SECRETARY KERRY MAKES REMARKS WITH SERBIAN FOREIGN MINISTER DACIC

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Remarks With Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic
Remarks
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Ben Franklin Room
Washington, DC
February 26, 2015

SECRETARY KERRY: I think it’s still morning. Yes, good morning. I’m very happy to welcome the deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Serbia and to welcome Ivica Dacic here to Washington at a time when Serbia is taking on an increasingly important role in many respects. 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. And under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Dacic, we will all be looking for accountability in the process of trying to stabilize Ukraine, the eastern part of Ukraine, and see if we can’t get on a different road. The OSCE observation/observer status is absolutely critical to our ability to know which side, both sides are adhering to the agreements, and so we welcome the assumption of this responsibility.

We also welcome the fact that Serbia has taken the step of moving towards EU accession. This is very important. It will require a process of reforms and engagement. We certainly look forward to working with Serbia in that endeavor.

And finally, while there are many other issues, most importantly, Serbia has exhibited great leadership in helping to engage seriously in the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue and in helping to reach an agreement that really could begin to move us on a road towards the longer-term stability that we have all sought in that relationship. 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.

So my pleasure to welcome Foreign Minister Dacic here. Very, very appreciative of the fact that he’s taken the time to come here, and I look forward to our dialogue. Thank you.

FOREIGN MINISTER DACIC: (Via interpreter) Thank you. It is my great honor for me personally, but also for the Republic of Serbia, to have this opportunity to talk today with the Secretary of State, Mr. Kerry. Serbia dedicates great attention to bilateral relations with the United States, especially in a time when Serbia is chairing a very important organization – international organization, the OSCE.

We – as the chairmanship-in-office, we will be fully committed to the principles and commitments, having in mind that Yugoslavia was one of the founders of the OSCE, and we will invest maximal efforts to contribute to have on this OSCE region and the whole (inaudible) from Vladivostok to Vancouver to bring about peace and to coordinate all our actions.

In line with this, we will have consultations in various places within the OSCE structures. In order for us to draw and make adequate steps today, we will discuss not only the OSCE topics, but we will 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. Because 400 years now, our diplomatic relations – our diplomatic relations have been established 130 years ago. And in line with this, it is going to be my distinct pleasure for – to invite Mr. Secretary of State, Mr. Kerry, to come and attend a Ministerial Council meeting in Belgrade in December this year.

I will not miss this opportunity to say that we are extremely joyful and happy due to the fact that we will see more frequent visits and the dynamic of our relations extend and expand. 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. And due to this, I think that it would be very good and beneficial for our relations to advance, because we want Serbia to be a factor of stability and peace within the region, to resolve all the outstanding issues with its neighbor in a diplomatic way and through dialogue. And we will invest our maximum efforts and our full capacities and to demonstrate responsibility as the chairs in the OSCE, because the OSCE and the world is facing this great crisis, and the whole world is watching what the OSCE, with its capacities, can do in this regard.

So these kinds of consultations with you are of great importance, and I’m very thankful to you for accepting to meet me. Thank you.

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much.

U.S. CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF SERBIA ON THEIR STATEHOOD ANNIVERSARY

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
On the Occasion of Serbia's National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
February 13, 2015

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the government and people of Serbia on the anniversary of your statehood.

Today, so different from the tragic and difficult period of the 1990s, our countries work together to strengthen and spread the ideals of democracy, human rights, and rule of law.

We applaud Serbia’s commitment to countering terrorism and violent extremism as part of the anti-ISIL coalition.

The United States looks forward to working with Serbia in its role as Chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

We are committed to supporting Serbia’s full integration into European institutions. The EU-facilitated Dialogue with Kosovo remains an important part of this effort.

On this joyous occasion, I congratulate all Serbians on your Statehood Day.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE MAKES REMARKS AT UN SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING ON UNMIK

FROM:   U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

U.S. Mission to the United Nations: Remarks at the UN Security Council Meeting Debate on UNMIK
12/04/2014 05:45 PM EST

Ambassador David Pressman
Alternate Representative to the UN for Special Political Affairs 
New York, NY
December 4, 2014

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you Special Representative Zarif for your briefing. We welcome Prime Minister ThaÒ«i and Prime Minister VuÄiÄ to the Council and thank them for their statements.

