Brussels, 29/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 28 April, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton reiterated to the Serbian parliament that “comprehensive normalisation of relations” with Kosovo “is a key part of [Serbia's] accession process”. She stated that Serbia is now being praised for the political leadership it has shown in the dialogue, and that it is a source of inspiration for other countries in the region. In Ashton's view, Belgrade could make an important contribution in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina break out of the current political stalemate. She also recalled the importance of the rule of law and the economic situation in Serbia in the accession process.
Ashton said she was “impressed” by “the high level of ambition” of the new Serbian government. She stated that the parliament has “an immensely important role” taking forward “essential reforms”, and that it will have to monitor the implementation of the laws adopted. “The volume of new legislation that you will scrutinise and the debate that you will have will be unprecedented”, she added. Ashton also said that it is significant and important that all the parties represented in the parliament have the same objective of EU accession. (CG)