Full letter published by congressers sent to Beden, filled with complaints about Serbia

The document is signed by congressers Raja Krishnamorth, Ritchie Torres, David N. Cyril, Jan Schaowsky, James P. McGovern and Mike Quigley.

At the centre of congressers' criticism is Serbia's President Aleksandar Vuciq for deepening corruption and pressure on the media.

“During your visit to Belgrade in 2016, you spoke of a hopeful future for Serbia and the Serbian people. Unfortunately, to reach that more optimistic future, we believe that further diplomatic actions by the US and our European allies and partners in particular are crucial to ensuring that Serbia can be effective in implementing democratic reforms, doing so, they will be able to improve relations with all Western Balkan states, including Kosovo”, said on paper.

The letter calls on Biden to consider using Executive Order 14033 to block property and prevent access to the United States of people who contribute to destabilising the situation in the Western Balkans.

“We call on you to consider using the Executive Order 14033, “Listing property and suspending access to the United States of designated persons who contribute to the destabilising situation in the Western Balkans”, where it is appropriate, to push for a more transparent and responsible Serbian government that respects democracies, human rights and rule of law”, further reported on paper, broadcast the KP.

Also, the letter states that media freedom is not only a key American value involved in the American Constitution, but that this issue is also important for Washington's foreign policy and the fight against authoritarianism worldwide.

“Unfortunately, media freedom in Serbia has reached a low level. As Reporters Without Borders note: “Serbia is a country where journalists are exposed to almost daily attacks coming more and more from the ruling elite and the pro-government media. It is also clear that pro-government media are making progress and are in a mutually useful relationship with the” government, American congressers say.

Full letter:

We are very concerned about the current humanitarian and political situation in Serbia and the impact it may have on the Western Balkans region and Europe as a whole. As you said during a August 2016 visit to Belgrade, Serbia, “is extremely interested in the United States of America that the people of Serbia are able to grow and progress. ” Therefore, we encourage your administration to engage with President Aleksandar Vuciq to fight corruption and attacks on freedom of the press, both of which are critical for a promotional and democratic Serbia, and for its aspirations for the European Union.

We call on you to consider using the Executive Order 14033, <x0 Blocking property and suspending entry into the United States of designated persons contributing to the destabilising situation in the Western Balkans”, where it is appropriate, to push for a more transparent and responsible Serbian government that respects democracies, human rights and rule of law.

Freedom of the press is not only a guaranteed American social asset with the Constitution of the United States, but it is also important for US foreign policy and to oppose authoritarianism worldwide. As stated at the end of your 2016 visit to Belgrade, “Combes are stronger when they hear from many voices”. Unfortunately, press freedom has reached a new low in Serbia, as Reporters Without Borders stress: “Serbia is a country where journalists undergo almost daily attacks that come more and more from the ruling elite and pro-government media. ” It is also clear that pro-government media are progressing and are in a mutually beneficial relationship with the government.

In a clear example. RTV Pink, the biggest private broadcaster in Serbia, has received at least 7m euros of government loans between 2014 and 2016. Next year, when President Vuciq ran for president, RTV Pink offered his campaign apparently more time to broadcast than all other opponents combined. Even state-run Telekom arrangements are classified. Agreements between the government and the media undermine democratic norms, silence critics and empower corrupt individuals. We encourage your administration to work with President Vuciq and others to allow all media sources to advance and cover the news equally and impartially as said in 2016, “these voices must be protected and respected”.

Your administration should also continue to engage the Serbian government in rooting out corruption. The US government has long been the global leader in supporting efforts to fight government corruption by setting high standards for business practices and procurement practices, and we are pleased that fighting corruption will be one of the focus of the upcoming Democracy Summit. Our policies and corporate demands have led to economic growth and increased confidence in the US economy.

Unfortunately for Serbia's people, reports have shown President Vuciq deepening corruption within Serbia, including the use of the COVID-19 crisis as an excuse to hide government spending and procurement of PEPs and ventilators. President Vuciq went as far as he said on Radio Television of Serbia that while the whole world was seeking ventilators, Serbia is providing them -- “halves legally”.

We believe the administration must take quick action to ward off existing corruption and further attacks on press freedom in Serbia. Serbia plans to organise presidential and parliamentary elections next spring. We ask your administration to hold Serbia responsible for the highest standards of free and fair elections, including the pre-election campaign period and the very counting of votes.

During your visit to Belgrade in 2016, you spoke of a hopeful future for Serbia and the Serbian people. Unfortunately, to reach that more optimistic future, we believe that further diplomatic actions by the United States and our European allies and partners in particular are crucial to ensuring that Serbia can be effective in implementing democratic reforms, doing so, they will be able to improve relations with all Western Balkan states, including Kosovo.

Congress members:

Raja Krishnamorth

Ritchie Torres

David N. Cyrillic

Jan Schaowski

James P. McGovern

Mike Quigley

Jim Costa