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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Solution for Kosovo must provide peace and stability in the Balkans

Belgrade, 24 October 2007

Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said today that Serbia advocates a compromise solution for the future status of Kosovo-Metohija that will be acceptable for both Belgrade and Pristina and will be within the scope of international law.

Dimitrij Rupel, left, and Vuk Jeremic

Author: Fonet

Speaking at a joint press conference with Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel held after their meeting, Jeremic said that only such a solution would enable integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union.

For that reason it is very important that Ljubljana and Belgrade see the process of Serbia's stabilisation and EU association and the process of resolution of Kosovo status as two separate political processes. The Minister said that the status was the subject of the meeting of delegations of Belgrade and Pristina, held on October 22 in Vienna and added that at the next meeting in Vienna, 14 items proposed by the mediating troika will be discussed.

Jeremic said that Kosovo problem must be resolved in such a way as to secure peace and stability in the Balkans. Jeremic voiced hope that Serbia will obtain EU candidate status during Slovenia's six-month presidency.

He welcomed the initiative by Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa presented in the European Commission to give Serbia candidate status shortly.

Rupel said that after December 10 Slovenia will not make any unilateral moves regarding Kosovo and that it will adjust its position to that of other EU member states.

Rupel voiced hope that during Slovenia's EU Presidency Serbia will not only sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, but also obtain EU candidate status. According to Rupel, before that, Serbia has to realise full cooperation with the Hague tribunal and the EU has to define what full cooperation means. At meetings in Brussels Slovenia insists that the EU is the one that should define what full cooperation with the Hague tribunal means, Rupel said and added that Ljubljana believes that the Serbian government is working hard on that issue and that Slovenia is ready to challenge anyone who claims the contrary.