Escobar: There will be new sanctions in Western Balkans, corruption is the main problem

In an interview for the Serbian-language Voice of America, Escobar estimated corruption is the main problem in the Balkans.

Speaking of sanctions imposed against Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency member Milorad Dodik and two other Bosnian officials, then against Milan Radojici and Zvonko Veselinovic in Kosovo, he said he does not want people to think that the United States is engaging in the region primarily through sanctions.

He, however, stressed that the administration in Washington is very committed to fighting corruption and that one of the tools in this war is sanctions.

And I can say there will be other sanctions, but this will not be the main means of our commitment”, Escobar was quoted as saying.

He added that those sanctions are not aimed at specific countries or peoples, but, as he said, individuals who are deeply involved in corruption.

Asked whether the announcement of more sanctions applies to all Western Balkan countries, he has said it is.

Escobar has since stressed that US policy and engagement in the Western Balkans have traditionally been linked to multiethnic reconciliation and EU integration, but that the area of attention that the Western Balkans have received in the American administration has changed last year.

Escobar noted that there is a renewed effort for the United States to engage in all mechanisms that were successful, and that, according to him, is to strengthen the Dayton Agreement, support and renew dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia and close co-operation with NATO partners and ensure that they can meet their NATO obligations.