WASHINGTON -- OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic met in Washington on Thursday with United States Secretary of State John Kerry.
WASHINGTON -- OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic met in Washington on Thursday with United States Secretary of State John Kerry.
Source: Tanjug
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"First of all, they are assuming the chairmanship of the OSCE. And this comes at a really important time given the Minsk agreement, the efforts that we are all making to try to see that agreement implemented," Kerry said.
Under the chairmanship Dacic, "we will all be looking for accountability in the process of trying to stabilize the eastern part of Ukraine, and see if we can't get on a different road," he said.
The U.S. official added that the OSCE observer status was "absolutely critical to our ability to know if both sides are adhering to the Minsk agreements, and so the United States welcomes the assumption of this responsibility."
Kerry touched on Serbia's European path, saying that the United States welcomes "the fact that Serbia has taken the step of moving towards EU accession."
"It will require a process of reforms and engagement. We certainly look forward to working with Serbia in that endeavor," the secretary of state said.
He said that the government in Belgrade has exhibited great leadership in helping to engage seriously in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and in helping to reach an agreement that really could begin to move things on a road to longer-term stability.
"We know it's difficult and we know there are complications, but we applaud the fact that most recently there was a meeting with the EU High Representative Mogherini. There was a successful outcome of that dialogue with important next steps taken," said Kerry.
Dacic said that Serbia attaches great importance to bilateral relations with the United States, especially in a time when Serbia is chairing a very important organization - the OSCE:
"As holder of the OSCE chairmanship-in-office, Serbia will be fully committed to honoring and meeting its principles and commitments, bearing in mind that former Yugoslavia was one of the founders of the OSCE, and we will do all we can to help bring about peace and coordinate all our actions in the entire OSCE region from Vladivostok to Vancouver."
"In line with this, we will be holding consultations at various places within the OSCE structures so that we can take the necessary steps and make the right moves," said he.
Dacic added that he and Kerry discussed not only the OSCE topics, but also touch upon some bilateral issues.
"And it is my great pleasure to have our bilateral relations advancing and going upwards, and I think that it is very important to renew the strategic partnership, which dates way back," Dacic said, pointing to the fact that the bilateral and diplomatic relations were established over 130 years ago.
Dacic voiced the hope that Kerry would take part in an OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Belgrade in December this year.
"We would be very happy to see our two countries exchanging visits more frequently. And I have to say that we cannot even remember who was the last president of the United States who visited Serbia. I think that this was Mr. Ford," Dacic said.
The Serbian foreign minister noted that it would be very good and beneficial for the relationship between the United States and Serbia to advance, mirroring the development of political cooperation between them.
"We want Serbia to be a factor of stability and peace in the region, to resolve all issues with its neighbors in a diplomatic way and through dialogue. We will make maximum efforts and demonstrate responsibility as OSCE chair, especially when the whole world is watching what the OSCE, with its capacities, can do in this regard," Dacic said.
The Serbian foreign minister is wrapping up his several-day visit to the U.S. in his capacity as OSCE chairperson-in-office on Thursday.
Michael Thomas explained Serbia’s position very well and it’s very difficult for them to do much without Russia’s military backing. If Serbia had gone to the other side Belgrade would have joined in the sanctions against Russia, but it has not. What is needed is for Russia to finish taking Ukraine then through Moldavia remove the regime in Romania then the rest will be very easy, and then you will hear a very different tone from Belgrade.
(sj, 2 March 2015 10:06)
Such a simple plan, I wonder why they do not make you temporary czar of Russia? Maybe because it would be the shortest reign in history!
(just a thought, 2 March 2015 23:47)
(rote, 28 February 2015 12:14)
Michael Thomas explained Serbia’s position very well and it’s very difficult for them to do much without Russia’s military backing. If Serbia had gone to the other side Belgrade would have joined in the sanctions against Russia, but it has not. What is needed is for Russia to finish taking Ukraine then through Moldavia remove the regime in Romania then the rest will be very easy, and then you will hear a very different tone from Belgrade.
