US seeks 'productive' ties with Serbia

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States Monday welcomed the re-election of pro-West Serbian President Boris Tadic, saying it would help Serbia on a "path to European integration."

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said: "We look forward to continuing our efforts to build a productive relationship with Serbia on matters of common interest."

The European Union also welcomed the result, which saw Tadic narrowly win re-election with 50.6 percent of Sunday's vote, as the Serb province of Kosovo prepares to declare independence, against Belgrade's and Moscow's wishes.

Like most Serbian politicians, Tadic is opposed to losing Kosovo, an Albanian-dominated southern province that has enjoyed de facto independence under United Nations control since 1999.

...