GERMANY: German Chancellor Merkel meets with the Serbian President Tadic

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with the Serbian President Boris Tadic in Berlin on Friday (December 1st). The focus of their talks were the role of Serbia in the Balkans, and of the Balkan countries perspectives in Europe. "We would like to give the countries in this region a European perspective, but as is well known, that depends, with reference to their past, on whether they cooperate well with the international tribunal. We shall also be discussing outstanding questions, such as the future of Kosovo," Merkel said. "For my part I would like to say that we have engaged ourselves in making sure that we are not just talking about European perspectives, but that Serbia has also acquired the status of PFP in NATO-speak, that means Partner for Peace, and that means that the possibility to be brought into other alliances has been brought a step forward." The Serbian President didn't go into details about the War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague, but said they were aware of their responsibilty. "Serbia is aware of our responsibility for regional stability and security and I would like to emphasise that today in my talks with Chancellor Merkel." Tadic went on to say that there were many problems still to be solved in the Balkans. "Kosovo is not the only problem in the region, but the relations between the countries in the region as a whole are of great importance for the future of the region in Europe." "For my part I would like to say that we have engaged ourselves in making sure that we are not just talking about European perspectives, but that Serbia has also acquired the status of PFP in NATO-speak, that means Partner for Peace, and that means that the possibility to be brought into other alliances has been brought a step forward."

ITN Source | December 4, 2006

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