo, 4 January 2021 07:32)
The Albos will be pissing in their pants with joy making statements like Biden is in so you Serbs have had it. Yet it not going to happen like that at all.
The US has the Albos in their pocket and don't need to do a thing, but with Serbia they will continue to try and show Serbia the US is their friend and give aid despite the US citizens dying in their thousands due to the virus. Last count for December is 65,000.
(sj, 30 December 2020 07:41)
How stupid are Albos? I don’t have enough time to write it all down.
Example: “But sure keep telling lies to yourself how everything is gonna "change".
Hey halfwit, I said it before and I repeat again and again, quote:
“NOTHING CHANGED UNDER TRUMP AND NOTHING WILL CHANGE UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION”
I don’t know how else you can say it. But if you think its back to 1990s, you’re drinking too much sake. That’s gone for good. Oh when are the US making the vaccines available to their Albos in Kosova?
Who is one of the largest investors in Serbia? CHINA. Whose arse is Biden going to kiss? Yes, it’s China. Put 2+2 together and see if you get 4.
Biden called the Chinese President a thug just recently, but watch Biden’s slow motion arse kissing of Xi Jinping very soon LOL.
(sj, 7 January 2021 05:10)
Imagine coping this hard. Whatever makes you sleep at night. Biden was the biggest supporter of both bombing Yugoslavia and the independence of Kosovo. Not to mention his administration will be the most russophobic administration to ever rule the US. But sure keep telling lies to yourself how everything is gonna "change". Have you ever even heard about what he said about serbs? LOL be my guest and google it. You will not like the answer for sure. Please stop taking drugs. Those are bad for your mental health
(Zmaxx, 6 January 2021 01:54)
(Zmaxx, 6 January 2021 01:54)
Yes, Biden was a supporter of bombing Yugoslavia and the independence of Kosovo, but he is a cockroach and would do a double backflip with pike if it suited his purpose. I would not hold onto expecting him to support the Albos more than Trump because they have what they wanted aka Camp Bondsteel. Your lot are dispensable.
This is 2021 and as said the US of the 1990s and today are worlds apart.
Trump wanted to warm up to Russia to turn them against China and now Biden will look to snuggle up to China against Russia. Childish, but they are Americans who do not live-in reality.
You also must understand that the US/NATO would have a very difficult time attacking Serbia as the S400s have not left Serbia and it would be like shooting ducks in a barrel. After the smoke has lifted, they will not have enough aircraft left. As I said this is not the 1990s.
(sj, 7 January 2021 10:45)
So, you think that Serbia cannot chose their friends? But they have. It’s the Russians. I don’t know about you but if someone went to war against me, I would not be too keen to be close to them, but I can only speak for myself perhaps Albos have a different mindset.
Russia saved Serbia in the UN many times, more recently when the US pushed the UK to try and pass the so-called Srebrenica genocide resolution. Serbs are thankful and they have been close to Russia for centuries. In fact, Russia was the only country that went to war in 1914 to help Serbia when it did not have to.
Now your beloved US. How has it helped its Albos? Little to nothing. Serbia vaccinated the Serbs in Kosovo and your lot complained to the EU that Belgrade completely overlooked them – you Albos are a funny people; you hate the Serbs but Serbs have to look after you LOL.
I know Albos and some Bosniaks are pissing in their shorts with joy over Biden’s election thinking its back to the 1990s. Lads you’re going to bitterly disappointed. The US of those days is no longer with us.
As I said the US will continue to kiss Serbian arse to show them they are their “friends” and ignore Albos. If I am wrong why haven’t they helped with the standard of living/employment opportunities in Kosova??? They don’t give a s*** since they have Camp Bondsteel.
(sj, 31 December 2020 05:33)
You’re onto me? Should I be very afraid? Me thinks your onto too much plum brandy.
Jump ship LOL. Its always hard when dealing with simpletons like you who actually thinks that Biden is in and its back to 1999.
Its not. The US of the 1990s is not the US of 2020. Its much weaker both economically and militarily. If the US ignores its own people during this pandemic crises do you think they give a dam about Albos? If that was the case why have they not provided you with the vaccine? Why are the US giving Serbia the vaccine first? Why?
You guys are wasting your money in paying now Ritchie Torres, Engel’s replacement. Do you think anything will change? NO. Engel was in Congress for years and what difference did it make? Not a thing.
The US has its own agenda and you are there on the periphery and will never regain that stage again no matter how much money you throw in.
(sj, 5 January 2021 11:20)
The Albos will be pissing in their pants with joy making statements like Biden is in so you Serbs have had it. Yet it not going to happen like that at all.
The US has the Albos in their pocket and don't need to do a thing, but with Serbia they will continue to try and show Serbia the US is their friend and give aid despite the US citizens dying in their thousands due to the virus. Last count for December is 65,000.
(sj, 30 December 2020 07:41)
So, you think that Serbia cannot chose their friends? But they have. It’s the Russians. I don’t know about you but if someone went to war against me, I would not be too keen to be close to them, but I can only speak for myself perhaps Albos have a different mindset.
