Serbs trust Russia more than EU, US, NATO: Poll

Source  :  http://www.presstv.ir/Detail

A recent poll shows that Serbians trust Russia more than the European Union (EU), but still seek EU membership for its perceived benefits.

According to a survey published on Friday, 52 percent of Serbian citizens hold a positive view of Russia while the figure is 32 percent for the EU.

This is while only 12 and six percent of Serbians like the US and NATO, respectively.

Despite their relatively low opinion of the EU, 54 percent of the people in Serbia still want to join the bloc as they believe its membership would greatly help fight corruption, reduce unemployment and improve the economic situation in the Balkan country.

The survey results came a day after Serbia took over the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The organization has recently intensified its efforts to broker peace talks between Kiev, Moscow, and pro-Russia forces of eastern Ukraine.

Following the takeover, Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic announced that his country would do its best to de-escalate the tensions between Moscow and the western-backed Ukrainian government in a bid to end the deadly clashes in eastern Ukraine.

Commentators say Serbia can play an effective role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine as it enjoys friendly ties with Moscow and also aims to expand its relations with the EU, a position which turns Belgrade into a mutually acceptable mediator.

Ukraine and Russia are in a serious row as Kiev and its Western allies accuse Moscow of supporting pro-Russia forces in east Ukraine, saying the Russian intervention poses a security threat to Ukraine and all other neighboring states. Russia categorically denies the allegation.

FNR/HMV/SS