Sommaire: 8 June 2007, Brussels - European Commission President José Manuel Barroso yesterday invited Serbia to resume talks on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) on 13 June 2007.
On this occasion, President Barroso stated: "I welcome the progress Serbia has made since the establishment of the new government in its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Achieving full cooperation with the ICTY is not only an international obligation, but also a key condition on Serbia's road towards the EU. I encourage Serbia to continue improving its cooperation with the Tribunal in The Hague, to ensure that all remaining indictees are
brought to justice, thus achieving lasting reconciliation in the Western Balkans."
On 1 June, Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn confirmed that following an extensive and careful assessment, the Commission can resume negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia. On 7 June Mr Rehn said: "I have consulted Ms Del Ponte on the findings of her visit to Belgrade. I am glad that she confirms that Serbia has now demonstrated clear commitment to full cooperation with the ICTY and that, in recent weeks, concrete actions have matched this commitment.
Next Wednesday we will hold the next round of talks on this important agreement, which will bring concrete trade and economic benefits for Serbia. Implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement will be Serbia's gateway to candidacy for EU accession." Yesterday's decision is based on the conclusions of the EU Foreign Ministers in February, when they welcomed the Commission's readiness to resume negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with a new government in
Belgrade, provided it shows clear commitment and takes concrete and effective action for full cooperation with the ICTY.
| Haut |
Etats Membres de l'Union Européenne
Alertes par e-mail
Envoyer par e-mail
Imprimer cette page