BERLIN -- Germany will support Serbia on its path to the EU but will not relax its requirements on that road, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Monday.
BERLIN -- Germany will support Serbia on its path to the EU but will not relax its requirements on that road, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Monday.
Source: Tanjug
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"It is important that the policies pursued be constructive in order to preserve peace and care must be taken to ensure that foreign and home agendas are in line with each other as the people are those who need to support the road to the EU, which is full of challenges. I assure you that we want to be a partner in handling these challenges. We will indeed be a partner, but a demanding one, too, who will support you in overcoming the challenges, but without relaxing the requirements," he said, and added:
"Prime Minister Vučić is aware that it is the only way and that there cannot be any concessions in this process, either when it comes to normalizing relations with Pristina on in terms of the rule of law and democratic governance, and it is not that the German side may wish to frustrate the process, but rather that we want the process to succeed."
Only hard work leads to success, and Vučić said that he was ready to go down that road, Steinmeier stated.
Serbia needs to implement reforms not because of the EU, but rather for its own sake, said Steinmeier, stressing that the fact that Vučić had his political fate tied to reforms commanded respect.
He pointed out that the history and relations between the two countries were marked by "a complex legacy," recalling that "100 years since the beginning of the World War One had been marked two days before and 15 years since the end of the Kosovo conflict two weeks before."
"The building hosting today’s event used to be home to the premises of the Yugoslav diplomatic mission, and in 1940 and 1941, its envoy was Nobel Prize laureate Ivo Andrić, whose study room Prime Minister Vučić and I visited today," said Steinmeier.
"Andrić was not only a Nobel Prize winner, but also the last Yugoslav envoy before and during World War Two, at a time when Germany brought war and misfortune upon the world," he added.
"We do not live in those years, but rather in the year 2014, whose beginning saw the EU opening negotiations with Serbia, which is of tremendous importance considering the history of relations," he said.
"Serbia is returning home to the heart of Europe. Seen within the context of the history we speak of, especially the 1990's, we can get a glimpse of how far Serbia has traveled over the years," Steinmeier said, observing that former Serbian PM Zoran Đinšić had made a big step in that direction.
Serbia has done much over the past two years, reaching a historic agreement with Pristina, and Prime Minister Vučić will certainly help carry it out and ensure further steps to normalize relations.
Serbia has also made improvements in relations with all its neighbors, and also showed support for Bosnia-Herzegovina as a state, said Steinmeier.
Vučić stressed that Serbia "wants to be a full-fledged member of the EU and it was aware that it had to introduce a lot of changes and make a lot of progress in various spheres of life."
Serbia, stresses the prime minister, wants to reach EU standards, change the things that have not been good and become closely related to Germany and Austria, something that was not the case in the past, to Serbia’s detriment.
“I hope that by fostering an honest relationship with the incomparably larger and more significant partner (Germany) we will succeed in securing for ourselves a place as future partner in the community of European nations. Serbia will be a reliable partner and it will put its thoughts into words, move from words to action and implement what it signs,” said Vučić.
He expressed satisfaction that Serbia had become Germany’s most significant economic partner in the Western Balkans, overtaking Croatia by figures, both for the first time.
“We want to finish drafting all the important systemic laws before the end of July, so that we can go ahead with fiscal consolidation and reducing the deficit caused by unjustified increases in salaries and pensions. We are determined to do it, no matter how hard it may seem,” said Vučić.
Hey there uros,
Sounds like I stuck a nerve there, by your post?
Anyway, you know this issue needs to be resolved ASAP, we can't go at it forever! So now you need to get accustom in dealing with us day in & day out, we are going to be at every Serbian corner, at every Serbian cafe, night club, sporting event, social gatherings, your dinner tables, be here at b92 & all other Serbian news sights, were going to be at your TVs, in your newspapers, heck, in every aspect of Serbian life! And when it comes to recognition of Kosova by Serbia it's basically there, it just hasn't been verbally said yet, and I look at it as a good thing? It gives my side the time to intertwine with your kind, sitting at the same table at meetings, international events, and all this knowing that account to absolutely 0 when it comes to Kosova & her internal issues! You fail to forget, my Kosova has been recognized by over 105 country's, some of which are the most powerful this world has ever seen, and you actually think we care about Serbia's recognition? Your leaders will eventually cave in, it's just a matter if time! Oh, you most likely are going to witness it yourself uros, so you should be prepared mentally!!!