Mr. President, the EU-facilitated Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue and implementation of the April 2013 agreement to normalize relations continue to be critical elements for building a strong, inclusive, and integrated democracy in Kosovo. We are eager to see high-level meetings resume and expeditious progress continue toward full implementation of the Brussels agreement, including the full functioning of all of Kosovo’s municipalities in accordance with Kosovo law.

In this regard, the United States welcomes recent progress by Kosovo political leaders to overcome the political impasse that has prevented the formation of a Kosovo government following the June elections. We call on Kosovo’s political party leaders to move lawfully and quickly to constitute the Assembly and form the government in a manner fully in line with Kosovo’s constitution, laws and rulings by its constitutional court. As the Secretary-General observed in his report, there are many pressing issues affecting the future of all people living in Kosovo, and there are opportunities to continue the historic process of normalization with Belgrade and reconcile with the past.

Sustaining momentum in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and full implementation of all agreements reached to date remain integral to the welfare of the people of Kosovo, to both Kosovo and Serbia’s progress on their respective paths toward European integration, and to a stable, peaceful, and prosperous region. To this end, we will continue to back the intensive engagement of the EU and the EU High Representative in advancing the Dialogue.

While progress at the political level has paused while awaiting Kosovo government formation, progress does continue to be made on the technical level, including important agreements on integrated border management, freedom of movement, energy, and reciprocal recognition of vehicle insurance that will allow citizens of both countries to travel easily across the borders. We welcome the cooperation between the international and local authorities that helped facilitate visits by Serb pilgrims to Kosovo for religious holidays in November.

The United States condemns those that seek to oppose the work of building inclusive democracy in Kosovo by committing acts of violence or intimidation, or sowing tension, mistrust and fear between the communities. Threats against returnees and their property, the deplorable acts of vandalism at DeÄani monastery on October 11th and 12th, and the incendiary rhetoric that surrounded the suspension of the soccer match in Belgrade between Serbia and Albania are all grounds for concern. These incidents demonstrate the need to intensify outreach, redouble efforts to promote dialogue and understanding, and further strengthen security where it is needed.

KFOR and EULEX continue to exercise indispensable roles, in cooperation with Kosovo authorities, in ensuring security and strengthening the rule of law throughout the country. Their work has also been instrumental in ensuring an environment conducive to advancing the implementation of the dialogue agreements between Kosovo and Serbia. KFOR support for security and its presence as a third responder in Mitrovica following the Serbia-Albania soccer game help prevent tensions from escalating into violence. EULEX personnel remain essential in mentoring and training Kosovo’s judicial and police personnel and their work continues to facilitate the identification and repatriation of remains from previous conflicts as we witnessed in September and in October. Colleagues have raised recent allegations against certain EULEX officials. These allegations should be the subject of a full and transparent investigation. Nonetheless, inflammatory language directed against EULEX and the lack of full cooperation in certain law enforcement matters are unacceptable. We continue to support EULEX's important rule of law mission in Kosovo.

Finally, Mr. President, the United States notes and welcomes Kosovo’s growing involvement in the regional cooperation fora, and commends the October 10 decision of the Multinational Advisory Group of RACVIAC Centre for Security Cooperation in South East Europe inviting Kosovo’s full participation in the organization. Increased dialogue among the countries of the region is vital to addressing shared concerns, such as the threat of foreign terrorist fighters. We call upon the countries in the region to work together to ensure effective preventative and response mechanisms are in place to counter extremist individuals and violent extremist ideas. In connection with these efforts, the United States commends the work of Kosovo and Serbia law enforcement agencies in response to the threat of foreign terrorist fighters. These are important lines of effort of the counter-ISIL coalition, of which we thank both Kosovo and Serbia for being members.

Thank you very much.

DOD VIDEO: PLATINUM WOLF WRAPS UP IN SERBIA

U.S. ANNOUNCES CIVILIAN LANDMINE TEAM SENT TO SERBIA, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

Civilian Landmine Team Deploys to Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina To Support Local Efforts in Landmine-Contaminated Areas Affected by Widespread Flooding

