UN: Serbia's deal with Russia was surprising and wrong

On Friday, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic signed the agreement for “consultations” on foreign policy issues with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The agreement was signed while the two ministers were in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly session, where most Western delegations avoided the Russian chief diplomat because of Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

“Lami for this agreement signed with Russia was surprising and in full opposition to other constructive meetings in New York with Serbian officials. Further approach with Russia is a step in the wrong direction and contrary to Serbia's declared European aspirations”, the State Department spokesman said.

On Monday, US Ambassador to Belgrade Christopher Hill said that during the work of the UN General Assembly, the United States held “fruitful talks with Serbia's delegation on global issues, but other issues and later learned of the agreement, which prompted reactions of European Union politicians as well.

Serbia, a candidate for membership in the European Union, depends on Russia for its natural gas supplies and has refused to join Western sanctions against Moscow due to its aggression in Ukraine.

The Kremlin supports Belgrade in its ongoing opposition to recognition of Kosovo's independence, which was proclaimed in 2008 with the support of the United States and major Western countries.

The United States continues to strongly support Serbia's EU membership target. Russia clearly does not support EU membership for Western Balkan countries and only seeks to sow divisions in the region. The future of the Western Balkans is fully within the EU, and its expansion promotes peace, stability and long-term progress throughout the region. Serbia must speed up steps to advance its European road, including diversification of energy sources to reduce its energy dependence on Russia and bring its foreign and security policies closer to the EU”, the State Department spokesman said.

Serbia tried to lower the importance of the deal with Russia and on Wednesday Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that “a bureaucratic document, without any substantial importance... used by the media to attack Serbia”.

MEPs said “The EU cannot continue Serbia's membership negotiations unless it joins EU sanctions against Russia”, warning that this stance will be part of the bloc's next enlargement report. / VOA