New building of US Embassy in Belgrade soon - investment worth about 117m USD

(Geoffrey Sellers in location of future Embassy)

Everything is ready for commencement of works on construction of new US Embassy in Serbia in the vicinity of White Court on Dedinje in Belgrade. In the location of former Tito's Marshal Residence, at 4 ha of neatly levelled and fenced land, the first prefabricated buildings for the contractor's offices, building materials, and workers who will be building the new US diplomatic premises, will be "erected" next month.

The new Adviser for Management of US Embassy in Serbia, Geoffrey Sellers, who visited, for the first time, the location of the future diplomatic building accompanied by the journalists of "Novosti", says that Serbia is one of the top-priority countries where Washington makes that move:

- We see this 117m USD worth of investment as an expression of significance of our bilateral relations with Serbia, which is also a very important player in the region. We look forward to strong and dynamic relations, and working partnership with Serbia within the next few decades - Mr. Sellers points out.

"Framaco international" is the main contractor for works on construction of the US Embassy in Serbia. Local building companies will also be hired. "Farmaco" appointed "Arhipro" as its main subcontractor in Serbia:

- This Serbian architectural company from Belgrade will serve as the link between the main contractor and subcontractors in Serbia, and city and local authorities. There will be many subcontractors. Our estimates are that minimum 20% of money will be directly injected in Serbian economy through subcontractors and employment of local manpower.

The first meeting dedicated to design will be held on November 16th. As Sellers explains, it is still too early for details, but what is for sure is that Serbia company will do all the works on cementing, laying of foundations, and organization of the terrain - by using the materials produced in Serbia. The decision on all other works will be made by the main contractor on the spot.

- Spring 2012 is the deadline for us to move in the new building It will be a modern, beautiful building that will enhance the looks of this part of the city. It will be the building that will contribute to preservation of environment because it will be built according to the highest environmental standards when it comes to use of water, electric energy, heating recycling... In one word, the genuine example of use of "green technology" - Mr. Sellers points out.

The main entrance, as he showed us, will be facing the Peace Boulevard.

- Separate entrance will be opened for the citizens who come to collect the visa. The city authorities will make sure that the frequency of public transportation buses in this part of the city be increased - Mr. Sellers explains.

The Embassy in Belgrade will be the largest in the region. Total of 300 people will be working in it. The history of the location had nothing to do with the selection:
- The most important thing when we were selecting the location was that we have enough space in an appropriate location, which is beautiful at the same time. The complex will comprise the main building at 11,000 square meters of office space and several auxiliary buildings. There will be space for construction of annex in case of need - says Mr. Sellers.

"Very nice fence" will be built around the Embassy, as well as around several neighboring buildings:
- Once the Embassy is finished, I think that everybody will be happy with its looks. Security will be at normal level. My opinion is that Belgrade is very warm city, that the relations between the two countries are excellent, and that they will be becoming even better. Therefore, I am of the opinion that we are going to be excellent neighbors, good guests, and that much creative work will arise from our relations - Mr. Sellers concludes.

"High officials" at the opening ceremony

Three important events are related to the construction of new US Embassy - laying of foundation stone, probably in January, construction of roof, and, finally - the opening ceremony. It will be a huge "celebration":
- Some high officials from the USA will come to the opening of the Embassy in Serbia - Mr. Selers reveals.

President Obama?

- I wouldn't speculate.
What is, however, for certain is that several tours of the new building will be organized for the citizens.

(Note: complete text is taken over from newspaper "Novosti" of November 1st, 2009)