Hill: The Brussels process is the only way to solve the Kosovo-Serbia problems

2024-06-06 22:30:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The United States is satisfied with the policy of the Serbian government towards the dialogue with Kosovo and the cooperation with Ukraine, said in an interview for the Serbian-language program of the Voice of America, the American ambassador in Belgrade, Christopher Hill. In the interview, he also talked about the developments in Serbia and the local elections of June 2, which, according to him, went better than the parliamentary elections of December last year.

The following interview has been shortened and edited for clarity.

Voice of America: The last elections in Serbia were, according to observers, marred by media bias, pressure on voters, vote buying. Your embassy has its own observers. What were their conclusions and what is your opinion on the local elections?

Christopher Hill: The general feeling is that some problems remain but overall there was a better effort than in December. There are a number of reforms and changes that need to happen, not just now, but throughout the years leading up to the next election. In particular, some issues, such as access to the media, need to be resolved. There have been some improvements. The elections are a test for democracy and I hope that people will come together and continue the important work for the country.

VOA: The United States has called on Belgrade to implement the ODIHR recommendations, but this has not happened. One would say that Washington is turning a blind eye to democracy in Serbia following its own interest. How would you answer?

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

Christopher Hill: Oh there are a lot of critics and there always will be, but being a critic doesn't mean you're right. We have been working to ensure that as many recommendations as possible are implemented in time for the June elections. But as I just said, changes, reforms take time. How to get a close look at voter lists without breaching personal data. These are not issues that are resolved in 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 the speaker of the parliament, Ana Bërnabiç, who brought people together. It is not an easy task, as elections do not bring out the best in people.

Voice of America: Journalist Vuk Cvijic was physically attacked on the street. Formerly journalist Dinko Gruhonjic. You defended Mr. Gruhonjic. but you did not react to Mr. Cvijic. Where is the difference between these cases...?

Christopher Hill: I have no knowledge of the last case, but I assure you that we are very vocal whenever and whoever is attacked by the media or threatened because there is no place for such things in contemporary societies...

Voice of America: The presidents of Serbia and Republika Srpska have announced a large national gathering in Belgrade. Milorad Dodiku even said that he will 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. Given this, does the United States see Serbia as a stable partner, given its close ties with Russia and insisting on those ties?

Christopher Hill: First point, regarding the composition of the government we have made our view clear. We have also made it clear that we do not form the governments of others, it is not up to us to do so. Secondly, regarding the relations of Serbia, it can have relations with other countries and it is not our duty to tell them that they can talk or not talk. That's just not what we do. Can Serbia be a stable partner? Yes it can and we are working on it every day.

VOA: Is Serbia doing enough to help Ukraine...?

Christopher Hill: You have to ask the Serbian government about the details. We were pleased to see the increase in cooperation between Serbia and Ukraine. The first lady of Ukraine visited Serbia and it was an important visit. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister was in Serbia as well. Mrs. (Tamara) Vucic was in Ukraine last year. Relations have really improved and I am happy about it. I must make clear our position, which I believe is also shared by the Serbs, that Russian aggression in Ukraine must not be allowed to continue. This is a big problem for all of Europe, including Serbia. Therefore, we must all make our position clear, and I believe the Serbs have done this by voting in support of the United Nations Resolutions on this issue. They have also worked behind the scenes in efforts to restore peace and security in Europe.

Voice of America: Let's talk about Kosovo. Do you think that the Western policy towards Kosovo was successful, considering the increasing tensions from time to time...?

Christopher Hill: Can't talk about Western policy towards Kosovo. He can talk about our policy with Serbia and cooperation in these issues. We have encouraged Serbia to remain engaged in the Brussels process and they have done so and are continuing to do so by presenting their ideas for resolving the issues, whether it is the Postal 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 a fundamental disagreement as Serbia does not recognize Kosovo, while the United States does. But, within the framework of this disagreement, we have very good cooperation on this issue and we will continue it.

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

Christopher Hill: He will again talk about what Serbia should do. We appreciate the fact that we've been in close contact, we understand what he's trying to do, what his concerns are, and the things he thinks can be improved upon. For all of us, the United States and the European Union, it is important to support the efforts of Ambassador Miroslav Lajcak, because it is the only way for these issues that have deep roots in history to be resolved./ VOA