"Date is certain, question remains which"

BELGRADE It is certain Serbia will get a date to start EU negotiations, the only question is whether it will be October, December or January, says Suzana Grubjesic. The Serbian deputy PM for EU integration told RTS that today was a meeting of the Council for General Affairs and that changes are possible, but that "we can hope there will not be any." "Date is certain, question remains which" "The decision will certainly be positive, the question is whether it will be made today or the 27th and 28th June, when the very top of the EU countries meets. Either way Serbia will begin membership talks. Now the decision is certain and there no one should have any dilemma," said Grubjesic. When asked whether the attitude of the German parliament to begin negotiations with Serbia in January could change something, she said that it cannot change the final decision and the start of negotiations. "The only question is whether it will be October, December or January. The Bundestag will today state its position again... There is no doubt that negotiations with Serbia will begin and will be this famous date will be set," said Grubjesic. She pointed out that it was important for Serbia that a date be scheduled as soon as possible so that "we do not undergo some more checks that some are suggesting." Grubjesic stated that it was proposed that the EU General Affairs Council again decided on Serbia. "We think this is unnecessary, because we did everything we could. We did not get a gift, we've earned it with hard work and effort over the past 11 months. It's just giving Serbia a chance to start the negotiation process," said Grubjesic. She explained how the negotiations with the EU would go. The European Commission, she stated, would prepare negotiating framework, the dynamics of the negotiations and begin insight into reforms. "First Chapters 23 and 24 for the judiciary and the rule of law open. It is important that we made two important strategies for judicial reform and the fight against corruption, so we'll be ready for the opening of two new chapters," said Grubjesic. She added that she thought "we are ready to go into the process of negotiation" and that it will be seen how ready the administration is, "how willing we are to transform Serbia into a modern country." Ministers of the EU will today officially talk about Serbia, and it was envisaged to by noon adopt conclusions that should be adopted at the Brussels summit as well. EU foreign ministers are set to propose the start of negotiations on Serbia's membership. A date when negotiations could begin has not been specified yet. (Beta/AP, file) Tanjug

"Date is certain, question remains which"

"The decision will certainly be positive, the question is whether it will be made today or the 27th and 28th June, when the very top of the EU countries meets. Either way Serbia will begin membership talks. Now the decision is certain and there no one should have any dilemma," said Grubješić.

When asked whether the attitude of the German parliament to begin negotiations with Serbia in January could change something, she said that it cannot change the final decision and the start of negotiations.

"The only question is whether it will be October, December or January. The Bundestag will today state its position again... There is no doubt that negotiations with Serbia will begin and will be this famous date will be set," said Grubješić.

She pointed out that it was important for Serbia that a date be scheduled as soon as possible so that "we do not undergo some more checks that some are suggesting."

Grubješić stated that it was proposed that the EU General Affairs Council again decided on Serbia.

"We think this is unnecessary, because we did everything we could. We did not get a gift, we've earned it with hard work and effort over the past 11 months. It's just giving Serbia a chance to start the negotiation process," said Grubješić.

She explained how the negotiations with the EU would go. The European Commission, she stated, would prepare negotiating framework, the dynamics of the negotiations and begin insight into reforms.

"First Chapters 23 and 24 for the judiciary and the rule of law open. It is important that we made two important strategies for judicial reform and the fight against corruption, so we'll be ready for the opening of two new chapters," said Grubješić.

She added that she thought "we are ready to go into the process of negotiation" and that it will be seen how ready the administration is, "how willing we are to transform Serbia into a modern country."

Ministers of the EU will today officially talk about Serbia, and it was envisaged to by noon adopt conclusions that should be adopted at the Brussels summit as well.

EU foreign ministers are set to propose the start of negotiations on Serbia's membership. A date when negotiations could begin has not been specified yet.