(sj, 2 March 2015 10:06)
Yes you are right Count by the same token the Serbians should not have had to do this in Kosovo,which is part of their country !!
(Baron of Bosnia, 1 March 2015 08:17)
They demand the Russians to show the new dislocation of heavy arms pulled from the frontline while the Nazi side is free of such obligations. They keep mum that the Russians already withdrew 90% of their heavy arms while the fascists only 10%.
rote, 27 February 2015 10:28)
Rote,
The Ukranians need not pull back their heavy weapons in their own country!
It is a unfortunate Sesame Street is not broadcast in Russia. If it was, you would be able to indulge your imagination in a healthy manner rather than babble on about fake Russian history.
(The Count of Kosova, 28 February 2015 13:08)
There’s little I would disagree in your comment. And more or less I estimate similar the situation inside and around Serbia. But if I were to decide them I would declare a non-alignment again to equally distance from both sides. I wouldn’t force EU candidacy now to see what will happen in the years to come. It will save them lots of the nerves and improve the negotiation positions over most issues. I do not think that much depends on Serbia. In a great degree the fate of this state will depend on the place where US-Russia frontline will stop. Europe is on the stake not even Ukraine.
So I am very sceptic about the “increasing role” of Serbia. I would rather say that Dacic and Vucic openly jouned the USA while Nicolic behaves as if it all has nothing to do with him. Neither do I trust Seselj because they wouldn’t let him out without a deal. So I am sad about Serbia. There were times when Russia disappointed the Serbs and now it seems to be Serbia’s turn to pay us with the same coin.
I never had big illusions over Montenegro but Jukanovic is cornered now and as a prostitute he may join the clans that back Serbia. But the Yankees won’t ease their grip free of charge. Big mistake is made by the Serbs who agreed the imposed viewing over Montenegro. See how firm are the Russians over Ukraine ! We are ready to risk the whole world and the Yankees know it as well as the Europeans. Meanwhile Serbs let them take their brothers away so easily.
(rote, 28 February 2015 12:14)
LK where's the evidence to the contrary? Much can be found to support Mr.Thomas's position but there is considerable doubt that any supporting your diametrically opposed view is out there.
(Probability, 28 February 2015 11:21)
I know Russians need friends at this time and the Serbian public is very pro-Russian. But you must understand that there are limits to how far Serbia can stand up against NATO. Serbia is not Belarus and is not therefore protected by Russia. Serbia is surrounded by enemies who want to feast on Serbian blood and steal Serbian land. Look at the Serb-haters on this site; if NATO occupied the rest of Serbia it would let these mad-dogs run free throughout Serbia and destroy all Serbs and everything Serbian. Serbia needs to box clever and avoid getting too close to either the EU-NATO bloc or Russia. Serbia should maintain excellent relations with Russia but should not overtly support her if that support risks NATO aggression against Serbia. It is a tricky position to be in and I am sure Vucic and his gang are the wrong people to run the government, but please don't be too disappointed if Serbia does not support every Russian position. The Montenegrin regime is far worse than that in Serbia. Let's hope the clumsy Vucic does nothing to hurt Russia, that would be unforgivable.
(Michael Thomas, 27 February 2015 16:05)
Da Rote those Serbs. Its like a neighbor you think they have potential to do something significant. Then you wake up one day and you find out they are wanted for murder, rape, robbery etc as they spiral down in to a evil criminal cesspool. Then you think boy was I wrong they have potential only to do wrong live and learn.
(Lenard, 27 February 2015 10:58)
After the new chairmanship OSCE has not stopped to be a part in the conflict. They still help the Nazi in every single issue. OSCE mission there is compound of Russophobe officers who serve as the intelligence service of Kiev. They demand the Russians to show the new dislocation of heavy arms pulled from the frontline while the Nazi side is free of such obligations. They keep mum that the Russians already withdrew 90% of their heavy arms while the fascists only 10%. Also OSCE mission's boss Michael Bochurkiv here remains at the helm while his father Roman Bochurkiv was a Waffen SS within Bandera’s troops. In the 70 year war between the Donetsk and Galitsis such a man cannot be neutral because all Ukrainian Nazi leaders were killed by people born in Donbass. Be it Stephan Bendera or Roman Shukhevich or Melnikov or anybody else. So this war is very symbolic as a conflict of the Gallitzin and Russian mentalities. This is why it has no compromise and this is why traitor Dacic upsets me so much. Most likely his ancestors were communist partisans who fought the Nazi and now he became an agent of influence of the Nazi. The only change I notice is that Bochurkiv and Psaki stepped back to the shadow. One of them is pregnant with a baby and the other with Bandera. Nothing will save the regime but Dacic is not the only Serb who disappoints me. Strange has become Vucic's behavior while Toma seems to be retired ...
