"German amendment could be withdrawn" - minister

"German amendment could be withdrawn" - minister

"We've heard one side, but not the other. Germany, Great Britain are serious countries, as is our neighbor Croatia, and I think it is realistic for the amendment to be withdrawn, there is such a possibility bearing in mind Serbia's seriousness and responsible approach," said he.

The minister added that "Serbia's response will be serious, responsible, and will be heard in the coming days."

"Everything related to chapter 35 is also related to (Kosovo talks) agreements reached in Brussels. If we are committed to that, we will have more trust from key states, Germany above all," said Selakovic.

Selakovic also commented on Pristina's request to join UNESCO to say that the countries that support Serbia's opposition to the bid are expected to point out "the shortcomings, and the difficult position" of the Serb cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija.

"I expect also they will point out to the desecrations, destruction of (Serb) churches, monasteries and graveyards, and the world public has an obligation to know. We will fight to the end and it is our duty that this intention does not succeed, but an outcome that does not suit us is also possible," said he.

Amendment

Speaking on Sunday, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said he "believes that the negotiating platform for chapter 35, relating to Kosovo and Metohija, will be more favorable for Serbia," and that the amendment proposed by Germany, Britain and Croatia "will not be made."

"I believe that the amendment will not be made and that the proposals put forward in the negotiating platform for Chapter 35 will be somewhat different and more favorable,“ Vucic told the Belgrade-based TV Pink, according to Tanjug.

Last week, Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said the new amendment to the draft platform for chapter 35 in the country's EU accession negotiations, by which Serbia was "required to directly or indirectly recognize Kosovo" is interpreted as "pressuring Serbia."

“The situation is very complex and difficult,” said Stefanovic, adding that he was "convinced that the document would have to be changed."

"In days ahead, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic will certainly try to find a solution that will keep Serbia on its EU path and at the same time protect the country's national interests," Stefanovic told reporters in Nis last Wednesday.

"We cannot give up on our land, we cannot abandon the Serbs there, so we will continue to act in line with that policy," the minister said, according to Tanjug.

Kosovo is Serbia's southern province where ethnic Albanians in 2008 unilaterally declared independence - considered a violation of its territorial integrity by Serbia.