Dacic: Serbia Should Have Best Possible Relations with U.S. But Recognizing Kosovo Not an Option

Photo: BETA/MILAN OBRADOVIC

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Sept. 7 that he is in favor of Serbia having the best possible relations with the U.S., but that Serbia cannot abide by the U.S.’s demand to recognize Kosovo.

During an observance of America Day at the National Assembly of Serbia – organized by the Serbian-American Friendship Congress – the minister stated that anyone attempting to coerce Belgrade into any kind of action will not succeed.

“That approach to resolving the situation in Kosovo will most certainly fail. We signed the Brussels Agreement and remain a constructive partner in the dialogue,” Dacic stated.

He added that Serbia’s relationship with Russia has nothing to do with Belgrade’s rapport with Western countries.

In his speech at the same event, U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill said that relations between Serbia and the U.S. are stable and independent of what goes on in other countries.

“We should continue collaborating, especially in terms of economic cooperation,” Hill told the Assembly.