"The Western Balkans is and will remain a high priority for the United States. We are committed to supporting all the countries of the Western Balkans to achieve their aspirations towards European integration and membership in key European and Euro-Atlantic institutions," the State Department answered to "Vijesta" when asked whether after the appointment of James O'Brien as the new assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia can expect a change in US policy towards the Balkans.
James O'Brien, who was the US president's special envoy for the Balkans in the XNUMXs, took up the position of assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia at the beginning of October.
"We are working with the countries of the Western Balkans and our European partners to improve governance, rule of law and anti-corruption reforms, as well as promote independent media and vital civil societies, which will strengthen the European perspective of the region and advance the long-term goal of an integrated, free and peaceful Europe," according to the response signed by the spokesperson of the State Department.
"We encourage all countries of the Western Balkans to work towards mutual recognition, reduction of trade barriers and peaceful resolution of remaining problems from the XNUMXs. A stable, prosperous future of the Western Balkans must be based on good governance, rule of law, multi-ethnic democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms." , added in the reply.
We work with the countries of the Western Balkans and our European partners to improve governance, rule of law and anti-corruption reforms, as well as promote independent media and vital civil societies.
James O'Brien joined the State Department in 1989 as a lawyer and diplomatic adviser. He later served as President Bill Clinton's Special Envoy for the Balkans, Deputy Director of the State Department's Office of Policy Planning, and Senior Advisor to the United Nations Ambassador and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
He also helped formulate the Dayton Accords in 1995, which officially ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
When asked by "Vijesta" whether the new crisis in the Middle East will divert Washington's attention from Ukraine, the spokesperson of the State Department replied that the USA has the capacity to support Ukraine and Israel when they need help the most.
"Ukraine is defending freedom from Russian tyranny. Israel is defending its people from terrible terrorist attacks. We can and must do both. The price of doing nothing would be much higher and more expensive."
Bonus video:
