European Union strengthens diplomatic relations with Serbia
The European Union (EU) has managed to develop the draft agreement with Serbia on strengthening of diplomatic relations. In particular, the document means free trade and visa regime facilitation.
As it has become known, Dimitrij Rupel, the foreign minister of Slovenia, which now holds the rotating EU presidency, has characterized the given project as “the document opening doors of the European Union for Serbia”.
The document has been accepted after the Netherlands blocked wider agreement including preparation of the introduction of Serbia in EU under the simplified scheme, in connection with that Belgrade has not satisfied the term on transfer to the Hague Tribunal criminals, suspected in the war crimes accomplished in former Yugoslavia.
Meanwhile the majority of the countries - EU-participants support signing this contract before the second round of presidential elections in Serbia, which is planned for February, 3rd. In European diplomats’ opinion, it will allow the President of Serbia Boris Tadic to get additional score in struggle against his competitor - nationalist challenger Tomislav Nikolic.
Let’s remind that T.Nikolic has won the greatest quantity of voices in the first round of elections. The intrigue is that it is the supporter of the close union with Russia and the irreconcilable opponent of branch of Kosovo, while B.Tadich, supporting the prompt integration of Serbia into EU, basically supposes recognition of region’s independence.
