BELGRADE -- UK Ambassador to Serbia Stephen Wordsworth says that his country believes that it is time for implementation of Serbia’s agreements with the EU to begin.
BELGRADE -- UK Ambassador to Serbia Stephen Wordsworth says that his country believes that it is time for implementation of Serbia’s agreements with the EU to begin.
Source: B92
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Brammertz is expected to submit his report in early November.
Even though the majority of EU member-states, the UK included, support the unfreezing of Serbia’s European integration, the Interim Trade Agreement remains frozen because of Holland.
“I think that the next phase is the visit of Hague Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz. I hope and expect, based on what I have heard, that he will write a very positive report (for Serbia). I hope that he will do that,” Wordsworth said.
“We will see what will happen then, when the report is presented to the Security Council and the European Union. I hope that it will be enough and that Serbia will move ahead. We want Serbia to progress. Serbia has a lot to offer, we want to see it progress and enter the next phase,” he said.
Discussing relations between the UK and Serbia, Wordsworth said that Serbian membership of NATO was not a condition for EU membership, adding that the UK was content with cooperation between Serbia and NATO through the Partnership for Peace.
Commenting on the new concept of European security discussed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during his recent visit to Belgrade, Wordsworth told B92 that this could not be discussed until the details were learned.
“It is absolutely true that the security challenges are too great for a small group of countries. That is why NATO is dealing with that problem, so is the European Union and the OSCE. I do not know the details of the Russian president’s proposal, and I am not sure that the details have even been defined yet, but if a system is being proposed that can add to the existing framework, and if it can enable more effective control of some security threats, we will definitely consider it,” he said.
pss- Being part of the EU isn't necessarily the best thing for Serbia anyway. It certainly isn't worth 12.5% of its sovereign territory as defined and protected under international law.
(kate, 24 October 2009 12:00)
The UK acting as if Britania still rules the waves. Pathetic aren’t they! As if their opinion mattered or any cared to listen to it.
All Serbs should rejoice because the tide is turning and the panic is setting in the EU. For years the EU toyed with Serbs like a cat playing with a mouse, but never putting it out its misery simply because they were so drunk on power and had to show the world the might of the New World order. Now they see that China and Russia have a firm foothold in the centre of Europe they are panicking to the point of hyperventilating and now running to Serbia to ask it to sign the Stabilization and Association Agreement.
“I think that the next phase is the visit of Hague Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz. I hope and expect, based on what I have heard, that he will write a very positive report (for Serbia). I hope that he will do that,” Wordsworth said.
Funny how they now are confident of a positive report or should I say that the EU has instructed that a positive report be written. Well, I for one am will be delighted to see Brammertz running to Belgrade to ensure there is a positive report.
However, my informant tells me that Serbia will not be rushing into anything that Russia does not approve and first the EU will be forced to resolve the mess they created in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo.
This is the EU asking Wordsworth to begin grovelling and sucking up to Serbia. Now do you see the poor quality political leadership/administrators of the west, there is no proactive action it’s all reactive or constant crises management. This is the same whether you are in North America, Australia or EU. The current democratic systems have created mindless drones that would not have survived politically 40 years ago.
Ps. The Serbian people have no desire to join the EU. That’s another obstacle the EU has to climb over.
(sj, 24 October 2009 05:12)
Cyprus is an EU member despite being partially occupied.
------
How many EU members have "occupying" troops in Turkish Cyprus? How many EU members recognize the Turkish Cyprus as a Republic?
Clearly 22/27 do not see Serbia as occupied or Kosova as part of Serbia
(ARta, 24 October 2009 02:07)
Before the USSR committed suicide Britain had quite different viewing of breakaway regions. For 35 years they (and the rest of the world but Turkey) were putting one vital condition for EU membership of the Northern Cyprus. It is rejoining the Greeks. So if they stimulate the same way K-Albanians then Serbia would need no SAA or other Road Maps on it’s way to EU. And why should we pay attention to what this low rank official said while the entire Foreign Office is just a regional department of the Secretary Of State ?
Welcome back to the Balkans, Russia. Your absence has been too long. It's all about the friends you keep, isn't it fellow bloggers.
