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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia’s EU accession to yield positive effect on entire region

Belgrade/Strasbourg, 18 January 2011

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Bozidar Djelic and Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland talked today in Strasbourg about the relations between Belgrade and the Council of Europe, primarily in light of Serbia’s integration process.

File photo of Thorbjorn Jagland and Bozidar Djelic

Author: Tanjug

Djelic, who is on a working visit to Strasbourg, told the Tanjug news agency that during the meeting, he acquainted Jagland with Serbia’s reform plans and results achieved so far, primarily in judicial reform and the abolishment of blank resignation letters.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that he also briefed Jagland about the socio-economic situation and the state of affairs in terms of the respect of human and minority rights in Serbia.

They agreed that Dick Marty’s report on human organ trade in Kosovo-Metohija cannot be politicised and that this issue must be thoroughly investigated. Serbia believes that the truth about this affair must be uncovered in order to secure justice to innocent victims and convince their families and friends that international justice does not have double standards, but is the same for all, Djelic reiterated.

That is why Serbia expects that the report and the resolution will be adopted without amendments that would dilute them and that they will lead to an international investigation that will bring to justice those who committed these heinous crimes. Jagland said that he highly appreciates Serbia's position that Dick Marty’s report should not be politicised, adding that this document contains very serious charges that authorities must investigate, and that the crucial question is who will conduct the investigation.

Another topic discussed was the relations between Serbia and the Council of Europe and Serbia’s goal to become a full EU member.

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe pointed out that he and Djelic also examined the necessity of reform of electoral legislation and the Constitution, and underlined that it is very important for Serbia to follow the guidelines of the Venice Commission, which is also a prerequisite required by the EU.

The Council of Europe is very important for all countries wishing to join the EU because the standards promoted by this body are identical to those required by the EU, Jagland said.

He expressed satisfaction with the fact that the process of European integration of Serbia is developing well, adding that the accession of Serbia to the EU will have a very positive impact on the entire region.