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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Kostunica outlines Serbia’s clear commitment to Europe

Belgrade/Strasbourg, 2 October 2007

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica stated today, answering questions from European parliamentarians after addressing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, that divisions within Europe concerning the Kosovo issue show the democratic nature of debate which is important to continue in order that a solution in line with European values and international law be achieved.

Europe is split on the issue which speaks of its unity and the necessity for unity on the Kosovo-Metohija issue, said Kostunica. He added that this confirms that European countries, in the spirit of democratic tradition, have a different approach to this problem. There are those that believe in a quick and simple solution involving the break-up of Serbia and those that are aware that this problem can be imported in their respective countries, Kostunica outlined.

According to Kostunica, every country has the right to be protected and have their soverignty respected, just as minorities are not allowed to found their own state on an already existing state’s territory.

The international community does not speak with one voice or in the name of one country or a few countries, said the Prime Minister, answering a question from a parliamentarian from Albania. He reminded that the principle of secession of former Yugoslav republics was set by the Badinter Commission.

In the Kosovo negotiations Serbia will compromise as much as it can, stated Kostunica and expressed his conviction that compromise is possible even though much time was lost in negotiations led by UN Special Envoy Martti Artisaari.

Referring to cooperation with the Hague tribunal, the Prime Minister said that Serbia is seriously working on cooperating with that court and that there are only a few fugitives left.

From that number, only one name is connected with Serbia, whereas Radovan Karadzic’s name is connected with other countries and in the context of a possible deal which he made with the United States, namely Richard Holbrooke, he explained and reiterated that the arrest of former Republika Srpska commander Ratko Mladic is a tecnical problem.

Wars exist in the world about which people ask when they will end, said Kostunica answering a question from a British parliamentarian Lord Russel Johnson, alluding to the participation of Britain in the war in Iraq. The Prime Minister outlined Serbia’s clear commitment to Europe and pointed out that Serbia sees Europe in the wider context that includes Russia.

Kostunica also recalled the words of French President General Charles de Gaule, who spoke of Europe from the Atlantic to the Urals, and pointed out that it is in Serbia’s interest to have good relations with the EU as well as with Russia.

Speaking on the agreement on repatriation of Serbian citizens who have no right of residence in the EU, Kostunica noted that Serbia is about to sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA).

Asked what Serbia will do with nearly 1,000 of its citizens who are illegal immigrants in the EU, he said that Serbia is ready to accept its citizens who wish to return.

The Prime Minister responded to the question of an MP from Macedonia about the dispute between the Serbian Orthodox Church and the unrecognised Macedonian Orthodox Church by saying that he believes that a compromise is possible, but noted that church dignitaries are the ones who should solve this issue with no influence of the state.