BELGRADE -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ha said that "it is clear there are numerous obstacles" along the way to Serbia's potential EU membership.
"Either EU or Russia" choice is false - Russian FM
BELGRADE -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ha said that "it is clear there are numerous obstacles" along the way to Serbia's potential EU membership.
Source: Tanjug, Horizons
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Lavrov then asked "to what extent can the European Union - growing weary of its own enlargement - take all these aspects into account, and to what extent can it show patience and tact?"
"The Kosovo problem remains a serious challenge, since Pristina’s patrons view Serbia’s recognition of Kosovo statehood as the 'price of admission' to the EU. Belgrade should make independent decisions on all these aspects," he added.
Mentioning as an example of "building productive, future-oriented relations" the intense development of Russian-Serbian cooperation, he said it has by now "grown into a strategic partnership."
"President Putin’s October 16, 2014 visit to Belgrade was the occasion to reach new agreements. Once again, total coincidence or similarity of our approaches to the agenda under discussion was manifest. The profound and durable nature of the historical ties between the peoples of our two countries was reaffirmed by the official visit of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to Serbia, which took place a month later, on November 14 to 16, 2014," the Russian foreign minister noted, and added:
"In this regard, I would like to comment on increasing attempts to impose on Belgrade the false choice of opting for either the EU or Russia. We proceed from the fact that Serbia is a sovereign state pursuing an independent foreign policy, including in respect to the European integration."
"The choice to which Serbian leaders refer means both EU membership and maintaining relations of friendship and cooperation with Russia. This is a sovereign choice which deserves respect. It is based on the opinion of the majority of Serbia’s citizens, and fully meets the country’s political and economic interests," Lavrov wrote.
He remarked that his country "has said candidly to our partners - in both Serbia and the EU - that, as a matter of principle, Belgrade’s advancement towards European integration is not rejected on the premise that this must not undermine Russian-Serbian relations and our joint projects - all the more so since they constitute no threat to Brussels."
Describing the ties between Russia and Serbia as "centuries-long traditions of our peoples’ kinship, deep mutual feelings of friendship, understanding and trust," Lavrov said:
"We call on our partners in Brussels to behave adequately, and to avoid linking progress in the accession negotiations to breaking Serbia’s natural bonds with Russia. Rather, we believe that respectful dialogue and constructive cooperation involving all stakeholders, including contacts between Moscow and Brussels, would help eliminate unnecessary tension, whilst ensuring that Serbia’s EU integration process is beneficial for everyone. Should this approach prevail, rather than being perceived as an apple of discord, Serbia could become a bridge linking the West and the East of our continent."
But the precedent was started by the West, not Russia. So every time Putin mentions Kosovo-Metohija in regards to Crimea, he says how can the West express outrage over that given their past dirty doings in the Balkans.
Kosovo was in 1999. Russia supported separatists in the Caucuses and Moldova in the early 90's. As usual, your facts are off.
(LK, 29 January 2015 15:35)
Why is Russia supporting separatists in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia? It's kinda hard to support Serbia in regards to Kosovo when Russia is actively supporting separatism in Europe and Caucuses.
(LK, 28 January 2015 21:57)
Not really. Russia acting this way points out the Wests' hypocrisy over the issue of territorial integrity. How can it be okay to dismember one country but support the sovereignty of another? On its own, Russia is acting hypocritical as well. But the precedent was started by the West, not Russia. So every time Putin mentions Kosovo-Metohija in regards to Crimea, he says how can the West express outrage over that given their past dirty doings in the Balkans.
All Serbia needs from Russia anyway is the veto to keep the Albanians from a seat at the UN. That's all that matters. How Russia justifies supporting Serbia's integrity and not Ukraine's is Russia's concern. So far, they have shown no sign of letting up and that's what's important for Serbia.
(Ari Gold, 29 January 2015 08:57)
Srbija nasa Mila Majka, Rusi nasa Mila Braca i nas Bozi Otac na Nebesima! Ruski i Srpski Narod Jedna Vera, Jedan Ljezik i Jedna Krv! ... (Dragoljub Djurkovic, 28 January 2015 20:14)
Just , you know, a few points that needed mentioning :)
1. Jedan Ljezik (one language) ummm,,,yea not so much. Actually 2 very different languges.Just saying :)
2.Jedna Krv (same blood) .well actually Einstein wrong again. Newsflash genius, if you are actualy Serbian you probably have more genetically similarly chracterisitcs to Croats or Bosnians or Albaians than the typical Russian.(this is science and I know this scares you but, you know - lifes tough!)
