Hill: Dialogue, only way to solve Kosovo problems Serbia with deep roots in history

The United States is satisfied with the Serbian government's policy towards dialogue with Kosovo and co-operation with Ukraine, American Ambassador to Belgrade Christopher Hill said in an interview for the Serbian-language programme of Voice of America. In the interview, he also spoke of developments in Serbia and the June 2nd local elections, which, according to him, fared better than last December's parliamentary elections.

The following interview has been cut and edited for the sake of clarity.

Voice of America: Recent elections in Serbia were passed, according to observers, by media bias, pressure on voters, vote buying. Your embassy has its monitors. What were their conclusions, and what is your view of local elections?

Christopher Hill: The general feeling is that some problems have remained, but there was generally better efforts than in December. There are a number of reforms and changes that must occur, not only now, but during the years ahead of the upcoming elections. In particular some media access issues should be resolved. There have been some improvements. The elections are a test for democracy and I hope that people will get together and continue important jobs for the country.

Voice of America: The United States has called on Belgrade to implement its ODIHR recommendations, but this has not happened. Someone would say Washington is closing its eyes about democracy in Serbia by pursuing its interest. How Would You Answer?

Christopher Hill: I don't know who would say that...

Voice of America: Critics?

Christopher Hill: Oh, there's a lot of critical and there'll always be, but being critical doesn't mean you're right. We have worked to make sure that as much recommendations apply over time before the June elections. But as I just said, changes take time. How can you look closely at voter lists without violating personal data. These are not issues that are resolved within weeks. I think it was healthy and useful that there were meetings between the opposition and the ruling party. I think we should appreciate the efforts of Parliament Speaker Anna Brnabyc, who made people together. It is no easy task, since choices do not make the best part of people.

Voice of America: Journalist Vuk Cvijic has been physically attacked in the streets. Earlier journalist Dinko Gruhonjic. You protected Mr. Gruhonjic. But you did not respond to Mr. Cvijic. What is the difference between these cases...?

Christopher Hill: I have no knowledge of the last case, but I assure you that we are very loud whenever and anyone who was attacked by the media or threatened because there is no room for anything like that in contemporary societies...

Voice of America: The presidents of Serbia and Republika Srpska have warned large national gatherings in Belgrade. Milorad Dodik even said he would go to the rally directly from Russia. We also have the new Serbian government with two ministers who are sanctioned by the United States and very close to Russia. In view of these, do the United States view Serbia as a stable partner, given close ties with Russia and insisting on those ties?

Christopher Hill: First of all, in terms of government composition, we have made our point of view clear. We have also made it clear that we do not form other people's governments, it does not belong to us. Second, as for Serbia's relations, it may have relations with other countries, and it is not our duty to say who they can talk to or not talk to. This is just not what we do. Can Serbia be a stable partner? We're working on it every day.

Voice of America: Is Serbia doing enough to help Ukraine...?

Christopher Hill: You should ask the Serbian government for details. We were pleased to see increased co-operation between Serbia and Ukraine. Ukraine's first lady visited Serbia and was an important visit. Ukrainian Foreign Minister was in Serbia as well. Mrs. Vucic was in Ukraine last year. Relations have improved, and I am satisfied. I have to make clear our position, which I believe is shared by Serbs, that Russian aggression in Ukraine should not be allowed to continue. This is a big problem for all of Europe, including Serbia. Therefore, we must all make our stand clear, and Serbs I believe have done so by voting in support of UN resolutions on the issue. Also behind the curtains have been working on efforts to restore peace and security in Europe.

Voice of America: Let's talk about Kosovo. Do you think Western politics towards Kosovo was successful given the increase of tensions from time to time...?

Christopher Hill: He cannot speak of Western politics towards Kosovo. He can talk about our policy with Serbia and co-operation on these issues. We have encouraged Serbia to remain committed to the Brussels process, and it has done so and are continuing to do so by presenting their ideas for resolving issues, whether that of the Post Savings Bank or such issues. So we have a very good dialogue with the Serbian government. This is a difficult issue because, as you know, Serbia and the United States have substantial differences since Serbia does not recognise Kosovo, while the United States recognizes it. But within the context of this disagreement, we have very good co-operation on this issue and we will continue it.

Voice of America: What should Belgrade and Pristina do to resume dialogue and move forward in the normalisation process?

Christopher Hill: Again he will talk about what Serbia should do. We appreciate having been in close contact, understanding what he is trying to do, what his concerns, and what he thinks progress can be made. For all of us, the United States and the European Union, it is important to support Ambassador Miroslav Lajcak's efforts, because it is the only way for these issues that have deep roots in history to be resolved.