Botsan-Kharchenko Says EU, U.S. Are behind Belgrade-Pristina Conflict  

Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko (BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC/MO)

 Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko has accused the EU and Washington of standing behind the conflict between Pristina and Belgrade as they have been benefiting of tensions in the Balkans.  

Speaking to Russian TV channel Solovyov Live, Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko said that behind provocations in Kosovo was Pristina, and behind Pristina were the U.S. and the EU, with the latter following Washington’s instructions as it had been doing in the case of Ukraine and sanctions on Russia against its own interests.
 

The Russian ambassador also said that the U.S. wished to use the issues of Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska to exert pressure on Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to join sanctions against Russia.  

Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko met with Vucic on Aug. 2 discussing the current situation in the region, bilateral relations and joint projects, according to a release from Vucic’s Office.  

Vucic said “it is good that Pristina, under pressure exerted by international representatives, has abandoned its initial intention to trigger a conflict and push the entire region into instability.”

Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko reiterated Moscow’s official position that “Pristina’s moves are irresponsible and that everything potentially leading to escalation should be prevented.”