Boris Tadić meets Condoleezza Rice

Boris Tadić meets Condoleezza Rice

After the first day of his visit, Tadić said he was satisfied with the fact his hosts showed great interest in developing the strategic partnership between Serbia and the United States. “I have presented out position on Kosovo, which is well-known, and contains proposal for essential autonomy. I have also added that Serbia remains opposed to Kosovo’s independence. The solution must not endanger Serbia and the region”, Tadić said.

The Serbian president and the US president’s National Security Advisor Steven Hadley agreed after their meeting that there will be no stability or democracy in the Balkans without a strong and democratic Serbia. Tadić said he considered this a very significant conclusion since it represented the two countries’ common interest. Tadić presented Serbia’s negotiating platform during the meeting, including opposition to Kosovo’s independence and the essential autonomy proposal. “Hadley did not offer US position on the issue, but we have agreed the solution must be reached through dialogue in the negotiating process and a sustainable compromise”, Tadić said.

Serbian President Boris Tadić yesterday started his three-day visit to Washington by meeting more than 20 senators in the US Congress.

After meeting Republican senator George Voinovich, the Serbian president reiterated Serbia’s position on Kosovo’s future. Tadić presented Voinovich with arguments for a compromise solution in Kosovo, offered by Serbia, and believed by the country’s officials to be advancing the regional stability.

“We enter the Kosovo talks defending our legitimate poison that includes the fact Serbia has been established in its borders that include Kosovo in 1912. Serbia is mindful of the Kosovo citizens’ interest not only when it comes to the Serb population there, that is our policy. We will defend our right to Kosovo with all legal means, but Serbia does not wish any form of violence to break out in Kosovo. Serbia’s democratic institutions guarantee that this policy will be implemented”, Tadić said.

President Tadić and Senator Voinovich agreed that cooperation with the Hague Tribubal needs to be finalized, while Voinovich stressed it would greatly advance Serbian economy and allow for large foreign investments.

Tadić is visiting the United States on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s invitation.