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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia expects EU to act justly

Belgrade/London, 4 August 2008

Today’s edition of the Financial Times, the most influential global daily, features an article written by Serbian Deputy Prime Minister in charge of EU integration Bozidar Djelic titled “For the good of Europe, give Serbia a chance”, the first article by a Serbian official published in this paper.

Bozidar Djelic

Djelic stressed in the article that Serbian citizens expect the EU to act swiftly and justly, and not to simply grant benefits, so that the ruling coalition might achieve its ambitious reform plan.

He said Radovan Karadzic’s arrest and extradition show how serious the government is when it comes to fulfilling international obligations, adding that it was often said that everyone expects actions and not words from Serbia, and now the same can be said for Serbia’s European partners.

These results show that a policy of disciplined partnership between Serbia and the EU yields much better results than the previous policy based on imposing conditions and sanctions, he said.

A just policy between Serbia and the EU includes implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, followed by EU candidate status, visa-free travel in Schengen countries and respect of international law in the case of Kosovo, said Djelic.

He stressed that Serbia can acquire EU candidate status at the end of the French presidency or immediately afterwards, and the proof of Serbia’s commitment to the EU road is the fact that it returned ambassadors to countries from which they were withdrawn after the recognition of Kosovo’s independence.

Visa-free travel will become a reality over the next 12 months. We must convince the public in the West that this move will not endanger them in any way, he stressed.

Djelic, who is also Minister of Science and Technological Development, called upon all EU members to respect international law and order.

Serbia is rightfully expected to adhere to that when it comes to cooperating with the Hague Tribunal, despite the fact that recent acquittals of Naser Oric and Ramus Haradinaj enraged all those who seek justice, he added.

Serbia expects the international community to respect international law, including the issues of EULEX, the EU mission, and Kosovo. We began a comprehensive dialogue with UNMIK in order to redefine the international presence in the province on a legal basis, recalled Djelic and added that a sustainable solution to Kosovo cannot be attained without Belgrade’s full participation.

According to him, the first step on that road will be the debate at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, at which the International Court of Justice will be asked for a consultative opinion on the unilateral proclamation of independence by Kosovo.

Djelic reiterated that Serbia is ready to provide a crucial contribution to peace and stability in the Balkans and invited the EU to allow Serbia to take advantage of the moment.

We will do our part, firmly and professionally. Let us seize this moment. Just give Serbia a chance to perform with clear and fair rules, and we can all share in our success, concluded the Deputy Prime Minister.