(rote, 27 February 2015 10:28)
Da Rote those Serbs. Its like a neighbor you think they have potential to do something significant. Then you wake up one day and you find out they are wanted for murder, rape, robbery etc as they spiral down in to a evil criminal cesspool. Then you think boy was I wrong they have potential only to do wrong live and learn.
(Lenard, 27 February 2015 10:58)
After the new chairmanship OSCE has not stopped to be a part in the conflict. They still help the Nazi in every single issue. OSCE mission there is compound of Russophobe officers who serve as the intelligence service of Kiev. They demand the Russians to show the new dislocation of heavy arms pulled from the frontline while the Nazi side is free of such obligations. They keep mum that the Russians already withdrew 90% of their heavy arms while the fascists only 10%. Also OSCE mission's boss Michael Bochurkiv here remains at the helm while his father Roman Bochurkiv was a Waffen SS within Bandera’s troops. In the 70 year war between the Donetsk and Galitsis such a man cannot be neutral because all Ukrainian Nazi leaders were killed by people born in Donbass. Be it Stephan Bendera or Roman Shukhevich or Melnikov or anybody else. So this war is very symbolic as a conflict of the Gallitzin and Russian mentalities. This is why it has no compromise and this is why traitor Dacic upsets me so much. Most likely his ancestors were communist partisans who fought the Nazi and now he became an agent of influence of the Nazi. The only change I notice is that Bochurkiv and Psaki stepped back to the shadow. One of them is pregnant with a baby and the other with Bandera. Nothing will save the regime but Dacic is not the only Serb who disappoints me. Strange has become Vucic's behavior while Toma seems to be retired ...
(rote, 27 February 2015 10:28)
I know Russians need friends at this time and the Serbian public is very pro-Russian. But you must understand that there are limits to how far Serbia can stand up against NATO. Serbia is not Belarus and is not therefore protected by Russia. Serbia is surrounded by enemies who want to feast on Serbian blood and steal Serbian land. Look at the Serb-haters on this site; if NATO occupied the rest of Serbia it would let these mad-dogs run free throughout Serbia and destroy all Serbs and everything Serbian. Serbia needs to box clever and avoid getting too close to either the EU-NATO bloc or Russia. Serbia should maintain excellent relations with Russia but should not overtly support her if that support risks NATO aggression against Serbia. It is a tricky position to be in and I am sure Vucic and his gang are the wrong people to run the government, but please don't be too disappointed if Serbia does not support every Russian position. The Montenegrin regime is far worse than that in Serbia. Let's hope the clumsy Vucic does nothing to hurt Russia, that would be unforgivable.
(Michael Thomas, 27 February 2015 16:05)
They demand the Russians to show the new dislocation of heavy arms pulled from the frontline while the Nazi side is free of such obligations. They keep mum that the Russians already withdrew 90% of their heavy arms while the fascists only 10%.
rote, 27 February 2015 10:28)
Rote,
The Ukranians need not pull back their heavy weapons in their own country!
It is a unfortunate Sesame Street is not broadcast in Russia. If it was, you would be able to indulge your imagination in a healthy manner rather than babble on about fake Russian history.
(The Count of Kosova, 28 February 2015 13:08)
There’s little I would disagree in your comment. And more or less I estimate similar the situation inside and around Serbia. But if I were to decide them I would declare a non-alignment again to equally distance from both sides. I wouldn’t force EU candidacy now to see what will happen in the years to come. It will save them lots of the nerves and improve the negotiation positions over most issues. I do not think that much depends on Serbia. In a great degree the fate of this state will depend on the place where US-Russia frontline will stop. Europe is on the stake not even Ukraine.
