Dacic: U.S. Has Changed Attitude toward Serbia

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic (BETAPHOTO/AMIR HAMZAGIC)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Feb. 4 that his impression after visiting Washington was that "the atmosphere and attitude toward Serbia" in the U.S. had changed very much from previous years, and stressed that a solution for Kosovo could not be reached without good relations with the U.S.

"Today you can see much more understanding for Serbia's position, for Serbia's problems and viewpoint. You could say that we can build the foundations of a strategic partnership," Dacic told Pink TV. He added that this was important because it "is impossible to consider the way and possibilities for finding a political solution without relations of this kind with the U.S."

He went on to say that he received hints in Brussels and Washington that this was the outcome of the responsible approach of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to the most important issues. Dacic reiterated that the U.S. position was that there was no debating undertaken obligations.

"I heard from international negotiators that they are unhappy with (Kosovo Premier Albin) Kurti -- first of all because he is refusing to form the [Community of Serb Municipalities], and secondly because he is totally arrogant and asking that, before anything is signed, the five EU countries that have not recognized Kosovo do so and that he be told when they would accept Kosovo's application for EU and NATO membership," Dacic said.