(Winston, 23 October 2009 18:01)
Raso is right - membership should be as a nation with a clearly defined boundary, as legally defined, including Kosovo. Even if Kosovo is an autonomous entity or protectorate it should still be included.
(kate, 23 October 2009 13:26)
There is a possibility that the 5 states not recognizing Kosovo's independence would allow for its admission with some type of undefined status, but there is no way the 22 countries that have recognized Kosovo Independence will admit Serbia with Kosovo within its borders.
Recognition may not be a prerequisite but seperation of borders will be. Serbia's acceptance will be up to them.
(pss, 23 October 2009 16:20)
These are indeed interesting times. That a representative of the british government publicly looses 'his bottle' is a surprise. Was this sanctioned by London? It's almost as if he believe all the russo-phobic propaganda since Putin cleaned up the british friendly oligarchs in Russia. Still, GB gets to host 'nice' russians like Berezovsky whoose fortune is built on many murders.
Strange times indeed.
What is clear is that Serbia's hand has been if not significantly strengthened, then at least the relations ship between Master (US/EU) and Servant (Serbia) has become more equal. Good God, the US/EU might actually have to keep some of their own promises for once!
(Aleks, 23 October 2009 15:36)
I don't trust this move at all coming from the UK. I think it is a further attempt to try and separate Kosovo from Serbia. They have something up their sleeves.
Raso is right - membership should be as a nation with a clearly defined boundary, as legally defined, including Kosovo. Even if Kosovo is an autonomous entity or protectorate it should still be included.
(kate, 23 October 2009 13:26)
"Discussing relations between the UK and Serbia, Wordsworth said that Serbian membership of NATO was not a condition for EU membership,"
Thank goodness as the USA, the key NATO country, is not an EU member. Although if they wanted to be, they probably could force their way in.
(kujon, 23 October 2009 12:49)
I guess Medvedevs visit and the close relations between Serbia and Russia has scared some Westerners. All of the sudden they are eager to see Serbia in the EU and NATO. That's what happens if you bet on the wrong horse. Before Serbia enters the EU we should require the EU to take back its recognition of Kosovo and appoligize for the killings of thousands of Serbs or we won't join. The days for the Snake and his henchmen are numberd. Kosovo is returning home. Serbias territory has never been smaller but at the same time Serbia is more powerfull than ever before. Soon we'll be both.
(MikeC, 23 October 2009 12:22)
We will see what will happen then, when the report is presented to the Security Council and the European Union. I hope that it will be enough and that Serbia will move ahead. We want Serbia to progress. Serbia has a lot to offer, we want to see it progress and enter the next phase,” he said
Right your are, so stop talking and JUST DO IT !
(The Swiss, 23 October 2009 10:51)
Mysteriously, when Russian bear tightens relations with the Serbian eagle, showing her teeth, then the (until recently arrogant) western hawks run to catch up the party, but they always come too late and their ridiculous gifts simply don't compensate.
Positive report? from the hague? from the court who let almost ALL major croat-muslim CRIMINALS go?
Give us a break mr words(un)worth, we are all adults here.
(Pyrros, 23 October 2009 10:27)
I guess Medvedevs visit and the close relations between Serbia and Russia has scared some Westerners. All of the sudden they are eager to see Serbia in the EU and NATO. That's what happens if you bet on the wrong horse. Before Serbia enters the EU we should require the EU to take back its recognition of Kosovo and appoligize for the killings of thousands of Serbs or we won't join. The days for the Snake and his henchmen are numberd. Kosovo is returning home. Serbias territory has never been smaller but at the same time Serbia is more powerfull than ever before. Soon we'll be both.
(MikeC, 23 October 2009 12:22)
Mysteriously, when Russian bear tightens relations with the Serbian eagle, showing her teeth, then the (until recently arrogant) western hawks run to catch up the party, but they always come too late and their ridiculous gifts simply don't compensate.
Positive report? from the hague? from the court who let almost ALL major croat-muslim CRIMINALS go?
Give us a break mr words(un)worth, we are all adults here.
