Brussels, 15/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - The interim agreement, which would allow the trade chapter of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia to come into effect immediately without awaiting its ratification, remains “frozen” for the moment. After hearing the report by the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) Serge Brammertz on his recent visit to Belgrade at the External Relations Council on Monday, Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen repeated his country's opposition to the implementation of the interim SAA agreement (a decision that requires unanimity: Ed.). The Netherlands does not feel that the Serbian authorities are fully cooperating with the ICTY. “I cannot conclude, on the basis of what Mr Brammertz has told us, that we can talk about full cooperation,” Verhagen said. Speaking to press, EU High Representative Javier Solana said he was “virtually certain” that the interim agreement would be approved at the next Council meeting in October. There will be high-level consultation on the issue on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, he said. Council President in office Bernard Kouchner repeated the French Presidency's support for the agreement. Commissioner Olli Rehn even encouraged Serbia to begin implementing the agreement. (H.B./transl.rt)