Djedovic Handanovic: U.S. Rejects NIS Request, Demands Complete Exit of Russian Ownership from the Company

She said in an emergency address at the Government of Serbia that approval was nevertheless obtained for negotiations on ownership, valid until February 13.

"During the night, according to our time, the American partners, namely the U.S. Government, informed us with bad news and a serious message concerning NIS. At the request of NIS’s lawyers, who sent a proposal to the U.S. government offering an agreement on management changes in NIS, for the first time the American administration clearly and unequivocally stated – and put in writing – that it wants a complete change of ownership of the Russian shareholders, meaning that it demands the exit of Russian ownership from NIS", the minister said.

She noted that the Americans made it clear there can be no hiding behind Russian Gazprom associates or the Russian government.

Djedovic Handanovic stated that approval was obtained for ownership negotiations valid until February 13, but this does not mean that NIS and the refinery can continue operations.

She emphasized that the harsh message for us is that we were not even given a single day for NIS to continue working.

"You understand that it is impossible to change ownership in seven or eight days", the minister remarked.

"Difficult Decisions Ahead for Serbian Leadership"

She stressed that the Serbian leadership faces difficult decisions, including whether to proceed with the company’s takeover and subsequently determine and implement compensation for damages.

"I know that President Vucic is against nationalization, as are many of us in the government and outside it, and we have reiterated this multiple times", Djedovic Handanovic said.

She emphasized that the Serbian leadership will not allow the country to be endangered.

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