Tadić says EU "has no new conditions"

Source: Tanjug

KRAGUJEVAC -- President Boris Tadić said on Tuesday in Kragujevac, central Serbia, that the EU had no new conditions set for Serbia to become a candidate for membership.

Boris Tadić (Tanjug, file)
Boris Tadić (Tanjug, file)

It is clear that we have not won the candidate status yet, and the optimism that gained ground since yesterday should be brought back to a sensible level, Tadić said and added that there is no reason for celebration yet because there is still work that needs to be done, and some new solutions in the dialogue with Priština can be reached by December 9.

It is in Serbia's interest to ensure Priština's participation in regional forums, but this does not entail recognition of Kosovo's independence and we will use this point as a guideline, Tadić noted and added that everything that is in keeping with Resolution 1244 and Serbia's Constitution and makes room for Priština's participation in regional forums will be acceptable for Serbia.

Tadić expressed hope that the solution would be found during the afternoon video conference between head of Belgrade's negotiating team Borislav Stefanović, EU mediator Robert Cooper and Priština's representatives.

He said that he had talks with several European officials, including High EU Representative Catherine Ashton and German officials, because they voiced serious remarks as to Serbia's EU candidate status.

Still, we need to bear in mind the fact that 26 EU member countries backed unconditional EU candidate status for Serbia and this is very important, the president said.

He added that the candidate status is important to Serbia for three main reasons.

The first reason lies in the fact that this would be an important step ahead of the initiation of accession talks, and it also represents a new qualification for Serbia in economic terms because such circumstances would make it easier for any potential investor to decide to invest their capital in the country.

The third reason is embodied in the prospect for attracting additional IPA funds which could then be invested in infrastructure, Tadić noted.