Escobar: The US will not hesitate to use sanctions as a message to corrupt and destabilizing leaders in the region

The US special envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, said on Wednesday that the United States will not hesitate to use sanctions to send a strong message to corrupt and destabilizing actors in the region.

Escobar said that Western Balkan leaders should work in the interest of citizens, instead of working for their personal and party interests.

"We will not hesitate to use sanctions or other mechanisms to send a strong message to corrupt and destabilizing actors," Escobar said in an interview with the Mina news agency.

According to him, identity politics, which divides and has hindered the progress of the region in the past, has done nothing in the interest of the peoples of the Western Balkans.

"The United States will be a partner for those who have a constructive, not destructive, approach to the future of this region, which is characterized by membership in the EU and NATO, as well as a dynamic and transparent economy," Escobar emphasized.

Eskobar praised the Balkans as "the fastest growing region in Europe," saying that realizing that economic potential should be at the top of Montenegro's priorities.

“It is very frustrating and counterproductive that politicians and other actors are exploiting identity issues to score political points at the expense of economic progress and regional reconciliation,” Escobar said.

The US envoy added that this is a common tactic in the Western Balkans, where political leaders use historical divisions to "sow discord among voters and block the progress of states."

“In order for Montenegro to make concrete progress on its Euro-Atlantic path, political leaders, civil society and all those who believe in the country's European future must work together to create a civil society,” Escobar said.

He said that in such a society, religion, nationality and ethnicity will not determine whether someone feels a safe and equal member of the community.

"The most demanding part of my role is to witness the exploration of the great potential of the Western Balkans. I truly believe that Montenegro and the Western Balkans have the capacity to be the economic engine of Europe," Escobar said.

Asked how he views the Memorandum signed by the URA Civic Movement, Civis, the Socialist People's Party, and minority parties, Escobar said that the United States has no official position on the political agreement.

“However, we support those who are for a sovereign, inclusive and democratic Montenegro, which is positioned in Euro-Atlantic institutions,” Escobar said.

Asked if all political actors in Montenegro share these values, he said no.

"I would say no. In Montenegro, as in other countries in the region, we are once again witnessing the damage caused by actors who cynically manipulate identity issues for their own ends," Escobar told the Mina agency.

Escobar said he hoped political parties would put aside identity issues and work together on concrete aspects important to the public, including the fight against coronavirus, economic growth and the fight against corruption.

Asked how he sees the indications that the minority government will resolve the political crisis in Montenegro, the American diplomat said that it is not the United States' duty to determine the composition of the government, but that Montenegrin voters are doing this.

"As a friend, partner and NATO ally, we want for Montenegro what the majority of its citizens have – a secure and prosperous future, in which the country will take a well-deserved place within the EU," Escobar said.

He also said that Montenegro can boast a high level of education, extraordinary natural beauty and a strong civil sector.

“As always, the United States stands ready to support Montenegro in achieving its full potential,” Escobar said.