Serbian state officials meet with German chancellor

Source: Beta, 92,

BELGRADE -- Serbian state officials, including the president, are today in Belgrade meeting with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

(Tanjug)

Merkel stated Tuesday following the talks with Serbian President Boris Tadić that Germany wants Serbia to become an EU member state.

We believe that Serbia's place is in Europe. We acknowledge and commend the courage demonstrated on that road, Merkel said at a joint press conference with Tadic.

We see Serbia's future in the EU, and we will do everything in our power to help Serbia overcome possible obstacles in that pathway in line with the European principles.

She underlined that, as regards the Kosovo issue, progress should be made in relations between Belgrade and Priština.

"We pointed out that Serbia recognized Kosovo, while Serbia did not. That's a situation where progress is needed - results in direct dialogue, work of EULEX and canceling of parallel structures," Merkel was quoted as saying.

When asked to comment Priština's announcement that it could take certain moves in north Kosovo before the continuation of the dialogue with Belgrade, she said that unilateral moves should be prevented.

For that reason, Germany wants to see the dialogue continued so the results of the talks could reduce the danger of unilateral moves, Merkel said at a joint press conference with Tadić. ........

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