EU awaits Serbian elections

EU awaits Serbian elections

“Serbian voters should make a choice. Parties in Serbia are European-oriented to a varied extent. We will see their willingness to carry out reforms which could bring Serbia nearer to entering the EU, but  respect the will of Serbian voters”, Swedish Foreign Ministry Karl Bildt told a press conference held at Niš airport. 

He comments that some Serbian parties are unsympathetic of the EU and its values, and that democracy allows such stands as well. 
“We will adjust our policy accordingly”, added Bildt at the conference he attended alongside Serbian President Boris Tadić. 

He announced that the EU Council of Ministers would convene on January 22 when the election outcome is likely to be known and expressed hope that the forming of a new government will follow soon.   

After meting with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Drašković, Bildt said that the EU aims to ensure that the whole region, and particularly Serbia, will make progress in the European integration process. He did not wish to discuss possible content of Martti Ahtisaari’s proposal, but expressed hope that Priština and Belgrade could renew their talks.  

Vuk Drašković ruled out the possibility of independence for Kosovo, highlighting the need for a compromise. He added that if Kosovo Albanians’ request for self-determination was granted, the same principle could apply to the Republic of Srpska.

Jan Kubis in Belgrade

Slovakian Foreign Minister Jan Kubis says that Slovakia will continue to support Serbia in the EU integration process. Kubis met Serbian President Boris Tadić and announced that Slovakia would formulate its stand on the Kosovo issue after special UN envoy Ahtisaari reveals his proposal. 

Tadić confirmed that Serbia objected independence for Kosovo, adding that Belgrade is willing to continue Kosovo status talks. 

Tadić added that he was satisfied with the bilateral co-operation between Slovakia and Serbia, and promised to further improve the position of Slovakian minority in Serbia. “I expect all the ethnic minorities to win seats in the Parliament”, Tadić said. 

Kubis is yet to meet with Serbian PM Vojislav Koštunica and Foreign Minister Vuk Drašković.

Olli Rehn: Serbia could soon become EU candidate

European enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn says he is “realistically optimistic” that democratic parties will prevail at the elections, enabling the rapid finalizing of the Stabilization and Association process and attaining the EU candidate status. Serbia possesses great economic, institutional and intellectual potential, according to Rehn. 

Rehn pointed out that he will pay a visit to Serbia immediately after the elections.