Brussels, 24/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle stressed that in his meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic on Tuesday 24 January he had “emphasised” the European Union's “continuing expectation” that the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo “is actively pursued, that it leads to tangible results, in particular with regard to inclusive regional cooperation”. “If sufficient progress is achieved in time, it would be possible for the forthcoming Council to confirm positively a decision to grant candidate status to Serbia”, he added, acknowledging the “commitment of the Serbian leadership to the European integration process”.
During their meeting, the commissioner and minister discussed the measures taken recently on implementing agreements already concluded and the other steps that will have to be taken so that all agreements can be effectively implemented.
On Monday 23 January, following the Foreign Affairs Council, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said that the Council wanted Belgrade to “continue the dialogue with Kosovo and move forward in a way that would enable us to make a decision on candidate status at the Council in February”. She added that, if there were constructive engagement from both sides, the issue “could be settled quickly”. (CG/transl.rt)