Kirby: There were talks on sanctions, not true pressure

BELGRADE - U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Michel Kirby has said that it has been discussed that Serbia should introduce sanctions against Russia, but this does not mean that something like that needs to be done.

This pressure means that we have talked about this, but this is not the same as when you have to do something. This does not mean an automatic and intense pressure, Kirby said.

Kirby said for TV N1 on Wednesday evening that he believes that the West made the right decision when many years ago it introduced sanctions against Serbia and noted that this was opposed only by China and Zimbabwe.

Asked whether Washington has understanding for Serbia's position and its relationship with Russia, the U.S. ambassador said that there is understanding.

We understand history, but we also think that sanctions are sometimes necessary because of the things that people do, Kirby said.

U.S. COMPANIES WANT TO DOUBLE INVESTMENTS IN SERBIA

Certain U.S. companies in Serbia want to double their investments, U.S. Ambassador Michael Kirby has said, noting that the Serbian government has managed to take difficult reform measures over the last year.

There are American companies that are already here and investing and would like to double their investments in Serbia. In Kraljevo, for an example, we have the company Noble Environmental Serbia that recycles cardboard boxes and is expanding its business, Kirby said in a live broadcast on TV N1 on Wednesday evening.

The company has 75 workers, and plans to hire 50 more in several months, he said.

Things like this are of interest to us in various fields, the U.S. Ambassador said, adding that some European companies also believe this is the right time for...