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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Compromise solution to Kosovo precondition for Balkan stability

Belgrade/Rome, 10 June 2008

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic said today in Rome that the solution for the future status of Kosovo-Metohija acceptable for both sides is a precondition for a democratic, stable, safe and prosperous Balkans.

In a round table “Serbia, Balkans, Europe” organised by the Magna Carta Foundation in Rome, Jeremic warned that the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo-Metohija has jeopardised the foundations of regional security and it represents a violation of the basic principles of international law.

He said this is a precedent the consequences of which will be felt globally and recalled that the EU is based on values such as the principle of consensus, respect of law, encouraging compromises and favours.

I suggest that we should make efforts to harmonise our behaviour with the standards of the international system which was built on the foundation of the UN Charter, the Minister said.

According to Jeremic, the UN Charter, Magna Carta from 1215, which is maybe the most important constitutional document in the history of Europe, and the Serbian Dusan Code from 1349 contain the principles under which justice comes first.

Jeremic also stressed that divisions and disagreements need to be overcome and that it is necessary to come up with a European solution as the future status of Kosovo-Metohija is a European challenge.

Our duty is to act in accordance with the law and to strengthen the international system, he said and noted that this will not be an easy task but there is no other way forward.

The Foreign Minister also expressed assurance that in the coming weeks and months everyone will have to take historic steps to get out of the enchanted circle of unilateral actions which needlessly complicated the situation surrounding the southern Serbian province.

Speaking about Serbia’s European future, Jeremic said that the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) on April 29 was very important as it paved the way for Serbia’s future within Europe.

According to Jeremic, Serbia is dedicated to the rule of law and reconciliation in the region, including cooperation with the Hague tribunal.

Serbia is resolute in its intention to locate, arrest and extradite the remaining Hague fugitives who are at large. Cooperation with the Hague tribunal is not only our undisputed duty, but a moral commitment to our neighbours and the whole world, but above all, to ourselves.

The moral dimension of reconciliation is crucial for building a truly European Balkans as it makes it possible for regional stability to strengthen and expand, he said and concluded that the crimes were committed by individuals who acted under false pretences on behalf of their own countries.