“EU should not set new conditions for Serbia”

Austrian Defense Minister Norbert Darabos told Tanjug on Saturday that Serbia deserves to obtain the status of an EU candidate as soon as possible. He added that no new and excessive conditions should be imposed upon the country. “EU should not set new conditions for Serbia” “I think that Serbia should be granted the candidate status as soon as possible. I also believe that the country's current government is sending clear signals that it is interested in the resolving of the Kosovo issue,” said Darabos at the 48th International Security Conference in Munich. “The government which aims to a positive solution should not be punished, but rather encouraged to continue with the path. Therefore, Serbia should obtain the candidate status in March,” he said. “I believe that Germany's policy regarding Serbia and its status of an EU candidate is wrong, since not acquiring the status would just strengthen national powers, and thus endanger the peace process in the Western Balkans,” he cautioned in his statement to Tanjug. “The pro-European forces, which are trying to find a solution for the Kosovo issue in such a difficult situation, should be strengthened,” the Austrian minister noted. He also added that the demands made on Serbia were too high. “Serbia has made great efforts, and Austria realizes that. We treat equally all Balkan countries, to which we have a historical obligation. Serbia, as a large and important country, is of strategic importance for Europe. Therefore I believe that the demands imposed so far are high enough, including the one on the resumption of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, which Serbian President Boris Tadic is trying to meet,” Darabos explained. “Although Austria has recognized Kosovo, and stands behind its decision, this does not prevent it from supporting Serbia,” he concluded. Tanjug

“EU should not set new conditions for Serbia”

“I think that Serbia should be granted the candidate status as soon as possible. I also believe that the country's current government is sending clear signals that it is interested in the resolving of the Kosovo issue,” said Darabos at the 48th International Security Conference in Munich.

“The government which aims to a positive solution should not be punished, but rather encouraged to continue with the path. Therefore, Serbia should obtain the candidate status in March,” he said.

“I believe that Germany's policy regarding Serbia and its status of an EU candidate is wrong, since not acquiring the status would just strengthen national powers, and thus endanger the peace process in the Western Balkans,” he cautioned in his statement to Tanjug.

“The pro-European forces, which are trying to find a solution for the Kosovo issue in such a difficult situation, should be strengthened,” the Austrian minister noted.

He also added that the demands made on Serbia were too high.

“Serbia has made great efforts, and Austria realizes that. We treat equally all Balkan countries, to which we have a historical obligation. Serbia, as a large and important country, is of strategic importance for Europe. Therefore I believe that the demands imposed so far are high enough, including the one on the resumption of the Belgrade-Priština dialogue, which Serbian President Boris Tadić is trying to meet,” Darabos explained.

“Although Austria has recognized Kosovo, and stands behind its decision, this does not prevent it from supporting Serbia,” he concluded.