Tadić denounces extremists "on all sides"

Boris Tadic says that when it comes to its EU candidate bid, Serbia is facing "a big problem" in the shape of extremists. They could cause violence, said the Serbian president in Belgrade on Monday. Tadic denounces extremists "on all sides" He also commented on Germany's position to say that Serbia would not have been made a candidate had the decision been take several days ago, and that he is still uncertain if Germany's position would change. He also asserted that "the essence of the approach" of Germany regarding Serbia's ambition to join the EU changed "after the latest violence in Kosovo". Tadic said that extremists "on both sides, Serb and (ethnic) Albanian, and even in the international community" could cause violence that would damage Serbia's interests. "The problem is that I cannot influence all those who today hold responsibility in Kosovo and Metohija, but I am doing all I can so that violence is prevented, for people to reconcile and for a solution to be found for this great problem," said the president, and added that "with such issues it is often about unpopular decisions". (Tanjug) "Immoral" Boris Tadic, who is also leader of the ruling Democrats (DS), called on Monday on politicians in Serbia "not to use Kosovo for political purposes". He was quoted as saying on Monday that such an approach would be "immoral and irresponsible": "I call on the politicians in Serbia, whether those on the right, who hope to gain points for the election by taking advantage of the Kosovo issue, or those belonging to U-Turn, who think that by activating this issue and getting the candidate status they will fair better at the election." This is not the time to worry about election results - he added. "The Kosovo issue should not be left to future generations to address," Tadic continued "a statement by a prime minister that Serbia should freeze the conflict regarding Kosovo and then let future generations, who will be fewer in numbers, settle it with those whose numbers will go up." "I see that as supreme political immorality," said Tadic. When asked whether he would prefer to find a solution regarding Kosovo and get the start date for the EU accession talks or win the election, Tadic responded that the former would always be his choice "because it would benefit the people". "That is why I am going to make unpopular decisions in the future as well, confirming that I am more interested in the consequences of my decisions than an election victory," he stressed. Serbia should not give up if it does not get the EU candidate status, because that will not be a total defeat, but merely a lost battle, he pointed out. He called on the Kosovo Serbs once again "to realize the roadblocks were not a form of defense, but a threat to their interest. Tadic also called on KFOR not to use force to clear the roadblocks and on the politicians in Serbia to stop using Kosovo for political gains". When asked what he would do if the Serbs in Kosovo decided not to clear the barricades, Tadic answered that he would never give up. "I will not stop trying to convince them and fighting for their benefit," he was quoted as saying.

Tadić denounces extremists "on all sides"

He also commented on Germany's position to say that Serbia would not have been made a candidate had the decision been take several days ago, and that he is still uncertain if Germany's position would change.

He also asserted that "the essence of the approach" of Germany regarding Serbia's ambition to join the EU changed "after the latest violence in Kosovo".

Tadić said that extremists "on both sides, Serb and (ethnic) Albanian, and even in the international community" could cause violence that would damage Serbia's interests.

"The problem is that I cannot influence all those who today hold responsibility in Kosovo and Metohija, but I am doing all I can so that violence is prevented, for people to reconcile and for a solution to be found for this great problem," said the president, and added that "with such issues it is often about unpopular decisions".

"Immoral"

Boris Tadić, who is also leader of the ruling Democrats (DS), called on Monday on politicians in Serbia "not to use Kosovo for political purposes".

He was quoted as saying on Monday that such an approach would be "immoral and irresponsible":

"I call on the politicians in Serbia, whether those on the right, who hope to gain points for the election by taking advantage of the Kosovo issue, or those belonging to U-Turn, who think that by activating this issue and getting the candidate status they will fair better at the election."

This is not the time to worry about election results - he added.

"The Kosovo issue should not be left to future generations to address," Tadić continued "a statement by a prime minister that Serbia should freeze the conflict regarding Kosovo and then let future generations, who will be fewer in numbers, settle it with those whose numbers will go up."

"I see that as supreme political immorality," said Tadić.

When asked whether he would prefer to find a solution regarding Kosovo and get the start date for the EU accession talks or win the election, Tadić responded that the former would always be his choice "because it would benefit the people".

"That is why I am going to make unpopular decisions in the future as well, confirming that I am more interested in the consequences of my decisions than an election victory," he stressed.

Serbia should not give up if it does not get the EU candidate status, because that will not be a total defeat, but merely a lost battle, he pointed out.

He called on the Kosovo Serbs once again "to realize the roadblocks were not a form of defense, but a threat to their interest.

Tadić also called on KFOR not to use force to clear the roadblocks and on the politicians in Serbia to stop using Kosovo for political gains".

When asked what he would do if the Serbs in Kosovo decided not to clear the barricades, Tadić answered that he would never give up.

"I will not stop trying to convince them and fighting for their benefit," he was quoted as saying.