(Rocky, 1 July 2014 14:58)
The only thing left for Serbia to do on Kosovo is to remove it from the constitution. It's very stridently trying to get Kosovo into all organizations for countries.
(Brian, 1 July 2014 06:42)
The fact you went through all that trouble to write that lengthy 'advice', goes to show the only true recognition that's important for you Albanians, is from Serbia...….. and you ain't ever gonna get, therefore, you guys will truly never consciously feel independent and will forever be bothered and complain on these forums. I mean if it was truly a dead issue and Kosovo was truly independent, you and other Albanians wouldn't be searching out B92 all the time to post....correct? Yes, very correct:)
"A complex legacy". Well, well now. The Serbs beat you in two wars and that's what's still eating you inside, isn't it? Little, unimportant Balkan nation that broke your back in the WWI and kept German forces engaged in Serbia in the War World II so you were not able to reach the oil fields in the MidEast in time?
(Sarah, 30 June 2014 21:09)
An excellent way of letting Serbia know that this process of becoming a EU member will require deeds and not just words, commitment by Serbia that insures peace & stability in the Balkan region of southern Europe, both short term & more importantly long term!!! Assurances by Serbia, that she will not pose and pursue policies that imply a aggressive threats towards any of her neighboring country's, and yes again, this also goes for the Republic of Kosova as well!!! Its really not hard for any radicals in Serbia to swallow, just look at Kosovas population, its inhabited by a 95%+ Albanian population ( APP 1.8 MILLION) a population that was nearly exterminated by a radical Serbia of the 1990s, does Serbia truly believe that she will again be allowed to enter or govern Kosova again? The answer is never!!! Serbia, should be focused on how to better the lives of what remains of Serbia, as the possibility of Serbia further disintegrating truly exists, you have the Vojvodina issue, and then you have the Preshevo issue, that still are in terms of stability questionable??? Serbia should be looking to brighten her future, she should leave behind the dark past, strip off the veil of evil in which her former leaders successfully endowed her in! Just some friendly neighbor to neighbor advise, hope you make the right choice Serbia?
(rocky, 30 June 2014 20:47)
"A complex legacy". Well, well now. The Serbs beat you in two wars and that's what's still eating you inside, isn't it? Little, unimportant Balkan nation that broke your back in the WWI and kept German forces engaged in Serbia in the War World II so you were not able to reach the oil fields in the MidEast in time?
(Sarah, 30 June 2014 21:09)
An excellent way of letting Serbia know that this process of becoming a EU member will require deeds and not just words, commitment by Serbia that insures peace & stability in the Balkan region of southern Europe, both short term & more importantly long term!!! Assurances by Serbia, that she will not pose and pursue policies that imply a aggressive threats towards any of her neighboring country's, and yes again, this also goes for the Republic of Kosova as well!!! Its really not hard for any radicals in Serbia to swallow, just look at Kosovas population, its inhabited by a 95%+ Albanian population ( APP 1.8 MILLION) a population that was nearly exterminated by a radical Serbia of the 1990s, does Serbia truly believe that she will again be allowed to enter or govern Kosova again? The answer is never!!! Serbia, should be focused on how to better the lives of what remains of Serbia, as the possibility of Serbia further disintegrating truly exists, you have the Vojvodina issue, and then you have the Preshevo issue, that still are in terms of stability questionable??? Serbia should be looking to brighten her future, she should leave behind the dark past, strip off the veil of evil in which her former leaders successfully endowed her in! Just some friendly neighbor to neighbor advise, hope you make the right choice Serbia?
(rocky, 30 June 2014 20:47)
The fact you went through all that trouble to write that lengthy 'advice', goes to show the only true recognition that's important for you Albanians, is from Serbia...….. and you ain't ever gonna get, therefore, you guys will truly never consciously feel independent and will forever be bothered and complain on these forums. I mean if it was truly a dead issue and Kosovo was truly independent, you and other Albanians wouldn't be searching out B92 all the time to post....correct? Yes, very correct:)
Hey there uros,
Sounds like I stuck a nerve there, by your post?
