Vucic, Hill discuss situation in Kosovo-Metohija, Belgrade-Pristina dialogue

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received US Ambassador to Belgrade Christopher Hill on Wednesday to discuss the security situation in Kosovo-Metohija and the position of Serbs there, the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, regional cooperation and bilateral affairs.

Vucic said the situation for Serbs living in Kosovo-Metohija was becoming increasingly difficult and that they were being targeted by almost daily attacks, arrests and other forms of pressure, and pointed to a growing disgruntlement of the people over unilateral and illegal moves by the interim bodies of the self-government authorities in Pristina as well as over a lack of an adequate reaction by the international community, the presidential press office said in a statement.

Vucic noted that, as in the past, Serbia would continue to resolve all outstanding issues through a responsible policy and dialogue with a view to ensuring a better life to citizens, and added that he expected US support in all efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region and at reaching, and implementation of, sustainable agreements with Pristina, above all, on the Community of Serb Municipalities.

Hill noted that, together with partners from the EU, the US would continue to advocate dialogue that would bring concrete results, and reiterated US support to European integration and development of Serbia and the region.

The parties agreed that maintaining peace and stability in the Western Balkans was crucial and added that economic prosperity and connectivity could be enormously helpful in tackling political problems.