Serbia should back Ukraine's integrity - U.S. ambassador

Serbia should back Ukraine's integrity - U.S. ambassador

BELGRADE -- The U.S. respects the traditional friendship between Serbia and Russia, U.S. Ambassador Michael Kirby told Beta in an interview, the agency reported.

However, he added, the world will not welcome a lack of condemnation of endangering of Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Kirby pointed out that it was up to the Serbian authorities to decide what is the interest of the state, and based on that make their decisions.

"Serbia said loudly that it respect the territorial integrity of all member states of the United Nations, but officials have never added a sentence which indicates that it includes Ukraine, as well as all its territory," noted Kirby.

This diplomat also commented on the business climate in Serbia to say it was "good" and that as the country moves closer to the European Union it will be more attractive to American investors.

He added that it would be good if Serbia appointed a new ambassador to Washington as soon as possible, and that it was important to choose the right person for this demanding job.

"I am aware that Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dačić, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and President Tomislav Nikolić are thinking intensely about who to appoint as ambassador to the United States. This is an important position, as the ambassador must be a person who will best represent Serbia in Washington and represent its interests," said Kirby.

The U.S. diplomat believes that it would be good solve the murder case of the Bytyqi brothers as soon as possible, but said he does not expect that will happen.

"This case should be viewed also from a broader perspective. There is a large...