Now time for reforms and Kosovo, says EU commissioner

EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule has stated that, by fulfilling its obligations to the Hague Tribunal, Serbia has gotten closer to EU candidate status.

Izvor: Tanjug

Friday, 22.07.2011.

12:17

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EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule has stated that, by fulfilling its obligations to the Hague Tribunal, Serbia has gotten closer to EU candidate status. However, said he, Belgrade must commit to other political reforms and improve relations with Kosovo before receiving the green light. Now time for reforms and Kosovo, says EU commissioner "I think the arrest (of Goran Hadzic) is splendid news and I think what is really great is that Serbs have delivered on their promise," Fule told Radio Free Europe. However, Fule stated that, with Belgrade's cooperation with the Hague largely resolved and internal reforms underway, the main unresolved issue is Serbia's frosty relationship with Kosovo. "I am very happy for some concrete results already achieved. I am happy to see that the people on the ground will be gradually given improved conditions for their lives, but I know that in the pipeline there are more of these issues and I know that, on a number of them, there could be an agreement between Belgrade and Pristina," Fule stressed. The dialogue has so far not touched on the thorniest issue, the status of Kosovo, and Fule maintains that this is something which will need to happen before Serbia becomes an EU member. "Serbia cannot become a member of the European Union without this issue being solved, beyond any doubt. It is up to Belgrade and Pristina's negotiations, with the assistance of the European Union, to bring such a solution," he added. Kosovo's ethnic Albanians unilaterally declared independence over three years ago. Serbia, as well as five out of EU's 27 member states, does not recognize the proclamation. Fule expressed his belief that Serbia's recent progress could spur on reforms throughout the western Balkans, setting several countries on a clear path towards the EU. "This is something that is really important, not only for Serbia itself, but something that is important for the region, for reconciliation," Fule said. "It is something that is creating a part of what I have referred to from time to time as 'enlargement momentum' in the western Balkans in the second half of the year," he underscored. Stefan Fule (Beta, file)

Now time for reforms and Kosovo, says EU commissioner

"I think the arrest (of Goran Hadžić) is splendid news and I think what is really great is that Serbs have delivered on their promise," Fule told Radio Free Europe.

However, Fule stated that, with Belgrade's cooperation with the Hague largely resolved and internal reforms underway, the main unresolved issue is Serbia's frosty relationship with Kosovo.

"I am very happy for some concrete results already achieved. I am happy to see that the people on the ground will be gradually given improved conditions for their lives, but I know that in the pipeline there are more of these issues and I know that, on a number of them, there could be an agreement between Belgrade and Priština," Fule stressed.

The dialogue has so far not touched on the thorniest issue, the status of Kosovo, and Fule maintains that this is something which will need to happen before Serbia becomes an EU member.

"Serbia cannot become a member of the European Union without this issue being solved, beyond any doubt. It is up to Belgrade and Priština's negotiations, with the assistance of the European Union, to bring such a solution," he added.

Kosovo's ethnic Albanians unilaterally declared independence over three years ago. Serbia, as well as five out of EU's 27 member states, does not recognize the proclamation.

Fule expressed his belief that Serbia's recent progress could spur on reforms throughout the western Balkans, setting several countries on a clear path towards the EU.

"This is something that is really important, not only for Serbia itself, but something that is important for the region, for reconciliation," Fule said.

"It is something that is creating a part of what I have referred to from time to time as 'enlargement momentum' in the western Balkans in the second half of the year," he underscored.

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