Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said on Feb. 7 in Belgrade that it was in the interest of the European Union, once Croatia has joined that community, that Serbia and other countries in the Western Balkans receive positive signs regarding European integration.

At a press conference after talks with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic, Frattini also said that, following Council of Europe special rapporteur Dick Marty's report on human organ trafficking in Kosovo, Italy supported the launching of a "detailed, independent and international investigation" which would establish the truth.

Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic agreed with Frattini's opinion that the allegations in Dick Marty's report must not be allowed to go uninvestigated and that an "independent, international and credible investigation" needed to be launched.

Frattini said after meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic that Italy would give its full support to Serbia being granted EU candidate status and the setting of a date for the start of entry talks.

Bozidar Djelic said that Serbia would do everything possible to ensure it was granted EU candidate status, through full cooperation with the Hague tribunal and other necessary steps, including preventing illegal emigration from Serbia.

Frattini also met with Serbian President Boris Tadic.