Escobar: The purpose of my visit with Lajcak is to continue dialogue

The United States' special envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, said the US would increasingly engage in the region and that their main focus would be on fighting corruption.

In an interview for the Nova daily, he stressed that it is necessary to improve electoral conditions in Serbia, improve access to the media, but also stressed that the opposition should participate.

Eskobar said that the United States, along with European partners, requires authorities in Belgrade to implement reforms that will enable the opening of political space, prevent attacks by non-civil organisations and create adequate conditions for independent media and opposition.

Eskobar also voiced his belief that Serbia is on its way to the EU.

“It is the official position of the government and the clearly expressed desire of the people, but also the place where Serbia has been during its history and culture and where it is now economically. Therefore, I hope Serbia will continue its path to Europe”, Escobar said.

Escobar also spoke of the visit that will soon take place in Belgrade and Pristina, along with EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak, where he said the purpose of this visit is to encourage both sides to continue dialogue under EU auspices so that mutual differences can be overcome and continue the path towards the EU.

He added that another reason for his visit was to improve US co-operation with Serbia and Kosovo.