UNMIK ON AIR

FEASIBILITY STUDY

By Zoran CULAFIC

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Last month Serbia and Montenegro had its EU feasibility study signed, and aside of the importance in getting the country closer to European integrations, it was a unique opportunity for almost all political parties to reach a common stance – all agree that this is a positive move for Serbia and Montenegro.

Similar as for all the other Balkans states, one of the most sensitive and problematic issues for Serbia was the cooperation with The Hague Tribunal. Nevertheless, the feasibility study did change it completely and almost all political parties, including Milosevic’s SPS, Socialist Party, understood the importance of getting on the track with EU.

Serbia and Montenegro President Svetozar Marovic.

CUT – Regarding the Hague Tribunal, I’m sure there is no need anymore for the Europe or anyone else from the world to put a pressure on Serbia and Montenegro. It is more logical that by fulfilling its obligations Serbia and Montenegro put pressure on EU (for integrations).

Serbia’s PM Vojislav Kostunica voiced similar stance.

CUT – PM Kostunica – The criteria are clear and implacable and the EU formulated it since 1993. So, all the states that want to link their own development and future to EU, all of them went through the same procedure.

Many analysts in Belgrade agree that second step – the negotiations on Association and Stabilization Agreement, could start in October this year, in time when Serbia is going to mark five years of democratic changes.

Brussels officials welcomed the positive developments, stressing that Serbia and Montenegro have made a key step towards the European future.

Serbia’s Minister for international economic relations Milan Parivodic however, is aware that this is only the first step and many years of very hard work is ahead of Serbia prior joining the EU.

CUT – Parivodic – I think that property issue and justice are very important reform issues, as well as privatization of some big companies, restructuring of SOE and, on political level, the Co0nstitution, as a basic element of the state, consolidation of the relations with Montenegro and solving the Kosovo issue.

Belgrade ministers agree that realistic time for signing the Association and Stabilization Agreement is mid summer next year. The precondition is, as many understand today, to leave the past behind and to turn towards the future.

Economy and human rights are just some of the fields that need hard work in Serbia, believes Jelena MINIC, Secretary General of the NGO European Movement in Serbia.

CUT – Jelena MINIC – Of course, in public The Hague issue is put on the top place, however, there are many other issues, particularly the necessity to continue with and speed up economic reforms, to strengthen reforms in the fields of human rights, minority rights and independent media, reforms in justice, police and army etc. Of course, if we do not continue with overall reforms, then the process could be stopped. Nothing is guarantied to us in advance.

With this we end today’s program ... thanks for listening us ... wish you a good day.