"Serbia's experience can be valuable contribution"

"Serbia's experience can be valuable contribution"

VIENNA -- During its chairmanship of the OSCE in 2015, Serbia's experience and position can be very important in resolving the Ukrainian crisis, says Sebastian Kurz.

The Austrian foreign minister told Tanjug that Serbia under Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic had been contributing to resolving old conflicts in the Balkans for a while.

"Serbia has been contributing to resolving old conflicts in the Western Balkans for a few years now. Serbia's being selected to hold the OSCE chairmanship should be viewed from the perspective of the constructive role the country has played under Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic. I am confident that Serbia will demonstrate this constructive role while holding the OSCE chairmanship as well, "said Kurz.

The outgoing year was especially challenging for the OSCE primarily due to the grave crisis in Ukraine, and the organization proved its role as central forum for crisis management here. The crisis will certainly dominate over other issues during Serbia's chairmanship as well, believes Kurz.

The Austrian foreign minister believes that Serbia's historical experience and its regional position could prove very valuable in resolving conflicts.

Austria views Serbia's focusing on issues such as the development of the Western Balkans in a particularly positive light, as Austria's foreign policy objectives include that, he said, adding that Austria and Serbia had already been actively cooperating in the OSCE framework and Serbia could continue to count on the support of the government in Vienna.

"I wish Serbia a lot of success and I wish it to persevere in implementing its priorities and...