BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbia's new government includes former intelligence chief The prime minister said Tuesday that he has close ties with Russia and is facing sanctions from the United States.
Miloš Vucevic announced the composition of his future cabinet, which is expected to be voted into office within the next few days in the Serbian parliament, saying Alexander Boulin will serve as one of several deputy prime ministers. .
Serbia is officially seek membership in the European Union However, it maintained friendly relations with Russia and refused to participate in Western sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine.
Boleyn's addition to the new government signals that despite Serbia's declared pro-EU stance, close ties with Russia continue.
In July, US imposes sanctions on Boleynaccused of engaging in illegal arms transportation, drug trafficking, and abuse of public office.
The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said Boleyn used his public authority to assist a U.S.-licensed Serbian arms dealer in conducting illegal arms shipments across the Serbian border. U.S. authorities say Vulin is also suspected of involvement in a drug trafficking organization.
Boleyn resigned as head of the Serbian intelligence agency BIA after the sanctions were imposed. He also previously served as chief of both the military and police.
Vucevic, the newly appointed prime minister, previously served as defense minister.
The government will be formed in a few months. Tense parliamentary elections in December As a result, President Aleksandar Vucic's ruling populist right-wing party won most of the seats in the 250-member parliament. The vote fueled political tensions with reports of widespread fraud reported by both local and international observers. Opposition groups organized street protests in response to the election.
