5 hours agoFormer US Ambassador: Serbia's rejection of Kosovo independence legitimises Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Periskopi(4 years ago)
(4 years ago)Former US Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby believes there is a link between Russia's expectations that the Serbian parliamentary delegation will not participate in the Crime Forum in Zagreb and the absence of Serb representatives at that gathering in Croatia initiated by Ukraine. “From a distance it seems Serbia has chosen to stand on the side [...]
“From a distance it seems that Serbia has chosen to stand on Russia's side in the Russian-Ukrainian war”, Kirby told Voice of America.
During the previous two days, representatives of more than 50 countries and world organisations gathered in Zagreb to discuss, among other things, ways to help Ukraine. World officials included the head of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.
Croatian officials and summit organisers claim that Serbian representatives are invited to attend.
However, at the moment in Belgrade no official explanation has been offered if invitations for the forum have arrived and what would be the possible reasons for the rejection.
Kirby, who served in Serbia from 2012 to 2016, said he believes the Russians have a significant impact on Serbia's institutions, as well as on the Serbian Progressive Party, adding that since 2012, there has been a period of considerable distance from the Serbian government from the European road and a very visible turn towards Russia, especially Putin.
“In view of Serbia's opposition to Kosovo independence, it appears that Serbia legitimises taking over territory from Russia with double standards”, Kirby said, among other things.
