US letter to Serbia makes no mention of EU bid

BELGRADE - The United States' annual message to Serbia to mark its national day made no mention of the country's bid to join the European Union, which Washington has previously supported.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Monday issued a short statement to extend to Serbia his best wishes and hopes for "a prosperous future", two days ahead of its national day.

But the wording of the statement underlines the extent to which President Donald Trump's new US administration has moved on from its predecessor's support for the European Union.

The United States stands committed to cooperation with Serbia to ensure stability and prosperity in the Balkans, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement on Monday.

"On this important occasion, we reiterate our commitment to further deepen the friendship between the United States and Serbia," the statement...