Ashton: Serbia needs "strong government"

BRUSSELS -- EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Monday joined the European leaders who congratulated Tomislav Nikolić on his election victory.

Catherine Ashton (Beta, file)

"I congratulate President-elect Nikolić on his victory in the Serbian Presidential election yesterday and the Serbian people for the free, fair and peaceful elections," she stated, and added:

"Let me also commend Mr. Tadić for everything he has helped achieve during his time in office, both in European integration and in regional reconciliation. I wish him all the best."

"The EU looks forward to the early resumption of work in parliament and the rapid formation of a new government committed to reforms and continued European integration. Serbia needs a strong government and parliamentary majority to achieve the economic progress its people desire and the European integration that they aspire to. Neither is possible without difficult reforms and political courage," the statement said.

"Serbia will succeed only through successful coalition building at home and good relations with its neighbors. Continued dialogue between Belgrade and Priština remains particularly important," said Ashton.

"Finally, I congratulate the OSCE for its successful facilitation of voting in Kosovo, supported by EULEX, KFOR and local actors who helped to ensure a calm and secure environment," Ashton said in her message.