Vucic on NIS sanctions delay: In seven days, we will have same question without answer

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday the US had wanted to show respect for Serbia by delaying sanctions on the Russian majority-owned oil company NIS for another eight days, but noted that, in seven days' time, "we will essentially have the same question without an answer."

"They wanted to show respect for us, to tell us that they are listening to us and that they understand Serbia's position. I thank them for that, but have we got anything from that essentially? In seven days' time, we will have the same question, and I will still have no answer," Vucic said during a visit to Obrenovac.

He added that there would be a reaction by Serbia as well as by NIS in terms of new offers to the US, as well as to other parties.

"I believe that is good, but we will see whether that will be sufficient and whether that is what the Americans want," he said.

The sanctions on NIS, which were due to take effect on October 1, have been delayed until October 9 following Vucic's talks with the US side.