In this April 16, 2011 photo, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, right, speaks with Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic during a protest rally in Belgrade, Serbia. Nikolic has lashed out against the outgoing U.S. administration expressing hope President-elect Donald Trump will be more favourable toward Serbia and its Russia-backed claim over Kosovo. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) (The Associated Press)
BELGRADE, Serbia – Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic has lashed out at the outgoing U.S. administration, expressing hope President-elect Donald Trump will be more favorable toward Serbia and its Russia-backed claim over Kosovo.
Nikolic said in a statement Tuesday after meeting U.S. Ambassador Kyle Scott that the past U.S. policies "have created much trouble" in the Balkans, referring to American support for Kosovo's independence.
Nikolic says, "I hope that with the new (U.S.) administration that kind of behavior will stop."
Nikolic is known for his pro-Russian stands. His comments reflect the general presumption in Serbia that Trump will be more favorable toward Serbia.
Serbia officially is seeking EU membership, but has lately been sliding toward Russia. It has strained relations with most of its neighbors — something many analysts believe is a Russian influence.