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Warsaw, Belgrade differ on sanctions against Moscow: Polish FM

13.07.2022 00:30
Poland’s foreign minister said on Tuesday that his country's relations with the Balkan nation of Serbia were good although Warsaw and Belgrade differed on the issue of sanctions against Russia. 
Polands Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau (left) and Serbias Nikola Selaković (right) meet in Belgrade on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
Poland's Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau (left) and Serbia's Nikola Selaković (right) meet in Belgrade on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. PAP/Rafał Guz

Zbigniew Rau made the remark during a visit to Serbia in his role as chairman of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Polish state news agency PAP reported. 

Poland’s top diplomat, who also serves as Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE this year, is visiting the Western Balkans this week. 

On Tuesday, Rau held talks in Serbia with President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Anna Brnabić, Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković and members of the country's civil society.

Polish-Serbian relations 'good, correct,' views differ on sanctions against Russia

Afterwards, the Polish foreign minister told reporters that bilateral Polish-Serbian relations were "good, correct.”

He said that “the current situation in Europe, caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, has uncovered differences of opinion between us."

Rau went on to say: “When it comes to the absolute validity of international law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, we agree totally, whereas on the issue of sanctions our views differ.”

Poland’s top diplomat also voiced OSCE support for the Serbian government’s bid to reform the country's judicial system, boost media freedom and increase the protection of ethnic minorities.

In March, Serbia backed a United Nations resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but has strenuously refused to join European Union sanctions against the Kremlin, the PAP news agency reported.

Polish FM to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday

On Wednesday, Rau is due to visit another Western Balkan state, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a trip to Kosovo scheduled for Friday.

On Thursday, the Polish foreign minister will travel to the Hague in the Netherlands to attend an international conference on the prosecution of Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine.

Wednesday is day 140 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

(pm/gs)

Source: PAPwnp.pl