The United States on Thursday welcomed the European Union (EU) decision to launch Serbia's EU integration talks in January, offering a chance for the country to focus on economic reforms. "We welcome the decision by the EU General Affairs Council to begin accession negotiations with Serbia in January 2014. The decision validates the government of Serbia's hard work in meeting the expectations of the EU member states," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters. "We will continue to support Serbia's efforts to enact the reforms necessary to continue its pursuit of EU integration," Harf said during the daily press briefing. "In general, the United States remains committed to assisting those countries pursuing their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, including Macedonia and Albania. We look forward to the day when these countries fully integrate into European institutions, which in turn will deepen our relationship and partnership with them," Harf added.
