US’ envoy: If I were from region, I would ask why Serbia spends so much on arms

Antony Godfrey, the US ambassador to Serbia, said he did not see Belgrade as a threat but added its attitude toward the neighbours and their impression of it was critical.

“If I were from the region, I would ask why Serbia spends so much on military equipment instead of investing in infrastructure,” Godfrey told the pro-regime Prva TV.

He recalled that Serbia opted for military neutrality and decided to partner with Russia. Still, Godfrey said, “Belgrade is also Washington’s powerful partner and buys military equipment from France and the US as well.”

Regarding the energy issue, the ambassador said Serbia fully understood the importance of energy sources’ diversification

“If you rely only on Russia, a favourable price will be difficult to get. For a stable energy future, diversification is the best way for Serbia to get a better price,” Godfrey said, adding he expected Belgrade to get gas supplies from Greece soon.

Washington’s policy toward Serbia and the Western Balkans doesn’t change regardless of who is US ambassador in Belgrade is, Godfrey says, adding the relation between Washington and Belgrade have drastically improved in recent years.

Speaking about the introduction of the 5G mobile network in Serbia, he said it was important that the Government independently choose the companies for that business.

“Many US companies see Chinese firms as unreliable, which could affect foreign investments in Serbia,” the ambassador said.

Regarding the instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Godfrey said it could have harmful consequences to Serbia’s economic growth. He added he hoped that Milorad Dodik, the Serb member of the country’s tripartite Presidency, realised that the future of Republika Srpska, a semi-autonomous entity, was within BiH.

As far as Belgrade – Pristina relations were concerned, the ambassador said the two sides should agree.

Godfrey added the EU, US, or Russia could not impose an agreement because that wouldn’t be a lasting solution. He added he hoped Belgrade and Pristina would soon progress in the normalisation of relations because “they must do that if they want to secure prosperity for their children.”

The ambassador said Serbia was well on its way to improving election conditions, but there was still a lot of work to be done. “I hope that all candidates will have equal access to the media,” Godfrey said, adding that the boycott of the elections did not benefit anyone and that voters would expect different views and opinions to be heard in the next parliament.

Godfrey also called on the people to participate in a referendum on constitutional changes, which he saw as important on the way to the EU. According to Godfrey, the lack of transparency in the judicial system is a considerable obstacle.

He also said he expected all Serbia’s citizens to express their will in the elections.