So I am very sceptic about the “increasing role” of Serbia. I would rather say that Dacic and Vucic openly jouned the USA while Nicolic behaves as if it all has nothing to do with him. Neither do I trust Seselj because they wouldn’t let him out without a deal. So I am sad about Serbia. There were times when Russia disappointed the Serbs and now it seems to be Serbia’s turn to pay us with the same coin.
I never had big illusions over Montenegro but Jukanovic is cornered now and as a prostitute he may join the clans that back Serbia. But the Yankees won’t ease their grip free of charge. Big mistake is made by the Serbs who agreed the imposed viewing over Montenegro. See how firm are the Russians over Ukraine ! We are ready to risk the whole world and the Yankees know it as well as the Europeans. Meanwhile Serbs let them take their brothers away so easily.
(rote, 28 February 2015 12:14)
Yes you are right Count by the same token the Serbians should not have had to do this in Kosovo,which is part of their country !!
(Baron of Bosnia, 1 March 2015 08:17)
LK where's the evidence to the contrary? Much can be found to support Mr.Thomas's position but there is considerable doubt that any supporting your diametrically opposed view is out there.
(Probability, 28 February 2015 11:21)
(rote, 28 February 2015 12:14)
Michael Thomas explained Serbia’s position very well and it’s very difficult for them to do much without Russia’s military backing. If Serbia had gone to the other side Belgrade would have joined in the sanctions against Russia, but it has not. What is needed is for Russia to finish taking Ukraine then through Moldavia remove the regime in Romania then the rest will be very easy, and then you will hear a very different tone from Belgrade.
(sj, 2 March 2015 10:06)
Michael Thomas explained Serbia’s position very well and it’s very difficult for them to do much without Russia’s military backing. If Serbia had gone to the other side Belgrade would have joined in the sanctions against Russia, but it has not. What is needed is for Russia to finish taking Ukraine then through Moldavia remove the regime in Romania then the rest will be very easy, and then you will hear a very different tone from Belgrade.
(sj, 2 March 2015 10:06)
Such a simple plan, I wonder why they do not make you temporary czar of Russia? Maybe because it would be the shortest reign in history!
(just a thought, 2 March 2015 23:47)
Da Rote those Serbs. Its like a neighbor you think they have potential to do something significant. Then you wake up one day and you find out they are wanted for murder, rape, robbery etc as they spiral down in to a evil criminal cesspool. Then you think boy was I wrong they have potential only to do wrong live and learn.
(Lenard, 27 February 2015 10:58)
After the new chairmanship OSCE has not stopped to be a part in the conflict. They still help the Nazi in every single issue. OSCE mission there is compound of Russophobe officers who serve as the intelligence service of Kiev. They demand the Russians to show the new dislocation of heavy arms pulled from the frontline while the Nazi side is free of such obligations. They keep mum that the Russians already withdrew 90% of their heavy arms while the fascists only 10%. Also OSCE mission's boss Michael Bochurkiv here remains at the helm while his father Roman Bochurkiv was a Waffen SS within Bandera’s troops. In the 70 year war between the Donetsk and Galitsis such a man cannot be neutral because all Ukrainian Nazi leaders were killed by people born in Donbass. Be it Stephan Bendera or Roman Shukhevich or Melnikov or anybody else. So this war is very symbolic as a conflict of the Gallitzin and Russian mentalities. This is why it has no compromise and this is why traitor Dacic upsets me so much. Most likely his ancestors were communist partisans who fought the Nazi and now he became an agent of influence of the Nazi. The only change I notice is that Bochurkiv and Psaki stepped back to the shadow. One of them is pregnant with a baby and the other with Bandera. Nothing will save the regime but Dacic is not the only Serb who disappoints me. Strange has become Vucic's behavior while Toma seems to be retired ...
