13 minutes agoAssociated Press: Volin involvement in new government suggests continuing Serbia's close ties with Russia
Periskopi(2 years ago)
(2 years ago)Serbia's new government will include a former intelligence chief who maintains close ties with Russia and who is sanctioned by the United States, writes the Associated Press, commenting on the composition of Serbia's new government, which became known today by Milos Vuchevic. [...]
Aleksandar Vulin will be one of several deputy speakers, Milos Vuchev said during the announcement of the composition of his next cabinet, which is expected to be voted in Serbia's Parliament in the coming days.
Serbia is formally seeking membership in the European Union, but has maintained friendly relations with Russia and has refused to join Western sanctions against Moscow for the war in Ukraine, the AP recalls.
The inclusion of Volin in the new government suggests continuing close ties with Russia despite the pro-declared path. The EU from Serbia.
In July last year, the US imposed sanctions on the vul, accusing him of involvement in illegal shipments of weapons, drug trafficking and abuse of office.
The United States, the Office of the Treasury Department for Foreign Property Control, said Vulin used his public authority to help a Serbian arms dealer under US sanctions move illegal arms shipments across Serbia's borders.
Voulin is also accused of involvement in a drug trafficking ring, according to US authorities.
Vulin, the AP deputy chairman, resigned from the post of director of the Serbian intelligence agency BIA after imposing sanctions on him. He used to be a chief of military and police.
Vucevic, the new prime minister, has previously been the defence minister.
The government's formation comes several months after tense parliamentary elections in December, in which the ruling right-wing populist party of President Aleksandar Vuciq won the majority of seats in the 250-member assembly.
The vote sparked political tensions amid reports of widespread irregularities reported by local and international observers. The opposition group organised street protests before the elections.
