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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

European perspective is what joins together Serbia-Montenegro and Croatia

Belgrade, 13 November 2004

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said in an interview for Hina news agency and Croatian Radio-Television that a European perspective is our clear goal, which joins together Serbia-Montenegro and Croatia along with the development of good neighbourly relations and partnerships in all fields.

Vojislav Kostunica

Kostunica said that the refugees’ status, their repatriation and return of their property, are still open issues in relations of the two countries, also pointing to the importance of solving the problem of tenant rights and consistent application of the amnesty law.

Prime Minister Kostunica described as very positive the fact that the Croatian government has an agreement with the Independent Democratic Serb Party in Croatia.

He said that the forthcoming visit of Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader is of great importance, noting that he met with Sanader on many occasions across Europe, but that this is the first visit of a Croatian prime minister to Serbia after many years.

Stressing that the basis of relations between the two countries is to be good neighbours and partners, Kostunica announced he will discuss concrete issues with his Croatian counterpart, particularly those aimed at improving economic cooperation.

It is the interest of both countries to speed up their integration in Europe, Kostunica said. He stressed that Serbia-Montenegro and Croatia are crucial players in regional peace and stability, the promotion of democratic institutions, rule of law, and the fight against corruption.

According to Kostunica, Serbia has made important steps in changing the economic, financial and legislative framework, particularly in the public administration sector. He said that the state union expects to start negotiations on EU stabilisation and association in spring 2005.

He said that the Constitutional Charter of Serbia-Montenegro allows any of the two member states to call a referendum on its status, but only after meeting certain obligations.

Speaking about cooperation with The Hague tribunal, he said that Belgrade is aware of international obligations to the tribunal, noting that cooperation with The Hague is not questionable.

He specified that there are two options for transferring indictees to The Hague – either their arrest or surrender. Kostunica recalled that almost all cases in Croatia ended with surrender. The Serbian Prime Minister also noted that there are unresolved cases, which does not mean that they are not being worked on.

The problem of missing persons is, according to Kostunica, one of the most important open issues between Croatia and Serbia. It is a painful and difficult issue for any government, he said.

Kostunica reiterated that Serbia has a good law on protecting minorities, as well as the Ethnic Minority Council set up of representatives of all national minorities and government ministers.

He said that the borders are being demilitarised, in accordance with European standards, but did not say when exactly the Serbia-Montenegrin army will withdraw from the border with Croatia. He, however, expressed his wish that it happens as soon as possible.

Speaking about the borders on the Danube, he said that it is important to reach a constructive and just solution respecting all international standards.