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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Consensus on key elements of national policy necessary

Belgrade, 3 September 2008

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic today expressed satisfaction at the fact that debate has begun in parliament on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU and stressed that it is necessary to reach consensus between all parties in parliament concerning all items on the agenda of the current session.

Author: Tanjug

Addressing the press, Djelic said that he is satisfied with the discussion, during which familiar arguments and opinions were heard, adding that there was some progress regarding the stance taken by certain parties.

He confirmed that the government is examining an amendment that was presented by the Serbian Radical Party. He said that he expects that consensus will be reached on other items on the agenda; the energy agreement with Russia, several international loan arrangements and the proposed resolution on the continuity of state policy towards Kosovo-Metohija.

These are four key elements on which the country must work during the years to come, said Djelic and explained that this does not mean that the government and opposition must agree on everything, but it is very important that at this geo-politically and economically crucial moment Serbia shows as much unity as possible regarding main elements of the national policy.

The Serbian Deputy Prime Minister said that satisfaction was expressed in Brussels over the fact that the Serbian parliament has resumed work, and it is very likely that the SAA will be ratified prior to the upcoming EU summit on September 15.

He added that it is a positive sign that President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso has given full support to Serbia and stated that the EU must do the same and respect and treat Serbia as a partner, because, according to him partnership with Serbia produces better results than the policy of setting conditions.

Djelic recalled that during this year Europe has shown willingness to establish relations based on partnership with Serbia, which is proved by continuation of the dialogue on liberalisation of the visa regime and signing of the SAA.

He said that ratification of the SAA will strengthen Serbia and stressed that only a strong Serbia, integrated into international forums can influence the formation of its own future.