Djedovic Handanovic: We will request extension of deadlines for Russian exit from NIS

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said on Wednesday finding a solution for Serbia's Russian majority-owned oil firm NIS - which is under US sanctions - was in the interest of both the US and the Russian side, especially with the advent of the Trump administration in the US, and announced that Serbia would request an extension of deadlines for completing all operations regarding an exit of Russian capital from the company.

Consumers and businesses have no reason for concern and the Serbian government will find the best solution for NIS, Djedovic Handanovic noted on Pink TV.

The deadline for a complete exit of Russian interest is February 25, the minister said, adding that the Serbian government had held discussions with both sides and that the government's working teams had already had several meetings.

"We are working with commitment, we have spoken with both the US and the Russian side and there are more consultations to be held, we have a few more weeks," she said.

She said the Russian and US partners would hold talks, too, as finding a solution was in the interest of both sides, especially with the advent of the Trump administration.

It is still too early to talk about options for NIS and we must wait for the two sides to start discussions, Djedovic Handanovic said.