Olli Rehn brings good news to Belgrade

Olli Rehn brings good news to Belgrade

He first talked to Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremić and said he came to offer his congratulations and encouragement to Serbia and its newly-elected government.

“I wish to encourage Serbia’s Europe-wise course, as I've already seen clear commitment to European integration and cooperation with the Hague,” Rehn said.

The Enlargement Commissioner stressed that the EU expected the new government to rigorously implement its program regarding co-operation with the Hague.

“Once that happens, we can resume the SAA process very soon," Rehn said.

Rehn then talked to prime minister Vojislav Koštunica and confirmed that the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) might likely be signed within several months.

“The European Commission is ready to restart the SAA talks very soon, but for the Agreement to be finalized and signed Serbia has to bring about the full co-operation with the Hague Tribunal,” Rehn said.

“The government’s program also represents a major step towards the swift resumption of stabilization and association talks as it clearly incorporates the principle of achieving full co-operation with the Hague,” he underscored.

President Boris Tadić said after talking to Rehn that he could not say as to when Ratko Mladić could be arrested and handed over to the Hague,

“I assume my share of responsibility both as the Serbian President and head of the Council for National Security that will coordinate all security services,” he said.

“I can only promise that we will put our best efforts to demonstrate we are determined to keep up our promise. Our citizens should be aware that Serbia will never join the EU and climb towards reaching EU life standards if we do not finish what we’ve started and deliver remaining Hague fugitives to the Tribunal,” he stressed.

Commenting on Rehn’s visit to Serbia, vice-premier for European integration Božidar Đelić said that it clearly meant stabilization and association talks would soon be restarted.

“Rehn has come to Belgrade to bring good news, which means that within several weeks or couple of months at most Serbia will be able to conclude the Stabilization and Association Agreement, seen as the last step prior to attaining a EU candidate status,” Đelić added.

“In order to make headway on our path towards the EU, we have to co-operate with the Hague Tribunal, and we are determined to make it happen,” he concluded.

U.S. welcomes new government

“The United States is a committed friend of Serbia and looks forward to engaging with the new government on a range of issues central to our relationship and to Serbia's future in Euro-Atlantic institutions,” the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade said in a statement.

“As this New Spring Coalition Government takes office today, it faces many important challenges in meeting the aspirations of the Serbian people,” the statement read.

“We plan to work with the new members of the government to expand upon a common future-oriented agenda that emphasizes economic development, regional stability, the fulfillment of Serbia's international obligations, and a better life for all the citizens of this country,” the U.S. Embassy concluded in the statement.