US Ambassador Queries Putin's Trip to Serbia

Michael Kirby, the US ambassador to Serbia, told Serbia's daily newspaper Novosti that Washington is not putting pressure on Belgrade to introduce sanctions on Russia in relation to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

"I have not asked the Serbian government to introduce sanctions. I am very satisfied that the government has made it clear that Serbia respects the territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea," Kirby said.

Asked how the US views the announced visits to Serbia of China's Prime Minister, Li Keqiang, and Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, Russian President, Kirby said the purpose of Putin's visit was unclear.

Li Keqiang is due to come to Belgrade in December, while Putin's visit, which has not bee confirmed, has been set for October 20, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade at the end of World War II.

"Serbia can have good relations with Russia, China and with the US. However, our stands on the visits of Chinese and Russian officials differ. China hasn't attacked anyone, while the Russians did," Kirby stated.

"It is not yet confirmed that Putin will come, but if he does - why is he coming? To attend the celebration of the liberation of Belgrade? Belgrade was liberated also by the Third Ukrainian Army, as a part of the Red Army.

"If Putin is invited, are all others who participated in the liberation [of Belgrade] also invited?" Kirby asked.

The ambassador stated that Serbia-US relations were generally good and there were many things the two countries should work together on, including Serbia's presidency of the OSCE in 2015.

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