Đelić: EU must turn words into deeds

Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic says that Serbian citizens expect the EU to act in a just manner. In the article for London’s Financial Times, entitled “For the Good of Europe Give Serbia a Chance”, Bozidar Djelic outlines Serbia’s expectations from the EU. Djelic: EU must turn words into deeds "If the ruling coalition, led by President Boris Tadic, is to press on with its ambitious reform agenda, the EU must understand that Serbians expect from it swift and fair actions, but not privileges,” Djelic writes. The deputy prime minister says that the arrest and extradition of Radovan Karadzic shows that the new Serbian government is serious about meeting its international obligations. "It has been often said that deeds, not words, are expected from Serbia. The same can now be said of our European partners," Djelic says. He adds that recent events have shown that the new policy of disciplined partnership between the EU and Serbia is yielding much better results than the old one, based on setting conditions and sanctions. "A fair EU policy towards Serbia must comprise implementation of the SAA followed by candidate status, a visa-free travel regime within the Schengen zone and respect for international law on Kosovo,” the deputy prime minister writes. In his article, Djelic writes that candidate status for Serbia can be obtained towards the end of the French EU presidency or in the next one, under the Czechs, and as further proof of EU commitment, he cites the decision to send back Serbian ambassadors to EU countries that have recognized the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo. "Second, visa-free travel should become a reality over the next 12 months. We must convince people in the west that this move will not endanger them," he states. The minister also calls on all countries to respect international law and order. Djelic emphasizes that Serbia is rightly expected to abide by international law where Hague cooperation is concerned, even though the recent acquittals of Naser Oric and Ramush Haradinaj “justifiably outraged all those who sought justice.” "Serbia expects the rest of the world to respect international law as well on EULEX – the EU Rule of Law Mission – and, more generally, Kosovo. We are starting a wide ranging dialogue with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo to redefine the international presence in Kosovo under a legal, UN authority," Djelic stresses, adding that no sustainable solution for Kosovo can be achieved without Belgrade’s participation. "Debate at the September UN General Assembly, during which a consultative opinion will be asked from the International Court of Justice on the legality of the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo, will be the first steps along that path," the minister states. He repeats that Serbia is ready to provide a crucial contribution to peace and stability in the Balkans, and called on the EU to seize that moment. Djelic concludes his article by saying that "We [Serbia] will do our part, firmly and professionally. Just give Serbia the chance to perform, with clear and fair rules, and we can all share in our success.” Bozidar Djelic (FoNet, archive)

Đelić: EU must turn words into deeds

"If the ruling coalition, led by President Boris Tadić, is to press on with its ambitious reform agenda, the EU must understand that Serbians expect from it swift and fair actions, but not privileges,” Đelić writes.

The deputy prime minister says that the arrest and extradition of Radovan Karadžić shows that the new Serbian government is serious about meeting its international obligations.

"It has been often said that deeds, not words, are expected from Serbia. The same can now be said of our European partners," Đelić says.

He adds that recent events have shown that the new policy of disciplined partnership between the EU and Serbia is yielding much better results than the old one, based on setting conditions and sanctions.

"A fair EU policy towards Serbia must comprise implementation of the SAA followed by candidate status, a visa-free travel regime within the Schengen zone and respect for international law on Kosovo,” the deputy prime minister writes.

In his article, Đelić writes that candidate status for Serbia can be obtained towards the end of the French EU presidency or in the next one, under the Czechs, and as further proof of EU commitment, he cites the decision to send back Serbian ambassadors to EU countries that have recognized the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo.

"Second, visa-free travel should become a reality over the next 12 months. We must convince people in the west that this move will not endanger them," he states.

The minister also calls on all countries to respect international law and order.

Đelić emphasizes that Serbia is rightly expected to abide by international law where Hague cooperation is concerned, even though the recent acquittals of Naser Orić and Ramush Haradinaj “justifiably outraged all those who sought justice.”

"Serbia expects the rest of the world to respect international law as well on EULEX – the EU Rule of Law Mission – and, more generally, Kosovo. We are starting a wide ranging dialogue with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo to redefine the international presence in Kosovo under a legal, UN authority," Đelić stresses, adding that no sustainable solution for Kosovo can be achieved without Belgrade’s participation.

"Debate at the September UN General Assembly, during which a consultative opinion will be asked from the International Court of Justice on the legality of the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo, will be the first steps along that path," the minister states.

He repeats that Serbia is ready to provide a crucial contribution to peace and stability in the Balkans, and called on the EU to seize that moment.

Đelić concludes his article by saying that "We [Serbia] will do our part, firmly and professionally. Just give Serbia the chance to perform, with clear and fair rules, and we can all share in our success.”