Jeremić on SAA, Kosovo, Bosnia

FM Vuk Jeremic is convinced that the conditions are here for the SAA to be implemented, but believes there is no consensus within the EU over the matter. Jeremic told Belgrade weekly Vreme in an interview that he expects a decision to be made in Brussels on November 30 to lift the visa regime imposed on the Serbian citizens, but that the unfreezing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) "is now impossible, unfortunately". Jeremic on SAA, Kosovo, Bosnia "There is doubt with one EU member country that Serbia is not doing everything in its power to cooperate with the Hague Tribunal," he continued. "However, Serbia is truly doing everything, and at this time there is nothing that could be done, that is not already being done to finalize the cooperation with the Hague. Personally, I think all the conditions are here for that important step forward to happen." The minister described Serbia's foreign policy as being "carefully balanced" and having "clear priorities". Those are EU membership, the defense of Kosovo using diplomatic means, and achieving the best possible relations in the region, he explained. Jeremic believes that the past twelve months produced success in the diplomatic battle to preserve the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that, "considering the circumstances, the results are such that a few expected to see". "We have halted the wave of recognitions at a relatively modest level, and did everything for the [ICJ] process that begins on December 1 to be in the focus of the international public as much as possible. All the while, peace and stability in the province has been preserved, while energy and time dedicated to this problem has clearly not been at the expense of realizing other foreign policy priorities: Serbia's European path and stabilization of the regional circumstances," he told the weekly. Jeremic also said that Serbia's relations with neighbors could be far better than they are now, and that "some neighbors' decision to directly endanger the territorial integrity of Serbia by recognizing Kosovo" did not contribute to the good relations that Serbia strives toward. The forthcoming debate at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), over the legality of the Kosovo Albanian unilateral independence declaration, is "significantly narrowing the space for possible political pressure on the court, which happened in the past," he added. "We wish to see a solution reached at the end of this process that is acceptable to all sides, that will enable for a lasting peace and stability in the Balkan region, which without a doubt represents one of the most important preconditions for the joint strategic goal, and that is integration into the EU." Jeremic also commented on the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, to say that Serbia "has neither the capacity nor desire to twist the arm of any of its neighbors". Belgrade instead has clear interest, he continued, in the circumstances in Bosnia to stabilize. "Certain reforms are likely needed in Bosnia. Which reforms those are, I think the neighbors know it best… What we can and wish to do is to encourage all sides to reach a compromise, presenting what we believe should be our joint vision, and that is a stable Balkans integrated into the EU," concluded the Serbian foreign minister. A file photo of Vuk Jeremic (Beta)

Jeremić on SAA, Kosovo, Bosnia

"There is doubt with one EU member country that Serbia is not doing everything in its power to cooperate with the Hague Tribunal," he continued.

"However, Serbia is truly doing everything, and at this time there is nothing that could be done, that is not already being done to finalize the cooperation with the Hague. Personally, I think all the conditions are here for that important step forward to happen."

The minister described Serbia's foreign policy as being "carefully balanced" and having "clear priorities". Those are EU membership, the defense of Kosovo using diplomatic means, and achieving the best possible relations in the region, he explained.

Jeremić believes that the past twelve months produced success in the diplomatic battle to preserve the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that, "considering the circumstances, the results are such that a few expected to see".

"We have halted the wave of recognitions at a relatively modest level, and did everything for the [ICJ] process that begins on December 1 to be in the focus of the international public as much as possible. All the while, peace and stability in the province has been preserved, while energy and time dedicated to this problem has clearly not been at the expense of realizing other foreign policy priorities: Serbia's European path and stabilization of the regional circumstances," he told the weekly.

Jeremić also said that Serbia's relations with neighbors could be far better than they are now, and that "some neighbors' decision to directly endanger the territorial integrity of Serbia by recognizing Kosovo" did not contribute to the good relations that Serbia strives toward.

The forthcoming debate at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), over the legality of the Kosovo Albanian unilateral independence declaration, is "significantly narrowing the space for possible political pressure on the court, which happened in the past," he added.

"We wish to see a solution reached at the end of this process that is acceptable to all sides, that will enable for a lasting peace and stability in the Balkan region, which without a doubt represents one of the most important preconditions for the joint strategic goal, and that is integration into the EU."

Jeremić also commented on the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, to say that Serbia "has neither the capacity nor desire to twist the arm of any of its neighbors". Belgrade instead has clear interest, he continued, in the circumstances in Bosnia to stabilize.

"Certain reforms are likely needed in Bosnia. Which reforms those are, I think the neighbors know it best… What we can and wish to do is to encourage all sides to reach a compromise, presenting what we believe should be our joint vision, and that is a stable Balkans integrated into the EU," concluded the Serbian foreign minister.