De Palacio Espana: chance for new dialog on Kosmet
09 February 2010.
Spanish Ambassador in Serbia Inigo de Palacio Espana believes that the assessment of the International Court of Justice regarding the unilateral proclamation of Kosmet independence will open the chance for new dialog, in order to find a sustainable and acceptable solution for the Province. Spain agrees with the stance of the Serbian Government that the advisory opinion of the court, expected by summer, will provide the opportunity for the renewal of the dialog, hence helping everybody in the international community to find a functional solution, as in our opinion it is still unresolved, de Palacio Espana told BETA. He specified that it is in the interest of the international community to solve the Kosmet issue one day with agreement of Belgrade and those countries that play an important role as permanent members of the UN Security Council, such as Russia and China. Asked if the EU support the plan for northern Kosmet, the Spanish ambassador reminded that their Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos was clear in January, when he said that the Union, haired by his country, was not behind that document.
Mayor of Vienna organized party for Serb community
09 February 2010.
Mayor of Vienna Michael Haupl organized last night a party in the City Hall for representatives of the Serb community, where he thanked them for their contribution to the development of the city. In is address, Haupl has pointed that without immigrants from Serbia, Vienna would not have become what it is, i.e. one of the world cities with best quality of life. According to him, the Serbs have contributed to becoming an ever progressing metropolis. Haupl stressed that Vienna is not pledging for the assimilation of Serbs and other communities, but rather for their integrations, and added that the foreign groups should not forget their roots and culture, in which they will have the assistance of the city authorities. President of the Association of Serb Clubs in Vienna Borislav Kapetanovic has pointed that they have an excellent cooperation with the City Hall and expect it to carry on in the same manner.
Serbs on Slovakia got the status of national minority
09 February 2010.
After the suggestion of Vice President Dusan Caplovic, the Slovak Government has decided to give the Serbs in that country the status of a national minority, communicated the Serbian Ministry of Diaspora. Therefore, the Serbs in Slovakia have the protection of the international law and through inter-state agreements, stated Minister Srdjan Sreckovic. He added that with the passing of the first law on Diaspora and Serbs in the region, the state has shown dedication to resolving the status of the Diaspora, reflecting in guaranteeing their basic freedoms and rights, as contained in the international contracts on human rights and in inter-state agreements. The Ministry of Diaspora supports the striving of the Serb community in Albania, Slovenia and Austria to gain the national minority status, too.
Feith: plan for northern Kosmet before Serbian authorities, through mediators
09 February 2010.
International civil representative in Kosmet Peter Feith has announced that he will pass the plan for northern Kosmet to the Belgrade authorities, through mediators, but Serbian side will not be consulted about the details, reports the Austrian APA agency. At yesterday’s meeting of the International Governing Group in Vienna, he confirmed that this planned is aimed at establishing order in the north of the Province, as part of the general decentralization. Feith refrained from comments on how the Serbs in that area will accept the plan, while saying that it could take some time, but that he has support of the entire EU. APA reports that the Governing Group has transferred small part of competencies to the Pristina Government, as it was previewed by the provincial Constitution. Namely, Pristina is now able to appoint directors of customs and tax authorities on its own, as well as those in the national bank, but the privatization agency and its supervising body remain in the competency of the international representative. Several Serbian officials have pointed that the conclusions of the International Governing Group will be void, since Serbia does not recognize that body, as well as that at least five EU countries have different stances in view of Feith’s work.
Kukan: Serbian candidacy for EU discussed in May or June
09 February 2010.
Serbia’s request for the candidate status in the EU could be discussed in May or June this year, stated Head of the European Parliament delegation for West Balkan Eduard Kukan. While stating that in Brussels the general mood is inclined towards the accelerated processing of the Serbian application, Kukan pointed that especially important is the arrest and extradition of two Hague indictees – Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic. In that context, the Slovak diplomat said that more good news is expected from Serbia this year. The decision to submit the candidacy for membership in the EU was a good move of Belgrade authorities, assessed Kukan, adding that the unblocking of the Interim Trade Agreement and lifting of the visa regime has contributed to much better image of Serbia in the European Parliament and other EU institutions.
Talks between Serbia and IMF started
09 February 2010.
Representatives of the Serbian authorities and IMF have commenced in Belgrade the talks on the third revision of the credit arrangement and overall economic situation in Serbia. As announced from the National Bank of Serbia, the talks will touched upon the fiscal, monetary and macro-economic trends, as well as the realization of agreed structural measures. As part of regular annual consultations, also analyzed will be the mid-term strategy of the Serbian economic policy. The IMF mission is headed by Albert Jaeger, and planned for the first day are the meetings with Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and Minister of Finance Diana Dragutinovic.
Dacic: Enhancing cooperation between Serbia and U.S.
