Borrell says he looks forward to working with the new Serbian Government

2024-05-03 22:03:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Borrell says he looks forward to working with the new Serbian Government

Josep Borrell

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, said on Friday he was looking forward to working with Serbia's new government, but added that acting in line with the bloc's values ??and policies were essential on the path to membership. block.

"Congratulations to the new Prime Minister of Serbia, Miloš Vu?evi?. I look forward to working with you, Foreign Minister Marko Djuric and the Serbian Government to move Serbia forward on its path to the EU," Borrell wrote on the X social network on Friday.

On May 2, the deputies of the Assembly of Serbia elected the new Government, headed by Miloš Vu?evi?, who warned days ago that Serbia will not change its previous positions regarding Russia and Kosovo.

Borrell emphasized that "aligning with and acting in accordance with EU values ??and foreign and security policies are essential signs of strategic orientation".

Finally, the EU has officially conditioned the integration of Serbia on the normalization of relations with Kosovo.

Vucevic said the day before his Government was voted in that the EU's expectations are related to Serbia "humiliating" itself by recognizing the independence of Kosovo and joining the sanctions against Russia due to the occupation of Ukraine.

However, he emphasized that Serbia will not join the sanctions against Russia.

"There is no doubt that the pressures will continue, maybe they will intensify, but we are determined to stay in the same positions", said Vucevic.

"Serbia cannot and will not give up friendship with Russia, whose people we consider fraternal, as is the case with Ukrainians. We have clearly condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine, but we have declared that we will not join the policy of sanctions", he said.

Vucevic, there will be a cabinet that will consist of 25 ministers and five ministers without portfolio.

His part as deputy prime minister will also be the former head of the intelligence service of Serbia, Aleksandar Vulin, who is under the sanctions of the United States of America since July 2023 - among other things, due to ties with Russia.

Nenad Popovi? will also be on the "black list" of the USA, as a minister without portfolio, due to his ties with Russia.

Days ago, the American State Department said that it is disappointed with the proposals for the new Government of Serbia./ Rel