U.S. Ambassador Answers Questions on Serbia
USINFO Webchat transcript, October 27
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat Transcript
“Ask the Ambassador” with Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia Michael C. Polt
Guest: Michael C. Polt
Date: October 27, 2006
Time: 9:00am EDT (1300 GMT)
WEBCHAT MODERATOR: Join Ambassador Michael C. Polt at 1300 GMT (1500 CET) on October 27 to discuss global issues of concern to Serbs and Americans.
WEBCHAT MODERATOR: We'll be getting started very shortly. Thanks for coming today.
QUESTION [vpekic]: Dear Mr. Ambassador,
1. What have been your personal emotions/views regarding the Montenegrin independence process and the re-birth of this new nation in Europe after 88 years during your mandate in Belgrade?
2. What has surprised you most about Serbia and does it still surprise you?
ANSWER [Ambassador Michael Polt]
1. The most important element of the Montenegrin referendum was the free, democratic, and peaceful expression of the will of the people. Montenegrin independence is the only such peaceful result as a consequence of the break-up of Yugoslavia.
2. The resilience of the Serbian people and the worldliness and intelligence of the Serbian young people despite their relative isolation.
Q [Tony]: Where does Serbia need the most work? What kind of investment is the USA providing them?
A: In your economy, of course, to create more and better jobs for all. We are investing in virtually all sectors of your economy, from manufacturing to services. But you also need a new approach to the future. You can honor the past, but make for a better future.
Q [Tony]: When would you guess that Serbia would get into EU? NATO?
A: As soon as you are ready. Your future development is in your hands, not outsiders, as so many seem to believe. Of course, both NATO and the EU have membership criteria. I know you can meet all of them if you choose to.
Q [Guest]: Do you think it's still possible to reach Kosovo future status agreement by the end of this year?
A: Yes. Neither Serbians nor Albanians nor any other group, in any part of Serbia, including Kosovo, are helped by any further delay. Once a resolution is reached, all of the people of this country and this region can get on with building a brighter future.
Q [Guest]: Postovani Mr. Michael C.Polt,
Ja sam decko sa Kosova i Metohije, iz grada Prizrena i zelim znati da li postoji sansa da se vratim na Kosovo...
A: I really believe there is and my country is doing all it can to help create the right conditions for all who wish to live and work in any part of Kosovo can do so. In the end result, much will depend on the good will of all who live there. These people of good will do exist.
Q [Guest]: Postovani gospodine Polt,
Da li ce Amerika moci nesto da nauci iz situacije na Balkanu i u Srbiji, ili cemo uvek mi dobijati lekcije od Zapada?
A: Americans are always learning and we know that we don't have all the answers. All we can do is try and do our best. It is not our intention or in our interest to lecture. But at the same time, we are not willing to accept things that are not right, just because some argue that it has always been that way. The world -- our world -- can be a better place.
Q [Guest]: Dear Mr. Michael C. Polt, Is Manhattan the best and the prettiest city in the world?
Sincerely, Draga Duric
A: The people of Manhattan think so. They may be right. But then I like Tennessee...
Q [Guest]: Dear Michael C. Polt. Will the US Embassy start to give easier visas to students that were already accepted in some high school, college or university?
Sincerely, Anjelka Blagojevic
A: We want as many students from Serbia as possible to come and study in the U.S. I can promise you that we will work with all prospective students to make our visa process as easy as possible. I can also promise that we will always treat you with the utmost courtesy and respect when you come to our Embassy.
Q [Book Fair]:
INSPARED BY THE TODAY'S VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE FOR THE END OF OCTOBER, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK MR. AMBASSADOR IF USA GOVERMENT IS GOING TO SIGN FOR THE KIOTO PROTOCOL, AND TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF CALIFORNIA. THANK YOU. NIKOLA NIKACEVIC, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE
A: The United States of America shares the concerns of our globe on all issues, including on global warming. We have proposed many ways to deal with the potential threats of global warming and will work hard with all other nations interested in the most effective way to deal with this issue.
Q [Guest]: How does the independence of Montenegro affect the possibility of independence for Kosovo?
A: Kosovo is an issue on to itself. Under a United Nations mandate, the international community is dedicated to finding a solution to the real life concerns of the people of Kosovo. We are counting on support for that in Belgrade as well as in Pristina.
Q [Guest]: Dear Mr. Michael C. Polt,
My daughter has pictures of US presidents Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan.
My question is, is there any way possible to get picture of George W. Bush? Can Mr. Bush put his signature on a picture, because those presidents put his autograph on their pictures?
Thank you,
Dragan Lazovic
P.S. If you are able to send the picture please send it on:
[Personal information has been removed to protect individual’s privacy.]
A: I will be glad to send your daughter a picture of the President. Look for it in the mail soon.
Q [Guest]: What is the best book you have ever read?
A: It is too hard for me to choose among all the books I have read to say which is the best. I can tell you that one of the ones I read some years ago that impressed me deeply was "The Hope" by Herman Wouk, a novel about the struggle of the first decades of the State of Israel.
Q [dvj]: Dear Sir, David Vujanovic here from AFP...
Do you think the proposed new Serbian constitution would be a positive step for the country, or do you think that it could complicate issues in the region?
Thanks
A: The real answer to that can really only be given by the Serbian citizens. If passed, it will be their constitution. A document that is viewed by Serbia as a way to identify itself as a democratic, open-minded, confident, forward looking and diverse country would be a good thing.
WEBCHAT MODERATOR: We would like to thank Ambassador Polt for all of his time today as well as all of the wonderful participants in Serbia.
You will be able to find the transcript of this chat later today at our Webchat Station http://usinfo.state.gov/usinfo/Products/Webchats.html.
Thank you
U.S. Ambassador Answers Questions on Serbia http://usinfo.state.gov/usinfo/Archive/2006/Oct/27-158475.html
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