February 8, 2010
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic assessed visit to the United States, that he has just completed, as very successful and useful, during which he talked with U.S. officials about the joint fight against international terrorism and all forms of crime. Stating that it was noted in all the meetings that bilateral cooperation in the field of security is very good, Dacic stressed that they agreed upon a number of common actions in order to intensify cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organized crime, particularly illegal trade in narcotics. He specified that it involves the exchange of experiences and training of special units for various types of financial investigations and combating all forms of international crime. The Deputy Prime Minister said that it was also agreed that the American Secretary of Justice Eric Holder, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Robert Muller and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will soon visit Serbia. The U.S. is our traditionally good political partner, said Dacic and stressed that the Serbian delegation’s visit is a significant step towards restoring and improving relations between the two countries after a period of conflicts in the previous decade.
Djukic-Dejanovic talked with Slovakian Premier Fico
February 8, 2010
Slovakian Premier Robert Fico stated in Bratislava that his country will not change its position on unilaterally declared Kosovo independence and that it supports a compromise-based solution to be found for the southern Serbian province at the negotiating table. In talks with Serbian Assembly Speaker Slavica Djukic- Dejanovic, Fico underlined that it is extremely important that Serbia and Slovakia keep supporting international law and Resolution 1244. The Slovakian Prime Minister stated that in regard to Serbia’s potential NATO membership, his country will not interfere in the decision-making process, since it is an entirely internal issue. Djukic- Dejanovic reiterated that Serbia will never recognize Kosovo and thanked Slovakia for the principled support in regard to this issue. She informed Fico on results in the process of Serbia’s accession with the EU and thanked Slovakia for its support to acceleration of the process.
Dodik: We will not hold a referendum on secession
February 8, 2010
The Republic of Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik reiterated in Banjaluka that the RS does not intend to hold a referendum on secession from Bosnia-Herzegovina, but on issues of constitutional jurisdiction of this entity. The RS primarily wants to arrange a referendum systemically, and the law, proposed to the Parliament, corresponds to the constitutional position of the RS and the best European practice, said Dodik. According to him, after the adoption of the law, a decision will be made on potential referendum and the referendum question. The RS Parliament will urgently discuss the proposed law on referendum and the citizen initiative tomorrow. The RS government has earlier established the bill, which defines the technical issues on holding the referendum, but not the referendum question.
Paska and Djukic-Dejanovic: Serbia on right path to EU
February 8, 2010
Serbian and Slovakian Assembly Speakers, Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic and Pavol Paska, assessed in Bratislava that Serbia is on the right path to the EU and Paska reiterated that his country is ready to assist Belgrade in this process Serbia has tremendous support in Slovakia because of the many historical parallels and experiences that we want to exchange, said Paska. Djukic-Dejanovic thanked the host for the support of Slovakia regarding all key issues for Serbia, from the EU integration process to the issue of Kosovo. Slovakia is one of the few EU members that, despite the attitude of the majority, refuse in principle to recognize the unilateral independence of Kosovo, because they believe it is not in accordance with international law. Paska expressed gratitude for the care of Slovaks living in the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina, and expressed hope that they will continue to have support of Serbia in maintaining their language and cultural identity.
Spanish Ambassador in Serbia Inigo de Palacio Espana believes that the assessment of the International Court of Justice regarding the unilateral proclamation of Kosmet independence will open the chance for new dialog, in order to find a sustainable and acceptable solution for the Province. Spain agrees with the stance of the Serbian Government that the advisory opinion of the court, expected by summer, will provide the opportunity for the renewal of the dialog, hence helping everybody in the international community to find a functional solution, as in our opinion it is still unresolved, de Palacio Espana told BETA. He specified that it is in the interest of the international community to solve the Kosmet issue one day with agreement of Belgrade and those countries that play an important role as permanent members of the UN Security Council, such as Russia and China. Asked if the EU support the plan for northern Kosmet, the Spanish ambassador reminded that their Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos was clear in January, when he said that the Union, haired by his country, was not behind that document.
Mayor of Vienna Michael Haupl organized last night a party in the City Hall for representatives of the Serb community, where he thanked them for their contribution to the development of the city. In is address, Haupl has pointed that without immigrants from Serbia, Vienna would not have become what it is, i.e. one of the world cities with best quality of life. According to him, the Serbs have contributed to becoming an ever progressing metropolis. Haupl stressed that Vienna is not pledging for the assimilation of Serbs and other communities, but rather for their integrations, and added that the foreign groups should not forget their roots and culture, in which they will have the assistance of the city authorities. President of the Association of Serb Clubs in Vienna Borislav Kapetanovic has pointed that they have an excellent cooperation with the City Hall and expect it to carry on in the same manner. 
After the suggestion of Vice President Dusan Caplovic, the Slovak Government has decided to give the Serbs in that country the status of a national minority, communicated the Serbian Ministry of Diaspora. Therefore, the Serbs in Slovakia have the protection of the international law and through inter-state agreements, stated Minister Srdjan Sreckovic. He added that with the passing of the first law on Diaspora and Serbs in the region, the state has shown dedication to resolving the status of the Diaspora, reflecting in guaranteeing their basic freedoms and rights, as contained in the international contracts on human rights and in inter-state agreements. The Ministry of Diaspora supports the striving of the Serb community in Albania, Slovenia and Austria to gain the national minority status, too. 
