05. 01. 2022. 00:00   >>  16:56

ESCOBAR

The United States will not hesitate to use sanctions

The United States (US) will not hesitate to use sanctions to send a strong message to corrupt and destabilizing actors in the region, said US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar.

In an interview with the MINA agency, Escobar stated that the leaders of the Western Balkans must work in the interest of the citizens, instead of their personal and party interests.

"We will not hesitate to use sanctions or other mechanisms to send a strong message to corrupt and destabilizing actors," Escobar said.

He assessed that the identity policy, which divides and which has hindered the progress of the region in the past, has not done anything regarding the interests of the people from the Western Balkans.

"The United States will be a partner to those who have a constructive, not destructive, approach to the future of this region, which is characterized by EU and NATO membership, as well as a dynamic and transparent economy," Escobar said.

As he stated, the Balkans is the fastest growing region in Europe, so the realization of that economic potential should be at the top of Montenegro's priorities. 

"It is very frustrating and counterproductive that politicians and other actors are exploiting identity themes to gain political points at the expense of economic progress and regional reconciliation," Escobar said.