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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia ready to accept continuation of substantial, fair negotiations on Kosovo-Metohija

Belgrade, 5 July 2007

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs stated today that Serbia is ready to accept a continuation of talks on Kosovo-Metohija’s future status even if they are limited in time, but only if the talks are substantial and fair and if the outcome is not prejudiced.

Vuk Jeremic

Author: Tanjug

In an interview for today’s edition of the Blic daily, Jeremic stressed that though it is not good to impose time limits on the talks, it is far more important that the talks are open and fair. He also added that the Serbian side is ready to compromise regarding the length of the talks but only if they are substantial.

The Serbian government’s official web site gives excerpts of the interview.

Is Serbia counting on the EU to push forward the idea of the continuation of talks?

What we are counting on is that all participants in this process will see the light and avoid any unilateral steps. It is of key importance that as many EU countries as possible support the idea of continuing the negotiations. I do not expect that the EU negotiates the future status, since the talks can be held only under UN auspices, but the Union should play an important role because the future of the entire Western Balkan is in the EU.

Influence of Russian and American positions on the future process:

The fact that there is currently no consensus means that we cannot expect any resolution to be adopted by the Security Council, therefore there are only two possible courses the situation may take: to seek a solution which will get the support of the UN Security Council or to resort to unilateral steps which would be extremely perilous, both for our region and other regions in the world.

What would Serbia’s relations with certain states be like if they simply recognise the province’s independence?

If any country decides to bring down Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty through a unilateral act, we would have to rethink the quality and contents of our bilateral relations with that country. We will pay special attention to the behaviour of our neighbours, should it come to that, because they have special responsibility when it comes to preserving peace and stability in the region.

What does that actually mean?

I would not list any concrete moves since it would not be tactically wise for our country. In any case, Serbia would have to reconsider those relations and react, but it must be clear that our country cannot lead itself into isolation again.

If it comes to Kosovo-Metohija’s independence, would that affect Serbia’s road towards the EU?

The decision on the status of Kosovo-Metohija is not related with Serbia’s further EU integration process.

As for the Serbian government’s projections about Serbia becoming an EU candidate country by December 15, 2008:

It is a pretty realistic projection that we will conclude the talks on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement by the year’s end. The following year will be a year of serious challenges regarding reforms, that is, our readiness to fulfil all obligations from the Agreement. I am convinced that by end-2008 we can make adequate reformist efforts which will help the UE decide to make Serbia its candidate country. It is a highly ambitious plan and I believe we will succeed init.

Completion of cooperation with the Hague tribunal as the first sign of such expectations being realistic:

It is of greatest importance that there is absolute political readiness on behalf of Serbian authorities which will lead to adequate and transparent security activities to show that Serbia is really doing all that it can to conclude cooperation with The Hague. That will be the main criterion for the EU’s decision on whether to sign the agreement. Cooperation with the Tribunal must be full and concluded.

Will Serbia appoint ambassadors to countries currently without Serbian ambassadors?

That question will be resolved very soon. Meanwhile the intensity and quality of our relations with all countries where due to circumstances we have no ambassadors is on a high level. An ambassador must be appointed in Podgorica, which is of vital importance for our future diplomatic network, and somebody who can really represent Serbia’s interests in the best possible manner should go there.

New members in diplomatic staff:

The priority is to have new quality personnel in diplomacy who are able to meet the diplomatic challenges posed by the 21st century since today successful diplomats are more of lobbyists than diplomats in the classical sense. I have already reached agreement with the foreign ministers of Sweden, Russia, Greece, Italy and Germany that our young diplomats receive education in the diplomatic academies of these countries.