Serbian President Boris Tadic today voiced Serbia’s belief that all solutions to individual conflicts in south-eastern Europe must take into account the stability of the entire region, which is why Serbia is opposed to precedents.

Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, following their meeting at the Palace of Serbia, Tadic stressed that Serbia is not looking for an artificial path to EU membership, but simply demands standards equal to those in other countries, adding that Serbia can be a reliable partner to Germany.

We are faced with complex issues today and one of them is the issue of Kosovo-Metohija. Serbia does not harbour illusions that it can bring conflict into the EU, Tadic observed, noting that it wants to resolve conflicts in the Western Balkans.

Serbia has its principles in the resolution process and we want to find a practical path with our German friends that will help us to preserve the dignity of all peoples in the region, the President noted.

He observed that inter-regional cooperation is the focal point of Serbia’s politics and that south-eastern Europe’s future is in the EU, underlining that the EU will never be complete unless it integrates the Western Balkans.

Tadic stressed that Serbia endorses Croatia’s speedy integration, as well as the integration of other countries in the region, but that it also asks for the respect of the same principles and criteria when it comes to Serbia.

As for Kosovo-Metohija, the President said that it is obvious that Pristina’s strategy implies unilateral actions to alter the situation in the field.

He recalled the recent operation by the Kosovo Regional Operational Support Unit (ROSU) in the north of the province, as well as the acts of violence from 2004 which altered the ethnic composition in the province, because Serbs no longer live where they used to before the pogrom of 2004.

Tadic noted that yesterday’s statement by Pristina, saying that they are ready for new activities, is part of this strategy, stressing that Serbia expects to hear a clear stance of the EU on the matter because it is unacceptable to reward those who commit violence.

The President said that Serbia wants to continue dialogue as only though it can a lasting and sustainable solution be reached.

Serbia wants a solution, it does not want to put the conflict on ice. It wants a free flow of goods and services, but it also has to protect its integrity – it has its Constitution and legal principles, Tadic underscored.

Merkel stressed Germany’s belief that Serbia belongs in the EU, adding that Germany will do all it can to help Serbia on its EU path, in line with EU principles.

As for Kosovo-Metohija, the German Chancellor said that Belgrade and Pristina must make progress in their relations, adding that problems can be solved, but this requires time.

She noted that Germany is opposed to unilateral moves in resolution to the Kosovo issue.

Commenting on Pristina’s announcement that it may take certain steps in northern Kosovo before dialogue with Belgrade resumes, Merkel stressed that unilateral moves must be prevented.

This is why Germany wants to continue dialogue and reach solutions, thus diminishing the possibility of unilateral moves.

Before the meeting with Tadic, the German Chancellor was officially welcomed at a ceremony in front of the Palace of Serbia, with the highest state honours.

Merkel was greeted by Tadic, Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic, Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic and Minister of Defence Dragan Sutanovac.