American senators propose sanctions for individuals from Serbia who, according to the bill, obstruct international agreements, participate in corruption and human rights violations
Visa and financial sanctions for officials in Serbia, are requested in the draft law in To the US Senate.
The implementation of the measures can be stopped if the relations with Serbia improve, that is, if Serbia aligns with its foreign policy Of the European Union (EU) and NATO-and.
What is required of Belgrade?
The bipartisan Bill was introduced by Republican Senator Chuck Graceley and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal.
How are the political and economic closeness that Serbia achieves with Russia, Cinema i Iran risk and the interests of the USA, the law refers to policy harmonization towards these countries.
The text of the law calls for a full investigation into the tragedy in Novi Sad, but also into the excessive use of force against demonstrators during the protests of the previous months. The importance of restoring the rule of law and freedom of the press is also emphasized.
Photo: Vreme/Katarina StevanovićFlowers in front of the railway station in Novi Sad, after 16 people died
It is also suggested to stop the recently renewed strategic dialogue between Serbia and the USA. The memorandum on cooperation in the fields of energy and infrastructure was signed in July of this year.
The implementation of the law would be controlled by the relevant congressional committees. To them, within 180 days, after the entry into force of the law, the US Secretary of State, in coordination with the Director of the National Intelligence Service and the Secretary of Defense, would submit a report on the progress of relations with Belgrade.
Who would be subject to sanctions?
Sanctions would be aimed at individuals who contribute to the "destabilization of the Western Balkans".
Affected would be those who obstruct international agreements such as the Dayton Peace Agreement from 1995, the Ohrid Agreement of Kosovo and Serbia from 2023, as well as those who interfere with the prosecution of war crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia.
Individuals who participate in corruption, serious violations of human rights or hinder the work of democratic institutions would also be subject to sanctions.
Grateful to Senators Grassley and Blumenthal for introducing the SERBIA Act in the Senate. The Vucic regime is desperately clinging to power. The Serbian people must have free and fair elections. https://t.co/qkeCt0yaATpic.twitter.com/EZSgBzyw3o
Richard Blumenthal announced the submission of this bill to the Senate.
"Since coming to power, the current government in Serbia has deepened ties with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. This law will give the administration new tools to impose sanctions on individuals who allow democracy to decline and show that the United States remains the protector of democracy. I am proud to participate in leading this initiative in the Senate," concluded Blumenthal.
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