Serbia, EU discuss Kosovo in Brussels
Serbia rejected on Wednesday in Brussels any possibility of giving up on Kosovo, on its opposition to the EU mission without a UN Security Council decision and on its initiative in front of the International Court of Justice
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Thursday, September 04, 2008
Serbian President Boris Tadic, Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic met in Brussels with top EU officials - President of the European Commission Jose-Manuel Barroso, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pottering.
"Serbia is not giving up Kosovo and will not recognize it. We have initiated proceedings before the United Nations about the legality of Kosovo's secession. This is a very important initiative and we expect a positive reaction from the UN General Assembly," Tadic told a press conference.
Asked by the press to comment a statement by French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner who allegedly said that Serbia can make no progress in its European integrations as long as it is "pushing the initiative" before the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, Tadic said that he knows nothing about such a statement by Kouchner and that he hopes that this is not his stand.
"I am certain that this is not the position of the European Union as an institution. We view the resolution of Kosovo's status and Serbia's European integrations as two separate processes. This is very important for stability and for reaching rational solutions," Tadic underscored.
Tadic and Solana also discussed on finding modalities for the participation of the EU in the future international civilian presence in Kosovo.
Following the meeting, minister Jeremic said Belgrade and Brussels must work together in order to eliminate the difficulties and to find a legal international presence acceptable to all sides.
"Serbia welcomes an increased EU presence anywhere in its territory, including in its province of Kosovo, but that decision must be made at the United Nations Security Council", he underscored.
"Serbia wants to work with its international partners so that a solution can be found at the UN Security Council. However, it must be absolutely clear that Serbia will not take part in any activities that could jeopardize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country", said.
"This means - no Ahtisaari plan since this plan has been rejected by Serbia and by the UN Security Council", he added.
