“There are no reports of the introduction of sanctions against “Petroleum Industry Serbia” (PIS). The final decision on this matter will not affect the Serbian economy.”
This was stated by US Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill in an interview with RTS, reports BGNES.
“I can tell you that ever since the Russians bought NIS, there have been a lot of concerns about it because it’s the only refinery in Serbia and because it’s majority owned by the Russians, it’s worried a lot of people for years. This concern is even greater due to the fact that Russia continues to wage a barbaric war against Ukraine,” Hill said.
He added that there are concerns about whether the NIS in Russia’s hands could be helping fund the war and that these are legitimate questions that need to be carefully considered.
Russian gas monopoly Gazprom owns 56.15 percent of NIS, while 29.87 percent is owned by the Serbian state.
“We will see what the outcome will be. I want to assure you that the final decision will not affect the Serbian economy in any way. We are very interested in Serbia continuing to have a very successful economy, and to maintain the good growth rate that has been achieved,” Hill stated.
BGNES recalls that on 16 December, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he would start talks with Russians and Americans in connection with the alleged imposition of sanctions on the “Petroleum Industry Serbia” (NIS).
He announced this after a meeting with representatives of the Bulgarian Security and Information Agency (BIA), where the introduction of sanctions against the Serbian company was discussed.
The US ambassador appreciated that the relations between Belgrade and Washington are good and a good platform for further development has been created.
“I think it’s very important to understand how we can move forward in the field of energy, which is a key issue in Serbia because the energy needs of this country are going to grow. And I think we are increasing the capacity to discuss strategic issues , not just bilateral,” Hill said.
He added that there are many topics to discuss, one of which is peace in Europe and the fact that Serbia has links all over the world.
Hill noted that it is a fact that Serbia and the US have different views on Kosovo, but they should not let that fact get in the way on other issues.
“We have to agree to disagree on some things. I think one of the most important things we can do is to continue economic cooperation. You are already a leading country in terms of investment in technology. We employ a lot of young Serbs and Serbia is our leading partner in terms of trade in the region and that’s very important, but the relationship can’t just be based on economics, it also has to be based on political understanding and seeing what we can do together,” Hill said. | BGNES
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