Đurić: US support for WB's European integration is important for Serbia

Đurić told Tanjug that the American influence in Europe is extremely great, especially in the countries that are key to EU enlargement.

Commenting on the statement of the spokesman of the State Department, Ned Price, in which he welcomes the message of the European Union to the Western Balkans that the doors of the EU remain open, Đurić pointed out that President Joseph Biden spoke about it recently after talks with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"Also, the US envoy for our region, Gabriel Escobar, who did a great deal for Serbia by meeting its representatives two days after his appointment, spoke about supporting European integration as one of the priorities of American policy towards our region. That is complementary to our interests, to our policy", said Đurić.

Asked about the significance of the letter sent to Biden by seven members of the Congress to double America's attention to tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, Đurić said that he would not underestimate the significance of any congressman's letter, but that the time when Albanians were the only ones lobbying in Washington was long gone.

Đurić said that the Serbian caucus in the USA has more than 30 members and that the number of those who understand Serbia's position on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija and the need to reach a compromise solution that implies satisfying the interests of both sides is growing every day.

"I think it is very important that I lead a quiet but persistent diplomatic fight for the position of Serbia", the ambassador said.

He stated that he talked to Senator Mike Rounds and another American, but he did not want to reveal who it was.

"What’s important is that the Serbian caucus and the number of people who understand the position of Serbia and who are ready to listen to it grows", he added.

He also emphasized the importance of strategic talks with representatives of the Serbian diaspora and the Serbian Orthodox Church, and that, as he says, Americans of Serbian origin are very interested in events in their homeland and want to contribute to strengthening Serbia's position.

"These are all processes that give good results in the medium and long term, but it is important that we work and fight", said Đurić.

Source: TANJUG