Elections "would not slow down EU integration"

BELGRADE The ruling Progressives (SNS) could "in the first ten days of January" decide whether early parliamentary elections will be called, said Zorana Mihajlovic. "The decision as to whether there will be elections will depend on whether we really want reforms in 2014 and how quickly we will do that," the high ranking official of the party, who serves as energy minister, told the Beta news agency. Elections "would not slow down EU integration" Mihajlovic believes that a snap election "cannot slow down Serbia's EU path." The minister accused Srbijagas Director and SNS official Dusan Bajatovic of being "an obstacle to the reform of the public enterprise that is creating losses." She said that "every day that is lost in Srbijagas not being reformed" was costing the state not only money but also "an open opportunity that someone will take over the company for its debts." "I am certain that the government of Serbia, and especially the Ministry of Energy does not want that, because Srbijagas and EPS are two pillars of the energy sector of Serbia and should not be privatized but be a development opportunity along with all infrastructure projects." Mihajlovic announced that in the coming months, Srbijagas would be financially restructured and that "in addition, organizational reform must be done." "This means the existence of two companies which will be joint stock companies owned by the state. One will deal primarily with South Stream, that is, pipelines at high pressure, the second with distribution," she said. Mihajlovic also stressed that there was "no political will for Srbijagas and other public enterprises to reform," and noted that this was "another reason for early elections." (Tanjug, file) Beta

Elections "would not slow down EU integration"

Mihajlović believes that a snap election "cannot slow down Serbia's EU path."

The minister accused Srbijagas Director and SNS official Dušan Bajatović of being "an obstacle to the reform of the public enterprise that is creating losses."

She said that "every day that is lost in Srbijagas not being reformed" was costing the state not only money but also "an open opportunity that someone will take over the company for its debts."

"I am certain that the government of Serbia, and especially the Ministry of Energy does not want that, because Srbijagas and EPS are two pillars of the energy sector of Serbia and should not be privatized but be a development opportunity along with all infrastructure projects."

Mihajlović announced that in the coming months, Srbijagas would be financially restructured and that "in addition, organizational reform must be done."

"This means the existence of two companies which will be joint stock companies owned by the state. One will deal primarily with South Stream, that is, pipelines at high pressure, the second with distribution," she said.

Mihajlović also stressed that there was "no political will for Srbijagas and other public enterprises to reform," and noted that this was "another reason for early elections."