TIRANA, September 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has expressed concern about Russian influence in the Western Balkans in an interview with “Die Presse” on Wednesday.
However, he showed understanding for Serbia’s course against sanctions on Russia over the aggression against Ukraine and said that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic could not survive without Russia.
“Russia traditionally has a strong influence in parts of the Balkans. This applies especially to Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Republika Srpska in Bosnia-Herzegovina,” said Rama, who added efforts should be done as much as possible to keep the potential threat out of the Balkans.
“Therefore, Serbia should no longer be pressured to impose sanctions on Russia. Such sanctions are not possible, because Serbia cannot survive without Russia.
Moreover, the government and President Aleksandar Vucic will not politically survive if they apply sanctions against Russia,” said Rama.
However he noted that Serbia has already taken a stand.
“We must not forget that Belgrade has already voted three times against Russia at the UN. This is a big surprise. It is also a sign that there is a strong will in Belgrade to integrate into the EU,” said Rama. /Argumentum.al
