http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=95251§ionid=3510203
Press TV
May 19, 2009
US eyes Balkan engagement; Biden lands in Bosnia
-The visit comes at a time when the US administration seems to be turning
its focus on the region. According to the US ambassador to Bosnia, Charles
English, Washington wants the people of the region take their place in the
EU and NATO.
US Vice President Joe Biden arrives in Bosnia in the first leg of his
three-day Balkan tour amid Washington's attempts to intensify engagement in
the region.
Biden on Tuesday landed in Sarajevo where he will spend the day meeting the
country's three-person presidency as well as addressing parliament before
going to Serbia and Kosovo, the Associated Press reported.
In Bosnia, Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslim) and Croat leaders mainly support the
visit, but Bosnia's Serbs remain skeptical of the trip.
In Serbia, the trip has been perceived with mixed feelings. Serbs have
protested to tell Washington to back off from its plans to return to the
Balkans.
According to Serbian media, officials have announced that maximum security
will be provided for Biden during his visit to Belgrade.
The Serbian B92 website reported that the entire Serbian air space will be
closed for at least two hours as Biden's plane enters it and will be
escorted by Serbian military MIG jets.
Biden will then head to Kosovo. The US recognizes the independence of Kosovo
despite Serbia's rejection.
The visit comes at a time when the US administration seems to be turning its
focus on the region. According to the US ambassador to Bosnia, Charles
English, Washington wants the people of the region take their place in the
EU and NATO.
The Balkan trip is estimated to cost the White House 10 million dollars,
according to a Blic Online report.
Serbian News Network - SNN
[email protected]
http://www.antic.org/
