FM on Kosovo, EU, regional issues

Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic has expressed confidence that the enlargement process of the European Union (EU) will continue. He told Belgrade weekly NIN in an interview that, even though Serbia's central priority is to join the union, the country must strive to resolve its state problems independently of the possible dynamics of accession. FM on Kosovo, EU, regional issues "I personally believe that the enlargement process will continue, but that no-one can predict its pace at this point. Our central priority is to join the EU, but we must strive, as a state, to resolve our state problems independently of the concrete possible dynamics of accession to the EU," Jeremic was quoted as saying. The foreign minister did not wish to offer any predictions concerning a timeframe for Serbia's EU membership, underscoring that it is "fruitless and irresponsible to speak about that". "We are forced to lead a global battle to have as few countries recognize Kosovo, which may at first glance suggest to some that our ties with Asia, Africa or Latin America are more important than those with Europe. That is not true. EU membership is the central, strategic priority of Serbia," he stated. Asked about the government's responsibility when it comes to EU integrations, and whether it perhaps let down Brussels in some way, Jeremic said: "We have been clear and honest when we said that we wish to join the EU, but also to diplomatically and legally defend our territorial integrity, using all our resources in that battle. This government made no 'fouls' toward its European partners. It could be that we were somewhat more successful in defending Kosovo that many had expected, but that certainly is no reason for cooler relations." Asked to comment on being "pointed at in diplomatic circles as someone who is spoiling those relations by insisting too much on Kosovo", while Europe allegedly expected the government to slowly sideline that issue, the minister said this was not his "personal policy", but "a united state policy defined in the National Assembly". Speaking about Kosovo, he yet again underscored that the government is dedicated to a difficult but possible goal - the renewal of dialogue on the status of the province. Jeremic expressed hope that there would be arguments for returning to the negotiation table after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announces its stand on this issue of the legality of ethnic Albanians' unilateral declaration of independence. "Once that happens, I trust that all sides will demonstrate good will and flexibility that a lasting solution and one acceptable for all could be found, but it would not be good to discuss in public the parameters of that solution at this time," Jeremic said. As far as Serbia is concerned, he continued, "the final compromise cannot violate the constitutional framework and must be clearly supported by the citizens of Serbia". The minister also spoke about the third priority of Serbia's foreign policy – regional relations – and said that a series of open and difficult issues exist between Serbia and Croatia. "Croatia is declaring its readiness to solve those issues, but we have not been able to do that thus far," he said, and explained that some of the problems include property of Serbs in Croatia, that country's genocide lawsuit against Serbia, placement of Serb capital and products in Croatia. "When there's also practical readiness to sit down and talk seriously, I hope we'll use that opportunity to improve the situation, since Serbia has huge interest in doing so. We really wish to have the best possible relations with all our neighbors, Croatia included," said Jeremic, but concluded that some recent statements and gestures coming from officials in Zagreb are not making the outlook more hopeful. A file photo of Vuk Jeremic (Beta)

FM on Kosovo, EU, regional issues

"I personally believe that the enlargement process will continue, but that no-one can predict its pace at this point. Our central priority is to join the EU, but we must strive, as a state, to resolve our state problems independently of the concrete possible dynamics of accession to the EU," Jeremić was quoted as saying.

The foreign minister did not wish to offer any predictions concerning a timeframe for Serbia's EU membership, underscoring that it is "fruitless and irresponsible to speak about that".

"We are forced to lead a global battle to have as few countries recognize Kosovo, which may at first glance suggest to some that our ties with Asia, Africa or Latin America are more important than those with Europe. That is not true. EU membership is the central, strategic priority of Serbia," he stated.

Asked about the government's responsibility when it comes to EU integrations, and whether it perhaps let down Brussels in some way, Jeremić said:

"We have been clear and honest when we said that we wish to join the EU, but also to diplomatically and legally defend our territorial integrity, using all our resources in that battle. This government made no 'fouls' toward its European partners. It could be that we were somewhat more successful in defending Kosovo that many had expected, but that certainly is no reason for cooler relations."

Asked to comment on being "pointed at in diplomatic circles as someone who is spoiling those relations by insisting too much on Kosovo", while Europe allegedly expected the government to slowly sideline that issue, the minister said this was not his "personal policy", but "a united state policy defined in the National Assembly".

Speaking about Kosovo, he yet again underscored that the government is dedicated to a difficult but possible goal - the renewal of dialogue on the status of the province.

Jeremić expressed hope that there would be arguments for returning to the negotiation table after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announces its stand on this issue of the legality of ethnic Albanians' unilateral declaration of independence.

"Once that happens, I trust that all sides will demonstrate good will and flexibility that a lasting solution and one acceptable for all could be found, but it would not be good to discuss in public the parameters of that solution at this time," Jeremić said.

As far as Serbia is concerned, he continued, "the final compromise cannot violate the constitutional framework and must be clearly supported by the citizens of Serbia".

The minister also spoke about the third priority of Serbia's foreign policy – regional relations – and said that a series of open and difficult issues exist between Serbia and Croatia.

"Croatia is declaring its readiness to solve those issues, but we have not been able to do that thus far," he said, and explained that some of the problems include property of Serbs in Croatia, that country's genocide lawsuit against Serbia, placement of Serb capital and products in Croatia.

"When there's also practical readiness to sit down and talk seriously, I hope we'll use that opportunity to improve the situation, since Serbia has huge interest in doing so. We really wish to have the best possible relations with all our neighbors, Croatia included," said Jeremić, but concluded that some recent statements and gestures coming from officials in Zagreb are not making the outlook more hopeful.