Russia saved Serbia in the UN many times, more recently when the US pushed the UK to try and pass the so-called Srebrenica genocide resolution. Serbs are thankful and they have been close to Russia for centuries. In fact, Russia was the only country that went to war in 1914 to help Serbia when it did not have to.
Now your beloved US. How has it helped its Albos? Little to nothing. Serbia vaccinated the Serbs in Kosovo and your lot complained to the EU that Belgrade completely overlooked them – you Albos are a funny people; you hate the Serbs but Serbs have to look after you LOL.
I know Albos and some Bosniaks are pissing in their shorts with joy over Biden’s election thinking its back to the 1990s. Lads you’re going to bitterly disappointed. The US of those days is no longer with us.
As I said the US will continue to kiss Serbian arse to show them they are their “friends” and ignore Albos. If I am wrong why haven’t they helped with the standard of living/employment opportunities in Kosova??? They don’t give a s*** since they have Camp Bondsteel.
(sj, 31 December 2020 05:33)
The Albos will be pissing in their pants with joy making statements like Biden is in so you Serbs have had it. Yet it not going to happen like that at all.
The US has the Albos in their pocket and don't need to do a thing, but with Serbia they will continue to try and show Serbia the US is their friend and give aid despite the US citizens dying in their thousands due to the virus. Last count for December is 65,000.
(sj, 30 December 2020 07:41)
Serbia is not in a position to choose whose "friend" they wont to be . the moment you will try to get to close with the West/US , Serbia will get punished by Russia only one exampel ( the basic instinct humiliation for vucic that came from your ally's LOL) punishment could be even by revoking the UN veto for Kosovo. All This makes you a irrelevant country today and after the process of recognition you will be the same irrelevant .
The US knows this and told you allready not to try to sit on two chairs lol
(Dardan, 30 December 2020 11:24)
(Zmaxx, 6 January 2021 01:54)
Yes, Biden was a supporter of bombing Yugoslavia and the independence of Kosovo, but he is a cockroach and would do a double backflip with pike if it suited his purpose. I would not hold onto expecting him to support the Albos more than Trump because they have what they wanted aka Camp Bondsteel. Your lot are dispensable.
This is 2021 and as said the US of the 1990s and today are worlds apart.
Trump wanted to warm up to Russia to turn them against China and now Biden will look to snuggle up to China against Russia. Childish, but they are Americans who do not live-in reality.
You also must understand that the US/NATO would have a very difficult time attacking Serbia as the S400s have not left Serbia and it would be like shooting ducks in a barrel. After the smoke has lifted, they will not have enough aircraft left. As I said this is not the 1990s.
(sj, 7 January 2021 10:45)
Is this a photograph Amb. Djuric? There must’ve some mistake since the person in the photo looks very young, I would guess the person in photo is mere a teenager, it’s obviously a mix up of some sort.
(Frank Gordan, 30 December 2020 02:59)
You’re onto me? Should I be very afraid? Me thinks your onto too much plum brandy.
Jump ship LOL. Its always hard when dealing with simpletons like you who actually thinks that Biden is in and its back to 1999.
Its not. The US of the 1990s is not the US of 2020. Its much weaker both economically and militarily. If the US ignores its own people during this pandemic crises do you think they give a dam about Albos? If that was the case why have they not provided you with the vaccine? Why are the US giving Serbia the vaccine first? Why?
You guys are wasting your money in paying now Ritchie Torres, Engel’s replacement. Do you think anything will change? NO. Engel was in Congress for years and what difference did it make? Not a thing.
The US has its own agenda and you are there on the periphery and will never regain that stage again no matter how much money you throw in.
(sj, 5 January 2021 11:20)
How stupid are Albos? I don’t have enough time to write it all down.
Example: “But sure keep telling lies to yourself how everything is gonna "change".
Hey halfwit, I said it before and I repeat again and again, quote:
“NOTHING CHANGED UNDER TRUMP AND NOTHING WILL CHANGE UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION”
I don’t know how else you can say it. But if you think its back to 1990s, you’re drinking too much sake. That’s gone for good. Oh when are the US making the vaccines available to their Albos in Kosova?
Who is one of the largest investors in Serbia? CHINA. Whose arse is Biden going to kiss? Yes, it’s China. Put 2+2 together and see if you get 4.
Biden called the Chinese President a thug just recently, but watch Biden’s slow motion arse kissing of Xi Jinping very soon LOL.
(sj, 7 January 2021 05:10)
Sj, we are onto you, sj, and you know it. It is only a matter of time before you jump ship in hopes of being on the winning side. Like many haters of the US, you wish and hope for the impossible to happen, but Djuric is a rank novice and will end up making a fool of himself and Serbia.
(Timo, 4 January 2021 07:32)
Imagine coping this hard. Whatever makes you sleep at night. Biden was the biggest supporter of both bombing Yugoslavia and the independence of Kosovo. Not to mention his administration will be the most russophobic administration to ever rule the US. But sure keep telling lies to yourself how everything is gonna "change". Have you ever even heard about what he said about serbs? LOL be my guest and google it. You will not like the answer for sure. Please stop taking drugs. Those are bad for your mental health
(Zmaxx, 6 January 2021 01:54)