Dutch also see Serbia in EU, says British ambassador

The British ambassador told a Belgrade daily that the current government of Serbia is cooperating with the Hague Tribunal "much more than the previous ones". "This is an important step forward, that should be recognized by our friends in the European Union," Stephen Wordsworth was quoted as saying by Vecernje Novosti. Dutch also see Serbia in EU, says British ambassador Asked whether the Netherlands would greenlight the unfreezing of the Interim Trade Agreement – a part of the SAA – he said that he would like this to happen, but that the decision rests with that country. "I believe that our Dutch friends also see Serbia as a future member of the union," said Wordsworth. "The EU has always said that full cooperation with the Tribunal is very important. The difference between the Netherlands and other EU members is in interpreting this issue, not in its essence," the ambassador was quoted by the newspaper. He also stated that "since the end of last year London's been saying that it wants the Interim Agreement to be implemented". "The EU should take into account the progress made by Serbia. We will discuss this at a ministerial meeting. After the application of the Interim Agreement, the next step will the ratification of the SAA." Wordsworth went on to say that "some statements coming from analysts should not worry you too much", when asked about how realistic it is that Serbia would join the EU "as late" as in 2015-2020. "This is about a process where Serbia is making progress and it probably has more capacity to do that than any other country in the region, because of its efficient administration." As for Kosovo, the ambassador said that he believes renewed status talks would not take place. "Kosovo has been recognized by 60 percent of the OSCE member-states, 70 percent of the Council of Europe and 80 percent of the EU. Kosovo has also joined the IMF and will be in the World Bank too, so I cannot imagine how it would be possible to go back from there," said he. "Now we must find a way for the situation for all the people living there to improve and to normalize relations with the countries that surround Kosovo. As we have said, Serbia is not being asked to recognize Kosovo," the British ambassador was quoted as saying.

Dutch also see Serbia in EU, says British ambassador

Asked whether the Netherlands would greenlight the unfreezing of the Interim Trade Agreement – a part of the SAA – he said that he would like this to happen, but that the decision rests with that country.

"I believe that our Dutch friends also see Serbia as a future member of the union," said Wordsworth.

"The EU has always said that full cooperation with the Tribunal is very important. The difference between the Netherlands and other EU members is in interpreting this issue, not in its essence," the ambassador was quoted by the newspaper.

He also stated that "since the end of last year London's been saying that it wants the Interim Agreement to be implemented".

"The EU should take into account the progress made by Serbia. We will discuss this at a ministerial meeting. After the application of the Interim Agreement, the next step will the ratification of the SAA."

Wordsworth went on to say that "some statements coming from analysts should not worry you too much", when asked about how realistic it is that Serbia would join the EU "as late" as in 2015-2020.

"This is about a process where Serbia is making progress and it probably has more capacity to do that than any other country in the region, because of its efficient administration."

As for Kosovo, the ambassador said that he believes renewed status talks would not take place.

"Kosovo has been recognized by 60 percent of the OSCE member-states, 70 percent of the Council of Europe and 80 percent of the EU. Kosovo has also joined the IMF and will be in the World Bank too, so I cannot imagine how it would be possible to go back from there," said he.

"Now we must find a way for the situation for all the people living there to improve and to normalize relations with the countries that surround Kosovo. As we have said, Serbia is not being asked to recognize Kosovo," the British ambassador was quoted as saying.