The European Union is forcing Serbia to impose sanctions against Russia
Nikolai Sokolov. Serbia is obliged to impose penalties against Russia, if he wishes to join the European Union, said the European Commissioner for European neighbourhood policy and the negotiations on the extension Johannes Hahn yesterday's visit to Belgrade.
" Serbia is legally committed in the framework of the accession negotiations gradually to reconcile its position with the EU on difficult issues such as punishment towards Russia. This is very important, and We expect Belgrade to comply with this obligation, " Khan said in a statement released on Thursday an interview with the Belgrade newspaper " Evening news ".
The Commissioner said that he is aware of the historical relations of Serbia and Russia, and the EU " does not compel Belgrade to make a simple choice, but Belgrade itself declared its strategic goal of joining the European Union.
" Your country marked the accession to the EU as its key strategic goal that Prime Minister survived confirmed during the recent visit of President Putin in Serbia. We expect from your authorized authorities continue to demonstrate commitment to the key strategic goal of joining the EU, " said the Commissioner.
Khan will visit Serbia, which is an official candidate for membership in the European Union, September 20. In prosesi Tuesday, the Commissioner made before the media in Brussels in part a return message, saying that the Commission does not bind the progress of the accession negotiations with Serbia in the EU non-accession Belgrade for sanctions against Russia.
Then Khan said that Serbia is " a sovereign state ", and the Serbs need to " decide " the question of punishments.
The US and EU do not recognize the annexation of Crimea to Russia and accuse Moscow of interfering in Ukraine. Russia denies It and calls the accusations are unacceptable. Western countries since March has repeatedly imposed punishment on a number of Russian politicians, businessmen and organizations and threatened to make wider restrictive measures. The last case of the use of such practices began in September punishment.
A complete list of Russian Citizens and organizations who are under punishment, -