Dačić: Time for reforms within SPS party

Dačić: Time for reforms within SPS party

"I think that the reform of the party is the answer to the new political situation that we all find ourselves in. Unlike some other parties, the SPS went through a political tsunami, but it must look for its place, and that is why it is time to think about the program, cadre, and organizational reforms," he stressed.

He added that it was still not known who his party vice-presidents would be, nor if he would again run for the position of the SPS leader.

Commenting on media reports that he planned to change the party's symbols, Dačić said this would be "difficult to do."

"I tried to change the logo four years ago, but that is hard to change, you would be surprised if you knew how much the public opinion was against it," said Dačić.

The SPS was formed in the late 1990s and led by Slobodan Milošević. The party was in power throughout the 1990s, joining the opposition in late 2000. In 2008, the SPS returned to government and has remained there ever since as part of several coalitions.

Speaking in his capacity as foreign minister, Dačić, who now also serves as first deputy prime minister, said he did not expect that chapters 23 and 24 on the judiciary, human rights and police would be opened this year during Serbia's negotiations with the EU. But he expects that by the end of 2014, chapters 32 and 35, relating to financial control and "current issues, which also includes Kosovo," will be opened.

"As prime minister I dealt a lot with foreign policy and we have achieved good results in this area. Our goal is to accelerate as much as possible European integrations and to, by the end of the year, open some of the chapters," Dačić said.

Speaking about the visit on Monday by EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule, Dačić reiterated that the visit was very important, and revealed that they last night "informally discussed regional issues and prospects of negotiations."

According to Dačić, Fule confirmed that his mandate as commissioner would not be extended, "that is, that somebody else will be appointed to that position."

"Catherine Ashton will also no longer be the high representative, because her mandate is expiring... There are many people whom we would not like to see in these positions, we need someone who will be neutral, as she, who led the dialogue between Belgrade and Priština in an exceptional way, was," he said.

Dačić also announced that the government would "very soon" appoint new ambassadors on his proposals, and reiterated that it was "not possible" for Serbia to impose sanctions against Russia.