Serbian Foreign Minister addresses OSCE Permanent Council, stresses need for compromise solution on outstanding issues

VIENNA, 21 June 2010 - Addressing the special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council today, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic praised the OSCE's contribution to Serbia's reform, discussed the European perspective of the country and appealed to the consensus principle on outstanding issues in the region.

"On the 35th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, I reaffirm the Government of Serbia's fundamental commitment to the core principles of the OSCE, including the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, economic and environmental co-operation, the inviolability of internationally recognized borders, and the maintenance of peace and stability in Europe," Jeremic said.

"We highly appreciate the OSCE's contribution to Serbia's comprehensive reforms in areas such as the rule of law, media and minority rights," he added.

Jeremic emphasized that "EU membership is the central strategic priority of Serbia" and stressed the importance of co-operation in the region for the European integration process.

"Crucial to securing the European future of the Western Balkans is the enhancement of good neighbourly relations. The commitment by all national capitals to engage on outstanding issues has greatly contributed to building up the regional level of trust to an all-time high. Key bilateral relationships in our part of the world have begun to visibly improve."

Jeremic praised the renewed impetus to complete the process of full reconciliation in the Balkans. One of the examples of this was the Serbian National Assembly's unprecedented Declaration on Srebrenica. "The crime was condemned, apologies were made and condolences were extended," he said.

On Kosovo, Jeremic said that the "unilateral declaration of independence has pulled the parties further apart."

"What we have to do is regain our bearings by equitably addressing the issue of status," he added.

He said that Serbia was seeking to "achieve a compromise solution" on the issue: "This is the only way to produce a viable, sustainable and lasting peace - and the only way to help secure regional gains, reinforce shared strategic priorities and complete the European transformation of the Balkans."

The Permanent Council is a main decision-making body of the 56-country OSCE. It meets weekly in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and to make appropriate decisions.