Lavrov reassures Serbia on South Stream / West frowns at Belgrade’s planned Putin parade

On a visit to Belgrade, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated the position that his country “respects and supports” the European integration of Serbia, but warned against new dividing lines in Europe and pleaded for the Gazprom-favoured South Stream gas pipeline.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was scheduled to visit Serbia in October 2014 to further shore up ties with Serbia. Ivica Dacic, Serbian Foreign Minister, defended Belgrade's right not to join Western sanctions on Russia, saying that while joining the EU is a priority, Serbia has its own national and economic interests to consider.

ESO: Background information: Barroso warns Bulgaria on South Stream / Oettinger: EU help in resolving South Stream’s legal problems is conditional http://www.europeansources.info/record/barroso-warns-bulgaria-on-south-stream-oettinger-eu-help-in-resolving-south-streams-legal-problems-is-conditional/

ESO: Background information: Serbia's careful balancing act on Ukraine http://www.europeansources.info/record/serbias-careful-balancing-act-on-ukraine/

Balkan Insight, 01.07.14: Serbia 'Won't Dump Russia for EU' http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/serbia-plans-not-to-drop-ally-russia

Balkan Insight, 22.07.14: Putin Visit to Serbia to Focus on Gas http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/putin-to-visit-serbia-in-october

Balkan Insight, 30.09.14: Serbia Prepares Grand Military Parade for Putin http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/serbian-prepares-military-parade-for-putin-s-visit

Balkan Insight, 03.10.14: Serbia Cannot Afford Rift With Russia, FM Says http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/serbia-cannot-afford-to-impose-sanctions-on-russia

EurActiv, 14.10.14: West frowns at Belgrade’s planned Putin parade http://www.euractiv.com/sections/enlargement/west-frowns-belgrades-planned-putin-parade-309150

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