US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said today in Vienna that the US stands for a democratically prosperous Western Balkans, integrated into the European Union, and supports the opening of EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Speaking about the situation in the Western Balkans after a meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, Blinken said the US is cooperating with Austria on the issue, saying that no one needs to go back in time.
He said that the EU-mediated dialogue is the only sustainable mechanism for improving relations between Belgrade and Pristina, and that there must be good will and a constructive approach from both sides.
Blinken said that Belgrade and Pristina should work on reducing tensions, improving cooperation with international partners, as well as increasing transparency.
“Both sides must implement all commitments from the dialogue,” said the US Secretary of State.
Speaking about the situation in the Western Balkans, Schallenberg said that at a time when “fire is breaking out in Europe” it is necessary to ensure that the immediate neighborhood is safe.
“Either we will export our model of life, or we risk instability and insecurity in the neighborhood,” said Schallenberg and emphasized that Austria also supports the opening of EU negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, reports Tanjug.
