RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR speaks: He reveals what Putin told him to do when it comes to NIS

Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan Kharchenko said today that a solution is being sought for Petroleum Industry of Serbia (NIS), which, as Russian President Vladimir Putin said, will be above all in the spirit and within the framework of friendly relations between the two countries.

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Botsan Kharchenko told Tanjug that Russia, when it comes to NIS - which is under US sanctions - does not want to stop searching for a solution and say - "we give up, and you manage as best you can".

"Regarding NIS, a solution is being sought, and I want to emphasize that it is very important that the process proceeds without explaining some details, which may not be necessary now, and may even prove to be harmful. This is a situation where silence is the best atmosphere and creates the best conditions to keep trying to find the best solution," said Botsan Kharchenko.

The diplomat added that such an atmosphere is also important because the NIS issue is quite complicated.

According to him, when talking about NIS it is important to keep in mind the cause of these events and the situation in Serbia, because NIS is also a key company for Serbia, the most important one in the energy sector.

"The main reason are US sanctions, which are not legitimate or legal and have no explanation as to what their goal is. It seems that these sanctions are directed against Serbia, because Serbia is facing the most difficult situation," the ambassador said, adding that some media outlets are forgetting about that fact.

When they discuss NIS, he added, the main reason is bypassed and Russia is criticized instead because there is still no solution, along with claims that Moscow could find one right away.

"It's impossible to find a solution immediately and hastily," he said.

The ambassador recalled that President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said there are still steps to be made toward a solution, and added that this is clear, because not everythong has been completed.

Botsan Kharchenko added that we must look at the situation around NIS in the context of all the statements and above all the very substantive statement made by President Vladimir Putin on December 19, during his annual press conference.

"He said it all, and mentioned the basic and key things, and of course in that statement there is also determination and a substantiated hope that we will find a solution that will above of all be in the spirit and within the framework of our friendly relations," said Botsan Kharchenko.

He added that the most important thing for the public to know in such a situation is whether or not there is fuel, whether gas stations are supplied, what the price is, and that there are no queues.

The ambassador assessed as extremely important the fact that, from the point of view of NIS, the situation in Serbia is the same as it was before the sanctions.

"That above all shows and confirms that NIS is an extremely serious and strong company, which is the achievement made through our joint efforts. NIS is a company that was in every sense of the word prepared for difficult situations, as well as being able to survive by preserving the energy stability of the country and the stability of the energy market," said the ambassador and stressed that this is the most important point.

Botsan Kharchenko said he believes that the period during which a solution is being sought will not be to the detriment of consumers and added that he is referring to individuals, as well as to larger consumers such as the agricultural sector and Air Serbia.

"NIS could only get prepared for the sanctions thanks to our intense and close joint cooperation and through the very exceptional professional activities of Gazprom Group and the Government of Serbia," the ambassador said and assessed that this situation has wider significance in terms of economic development and economic stability of Serbia.

Botsan Kharchenko concluded by saying it is very important for Gazprom as a company to preserve functionality and the achieved level of development.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)