Political Officer Gregory Macris explained U.S. policy in the Balkans to International Relations students at European University on November 19. Mr. Macris described the U.S. goals of regional peace, stability, and full membership of the states in international institutions. From the extensive aid the U.S. has provided to countries in the region to our policy in preventing trafficking in persons, Mr. Macris outlined steps the U.S. has taken to bring stability to the area.

Mr. Macris emphasized the need for a supervised independence of Kosovo and described the recent elections in Kosovo as a sign of maturing democratic roots. Questions covered areas such as the purpose of NATO to the pace of economic development to reasons the U.S. felt it was in its interests to defend the rights of minorities in the area. Mr. Macris emphasized the need to create political stability and create a system supporting the rule of law in order to attract investments and stated that U.S. interests were affected when those of its European allies were threatened.