Serbia "ready to invest maximum in dialogue"

Serbia is ready to invest maximum in dialogue with Pristina, but expects the other side to show understanding too, Deputy PM Bozidar Djelic said on Monday. "It would be damaging not only for Belgrade and Pristina but also for Europe if the dialogue in this important moment were to become a ground for irrational demands by Pristina, which would in this way attempt to blackmail Serbia," Djelic said in a statement for Tanjug. Serbia "ready to invest maximum in dialogue" Serbia is not ready for blackmail, he said. Serbia expects the same treatment as other countries from Europe, he added. "It is important to show what Serbia has done and to demonstrate that Serbia does not expect privileges, but at the same time expects the same treatment as other countries from Europe, without setting any new pre-conditions" Djelic underscored. Djelic said that the main message that Markel brings to Belgrade is that the crisis in the European Union itself should not be an excuse to halt enlargement when it comes to the Western Balkans. "Although the enlargement process would be slowed down, It is important that the principle remains" Djelic said. He also said that Serbia will do everything possible to demonstrate that Germany has an interest in Serbia getting EU candidate status this year and to start the process of negotiations on membership in the EU. "The date of the negotiations is needed to give strategic direction to Serbia and to all investors, including those from Germany," Djelic said. Bozidar Djelic (Tanjug, file)

Serbia "ready to invest maximum in dialogue"

Serbia is not ready for blackmail, he said.

Serbia expects the same treatment as other countries from Europe, he added.

"It is important to show what Serbia has done and to demonstrate that Serbia does not expect privileges, but at the same time expects the same treatment as other countries from Europe, without setting any new pre-conditions" Đelić underscored.

Đelić said that the main message that Markel brings to Belgrade is that the crisis in the European Union itself should not be an excuse to halt enlargement when it comes to the Western Balkans.

"Although the enlargement process would be slowed down, It is important that the principle remains" Đelić said.

He also said that Serbia will do everything possible to demonstrate that Germany has an interest in Serbia getting EU candidate status this year and to start the process of negotiations on membership in the EU.

"The date of the negotiations is needed to give strategic direction to Serbia and to all investors, including those from Germany," Đelić said.