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 25, 2014

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The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs’ Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement is deploying the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), a group of civilian explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts, to Serbia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The QRF will arrive May 26 and work with local officials of both the Serbian and BiH Mine Action Centers to survey landmine-contaminated areas affected by the recent widespread floods. Heavy rains in the Balkans have caused widespread flooding that has led to the possible shifting and uncovering of some of the 120,000 landmines remaining from the 1992-1995 conflict associated with the break-up of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The flood waters also may have washed away many of the markers delineating the minefields. Efforts are currently in place by the local authorities to begin mapping the most affected areas and informing their communities about the imminent danger posed by mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Residents in flood-affected areas are reporting discoveries of mines and UXO. On May 21, a landmine dislodged by the devastating floods near the town of Brcko, BiH exploded underwater, but caused no damage or casualties. The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina estimates that 320 square kilometers of the flood zones are potentially contaminated by shifting mines or UXO. In Serbia, preliminary reporting from the Serbian Mine Action Center indicates that a similar problem with the shifting and uncovering of numerous landmines and explosive ordnance has occurred. Local commercial demining companies and both the Serbian and BiH Armed Forces demining units are very well versed in regular demining operations, but they will be facing clearance operations in unfamiliar circumstances – assessing large areas, clearing mines from landslides, and conducting underwater demining.

Since 2008, the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs has deployed QRF teams to countries including Congo-Brazzaville, Cyprus, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, and Vietnam to address emergency issues related to the removal or mitigation of abandoned or otherwise at-risk conventional weapons and munitions, landmines, and unexploded ordnance. Also, since 1993, the United States has invested more than $2.3 billion in more than 90 countries around the world to reduce the harmful effects of the explosive remnants of conventional weapons in post-conflict environments, including more than $96.7 million in BiH, and over $15.7 million in Serbia.

U.S. DEDICATES EMBASSY IN BELGRADE, SERBIA

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

United States Dedicates New U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 1, 2013 　


In an important symbol of America’s commitment to an enduring friendship with the Republic of Serbia, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia, Michael D. Kirby, dedicated the new U.S. Embassy in Belgrade today.

Occupying a 10-acre site adjacent to the Beli Dvor, the $149 million multi-building complex provides a secure, state-of-the-art, environmentally-sustainable workplace for over 350 embassy personnel.

Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects, LLP was the concept design architect and The Louis Berger Group of Washington, D.C. was the architect of record. The project was constructed by Framaco International of Rye Brook, New York.

The new facility incorporates numerous sustainable features to reduce operating costs and conserve resources, most notably a storm water detention pond; solar hot water technology; low-flow plumbing fixtures; and the careful selection of plantings to reduce the amount of irrigation needed. The facility has been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED^{®) certification.}

Since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, OBO has completed 103 new diplomatic facilities and has an additional 39 projects in design or under construction.

OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.

U.S.-SERBIA RELATIONS

FROM: CIA WORLD FACTBOOK

Belgrade, located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers, is the capital of the Republic of Serbia. The core of old Belgrade - known as Kalemegdan - is located along the right banks of both the Danube and the Sava Rivers (image center). To the west across the Sava, Novi Beograd (New Belgrade) was constructed following World War II. The difference in urban patterns between the older parts of Belgrade and Novi Beograd is striking in this astronaut photograph from the International Space Station. Novi Beograd has an open grid structure formed by large developments and buildings such as the Palace of Serbia - a large federal building constructed during the Yugoslav period, now used to house elements of the Serbian Government. By contrast, the older urban fabric of Belgrade is characterized by a denser street grid and numerous smaller structures. Other suburban and residential development (characterized by red rooftops) extends to the south, east, and across the Danube to the north. The location of Belgrade along trade and travel routes between the East and West contributed to both its historical success as a center of trade and its fate as a battleground. Today, the city is the financial center of Serbia, while Novi Beograd supports one of the largest business districts in southeastern Europe. Image courtesy of NASA.


FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
U.S. Relations With Serbia
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Fact Sheet
April 30, 2013


Serbia occupies a key strategic juncture in the Balkans at the social, political, and geographic crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe. The United States seeks to strengthen its relationship with Serbia through deepening cooperation based on mutual interest and respect.

In 1999, the United States broke off relations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), a predecessor state that included Serbia, when it launched an ethnic cleansing and deportation campaign against noncombatant citizens. This was followed by a bombing campaign of the FRY by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that lasted nearly 78 days until the FRY Government agreed to allow the establishment of a United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), which allowed displaced persons and refugees to return to their homes. The United States formally reopened its embassy to FRY in 2001. In 2003, the state union of Serbia and Montenegro succeeded the FRY, which in turn dissolved in 2006 when following a referendum Montenegro became independent. Following a UN-backed process to determine the province’s future status, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, which the U.S. recognized, but Serbia rejected. Consequently, Serbia withdrew its ambassador to the U.S. from February to October 2008. Pursuant to its constitution, the Government of Serbia still considers Kosovo to be part of its territory and has not recognized Kosovo’s independence, although more than 90 countries have done so.

