Q:
A:
Kosovo's independence unacceptable for Serbia
Belgrade,
12 July 2007
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic confirmed today during the talks with his French counterpart Bernard Kouchner that Belgrade is ready for new talks on the future status of Kosovo and voiced hope that they will result in a compromise solution.
Bernard Kouchner, left, and Vuk Jeremic at today's press conference
Author:
Fonet
Speaking at a joint conference with Kouchner, Jeremic reiterated that Kosovo's independence is unacceptable for Belgrade, as is Martti Ahtisaari’s plan because it is not a result of agreement. He underlined that Belgrade's position on this will not be subject to change in the future.
Jeremic voiced hope that new talks will be essential and will lead to a solution acceptable for all sides and a lasting stabilisation of the region.
We really hope that the new talks will bring a compromise because otherwise, we will again be in the same situation. We do not want to negotiate endlessly, but to solve this problem as soon as possible, Jeremic said.
He voiced hope that Stabilisation and Association Agreement will be signed by the end of the year and that Serbia will become a candidate for EU membership during France's EU presidency, and that is in the second half of 2008.
The two officials also looked at further liberalisation of the visa regime with the EU. Jeremic said that Europe must become available to Serbia's citizens because the entire process is conducted precisely because of them.
Kouchner said that the plan of monitored independence of Kosovo will not automatically come into force if new talks fail, but that it remains a basis for resolution of the status of Kosovo-Metohija.
Serbia has France as ally for speedier EU accession, he said and added that this will not be possible before the Kosovo issue is resolved definitely in a peaceful way acceptable for both sides.
He concluded that the problem of Serbian southern province is above all a European problem and that if a solution is not found, a European conflict may occur, which must be avoided.
Jeremic voiced hope that new talks will be essential and will lead to a solution acceptable for all sides and a lasting stabilisation of the region.
We really hope that the new talks will bring a compromise because otherwise, we will again be in the same situation. We do not want to negotiate endlessly, but to solve this problem as soon as possible, Jeremic said.
He voiced hope that Stabilisation and Association Agreement will be signed by the end of the year and that Serbia will become a candidate for EU membership during France's EU presidency, and that is in the second half of 2008.
The two officials also looked at further liberalisation of the visa regime with the EU. Jeremic said that Europe must become available to Serbia's citizens because the entire process is conducted precisely because of them.
Kouchner said that the plan of monitored independence of Kosovo will not automatically come into force if new talks fail, but that it remains a basis for resolution of the status of Kosovo-Metohija.
Serbia has France as ally for speedier EU accession, he said and added that this will not be possible before the Kosovo issue is resolved definitely in a peaceful way acceptable for both sides.
He concluded that the problem of Serbian southern province is above all a European problem and that if a solution is not found, a European conflict may occur, which must be avoided.
-
Belgrade/Budapest, 17 May 2024Friendly relations between Serbia, Hungary reaffirmed
-
Belgrade, 15 May 2024Agreement on revitalisation of complex of former federal defence secretariat signed
-
Novi Sad, 14 May 2024Partnership cooperation with EU on strengthening capacity of judicial authorities
-
Belgrade, 14 May 2024Serbia remains committed to European path
-
Belgrade, 14 May 2024Agreements for second phase of biomass market development project in Serbia signed
-
Belgrade, 13 May 2024BIO4 campus, AI development in Serbia presented to Harvard University students
-
Belgrade, 10 May 2024Serbia committed to cherishing traditionally good relations with UAE
-
Belgrade, 10 May 2024Serbia highly appreciates support of Greece on its European path
-
Belgrade, 10 May 2024Relations between Serbia, Russian Federation in spirit of traditional friendship
-
Belgrade, 10 May 2024Great possibilities for expansion of cooperation between Serbia and Mexico