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Macron: Serbia needs to push forward with its commitments by aligning with EU positions FoNet, Beta 4–5 minutes _____ It is important for Serbia to push forward with its commitments by aligning its positions with those of Europe, said French President Emmanuel Macron prior to his meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Paris. Macron recalled the meeting in Tirana, as well as the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but many other points, including the liberalization of media, which he said were important on the European path. The French President said Serbia should not doubt Europe’s intention to welcome it into its fold, and stressed that France will do all in its power to ensure that the obligations undertaken by the Brussels agreement a year ago are fulfilled. Addressing a joint media conference with Vucic at the Élysée Palace, Macron said the frequent contacts testify to the bilateral relations and to the importance attached to relations between Serbia and France. Serbia’s accession to the European Union (EU) and France’s role in the Union are at the heart of our partnership, said Macron adding that, as the Ukrainian war enters its third year, efforts are made to unite Europe, and that Serbia’s membership is in Europe’s interest. The French President said Serbia needs to continue aligning its positions with Europe. Regarding the issue of Kosovo, he said that all obligations under the 2023 Brussels Agreement must be met and that he would discuss this with Vucic at their meeting, because all the steps defined by the agreement are essential. Macron said it was important to bring to justice all the participants of the attack in Banjska, northern Kosovo, and that, on the other hand, tensions created by the Kosovo government decisions regarding the Serb-majority municipalities need to be overcome. The French President said he is aware of Serbia’s obligations under the agreement, but that he also wants to see the Pristina authorities meet their obligations, and for the elections in Kosovo to have democratic legitimacy, especially those in Serb-dominated municipalities. I am aware of the difficulties in reaching a compromise, but I hope that the leaders will have the vision and the strength to persevere in this and contribute to stability in the region, said Macron, adding he appreciates Vucic’s commitment to a unified Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia can count on the support of the French Development Agency, which has invested 70 million euros in development since my visit in 2019, said Macron, adding that economic relations between Serbia and France are developing and that there will be increased cooperation in environmental protection, transportation, and nuclear facilities. Macron said he was glad Vucic had good talks with France’s defense forces, which confirms political trust. Vucic says Pristina has not fulfilled anything Serbian President Vucic commended his host but disputed his claims that Belgrade and Pristina “did something,” stressing that the Kosovo government has not done anything in the process of normalizing relations. Vucic said that “one side did not fulfill any of the points of the Ohrid agreement, or of the first and second Brussels agreement, and it also held elections with a turnout of 3.4 percent.” He noted that Serbia “fulfilled three things from the Ohrid Agreement even though it did not have to fulfill any.” „Let me remind you, Mr. President, that there was an agreement that Serbia did not have to fulfill anything before the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities, which has not even begun,” Vucic told his French counterpart. He said he also wants to talk to Macron “about the Council of Europe and about what is to take place in France,” alluding to the Kosovo’s expected admission into this organization in its seat in Strasbourg in Mid-may. Vucic thanked Macron “for always wanting to hear” Serbia’s position, and for the great support for Serbia, “not only on its European path, but also for protecting it when it was not easy because some just couldn’t wait to find a good enough reason for a showdown with Serbia.” -- http:www.antic.org --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SERBIAN NEWS NETWORK" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/senet/072c01da8a4e%247cfe3e50%2476fabaf0%24%40gmail.com.
