News
13.02.2020. - 21:49
Meeting with the US President's Special Envoy for the Belgrade-Priština Dialogue
President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today in Munich with Richard Grenell, Special Envoy of the President of the United States of America Donald Trump for negotiations between Belgrade and Priština.
"It is of utmost importance that the Americans very strongly and firmly insist on abolishing the taxes immediately, urgently, and on the continuation of the talks between us and Priština," President Vučić said after the meeting, adding that the US representative spoke ina open, straightforward and strong manner about the necessity for the taxes abolition. He emphasised that citizens need to know that the tariffs apply to every citizen of Serbia.
"Their introduction reduced our growth by 0.4 per cent. It significantly reduced the power to further increase wages and pensions. And the stronger the economy, the more we can penetrate the wider scope, the greater will be the strength of Serbia and the higher the standard." explained President Vučić and iterated his gratitude to Special Envoy Grenell and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for their commitment to dropping of tariffs.
"The day the taxes are abolished, we are ready to sit down at the table, regardless of the election campaign," President Vučić said, stating that the Serbian delegation, in talks with Special Envoy Grenell, insisted on four freedoms: the flow of people, goods, services and capital, which are of priority importance. However, it remains to be seen how, in what manner and in how many stages the talks will be conducted. He emphasised that there are no easy talks for Serbia, but that we must maintain the peace and stability and secure the country's economic progress while preserving vital national interests.
President Vučić also announced that a framework agreement on railway traffic between Belgrade and Priština will be signed tomorrow in Munich.
"We will do it according to the rules and procedures. When the railway line, flights and highway are established, the right of free movement of people and goods will be established as well, which is why it is important to abolish taxes on goods from central Serbia," said President Vučić.
Munich,
13th February 2020
