US Ambassador to Serbia: I do not understand how anyone can be a supporter of Russia

The US ambassador to Belgrade, Christopher Hill, said in an interview with VOA’s Serbian service that the United States and the European Union expect Serbia to join sanctions against Russia, but it is up to Belgrade to decide and there is no pressure. on it for that matter. Ambassador Hill said that Serbia “should think again” if it believes that Russia will help it on the Kosovo issue.

Voice of America: Three US senators and US Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried recently visited Serbia. Everyone stayed in Serbia shortly after the election and everyone conveyed the message that Serbia should impose sanctions on Russia over its aggression on Ukraine. Some say the goal was to increase pressure on Belgrade? What do you think was the main message for Serbia?

Ambassadors Hill: I think it is important to understand that during these visits a number of topics were discussed. The first topic was the relations between Serbia and the USA and I would say that the relations are good, but we believe that we can do more. Of course, one of the topics was the situation in Ukraine, one of the greatest tragedies of this century. Therefore, it is not surprising that the American representatives presented different aspects of that situation in combination with the relations between Serbia and the EU and the fact that from the point of view of the EU and the US, Serbia should act as a member of the EU and join sanctions. It is clear that this is our policy and on the other hand, Serbia should think about it.

Voice of America: Prime Minister Ana Bernabic said her conversation with Karen Donfried was “difficult, constructive and correct” and that she was “buzzing in her head” after the conversation. Can you tell us what was so difficult?

Ambassadors Hill: I do not know what he meant when he said “difficult”, the conversation was very positive. Of course we have differences on some issues, such as sanctions, and there are other differences – for example, how quickly Serbia and Kosovo can move forward in the talks. But there are also many similarities in our policies, including the economy, which were widely discussed in the meeting with the Prime Minister and the President.

Voice of America: Why is it important for America and the EU for Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia?

Ambassadors Hill: I have to say that there was a misunderstanding about the report (on the visit to the region) written by Senator (Chris) Murphy and people somehow realized that those 60 days, which had to do with an economic issue, had to do with sanctions – which is not true. I was there and it was not about sanctions. But, the United States is telling Serbia that it is not a question of whether you will go East or West, but there is only one direction and it is up to Serbia to decide how fast it wants to get there… Russia can hardly be a model now , is not a place you would like to have a friend or ally. And I think it is becoming increasingly clear what countries need to do. Finally, it is up to the countries to decide and no one is putting pressure on anyone, the people in Serbia have to decide in which direction they want to go.

Voice of America: Will there be consequences in the relations between Serbia and the United States if sanctions are not imposed on Russia?

Ambassadors Hill: It’s a hypothetical question. What we would like is the deepening of relations with Serbia. We know how important Serbia is in the region and in Europe and we would like to have better relations. The United States now has better relations with the EU because of this terrible war in Ukraine. We are talking to Serbia about what we can do together to end this war… I would not like to get into this, we are not talking about the consequences. The bottom line is that we would like better relationships and opportunities to find common interests.

Voice of America: Some experts say the Kosovo issue is a major source of Russian influence in Serbia, and Serbian officials often say that Russia is defending Serbia’s interests in the UN Security Council. Does America have a response to this?

Ambassadors Hill: I have not seen anything that shows that Russia is protecting anyone other than Mr. (Vladimir) Putin. And I would be very careful with the arguments that Serbia benefits from Russia’s actions. I understand the dynamics in the UN Security Council, I understand the essence. But Serbia must decide what relations it will have with its neighbors and how it will approach them. Our position is that Serbia should support EU-mediated talks. I do not think that Serbia should look at Russia in relation to Kosovo, or vice versa, but look at each situation separately. Russia has moved so far away from what we call international dignity, so far from Western values, so if you think Russia will help Kosovo somehow – you have to think again.

Voice of America: Do you believe that the Serbia-Kosovo talks, which are at the counting point, will continue and when?

Ambassadors Hill: Kosovo and Serbia will decide on this. I know that the EU is trying very hard to put on the table different ideas, topics to discuss, to maintain momentum. It’s not much fun to be a mediator, I’ve done this in the past. Negotiations are very difficult and I know that the EU is doing the best it can and Serbia and Kosovo must respect that. These issues are not easy, if they were, they would have been resolved long ago. We must understand the difficulties, but not remain hostage to them, but see where we would like to reach. We want to get stuck at this time or we want a better life for the people of Serbia. But it is not American diplomats who have to tell Serbs what to do.

Voice of America: How do you comment on the fact that Serbia is buying weapons from Russia and China?

Ambassadors Hill: The United States has a position on this; Serbia needs to think long-term about a security structure that makes it secure. And joint security structures are the best. I think it is very difficult in the 21st century to buy a little equipment on the one hand, a little on the other and believe that this serves your security interests. In the end, I know that the Serbs do not agree with this, but in the end it is good for Serbia to be in NATO. It will take time, I know the story very well. Historians look back, diplomats look forward. I believe that Serbia will understand that joint defense is the best solution.

Voice of America: The international organization Freedom House, this year said that Serbia is not a democratic regime but a hybrid regime, that media freedom is endangered and corruption is widespread. And this condition has been recorded for several years. Do you agree with these findings?

Ambassadors Hill: These are complex issues related to the internal situation here and what is being done about media freedoms. In the United States, we highly value media freedom, the fact that there are different opinions on everything. I think this is very important for democracy and I will be happy to set our example to the Serbian people. I believe that Serbia will understand that free media are part of democracy and that democracy is the path to a better economic situation. Democracy means pluralism and I believe that Serbia should strive for that. But, I am a foreign diplomat, a guest to you, Serbs have to decide on this. I will not go into whether I agree with the findings of some organizations. I have a personal opinion on this, but I would not say it.

Voice of America: Do you have any expectations from the new government of Serbia?

Ambassadors Hill: I would like to see what government it will be. We in America need several months to form a government. I am a newcomer here and I am ready for my task, to work with the new government of Serbia and see where it is going. If I were a citizen of this country, which I am not, I would be very curious to know in which direction it will go. A very important thing happened on February 24, when Russia launched an aggression against the neighboring country. I really do not understand how anyone can be a supporter of Russia or speak in favor of Russia. I hope the new government will take a certain direction, but it is in the hands of those who will form the government. I can’t wait to see what it will be like.

Voice of America: Does this “certain direction” mean less cooperation with Russia?

Ambassadors Hill: I would not say cooperation, better I would say less trust in Russia. The idea that Russia will solve the Serbian problems in Kosovo or somewhere else – just look at the situation in Ukraine and tell me that the proposal for Serbia to rely on Russia for whatever is valid./VOA

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