Sanctions will not contribute to resolving Russian-Ukrainian conflict: Serbia

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Serbia’s prime minister said Thursday that her country does not believe sanctions will help bring about an end to Russia's war against Ukraine.

"We have a clear and special position. We have already complied with all EU declarations concerning the violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but we have not joined the introduction of sanctions against the Russian Federation. We do not think that the policy of sanctions is a policy that will contribute to the resolution of the conflict, because we have already passed the sanctions and we believe that such declarations affect ordinary people," Ana Brnabic's said at a news conference alongside Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehamer who arrived for talks in the Serbian capital of Belgrade.

She said the partnership and friendship between Serbia and Austria and strong ties between the two countries, politically and economically, had been confirmed during the meeting.

Nehamer said the Western Balkans are part of Europe and stressed the need to speed up the path to membership in the European Union.

He pointed out that it was important for the EU to clearly define itself toward the countries of the Western Balkans and underline that they belong to Europe and the bloc.

"Relations with Serbia are of great importance for Austria. Serbia is an important strategically and geopolitically important partner of ours," said Nehamer.

Later, Nehamer met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic and the European Integration Minister of Jadranka Joksimovic.