Today, the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic received Thorbjorn Jagland, Council of Europe’s Secretary General.

Jagland stated that Serbia has done a lot in the sphere of European integration and was on the way of becoming a stability factor in the Balkans. He stressed that the Council of Europe follows all political and other events in Serbia intently. He also said that in Kosovo the Council of Europe dealt with human rights, issues relevant for the status process and standard raising. The emphasised that the Council of Europe would continue with its status neutral approach regarding the Kosovo-Metohija issue. Jagland considers the adoption of the Srebrenica Declaration by the RS National Assembly very important.

Responding to his question, the Assembly Speaker informed Jagland that Serbia strives to speed up the adoption process of laws that harmonise domestic and EU legislation. She agreed with Jagland that a lot has been done and stressed that the reform character and Serbia’s approach to the European Union were the country’s priorities, but that there were still many steps to take before the goal was reached.

She explained Serbia’s position regarding Kosovo-Metohija in detail, stressing that Serbia was determined to resolve the Kosovo-Metohija issue by peaceful and diplomatic means. In that regard, Serbia is expecting the ruling of the International Court of Justice. Djukic-Dejanovic thanked the Council of Europe for its efforts to preserve the cultural heritage in Kosovo-Metohija. She emphasised that the Council of Europe should get involved in protecting human rights in the province because the treatment of the non-Albanian population is a disgrace for the modern civilisation.