In one of the panels of the Bled Strategic Forum, US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew G. Whitaker, stated that the United States is following developments in Serbia and the Republika Srpska entity with particular attention, emphasizing that the main goal is to prevent any scenario that could escalate into a regional conflict.
“We are monitoring very closely everything that is happening both in Republika Srpska and in Serbia. Our current focus is to make sure that the situation does not escalate into a potential regional conflict. At the same time, this is another place where we are trying to make sure that our NATO allies are ready and able to provide security forces or political pressure to maintain stability in the Western Balkans,” Whitaker said.
According to Klix.ba, reports Telegraph, he stressed that the stability of the region remains an important goal not only for the United States, but also for European partners within NATO, who have an obligation to act together in crisis situations.
When asked whether US President Donald Trump could meet with Aleksandar Vučić or Milorad Dodik, Ambassador Whitaker stressed that there were no announcements of such meetings, but that they could be discussed if there was a clear benefit to peace and stability.
He added that if Trump decided to meet with Vucic or Dodik, he would not do so to help someone strengthen his political position.
Whitaker described Trump as a “dealer and peacemaker” whose policies focus on results and creating opportunities for progress.
“If there is an opportunity to advance American values and interests, then he may agree to a meeting. But again, I am not here to announce any future meetings with either the Serbian leadership or representatives of Republika Srpska,” he concluded. /Telegraph/