Q:
A:
Integration in a European context better than dividing the country
Belgrade,
18 May 2006
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said in an interview with the Düsseldorf daily Handelsblat that he strongly believes that the referendum in Montenegro will result in the survival of Serbia-Montenegro, and in case it is otherwise, there will be no crisis.
"If that really happens, Serbia will respect the results. But Montenegrins have also understood that integration in a European context is better than division," said Kostunica.
Speaking on the issue of Kosovo-Metohija, Kostunica said that in principle the issue is the same as that of Montenegro, but he stressed that here the peace and stability of the entire region is at stake, if the basic principles of territorial integrity are abandoned.
He said that it is clear that ethnic Albanians are not ready to accept the status from 1999 which was forced upon them by Slobodan Milosevic, and Serbs cannot accept the independence of Kosovo-Metohija. He added that the solution will have to be found somewhere in between, which will be according to the European example.
Questioned on the model of a solution for Kosovo-Metohija, Kostunica pointed at the example of Spain which also has regions with special competencies, such as Catalonia, but all of them still belong to one and the same state.
Speaking about Serbia's integration into Europe and the postponement of negotiations on the stabilisation and association agreement (SAA), the Prime Minister voiced hope that the negotiations could be completed by the end of the year.
According to him, the SAA will bring concrete benefits to Serbia before it enters the EU, bearing in mind that the process of getting closer to the EU has definitely begun.
"I know that Europe now needs time to reflect about its own identity, but Serbia is an essential part of Europe, that is perfectly clear to everyone," Kostunica stressed.
Answering the question whether Brussels's decision to call off the negotiations on the SAA with Belgrade due to insufficient cooperation with the Hague tribunal was fair, Kostunica responded that "arresting and handing over Ratko Mladic is Serbia's top priority."
He reiterated that that is not an issue of political will, but of limited technical possibilities, and said that the decision to call off the negotiations was somewhat too hasty.
Kostunica stressed that there are many in Brussels who warn that Serbia should not be put under more pressure.
Speaking on the issue of Kosovo-Metohija, Kostunica said that in principle the issue is the same as that of Montenegro, but he stressed that here the peace and stability of the entire region is at stake, if the basic principles of territorial integrity are abandoned.
He said that it is clear that ethnic Albanians are not ready to accept the status from 1999 which was forced upon them by Slobodan Milosevic, and Serbs cannot accept the independence of Kosovo-Metohija. He added that the solution will have to be found somewhere in between, which will be according to the European example.
Questioned on the model of a solution for Kosovo-Metohija, Kostunica pointed at the example of Spain which also has regions with special competencies, such as Catalonia, but all of them still belong to one and the same state.
Speaking about Serbia's integration into Europe and the postponement of negotiations on the stabilisation and association agreement (SAA), the Prime Minister voiced hope that the negotiations could be completed by the end of the year.
According to him, the SAA will bring concrete benefits to Serbia before it enters the EU, bearing in mind that the process of getting closer to the EU has definitely begun.
"I know that Europe now needs time to reflect about its own identity, but Serbia is an essential part of Europe, that is perfectly clear to everyone," Kostunica stressed.
Answering the question whether Brussels's decision to call off the negotiations on the SAA with Belgrade due to insufficient cooperation with the Hague tribunal was fair, Kostunica responded that "arresting and handing over Ratko Mladic is Serbia's top priority."
He reiterated that that is not an issue of political will, but of limited technical possibilities, and said that the decision to call off the negotiations was somewhat too hasty.
Kostunica stressed that there are many in Brussels who warn that Serbia should not be put under more pressure.
-
Belgrade, 29 October 2024State moves to minimise advertising for betting shops
-
Belgrade/Berlin, 28 January 2016Fences cannot stop migrations
-
Belgrade, 7 January 2016Serbia to experience dynamic economic growth in 2016
-
Belgrade, 31 December 2015Serbia will persevere on path of development, reforms
-
Belgrade, 30 December 2015Ground for Serbia’s progress set
-
Belgrade, 28 December 2015
Serbia ready for improvement of cooperation with Russia
-
Belgrade, 22 December 2015Serbia ready to open six more chapters next year
-
Belgrade, 21 December 2015Serbia to be part of EU by 2020
-
Belgrade, 20 December 2015Serbia ready for EU membership by 2019
-
Belgrade, 16 December 2015Chapter 35 not substitute for Belgrade-Pristina dialogue