"Russia does not oppose Serbia's EU integration"

Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Konuzin has stated that Russia does not oppose Serbia's EU integration. Such an outcome would not harm the traditionally close relations between the two countries, he noted. "Russia does not oppose Serbia's EU integration" "We have nothing against Serbia's EU accession. We will endeavor for it not to harm Serbia-Russia relations, which are traditionally close," Konuzin said, opening the international conference dubbed European Security in the Light of 2012 Elections in Belgrade. Referring to the Kosovo-Metohija issue, Konuzin reiterated that Russia will continue supporting Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, noting that such position was confirmed by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during their recent visits to Serbia. We share Serbia's position, which is that Kosovo process must be resolved in accordance with the international law defined by the Resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council, and only the UN can decide on it, Konuzin stressed. Speaking about the proposal of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that Serbia should join the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Konuzin said that this would benefit Serbia. Such an agreement does not oppose NATO, but is rather aimed at common interests of general security, the ambassador explained, adding that joining CSTO would reflect a neutral character of Serbia's policy, and its openness. Konuzin raised the issue of missile defense, noting that Russia is ready for talks regarding the European missile defense. General Manager of Srbijagas - Serbia's state-owned natural gas enterprise - Dusan Bajatovic, Serb Progressive Party leader Tomislav Nikolic, several other MPs, as well as experts from different countries, are taking part in the European Security in the Light of 2012 Elections conference held at the Sava Center in Belgrade, organized by the Belgrade Forum.

"Russia does not oppose Serbia's EU integration"

"We have nothing against Serbia's EU accession. We will endeavor for it not to harm Serbia-Russia relations, which are traditionally close," Konuzin said, opening the international conference dubbed European Security in the Light of 2012 Elections in Belgrade.

Referring to the Kosovo-Metohija issue, Konuzin reiterated that Russia will continue supporting Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, noting that such position was confirmed by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during their recent visits to Serbia.

We share Serbia's position, which is that Kosovo process must be resolved in accordance with the international law defined by the Resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council, and only the UN can decide on it, Konuzin stressed.

Speaking about the proposal of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that Serbia should join the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Konuzin said that this would benefit Serbia.

Such an agreement does not oppose NATO, but is rather aimed at common interests of general security, the ambassador explained, adding that joining CSTO would reflect a neutral character of Serbia's policy, and its openness.

Konuzin raised the issue of missile defense, noting that Russia is ready for talks regarding the European missile defense.

General Manager of Srbijagas - Serbia's state-owned natural gas enterprise - Dušan Bajatović, Serb Progressive Party leader Tomislav Nikolić, several other MPs, as well as experts from different countries, are taking part in the European Security in the Light of 2012 Elections conference held at the Sava Center in Belgrade, organized by the Belgrade Forum.