Djedovic Handanovic: Serbia prepared for various scenarios in case of NIS sanctions

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said on Wednesday Serbia was cautious and prepared for various scenarios when it comes to potential US sanctions against its oil company NIS over the firm's majority Russian ownership but that Belgrade would respond accordingly to any document on sanctions.

"Geopolitically, these are not simple times, and Serbia has often been the subject of strife," Djedovic Handanovic said in a statement to Tanjug.

"We are cautious and in contact with the president of the Republic (Aleksandar Vucic), who is conducting dialogue at the highest level with various actors as well as with the countries involved in this issue - both with the Russian and the American side," she said.

She said it was too early to make conclusions and that the situation was being monitored.

"The most important thing is to maintain price stability and market availability," the minister said.

Vucic has said he would hold discussions with both the US and Russia following an announcement of US sanctions on NIS.