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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

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Serbia to formally apply for EU candidacy before year’s end

Belgrade, 12 September 2009

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic today said that Serbia intends to formally apply for EU candidacy before the end of the year, bearing in mind the fact that the numbers of those within the Union opposing this step are decreasing.

Author: Tanjug

Jeremic told the Tanjug news agency that on September 25 Serbia will submit their report to the European Commission regarding the fulfilment of all defined criteria for visa abolishment, voicing his optimism that travelling to Schengen countries without visas will soon become a reality for Serbian citizens.

The Minister said that the next several months will be crucial for Serbia’s European future, adding that it is important that the time Serbia spends unilaterally implementing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU is taken into consideration during the process of acquiring candidacy.

He noted that he discussed this particular issue with Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, adding that his impressions from the meeting are positive. Serbia will continue with constant communication with the Netherlands and hope that the Dutch Foreign Minister will soon visit Belgrade, he said.

We also hope to meet with him during the UN General Assembly and we intend to remain fully engaged with all EU countries, Jeremic stressed. As for the upcoming UN General Assembly, at which Kosovo-Metohija will be discussed, Jeremic said that this will be an opportunity for a diplomatic duel between Belgrade and Pristina.

Judging by the information we are receiving, Pristina has increased its lobbying dynamics recently and has taken up an aggressive approach. The UN General Assembly is to crown their efforts to bring round to their point of view a large number of countries which have not recognised Kosovo, the Minister said, adding that in the meantime Serbia has not been sitting idly by either.

On the contrary, we are conducting dozens of talks at various levels throughout the world and we have a detailed strategy for suppressing Pristina’s efforts, the Minister emphasised, voicing his expectation that Serbia will win this diplomatic struggle.

However, Jeremic said, this will not be easy because Pristina is backed by some of the most influential countries, but voiced his optimism nevertheless.

As for the Serbian delegation’s recent visit to China, the Minister said he wants Serbia to develop closer relations with China, especially in the business sphere. There is not a country in the world today that does not desire close relations with China, and EU countries want them more than any others. After our visit to China I can say that we can be very satisfied with our strategic partnership with Beijing, the Minister underlined.

He said China is among the key factors in the world today and its influence can only further increase in the 21st century.

Jeremic stressed that Serbia’s foreign policy is well-balanced and has clearly defined goals, such as EU accession, the defence of Kosovo and the development of good neighbourly relations.