Rome supports Belgrade’s European path

Rome supports Belgrade’s European path

"During our meeting we discussed European politics. Italy strongly supports Serbia in its path towards the European Union," Prodi said at a joint news conference with Tadić.

Commenting Italy’s foreign minister Massimo D’Alema’s recent statement that his country supported Kosovo’s independence, Prodi said Rome’s position had remained unchanged.

“The conditions have changed, and the time has come to find a solution for Kosovo,” Prodi told the news conference, adding that Italy wished to see a final settlement for the province.

Tadić, however, said he told his host any form of Kosovo’s independence was unacceptable for Serbia.

He said Belgrade was ready to return to the negotiating process at any time, in order to find a compromise solution.

“Serbia wishes to see a solution acceptable to both sides that will provide a European future for all involved,” Tadić said.

The president also said Italy and Serbia maintained good relations, with many strategic and infrastructural projects important for both countries.

“It is very important that Italy and Serbia consolidate the strategic political and economic partnership,” Tadić told journalists in Rome.

Tadić invited Prodi to visit Belgrade in the near future.

Italy is a UN Security Council non-permanent member, and also one of the six members of the Contact Group for Kosovo.