Brussels, 21/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - “We hope the Serbian people will opt for a European future.” These were the words of a spokeswoman for the Slovenian presidency on Monday 21 January, in reaction to the results of the first round of voting in the Serbian presidential elections, held on Sunday 21, which saw the Nationalist candidate Tomislav Nikolic come first with 40% of the votes, ahead of out-going pro-European President Boris Tadic, who received almost 36%. “Now we await the second round” between the two on 3 February, the presidency spokeswoman said, welcoming the high turn-out (61%). EU High Representative for the CFSP Javier Solana said he was sure that, in the second round, the Serbs would make a European choice. “We are sure that Serbia will continue her course towards Europe and are certain that its progress towards the European Union can be accelerated,” said his office. “The high turn-out demonstrates the maturity of the Serbian people who clearly understand the importance of these elections in determining the future path of Serbia,” sources close Solana said. The European Commission, while also welcoming the high turn-out, indicated only that it had “taken note” of the outcome of the first round of voting.
Both of the candidates who went through to the second round were optimistic. “Serbia has fully understood the need for a break. We have done everything that is needed for victory in the second round,” said Nikolic. “I am absolutely sure of victory,” stated Tadic, promising his people that Serbia would not give up its quest to become part of the EU.
The future of Serbia, including Kosovo, will be on the General Affairs Council agenda for Monday 28 January, but no decision is expected at this stage on either the sending of an ESDP mission to Kosovo or the signing of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Belgrade. (H.B.)