Vucic: I have a little bit of optimism about NIS issue

BOGATIC - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday he was optimistic about a solution for the Serbian oil company NIS, which is under US sanctions due to its Russian-majority ownership.

Recently, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) extended an operating licence for NIS until July 31.

A licence for MOL-Gazprom neft talks about an acquisition of a Russian majority stake in NIS by MOL was also extended until the same date.

"There is a little bit of optimism in me about NIS," Vucic said at a rally in Banovo Polje, near Bogatic, western Serbia.

He said this in response to a reporter's remark that, in contrast to his past pessimism on the matter, he seemed optimistic now.

In an appearance on Prva TV earlier in the day, Vucic said he hoped a deal in the talks could be reached by late September.

Vucic: Presidential elections due in December or January, or early February at latest

BELGRADE - If parliamentary elections in Serbia take place in November, presidential elections will be held in January, or early February at the latest, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday, adding that, if parliamentary elections were to take place in October, presidential elections could be held by end-December.

"If parliamentary elections are held in November, then (presidential elections) will be held in January. If parliamentary elections take place in October, presidential elections might be held in late December or early January. If they (parliamentary elections) are held in November, then presidential elections will definitely be held in January, or perhaps early February at the latest," Vucic said on Prva TV.

He added that he would acknowledge the results of the elections regardless of their outcome.

Vucic also said he believed people would choose their future in the elections.