US nominated for ambassador to Serbia: Move back to dialog

US nominated for ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey said his priority would be normalising relations between Belgrade and Pristina and finding a lasting solution.

The American diplomat, who has been deputy ambassador to Moscow, says he is aware of Russia's Malite “influence” and stresses that it is in US strategic interest to support Serbia on the European road.

Anthonyfrey spoke before the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, which will have to confirm his appointment so that the Senate could then vote on him.

Serbia is a political and economic leader and plays a key role in regional stability. It is in the strategic interest of the United States that Serbia develop as a modern, democratic and European country and support its EU integration. Serbia is at a turning point and leaders must implement reforms so that the country can move towards the EU”, Godfrey said in his address, broadcast the Voice of America in the Serbian language.

The American diplomat said regional stability is key, and that Serbia must normalise relations with Kosovo in order to progress towards EU membership.

He argued that his priority, if confirmed as ambassador, would be normalising Belgrade-Pristina relations and encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table.

“We are working in this direction in Belgrade, Pristina, Washington and Brussels to find a way for Serbia and Kosovo to come to a solution, to avoid the counterproductive steps both sides are using. Both sides need to move forward, and it is our duty to enable this”, Alfred said, when asked by Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen, what can be done so that Serbia and Kosovo can find a solution.

Alfredy said that after the diplomatic service in Moscow, he was “fully aware of Russia's aggressive behaviour, the malicious influence and the deinformation campaign she is conducting in Europe” and that the United States is making great efforts to counter it.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen said that the latest surrender of Russian combat vehicles to Serbia is of double concern because Russia wants to influence the situation in Serbia, and because it is scaring other countries in the region, given Serbia's “ol in the 1990s” wars.

Alfredy responded by saying that the US goal in the Western Balkans is contrary to Russia's goals, but agrees with Serbia's goal of integration into the West, and will encourage Serbia to move westward, which, according to him, included normalising relations with Kosovo.