Mustafa Talha Öztürk
11 January 2024•Update: 11 January 2024
BELGRADE, Serbia
The US accepted Kosovo's request to purchase Javelin anti-tank missiles, American ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill said Thursday.
''Ambassador Hill informed (Serbian) President (Aleksandar) Vucic about America's decision to accept Pristina's request for the purchase of ‘Javalin’ anti-tank missiles,'' said a statement from Vucic's office after a meeting with Hill in the nation’s capital of Belgrade.
Hill said the State Department will send Pristina's request to the US Congress, which will begin an official procedure.
The portable anti-tank FGM-148 Javelin missile became popular during the Russia-Ukraine war.
It has been produced since 1994 by the US to destroy armored vehicles and tanks.
Vucic said the information is a big disappointment for Serbia.
'"For us, it is of the utmost importance that peace in the region is not disturbed and Serbia will continue to behave responsibly and contribute to stability in the Balkans," said Vucic.
He added that Serbia, together with the US, will work to preserve Serbian-American relations.
Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008 is not recognized by five EU members -- Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and the Greek Cypriot administration of southern Cyprus.
Vucic said Wednesday that the world, as well as the Balkan region, is rapidly arming itself but Serbia is “not lagging behind.”
Serbia announced a plan last week to reinstate mandatory military service for youngsters.
The government decided in 2011 to suspend mandatory military service, which was for only young men.
