During his recent visit to South Serbia, the U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby visited the American Corner in Vranje, where he spoke about the importance of the rule of law for the development and modernization of Serbia.

Highlighting the issue of the rule of law, Ambassador Kirby stated that it was important not only for the opening of Chapter 23 in the negotiations with the EU, but also because it was of great importance in everyday life.

Ambassador Kirby said that Serbia was a country where more than thirty minorities lived, that it could be said that it was a tolerant country, but that tolerance wasn’t reflected in the best way in practice.

“The minorities also include the Albanians who believe that their future is in Serbia, while the Serbs who feel that their future lies with the Albanians think in the same manner," said Ambassador Kirby.

“Serbia respects their rights as the citizens of Serbia. Serbia is a more tolerant society than what people believe it is, it accepts different cultures and different opinions, but tolerance isn’t reflected in the best manner in practice, "said Ambassador Kirby.

On that occasion, the U.S. Ambassador Kirby emphasized the fact that all previous governments were only good speakers, since everybody talked a lot, but worked a little.

“I think that the established government is quite broad, that it is composed of two major political parties and that its members are well-selected. However, the government now needs to address the issue of implementation," said Ambassador Kirby.

According to him, Serbia has so far been much better at the drafting of the strategy then at implementing it.

Source: ОК Radio and Coordination Body