Anyway, you know this issue needs to be resolved ASAP, we can't go at it forever! So now you need to get accustom in dealing with us day in & day out, we are going to be at every Serbian corner, at every Serbian cafe, night club, sporting event, social gatherings, your dinner tables, be here at b92 & all other Serbian news sights, were going to be at your TVs, in your newspapers, heck, in every aspect of Serbian life! And when it comes to recognition of Kosova by Serbia it's basically there, it just hasn't been verbally said yet, and I look at it as a good thing? It gives my side the time to intertwine with your kind, sitting at the same table at meetings, international events, and all this knowing that account to absolutely 0 when it comes to Kosova & her internal issues! You fail to forget, my Kosova has been recognized by over 105 country's, some of which are the most powerful this world has ever seen, and you actually think we care about Serbia's recognition? Your leaders will eventually cave in, it's just a matter if time! Oh, you most likely are going to witness it yourself uros, so you should be prepared mentally!!!
(Rocky, 1 July 2014 14:58)
The only thing left for Serbia to do on Kosovo is to remove it from the constitution. It's very stridently trying to get Kosovo into all organizations for countries.
(Brian, 1 July 2014 06:42)
An excellent way of letting Serbia know that this process of becoming a EU member will require deeds and not just words, commitment by Serbia that insures peace & stability in the Balkan region of southern Europe, both short term & more importantly long term!!! Assurances by Serbia, that she will not pose and pursue policies that imply a aggressive threats towards any of her neighboring country's, and yes again, this also goes for the Republic of Kosova as well!!! Its really not hard for any radicals in Serbia to swallow, just look at Kosovas population, its inhabited by a 95%+ Albanian population ( APP 1.8 MILLION) a population that was nearly exterminated by a radical Serbia of the 1990s, does Serbia truly believe that she will again be allowed to enter or govern Kosova again? The answer is never!!! Serbia, should be focused on how to better the lives of what remains of Serbia, as the possibility of Serbia further disintegrating truly exists, you have the Vojvodina issue, and then you have the Preshevo issue, that still are in terms of stability questionable??? Serbia should be looking to brighten her future, she should leave behind the dark past, strip off the veil of evil in which her former leaders successfully endowed her in! Just some friendly neighbor to neighbor advise, hope you make the right choice Serbia?
(rocky, 30 June 2014 20:47)
"A complex legacy". Well, well now. The Serbs beat you in two wars and that's what's still eating you inside, isn't it? Little, unimportant Balkan nation that broke your back in the WWI and kept German forces engaged in Serbia in the War World II so you were not able to reach the oil fields in the MidEast in time?
(Sarah, 30 June 2014 21:09)
The fact you went through all that trouble to write that lengthy 'advice', goes to show the only true recognition that's important for you Albanians, is from Serbia...….. and you ain't ever gonna get, therefore, you guys will truly never consciously feel independent and will forever be bothered and complain on these forums. I mean if it was truly a dead issue and Kosovo was truly independent, you and other Albanians wouldn't be searching out B92 all the time to post....correct? Yes, very correct:)
The only thing left for Serbia to do on Kosovo is to remove it from the constitution. It's very stridently trying to get Kosovo into all organizations for countries.
(Brian, 1 July 2014 06:42)
Hey there uros,
Sounds like I stuck a nerve there, by your post?
Anyway, you know this issue needs to be resolved ASAP, we can't go at it forever! So now you need to get accustom in dealing with us day in & day out, we are going to be at every Serbian corner, at every Serbian cafe, night club, sporting event, social gatherings, your dinner tables, be here at b92 & all other Serbian news sights, were going to be at your TVs, in your newspapers, heck, in every aspect of Serbian life! And when it comes to recognition of Kosova by Serbia it's basically there, it just hasn't been verbally said yet, and I look at it as a good thing? It gives my side the time to intertwine with your kind, sitting at the same table at meetings, international events, and all this knowing that account to absolutely 0 when it comes to Kosova & her internal issues! You fail to forget, my Kosova has been recognized by over 105 country's, some of which are the most powerful this world has ever seen, and you actually think we care about Serbia's recognition? Your leaders will eventually cave in, it's just a matter if time! Oh, you most likely are going to witness it yourself uros, so you should be prepared mentally!!!
(Rocky, 1 July 2014 14:58)