(rote, 27 February 2015 10:28)
I know Russians need friends at this time and the Serbian public is very pro-Russian. But you must understand that there are limits to how far Serbia can stand up against NATO. Serbia is not Belarus and is not therefore protected by Russia. Serbia is surrounded by enemies who want to feast on Serbian blood and steal Serbian land. Look at the Serb-haters on this site; if NATO occupied the rest of Serbia it would let these mad-dogs run free throughout Serbia and destroy all Serbs and everything Serbian. Serbia needs to box clever and avoid getting too close to either the EU-NATO bloc or Russia. Serbia should maintain excellent relations with Russia but should not overtly support her if that support risks NATO aggression against Serbia. It is a tricky position to be in and I am sure Vucic and his gang are the wrong people to run the government, but please don't be too disappointed if Serbia does not support every Russian position. The Montenegrin regime is far worse than that in Serbia. Let's hope the clumsy Vucic does nothing to hurt Russia, that would be unforgivable.
(Michael Thomas, 27 February 2015 16:05)
They demand the Russians to show the new dislocation of heavy arms pulled from the frontline while the Nazi side is free of such obligations. They keep mum that the Russians already withdrew 90% of their heavy arms while the fascists only 10%.
rote, 27 February 2015 10:28)
Rote,
The Ukranians need not pull back their heavy weapons in their own country!
It is a unfortunate Sesame Street is not broadcast in Russia. If it was, you would be able to indulge your imagination in a healthy manner rather than babble on about fake Russian history.
(The Count of Kosova, 28 February 2015 13:08)
There’s little I would disagree in your comment. And more or less I estimate similar the situation inside and around Serbia. But if I were to decide them I would declare a non-alignment again to equally distance from both sides. I wouldn’t force EU candidacy now to see what will happen in the years to come. It will save them lots of the nerves and improve the negotiation positions over most issues. I do not think that much depends on Serbia. In a great degree the fate of this state will depend on the place where US-Russia frontline will stop. Europe is on the stake not even Ukraine.
So I am very sceptic about the “increasing role” of Serbia. I would rather say that Dacic and Vucic openly jouned the USA while Nicolic behaves as if it all has nothing to do with him. Neither do I trust Seselj because they wouldn’t let him out without a deal. So I am sad about Serbia. There were times when Russia disappointed the Serbs and now it seems to be Serbia’s turn to pay us with the same coin.
I never had big illusions over Montenegro but Jukanovic is cornered now and as a prostitute he may join the clans that back Serbia. But the Yankees won’t ease their grip free of charge. Big mistake is made by the Serbs who agreed the imposed viewing over Montenegro. See how firm are the Russians over Ukraine ! We are ready to risk the whole world and the Yankees know it as well as the Europeans. Meanwhile Serbs let them take their brothers away so easily.
(rote, 28 February 2015 12:14)
LK where's the evidence to the contrary? Much can be found to support Mr.Thomas's position but there is considerable doubt that any supporting your diametrically opposed view is out there.
(Probability, 28 February 2015 11:21)
(rote, 28 February 2015 12:14)
Michael Thomas explained Serbia’s position very well and it’s very difficult for them to do much without Russia’s military backing. If Serbia had gone to the other side Belgrade would have joined in the sanctions against Russia, but it has not. What is needed is for Russia to finish taking Ukraine then through Moldavia remove the regime in Romania then the rest will be very easy, and then you will hear a very different tone from Belgrade.
(sj, 2 March 2015 10:06)
Yes you are right Count by the same token the Serbians should not have had to do this in Kosovo,which is part of their country !!
(Baron of Bosnia, 1 March 2015 08:17)
Michael Thomas explained Serbia’s position very well and it’s very difficult for them to do much without Russia’s military backing. If Serbia had gone to the other side Belgrade would have joined in the sanctions against Russia, but it has not. What is needed is for Russia to finish taking Ukraine then through Moldavia remove the regime in Romania then the rest will be very easy, and then you will hear a very different tone from Belgrade.
(sj, 2 March 2015 10:06)
Such a simple plan, I wonder why they do not make you temporary czar of Russia? Maybe because it would be the shortest reign in history!
(just a thought, 2 March 2015 23:47)