Greece supports Belgrade-Priština dialogue

Greek FM Stavros Lambrinidis believes Serbia will become EU candidate by the end of the year, and calls for a continuation of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. The dialogue, he told Belgrade daily Vecernje Novosti, can help Serbia's EU integration. Greece supports Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Serbia has made significant achievements in the past several months. Our message to Brussels is that this must reflect on the European Commision's report, expected in October. The dynamics of reforms must be maintained, Lambrinidis, who will visit Serbia on Wednesday within his mini-Balkan tour, stated in an interview for newspaper. He said that the efforts for the success of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue should continue, adding that this can only help Serbia on its EU pathway. Lambrinidis stressed that the aim of Greece, which initiated the Agenda 2014, is that talks should be intensified with concrete proposals, so that an EU-Western Balkans summit could be staged in 2014, at which it would be possible to define the EU perspective of the countries in the region. He reiterated that Greece will not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo-Metohija, dismissing the statements that his country is pressured into doing that. "There is no pressure, nor could it have any effect, because Greece has always pursued the policy of principles, and we remain faithful to them. That is the policy of strengthening peace, security and welfare in the region," Lambrinidis said. "Our country, as is well known, does not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo. However, this does not stop us from strongly encouraging the two sides to reach a compromise and supporting the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue." When asked if there is a threat to regional security after the unilateral moves of Pristina have raised tensions in Kosovo, Lambrinidis said that unilateral moves threaten the regional security, and the increasing tensions late in July give rise for concern.

Greece supports Belgrade-Priština dialogue

Serbia has made significant achievements in the past several months. Our message to Brussels is that this must reflect on the European Commision's report, expected in October. The dynamics of reforms must be maintained, Lambrinidis, who will visit Serbia on Wednesday within his mini-Balkan tour, stated in an interview for newspaper.

He said that the efforts for the success of the Belgrade-Priština dialogue should continue, adding that this can only help Serbia on its EU pathway.

Lambrinidis stressed that the aim of Greece, which initiated the Agenda 2014, is that talks should be intensified with concrete proposals, so that an EU-Western Balkans summit could be staged in 2014, at which it would be possible to define the EU perspective of the countries in the region.

He reiterated that Greece will not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo-Metohija, dismissing the statements that his country is pressured into doing that.

"There is no pressure, nor could it have any effect, because Greece has always pursued the policy of principles, and we remain faithful to them. That is the policy of strengthening peace, security and welfare in the region," Lambrinidis said.

"Our country, as is well known, does not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo. However, this does not stop us from strongly encouraging the two sides to reach a compromise and supporting the Belgrade-Priština dialogue."

When asked if there is a threat to regional security after the unilateral moves of Priština have raised tensions in Kosovo, Lambrinidis said that unilateral moves threaten the regional security, and the increasing tensions late in July give rise for concern.