In 2011, the European Union (EU) facilitated a dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo to discuss practical issues, such as the mutual acceptance of university diplomas. Under the leadership of EU High Representative Ashton, the dialogue intensified in October 2012, as the Prime Ministers of Serbia and Kosovo began a series of meetings that led them to initial an agreement on northern Kosovo on April 19, 2013. That agreement, when implemented, will allow Serbia and Kosovo to normalize their relationship and continue on their paths toward European integration. The U.S. has fully supported this process since it began, and the U.S. will continue to support the efforts to implement the agreement. Reform and integration remain the pillars of the shared approach the United States has with the EU in the Balkans.

U.S. Assistance to Serbia

The U.S. Government's assistance goals in Serbia are to strengthen institutional capacity of key government bodies, promote transparency through the improvement of adherence to the rule of law, support civil society development, encourage efforts to strengthen regional stability, and create opportunities for economic growth.

Bilateral Economic Relations

In March 2012, Serbia was granted European Union candidate country status, and the European Council will decide on whether to grant Serbia a date to begin accession talks in June 2013. Serbia’s designation as an EU candidate, and progress that the Government of Serbia makes in meeting criteria for EU accession, could help spur renewed interest in the country both in terms of investment potential and as an export market for U.S. goods and services. Serbia also seeks to join the World Trade Organization. The country's accomplishments in modernizing legislation to conform to EU and international standards in nearly all areas affecting the economy, from intellectual property rights to foreign trade, have been impressive, but must continue.

Among the leading U.S. investors in Serbia are Philip Morris, Ball Packaging, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Cooper Tire and Van Drunen Farms. Many other leading U.S. firms, from a broad variety of industrial and service sectors, have a significant presence in Serbia. There has been increased interest from U.S. ICT companies in Serbia with specific emphasis on opportunities in e-government, cloud computing, digitization, systems integration and IT security. Microsoft recently signed a $34 million contract to provide software to Serbian Government offices.

Serbia's Membership in International Organizations

Serbia and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. Serbia is a member of the Council of Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Partnership for Peace.

STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT ON PRINCIPLES OF NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONS BETWEEN KOSOVO AND SERBIA

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Agreement Between Kosovo and Serbia in the EU-facilitated Dialogue
Press Statement

John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
April 19, 2013

I congratulate Serbia and Kosovo for reaching agreement today in the European Union-facilitated Dialogue led by High Representative Catherine Ashton. This agreement on principles for normalization of relations required compromise and political courage from both sides, and I applaud the governments of Kosovo and Serbia for making the hard decisions that will move them closer to their goals of European integration. I encourage both countries now to implement expeditiously and fully all Dialogue agreements reached to date, so that all of those living in Kosovo and Serbia can continue to build a more peaceful and prosperous future.

I commend High Representative Ashton for her facilitation of these talks between Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci. Her leadership and dedication were critical in bringing about this important agreement.

The United States will remain deeply committed to seeing the people of Serbia, Kosovo, and the entire region realize their aspirations of integration into a Europe free, whole, and at peace.

SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON ANNOUNCES SERBIA GRANTED EUROPEAN UNION CANDIDATE STATUS

The following excerpt is from a U.S. State Department e-mail:

Serbia Granted European Union Candidate Status

Press Statement

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

March 2, 2012

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The March 1 announcement by the European Council that Serbia has been granted European Union candidate country status is an important step forward for Serbia’s future. I want to congratulate the leadership and the people of Serbia for their hard work, commitment and determination toward this goal.

I also welcome the announcement by the European Union that it will launch a Feasibility Study for Kosovo’s Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA), which builds on the European Council’s conclusions on Kosovo from December. This is important for Kosovo’s European orientation and a key sign of Europe’s commitment to Kosovo.

Greater European integration is beneficial for Serbia, Kosovo and the entire region. I commend the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia for their courage and commitment in making the tough political decisions necessary to reach these milestones. I encourage the leaders of both countries to continue making progress in the EU-led dialogue, and to fully implement the decisions already agreed upon. The United States shares strong and enduring friendships with Kosovo and Serbia, and we will continue to work closely with both countries in support of a peaceful and prosperous European future.