US Vice President Backs Serbia's EU Entry
By VOA News
20 May 2009
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said Washington does not expect Serbia to recognize Kosovo's independence as a "precondition" for backing Belgrade's European Union membership.
Biden spoke Wednesday to reporters in Belgrade, after talks with Serbian President Boris Tadic.
He promised the United States would use its influence, energy and resources to promote Belgrade's full EU membership, despite stark differences over Kosovo's status.
The former Serbian province declared independence last year, over strong protests from Belgrade and its traditional ally, Russia. The United States and many Western governments quickly endorsed the Kosovo declaration.
For his part, President Tadic repeated his country's strong opposition to an independent Kosovo. But he also said his government wishes for what he called the best possible relations with Washington.
Biden is the most senior U.S. official to visit Belgrade in almost three decades.
He arrived early Wednesday, following a one-day visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina. He visits Kosovo Thursday.
Many Serbians view the United States as anti-Serb, with mistrust stemming from the 1999 U.S.-led NATO bombing campaign aimed at ending the deadly Serb crackdown on ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.
Tuesday, the vice president urged an end to ethnic tensions in Bosnia-Herzegovina, on the first part of his tour.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP.
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