Representatives of the Democratic Party, Democratic Party of Serbia and G17 Plus Deputies’ Groups, Milos Jevtic, Natasa Vuckovic, Oliver Dulic, Bojana Aleksic, and Suzana Grubjesic, today met French Academician and head of the Institut francais des relations internationales, Thierry de Montbrial.

The meeting saw an exchange of opinions on pressing political issues in Serbia, with special accent placed on negotiations on the future status of Kosovo and Metohia, and Serbia’s integration into the EU.

M. de Montbrial said Serbia’s position was difficult on the eve of difficult and far-reaching decisions. Comparing Serbia’s situation with that of France during the Fourth Republic and De Gaulle’s coming to power, he said that difficulties and delays encountered in forming the new government were the result of unwillingness to assume responsibility for decisions that have to be made soon.

He also asserted that European public opinion was not favourable to Serbia at this time, and that Serbia’s demands need to “be based in reality.” De Montbrial emphasised the importance of co-operation with the Hague Tribunal, adding that any future government would have to take tangible steps towards full co-operation with the Court in order for EU accession negotiations to be resumed.

Responding to these claims, the Deputies reiterated that the Ahttisaari Plan meant a repudiation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244, causing incalculable consequences for security and stability in the region. No country, let alone a European democracy and UN member, they said, would accept the removal of a piece of its territory.

The Deputies underlined that Serbia would accept a compromise solution – the broadest possible autonomy for Kosovo and Metohia within the state of Serbia. On the other hand, the Ahttisaari Plan opens the door to Kosovo independence, which, far from being a compromise, represented simply pandering to one side. This would, they said, create ‘a second Albanian state’ within Serbia.

The Serbian Deputies said the country was firmly committed to full co-operation with the Hague Tribunal, and resolved to finish it.