Putin Will Go To Belgrade To Mark Liberation Anniversary

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced President Vladimir Putin will visit Serbia as Belgrade marks the 70th anniversary of liberation "from fascists."

Lavrov was speaking on September 26 to reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

He said Putin's participation in ceremonies marking the anniversary would be the "central event of the visit."

Lavrov said the two countries are engaged in a number of joint projects and Putin would be discussing new projects with Serbian leaders that contribute to the "further deepening of our partnership."

Serbia, for example, is still committed to Russia's South Stream gas pipeline project despite growing opposition from the European Union, which claims the Russian project violates EU antimonopoly laws.

Serbia is not an EU member but has aspirations to join.

Lavrov did not give a date for Putin's visit but Belgrade marks October 20, 1944 as the day the city was liberated.

Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Interfax