Dacic: We will not change our positions on Kosovo, Russia sanctions

NOVI SAD - Serbian FM Ivica Dacic said on Thursday Serbia-US relations were on an upward trajectory but that there would be no change in Serbia's positions on recognition of the so-called Kosovo and imposing sanctions on Russia.

Commenting on the so-called Kosovo's bids to join international organisations, Dacic told RTV that Pristina essentially did not meet the conditions to join the Council of Europe but had the majority required for admission.

"We cannot stop their accession to the CoE if they have the majority. It is a question of whether they want that," Dacic said, noting that such a scenario would be a first case of outvoting in the institution.

In case there is an attempt to get Pristina into the CoE, Serbia will take no part in that, he said.

"Why would we give an alibi to anyone and make it look like we agree with that?" Dacic asked.

Speaking about President Aleksandar Vucic's upcoming meeting with US State Department Counsellor Derek Chollet, Dacic said he, too, would take part in the discussions as FM and echoed an US assessment that the relations between the two countries were on an upward trajectory.

That applies to affairs where there are no disputes - economic, cultural and scientific cooperation and the energy sector, he explained.

Commenting on a statement by US special Western Balkans envoy Gabriel Escobar that, figuratively speaking, Serbia would one day wake up and realise Kosovo was independent, Dacic said he "would not talk about who would be more surprised when they wake up one morning."

"They would realise that Kosovo is not quite independent," Dacic said, adding that Belgrade would hardly change its position.

"We are ready for compromise, for plans...," Dacic said, noting that Serbia had its red lines when it comes to the situation in Kosovo-Metohija.

He said the issue of Russia sanctions was one of the two priority state issues at this point.

"The decision made at the start of the Russian special operation in Ukraine is still in force. We consider the violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity to be wrong, but the issue of imposing the sanctions is a Serbian state interest," Dacic said.

"That position has not begun to change and no change is being considered," he said.

"Will those who want sanctions on Russia change their position on our territorial integrity?" he asked.