Kosovo, EU separate issues

Kosovo, EU separate issues

Speaking to the members of the Foreign Policy Committee of the European Parliament, Jeremić said that Serbia considers EU membership its biggest priority.

He added that the country not only wants to sign a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA), but also become a candidate for EU membership by the end of 2008.

"Serbia is determined to keep to this schedule. We will do what needs to be done, but I ask for your help in making sure that bureaucratic obstacles do not get in the way.”

“This basically means that we work together to ensure that 2009 is set as the year to start the actual talks on accession. If we maintain this pace, then by the end of this government's four-year term—that is, May 2011—we expect to conclude most of the negotiations."

He also indicated that Serbia is ready to meet its obligations to the Hague Tribunal.

"All indictees must be located, they all have to be arrested, and they all must be extradited. I think nothing else shows as clearly the drive and determination with which we are pursuing our European future," continued Jeremić's speech according to a copy obtained by Beta.

In addition, the foreign minister spoke out against the West forcing a solution for Kosovo on Serbia.

"An imposed solution is not sustainable, for it would only sow the seed of the next conflict. Should independence be imposed against the will of the democratic leadership of Serbia, it would create panoply of ethnic and sectarian problems."

"The Kosovo precedent would not just affect the Western Balkans. Throughout the world, existing conflicts could escalate, frozen conflicts might reignite, and new ones could be instigated," he said, adding that "Belgrade will spare no effort in searching for a balanced solution."

Jeremić went on to say "If real negotiations take place in the near future, then I sincerely believe that a compromise, mutually acceptable, a truly European solution to the issue of the future status of Kosovo can be reached.”

“Such a solution must respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, while at the same time enable our ethnic-Albanian citizens in Kosovo to satisfy their legitimate demand for substantial self-governance."

Europe offers dialogue on visa-free regime with Balkans

Franco Frattini, Vice President of the European Commission for Justice, Freedom and Security, said on Tuesday Balkan states could soon expect easier visas to the Europe Union or a visa-free regime.

“While implementing agreements on visa liberalization and issuing facilitated visas, we would have to open a discussion on a visa-free regime. This is our ultimate political goal”, he told media.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania have finished talks on visa facilitation and are due to sign an agreement on this with the European Commission this autumn.

The agreement is expected to be implemented early next year. It includes less paper work while applying for visas and gratis visas for categories such as students, artist and businesspersons.

The aim is to extend these privileges in the near future to these counties as a whole.

Frattini met with Serbia’s Foreign Minister, Vuk Jeremić, who said he hoped Serbia would be included in the EU’s visa-free regime by end of 2008.

“We are aware that we have to face many obligations but we have a full political commitment from the European Commission. The other practical obligations belong to us,” Jeremić said.

Frattini would not be drawn in deadlines. “It is premature to say whether this will happen on 2009 or not,” he said.

“[But] let’s start talking together. Let’s show Serbian people that is possible to make Europe more accessible”, Frattini said.

Before applicant Balkan countries can achieve visa-free status with the EU, they will have to strengthen their border controls and introduce security reforms such as biometric passports, among other points.