Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has warned the EU it will have to decide between an independent Kosovo or closer ties with Belgrade. In a statement, he said EU governments would have to determine whether they wanted a “whole” Serbia as a partner or a “quasi-state on Serbia’s territory”. Kosovo is expected to declare independence in the next few months. EU foreign ministers will meet at the end of January to consider sending a police and justice mission.
Serbia strongly opposes the EU’s plans. In November 2007, Serbia initialled a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, taking a first step towards membership of the EU. But the Serbian prime minister said a full signing would not take place if the EU contingent was sent. Serbia is facing presidential elections on 20 January and the future of Kosovo is likely to be an important issue in the campaign.
Loading ...
