German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle arrived on Sunday in Belgrade to hold talks with Serbia’s leadership on the implementation of a recent deal signed between Serbia and Kosovo to normalize their relations.
Last month, the European Union brokered a deal between Serbia and Kosovo. According to the deal Pristina will assume power over the region of northern Kosovo, while 40,000 local Serbs would be granted with a degree of autonomy in the area. The Serbian government hopes that the implementation of the deal will bring Serbia one step closer to joining the EU and attract foreign investments. "An agreement on the implementation of the Brussels agreement and the start of its realization is a key condition for Serbia's further progress on its European path," Westerwelle said after arriving in Belgrade on Sunday.
An agreement on the implementation of the deal and the start of its realization would be crucial for Serbia's EU aspirations, Serbian news agency Tanjug. Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, met with Westerwelle at the airport. Serbia would get finaaly a date for launching EU accession talks. "After the date we do not expect praise, but practical support," Vucic told reporters at the airport. On Monday, the German foreign minister is scheduled to meet with Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Foreign Minister Ivan Mrkic.
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 2008.Twenty-two of the EU's 27 member states recognize Kosovo's independence. However, Serbia refuses to recognize Kosovo’s independence.
