Belgrade, Jan 11 (NationPress) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic indicated that the United States has enacted strict sanctions on NIS, a largely Russian-owned energy enterprise functioning in Serbia, marking the most intense sanctions ever levied against a company in the nation.
Vucic cautioned that these measures, instituted by the US Department of the Treasury on the same date, might lead to significant repercussions for Serbia and its relationships with international allies, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
"The US is insisting on the total divestment of Russian interests from NIS Novi Sad, AD," Vucic mentioned, adding that Serbia has a mere 45 calendar days, until February 25, to finalize agreements with the Russian side and complete all operational tasks.
The president pointed out that many aspects surrounding the sanctions remain ambiguous. "We have been presented with the opportunity for consultations, which we will pursue starting tomorrow," he stated.
Vucic intends to convene with a visiting US delegation, which will also include Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and essential ministers.
Serbia does not view itself as an adversarial nation towards Russia, he emphasized, stating, "We do not intend to engage in hostile takeovers of foreign assets." Additionally, he revealed plans to address the matter directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Vucic also underlined the significance of the forthcoming discussions concerning the renewal of Serbia's gas agreements with Russia. He asserted that these negotiations would be vital for Serbia's energy security.
In 2009, Russia's Gazprom Neft acquired a crucial stake in NIS, Serbia's primary energy company, through a state-to-state accord for the purchase of a 51 percent share.
