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Ratification of Serbian, Russian energy deal strategically important

Belgrade/Moscow, 17 July 2008

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov agreed today that ratification of the Serbian, Russian oil and gas agreement in Serbian parliament will be strategically important for further relations between the two countries.

Vuk Jeremic and Sergei Lavrov

Author: rts.rs

Jeremic said after meeting Lavrov that after ratification of the agreement in parliament, one of the priorities of the new government will be to implement the oil agreement, which will be a crucial element for Serbia’s development because of long-term supply of the region with energy sources.

There is no dilemma that the Serbian government strongly supports this agreement, said Jeremic.

Lavrov said that all agreements made so far between Russia and Serbia will remain in effect, especially those on oil and gas industries cooperation.

He added that the proclamation of Kosovo’s independence is still creating problems both in Kosovo and around it.

According to the Russian Minister, Serbia and Russia are worried about the functioning of the so-far existing legal structures in Kosovo being dismantled and because of new attempts to implement Ahtisaari’s plan.

Moscow and Belgrade accept with full understanding the greater role of the EU in Kosovo, but only in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and through UN institutions, Lavrov said.

He said Moscow will support the solution for Kosovo that is backed by Belgrade, but noted that there is no long-lasting solution without the mutual agreement of both sides and substantial efforts by the UN and international community.

Lavrov said that Russia’s proposal for the continuation of talks is still there.

He also supported Serbia’s intention to ask the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) opinion on Kosovo’s independence.

Jeremic said that Serbia and Russia have the strongest bilateral relations, and greatly appreciated Russia’s unreserved and steadfast support.

He also said that he is realistic about the fact that some influential countries in the Security Council will oppose Serbia’s request before the ICJ, but also optimistic because of Russia’s support.