"We're not paying for Europe with Kosovo"

Deputy PM Božidar Đelić says that recognizing Kosovo as independent and joining NATO are not conditions put before Serbia in order to become EU member.

Izvor: Veèernje novosti

Sunday, 21.02.2010.

10:20

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Deputy PM Bozidar Djelic says that recognizing Kosovo as independent and joining NATO are not conditions put before Serbia in order to become EU member. "Kosovo is neither a condition for Europe (joining EU), nor will Serbia ever accept for Kosovo to become a condition for Europe. European integrations and solving the status of Kosovo are two separate processes. That is the policy of Serbia, but also of the EU, which does not have a united position on Kosovo," Djelic told Belgrade daily Vecernje Novosti. "We're not paying for Europe with Kosovo" As for NATO, he said that the issue would have to go to a referendum, but noted that joining the western military alliance is not on Serbia's agenda, nor is it a precondition for joining the EU. "U.S. Vice-President Biden and French President Sarkozy told us that. The alliance's chief confirmed it," Djelic was quoted as saying. He also stated that there was "no doubt" that Chief Hague Prosecutor Serge Brammertz's next report on Serbia's cooperation would be positive, allowing for the ratification of the SAA in June. "If we receive the questionnaire in June, we will fill it out by the summer break. Then there'd be a chance to become candidate country by the end of this, or mid-next year at the latest," said Djelic. Bozidar Djelic (FoNet, file)

"We're not paying for Europe with Kosovo"

As for NATO, he said that the issue would have to go to a referendum, but noted that joining the western military alliance is not on Serbia's agenda, nor is it a precondition for joining the EU.

"U.S. Vice-President Biden and French President Sarkozy told us that. The alliance's chief confirmed it," Đelić was quoted as saying.

He also stated that there was "no doubt" that Chief Hague Prosecutor Serge Brammertz's next report on Serbia's cooperation would be positive, allowing for the ratification of the SAA in June.

"If we receive the questionnaire in June, we will fill it out by the summer break. Then there'd be a chance to become candidate country by the end of this, or mid-next year at the latest," said Đelić.

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