Id suggets you do more reading (which ironically leads me to my final point)...
3. your such a big proud Serbian - you write in Latin (not sure the Ruskies will like that considering you think you speak the same language and all).
Your probably the typical Serb nationalist:
you dont live in Serbia
You live in the west
You have never been to kosovo
You cant read or write Cyrilic
You have never read anyone elses history
You have never studued science
Every one else is conspiring against you
You are a chosen race by God
Everyone else is satan and evil
Two words genius - GROW UP!
(truthiness, 29 January 2015 07:24)
Why is Russia supporting separatists in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia? It's kinda hard to support Serbia in regards to Kosovo when Russia is actively supporting separatism in Europe and Caucuses.
(LK, 28 January 2015 21:57)
Srbija nasa Mila Majka, Rusi nasa Mila Braca i nas Bozi Otac na Nebesima! Ruski i Srpski Narod Jedna Vera, Jedan Ljezik i Jedna Krv! Srbin nikad nesmije da zaboravi ni da oprosti zloban Zapad sto je poslao Vraga da nasu Srpsku Pravoslavnu Krv proliva i nase Svete i Mile Zemlje da otima! Neka svakom Pravoslavnom narodu na Svetu ostane datom 24-03-1999 na pamet kad je zloban Zapad poslao Vraga da tuce nas Srpski Bozi Narod! Zivila Srbija i Rusija i sav Pravoslavni Narod na Svetu. Vostani Serbije Davno Si Zaspala, U Mraku Lezala, Sada Se Probudi. Boze Pravde, Gospodi Pomiluj!
(Dragoljub Djurkovic, 28 January 2015 20:14)
Srbija nasa Mila Majka, Rusi nasa Mila Braca i nas Bozi Otac na Nebesima! Ruski i Srpski Narod Jedna Vera, Jedan Ljezik i Jedna Krv! Srbin nikad nesmije da zaboravi ni da oprosti zloban Zapad sto je poslao Vraga da nasu Srpsku Pravoslavnu Krv proliva i nase Svete i Mile Zemlje da otima! Neka svakom Pravoslavnom narodu na Svetu ostane datom 24-03-1999 na pamet kad je zloban Zapad poslao Vraga da tuce nas Srpski Bozi Narod! Zivila Srbija i Rusija i sav Pravoslavni Narod na Svetu. Vostani Serbije Davno Si Zaspala, U Mraku Lezala, Sada Se Probudi. Boze Pravde, Gospodi Pomiluj!
(Dragoljub Djurkovic, 28 January 2015 20:14)
Why is Russia supporting separatists in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia? It's kinda hard to support Serbia in regards to Kosovo when Russia is actively supporting separatism in Europe and Caucuses.
(LK, 28 January 2015 21:57)
Srbija nasa Mila Majka, Rusi nasa Mila Braca i nas Bozi Otac na Nebesima! Ruski i Srpski Narod Jedna Vera, Jedan Ljezik i Jedna Krv! ... (Dragoljub Djurkovic, 28 January 2015 20:14)
Just , you know, a few points that needed mentioning :)
1. Jedan Ljezik (one language) ummm,,,yea not so much. Actually 2 very different languges.Just saying :)
2.Jedna Krv (same blood) .well actually Einstein wrong again. Newsflash genius, if you are actualy Serbian you probably have more genetically similarly chracterisitcs to Croats or Bosnians or Albaians than the typical Russian.(this is science and I know this scares you but, you know - lifes tough!)
Id suggets you do more reading (which ironically leads me to my final point)...
3. your such a big proud Serbian - you write in Latin (not sure the Ruskies will like that considering you think you speak the same language and all).
Your probably the typical Serb nationalist:
you dont live in Serbia
You live in the west
You have never been to kosovo
You cant read or write Cyrilic
You have never read anyone elses history
You have never studued science
Every one else is conspiring against you
You are a chosen race by God
Everyone else is satan and evil
Two words genius - GROW UP!
(truthiness, 29 January 2015 07:24)
Why is Russia supporting separatists in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia? It's kinda hard to support Serbia in regards to Kosovo when Russia is actively supporting separatism in Europe and Caucuses.
(LK, 28 January 2015 21:57)
Not really. Russia acting this way points out the Wests' hypocrisy over the issue of territorial integrity. How can it be okay to dismember one country but support the sovereignty of another? On its own, Russia is acting hypocritical as well. But the precedent was started by the West, not Russia. So every time Putin mentions Kosovo-Metohija in regards to Crimea, he says how can the West express outrage over that given their past dirty doings in the Balkans.