International civil representative in Kosmet Peter Feith has announced that he will pass the plan for northern Kosmet to the Belgrade authorities, through mediators, but Serbian side will not be consulted about the details, reports the Austrian APA agency. At yesterday’s meeting of the International Governing Group in Vienna, he confirmed that this planned is aimed at establishing order in the north of the Province, as part of the general decentralization. Feith refrained from comments on how the Serbs in that area will accept the plan, while saying that it could take some time, but that he has support of the entire EU. APA reports that the Governing Group has transferred small part of competencies to the Pristina Government, as it was previewed by the provincial Constitution. Namely, Pristina is now able to appoint directors of customs and tax authorities on its own, as well as those in the national bank, but the privatization agency and its supervising body remain in the competency of the international representative. Several Serbian officials have pointed that the conclusions of the International Governing Group will be void, since Serbia does not recognize that body, as well as that at least five EU countries have different stances in view of Feith’s work. 
Serbia’s request for the candidate status in the EU could be discussed in May or June this year, stated Head of the European Parliament delegation for West Balkan Eduard Kukan. While stating that in Brussels the general mood is inclined towards the accelerated processing of the Serbian application, Kukan pointed that especially important is the arrest and extradition of two Hague indictees – Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic. In that context, the Slovak diplomat said that more good news is expected from Serbia this year. The decision to submit the candidacy for membership in the EU was a good move of Belgrade authorities, assessed Kukan, adding that the unblocking of the Interim Trade Agreement and lifting of the visa regime has contributed to much better image of Serbia in the European Parliament and other EU institutions. 
Representatives of the Serbian authorities and IMF have commenced in Belgrade the talks on the third revision of the credit arrangement and overall economic situation in Serbia. As announced from the National Bank of Serbia, the talks will touched upon the fiscal, monetary and macro-economic trends, as well as the realization of agreed structural measures. As part of regular annual consultations, also analyzed will be the mid-term strategy of the Serbian economic policy. The IMF mission is headed by Albert Jaeger, and planned for the first day are the meetings with Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and Minister of Finance Diana Dragutinovic. 
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic assessed visit to the United States, that he has just completed, as very successful and useful, during which he talked with U.S. officials about the joint fight against international terrorism and all forms of crime. Stating that it was noted in all the meetings that bilateral cooperation in the field of security is very good, Dacic stressed that they agreed upon a number of common actions in order to intensify cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organized crime, particularly illegal trade in narcotics. He specified that it involves the exchange of experiences and training of special units for various types of financial investigations and combating all forms of international crime. The Deputy Prime Minister said that it was also agreed that the American Secretary of Justice Eric Holder, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Robert Muller and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will soon visit Serbia. The U.S. is our traditionally good political partner, said Dacic and stressed that the Serbian delegation’s visit is a significant step towards restoring and improving relations between the two countries after a period of conflicts in the previous decade.
Slovakian Premier Robert Fico stated in Bratislava that his country will not change its position on unilaterally declared Kosovo independence and that it supports a compromise-based solution to be found for the southern Serbian province at the negotiating table. In talks with Serbian Assembly Speaker Slavica Djukic- Dejanovic, Fico underlined that it is extremely important that Serbia and Slovakia keep supporting international law and Resolution 1244. The Slovakian Prime Minister stated that in regard to Serbia’s potential NATO membership, his country will not interfere in the decision-making process, since it is an entirely internal issue. Djukic- Dejanovic reiterated that Serbia will never recognize Kosovo and thanked Slovakia for the principled support in regard to this issue. She informed Fico on results in the process of Serbia’s accession with the EU and thanked Slovakia for its support to acceleration of the process.
The Republic of Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik reiterated in Banjaluka that the RS does not intend to hold a referendum on secession from Bosnia-Herzegovina, but on issues of constitutional jurisdiction of this entity. The RS primarily wants to arrange a referendum systemically, and the law, proposed to the Parliament, corresponds to the constitutional position of the RS and the best European practice, said Dodik. According to him, after the adoption of the law, a decision will be made on potential referendum and the referendum question. The RS Parliament will urgently discuss the proposed law on referendum and the citizen initiative tomorrow. The RS government has earlier established the bill, which defines the technical issues on holding the referendum, but not the referendum question.
Serbian and Slovakian Assembly Speakers, Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic and Pavol Paska, assessed in Bratislava that Serbia is on the right path to the EU and Paska reiterated that his country is ready to assist Belgrade in this process Serbia has tremendous support in Slovakia because of the many historical parallels and experiences that we want to exchange, said Paska. Djukic-Dejanovic thanked the host for the support of Slovakia regarding all key issues for Serbia, from the EU integration process to the issue of Kosovo. Slovakia is one of the few EU members that, despite the attitude of the majority, refuse in principle to recognize the unilateral independence of Kosovo, because they believe it is not in accordance with international law. Paska expressed gratitude for the care of Slovaks living in the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina, and expressed hope that they will continue to have support of Serbia in maintaining their language and cultural identity.
