Germany still skeptical about Serbia, EP president says

BELGRADE European Parliament (EP) President Martin Schultz has pointed out that the Serbian government is doing a lot to avoid tensions regarding the issue of Kosovo. He added that he appreciated the effort. Germany still skeptical about Serbia, EP president says Commenting on the start of the EU accession talks, Schultz stressed that conditions were clearly defined and that they were unambiguous. He said that Serbia should wait for the European Commission’s assessment in the spring, explaining that further steps would then be known. Schultz told daily Vecernje novosti that the start of the EU accession negotiations in June was not an impossible task. “Based on (German Chancellor) Angela Merkel’s last visit to Belgrade, it is visible that Germany remains very skeptical about Serbia’s progress. Of course, relations between Serbia and Kosovo play a big role in that. In my opinion, the Serbian government has not contributed to the increase in tensions. I believe this needs to be pointed out. I admit that I was very skeptical in the beginning when it comes to President Tomislav Nikolic and the new government. I admit now that I was wrong. As far as I’m concerned, I am waiting for the EC’s progress report and a report of the EP before I express my opinion,” he was quoted as saying. The EP president said he would not rule out the possibility that Serbia could start the EU accession negotiations in June. Schultz stressed that Serbia could play a very important role. “It (Serbia) could be an important factor of stability in the region. Calming of tensions between Kosovo and Serbia is always a contribution to the goal. Still, those relations remain extremely delicate and difficult and every step and every word represent a risk,” he concluded. Martin Schultz (Tanjug) Vecernje novosti

Germany still skeptical about Serbia, EP president says

Commenting on the start of the EU accession talks, Schultz stressed that conditions were clearly defined and that they were unambiguous. He said that Serbia should wait for the European Commission’s assessment in the spring, explaining that further steps would then be known.

Schultz told daily Večernje novosti that the start of the EU accession negotiations in June was not an impossible task.

“Based on (German Chancellor) Angela Merkel’s last visit to Belgrade, it is visible that Germany remains very skeptical about Serbia’s progress. Of course, relations between Serbia and Kosovo play a big role in that. In my opinion, the Serbian government has not contributed to the increase in tensions. I believe this needs to be pointed out. I admit that I was very skeptical in the beginning when it comes to President Tomislav Nikolić and the new government. I admit now that I was wrong. As far as I’m concerned, I am waiting for the EC’s progress report and a report of the EP before I express my opinion,” he was quoted as saying.

The EP president said he would not rule out the possibility that Serbia could start the EU accession negotiations in June.

Schultz stressed that Serbia could play a very important role.

“It (Serbia) could be an important factor of stability in the region. Calming of tensions between Kosovo and Serbia is always a contribution to the goal. Still, those relations remain extremely delicate and difficult and every step and every word represent a risk,” he concluded.