All Serbia needs from Russia anyway is the veto to keep the Albanians from a seat at the UN. That's all that matters. How Russia justifies supporting Serbia's integrity and not Ukraine's is Russia's concern. So far, they have shown no sign of letting up and that's what's important for Serbia.
(Ari Gold, 29 January 2015 08:57)
But the precedent was started by the West, not Russia. So every time Putin mentions Kosovo-Metohija in regards to Crimea, he says how can the West express outrage over that given their past dirty doings in the Balkans.
Kosovo was in 1999. Russia supported separatists in the Caucuses and Moldova in the early 90's. As usual, your facts are off.
(LK, 29 January 2015 15:35)
Why is Russia supporting separatists in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia? It's kinda hard to support Serbia in regards to Kosovo when Russia is actively supporting separatism in Europe and Caucuses.
(LK, 28 January 2015 21:57)
Srbija nasa Mila Majka, Rusi nasa Mila Braca i nas Bozi Otac na Nebesima! Ruski i Srpski Narod Jedna Vera, Jedan Ljezik i Jedna Krv! ... (Dragoljub Djurkovic, 28 January 2015 20:14)
Just , you know, a few points that needed mentioning :)
1. Jedan Ljezik (one language) ummm,,,yea not so much. Actually 2 very different languges.Just saying :)
2.Jedna Krv (same blood) .well actually Einstein wrong again. Newsflash genius, if you are actualy Serbian you probably have more genetically similarly chracterisitcs to Croats or Bosnians or Albaians than the typical Russian.(this is science and I know this scares you but, you know - lifes tough!)
Id suggets you do more reading (which ironically leads me to my final point)...
3. your such a big proud Serbian - you write in Latin (not sure the Ruskies will like that considering you think you speak the same language and all).
Your probably the typical Serb nationalist:
you dont live in Serbia
You live in the west
You have never been to kosovo
You cant read or write Cyrilic
You have never read anyone elses history
You have never studued science
Every one else is conspiring against you
You are a chosen race by God
Everyone else is satan and evil
Two words genius - GROW UP!
(truthiness, 29 January 2015 07:24)
Srbija nasa Mila Majka, Rusi nasa Mila Braca i nas Bozi Otac na Nebesima! Ruski i Srpski Narod Jedna Vera, Jedan Ljezik i Jedna Krv! Srbin nikad nesmije da zaboravi ni da oprosti zloban Zapad sto je poslao Vraga da nasu Srpsku Pravoslavnu Krv proliva i nase Svete i Mile Zemlje da otima! Neka svakom Pravoslavnom narodu na Svetu ostane datom 24-03-1999 na pamet kad je zloban Zapad poslao Vraga da tuce nas Srpski Bozi Narod! Zivila Srbija i Rusija i sav Pravoslavni Narod na Svetu. Vostani Serbije Davno Si Zaspala, U Mraku Lezala, Sada Se Probudi. Boze Pravde, Gospodi Pomiluj!
(Dragoljub Djurkovic, 28 January 2015 20:14)
Why is Russia supporting separatists in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia? It's kinda hard to support Serbia in regards to Kosovo when Russia is actively supporting separatism in Europe and Caucuses.
(LK, 28 January 2015 21:57)
Not really. Russia acting this way points out the Wests' hypocrisy over the issue of territorial integrity. How can it be okay to dismember one country but support the sovereignty of another? On its own, Russia is acting hypocritical as well. But the precedent was started by the West, not Russia. So every time Putin mentions Kosovo-Metohija in regards to Crimea, he says how can the West express outrage over that given their past dirty doings in the Balkans.
All Serbia needs from Russia anyway is the veto to keep the Albanians from a seat at the UN. That's all that matters. How Russia justifies supporting Serbia's integrity and not Ukraine's is Russia's concern. So far, they have shown no sign of letting up and that's what's important for Serbia.
(Ari Gold, 29 January 2015 08:57)
But the precedent was started by the West, not Russia. So every time Putin mentions Kosovo-Metohija in regards to Crimea, he says how can the West express outrage over that given their past dirty doings in the Balkans.
Kosovo was in 1999. Russia supported separatists in the Caucuses and Moldova in the early 90's. As usual, your facts are off.
(LK, 29 January 2015 15:35)