Two new government members on US sanctions list

The new government will include deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin, a former head of the country’s top security agency the BIA, will hold the post of deputy Prime Minister. Vulin is known as a staunch supporter of closer ties between Serbia and Russia and is reportedly close to President Aleksandar Vucic. He was reported to have handed over transcripts of a meeting of Russian opposition officials in Belgrade to his counterparts in Moscow. Vulin took part in a security conference in Russia earlier this month.

“The inclusion of Vulin into the new government suggests strengthening of ties with Russia despite Serbia’s formally proclaimed pro-EU path,” the Associated Press said.

The State Department imposed sanctions against Vulin and former and future minister without portfolio Nenad Popovic, designating both men corrupt officials.

The appointment of Vulin and Popovic raises the question of relations with the West. US Ambassador Christopher Hill said that neither he nor his staff want any contact with the former BIA chief.

Retired University Professor Cedomir Cupic told N1 that Vulin would not be a member of the new cabinet if the Americans were opposed to his appointment. “They probably consulted the Americans to tell them he would be given some post. We don’t know Vulin’s role in regard to Russia or the attitude of the Americans,” he added.