(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 14 - Serbia "is already paying a high price for failing to impose sanctions on Russia, and this has become unsustainable," according to Serbian Economy Minister Rade Basta, and Belgrade should finally decide to sanction Moscow. Despite mounting pressure from the EU and the US, Serbia refused to impose sanctions on Russia following its aggression against Ukraine.

"As Economy Minister I can't agree to keep quiet when I see how much pressure Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is under which is why I am in favor of imposing sanctions on Russia," Basta said, quoted by the regional television N1. "I stand with President Vucic in defense of state and national interests and I have complete confidence in him. That is why I am urging the Serbian government and all ministers to take a position on this," Basta stated, according to N1. (ANSA).