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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia firmly determined to become EU member as soon as possible

Oslo, 24 August 2007

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic said today in Oslo that Serbia is firmly determined to become a member of the EU as soon as possible, and warned that imposing independence of Kosovo-Metohija could jeopardize everything that Serbia has achieved since 2002 in democratisation and reforms.

File photo of Vuk Jeremic

Author: Tanjug

Holding a lecture in the Norwegian Institute for International Affairs, Jeremic said that undoing the progress made would have negative consequences upon the entire region since only Serbia’s success can guarantee progress in the West Balkans.

When it comes to the issue of the future status of Kosovo-Metohija, Belgrade’s position is that a solution should be found which is acceptable for both sides and which could make it possible to work on reaching the joint aim, which is EU membership, said Minister Jeremic.

He explained that such a solution implies respect of Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, while Kosovo Albanians should be able to realise their legitimate demands for substantial autonomy.

According to Jeremic, both sides must be ready to make compromises, and Serbia is convinced that a solution based on compromise is the only viable solution which could lead to stability.

Speaking on the upcoming new phase of negotiations on Kosovo-Metohija, Jeremic expressed satisfaction that he can convey a certain degree of cautious optimism.

The beginning of new negotiations on the future status of Kosovo-Metohija shows that the Contact Group and the international community intend to make serious efforts in the process which will be of a different nature than the one led by Martti Ahtisaari, said Jeremic.

He added that the decision on new negotiations also shows that there is better understanding of the complexity and sensitivity of the situation, and that there is more willingness to reach a solution which would not be a destabilising precedent.

Such a precedent would not harm just the West Balkans, but could lead to escalation of existing, the activation of frozen and creation of new conflicts throughout the world, said Jeremic and added that Serbia is ready to reach long lasting peace and stability and absolutely rejects any use or threat of violence.

Jeremic said that Belgrade and Pristina agree that the status quo cannot continue endlessly. He added that the search for a solution for the future status of Kosovo-Metohija will be quicker if artificial deadlines are avoided.

If artificial deadlines are not set, both sides will be obliged to work together as partners and find a European solution, said the Minister adding that time limits cannot be set in the process of reaching peace.

Minister Jeremic also said that Serbia and Norway are geographically on opposite ends of Europe and on completely different levels of economic development, but do have a lot in common.

Norway is Serbia’s old friend, and Serbia appreciates and is grateful for Norway’s generosity, understanding, support and strategic investments, said the Minister and expressed the wish that other companies besides Telenor soon begin to invest in Serbia.

Following the lecture at the Norwegian Institute for International Affairs, Jeremic will meet with Norwegian Minister of Defence Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen and Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Main subjects of talks with Norwegian officials will be issues related to Kosovo-Metohija, Serbia’s association with Euro-Atlantic organizations, cooperation with The Hague tribunal and improving bilateral relations.