Kirby: Serbia key to stability in Balkans

BELGRADE - Serbia is a key to stability in the Balkans and its every step toward the EU is a positive signal to investors, U.S. Ambassador in Belgrade Michael Kirby has noted.

The U.S. backs Serbia's EU accession, we are paying attention to the process and trying to help in ways that benefit all, but which chapters will be opened and in what order- that is up to the EU and its member states to decide, Kirby said in an interview to the business magazine BIZLife.

As for the Brussels agreement, all sides think that its full implementation is yet to happen, Kirby said.

We appreciate the repeatedly reiterated commitment of Serbia to full implementation of the agreement, and we welcome Serbia's constant dialogue with Kosovo, which should lead to full implementation, Kirby said.

According to the U.S. Ambassador, Serbia's support to Ukraine implies calls for negotiated political solutions that respect the sovereignty and integrity of that country and that is the same position that the United States and the European Union are taking.

What we do not agree about is whether the sanctions can lead to a political solution, Kirby said, adding that Serbia, however, can play an important role in resolving this problem, as it is to take on the chairmanship of the OSCE and in that capacity it can advocate for the respect of established international norms, such as the territorial integrity of sovereign states.

Kirby is of the opinion that the reforms that Serbia is taking are good for the state, the Serbian economy and citizens, as that is something foreign investors want to see.

Investors, as well as the Serbian people, want to see fundamental reforms needed for transforming Serbia into a modern state with...