Kesic: Brnovich’s appointment another opportunity to strengthen Washington-Belgrade relations

Political analyst Obrad Kesic told Kosovo Online that the fact that the new US ambassador to Serbia will be Mark Brnovich, a representative of the Serbian community in the US, a man with strong ties to the Serbian Orthodox Church who takes pride in his heritage, and someone considered capable of gaining the attention of the US president – represents yet another opportunity to strengthen relations between Washington and Belgrade.

Kesic noted that Brnovich had not indicated an interest in the position, as he was more inclined toward securing a high-ranking position in Washington’s administration, however, as he added, his appointment as ambassador turned out to be highly beneficial for Serbia.

“This means that Serbia could be in a much better position than before. I hope this is just the beginning and that more representatives of the Serbian community in the US will be appointed as American ambassadors in the Western Balkans. I believe there is a real chance that we will get at least one more ambassador from the Serbian community – perhaps even two or three,” Kesic said.

In his view, this development comes at a time when there is increasing potential for improved relations between the US and Serbia, especially between the US and the Serbian people in the former Yugoslavia.

“We can see that even regarding the complex situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the US administration has taken a more balanced approach. They are no longer engaging in daily politics by siding with Sarajevo and the Bosniak political leadership. Instead, they are now explicitly stating that every issue must be resolved through dialogue between the two entities and the three constituent peoples. This is a very constructive stance. We have not seen such an approach before. Additionally, the possibility of a Serbian community member becoming an ambassador in Sarajevo further indicates that the position of Serbian national interests in the former Yugoslavia has not been more favorable in the last 30 years,” Kesic explained.

Regarding Brnovich, Kesic pointed out that his primary focus has been US domestic politics. However, like many of Serbian descent, he grew up with the Serbian Orthodox Church.

“I, too, grew up in America with our history, culture, language, and folklore because it was a part of our lives. For those of us from the diaspora, Kosovo and Metohija hold a much stronger and, I would say, more emotional significance than for someone in Serbia who has never been there. Even though many Serbs in America have never set foot in Kosovo and Metohija, they grew up hearing stories, songs, myths, and lectures about our history – things that connected us as a community to our homeland and to Kosovo and Metohija as not only a crucial part of our national identity but also our faith. In this context, I am convinced that this foundation, instilled in all of us in the diaspora, is also part of Mr. Brnovich’s identity,” Kesic stated.

He revealed that his connection with Brnovich originated in the Serbian church community in Phoenix, where Kesic’s cousins live.

Kesic also recalled that during Zeljka Cvijanovic’s visit to Phoenix, when she was the President of Republika Srpska, an excellent meeting was held with Mark Brnovich.

“I know that he is well-informed not only about the situation in Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina but also about the key challenges currently facing Serbia and the Serbian people in the Western Balkans,” Kesic emphasized.