(Pyrros, 23 October 2009 10:27)
We will see what will happen then, when the report is presented to the Security Council and the European Union. I hope that it will be enough and that Serbia will move ahead. We want Serbia to progress. Serbia has a lot to offer, we want to see it progress and enter the next phase,” he said
Right your are, so stop talking and JUST DO IT !
(The Swiss, 23 October 2009 10:51)
I don't trust this move at all coming from the UK. I think it is a further attempt to try and separate Kosovo from Serbia. They have something up their sleeves.
Raso is right - membership should be as a nation with a clearly defined boundary, as legally defined, including Kosovo. Even if Kosovo is an autonomous entity or protectorate it should still be included.
(kate, 23 October 2009 13:26)
"Discussing relations between the UK and Serbia, Wordsworth said that Serbian membership of NATO was not a condition for EU membership,"
Thank goodness as the USA, the key NATO country, is not an EU member. Although if they wanted to be, they probably could force their way in.
(kujon, 23 October 2009 12:49)
Before the USSR committed suicide Britain had quite different viewing of breakaway regions. For 35 years they (and the rest of the world but Turkey) were putting one vital condition for EU membership of the Northern Cyprus. It is rejoining the Greeks. So if they stimulate the same way K-Albanians then Serbia would need no SAA or other Road Maps on it’s way to EU. And why should we pay attention to what this low rank official said while the entire Foreign Office is just a regional department of the Secretary Of State ?
These are indeed interesting times. That a representative of the british government publicly looses 'his bottle' is a surprise. Was this sanctioned by London? It's almost as if he believe all the russo-phobic propaganda since Putin cleaned up the british friendly oligarchs in Russia. Still, GB gets to host 'nice' russians like Berezovsky whoose fortune is built on many murders.
Strange times indeed.
What is clear is that Serbia's hand has been if not significantly strengthened, then at least the relations ship between Master (US/EU) and Servant (Serbia) has become more equal. Good God, the US/EU might actually have to keep some of their own promises for once!
(Aleks, 23 October 2009 15:36)
Welcome back to the Balkans, Russia. Your absence has been too long. It's all about the friends you keep, isn't it fellow bloggers.
(Winston, 23 October 2009 18:01)
The UK acting as if Britania still rules the waves. Pathetic aren’t they! As if their opinion mattered or any cared to listen to it.
All Serbs should rejoice because the tide is turning and the panic is setting in the EU. For years the EU toyed with Serbs like a cat playing with a mouse, but never putting it out its misery simply because they were so drunk on power and had to show the world the might of the New World order. Now they see that China and Russia have a firm foothold in the centre of Europe they are panicking to the point of hyperventilating and now running to Serbia to ask it to sign the Stabilization and Association Agreement.
“I think that the next phase is the visit of Hague Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz. I hope and expect, based on what I have heard, that he will write a very positive report (for Serbia). I hope that he will do that,” Wordsworth said.
Funny how they now are confident of a positive report or should I say that the EU has instructed that a positive report be written. Well, I for one am will be delighted to see Brammertz running to Belgrade to ensure there is a positive report.
However, my informant tells me that Serbia will not be rushing into anything that Russia does not approve and first the EU will be forced to resolve the mess they created in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo.
This is the EU asking Wordsworth to begin grovelling and sucking up to Serbia. Now do you see the poor quality political leadership/administrators of the west, there is no proactive action it’s all reactive or constant crises management. This is the same whether you are in North America, Australia or EU. The current democratic systems have created mindless drones that would not have survived politically 40 years ago.
Ps. The Serbian people have no desire to join the EU. That’s another obstacle the EU has to climb over.
(sj, 24 October 2009 05:12)
pss- Being part of the EU isn't necessarily the best thing for Serbia anyway. It certainly isn't worth 12.5% of its sovereign territory as defined and protected under international law.
(kate, 24 October 2009 12:00)
Raso is right - membership should be as a nation with a clearly defined boundary, as legally defined, including Kosovo. Even if Kosovo is an autonomous entity or protectorate it should still be included.
(kate, 23 October 2009 13:26)
There is a possibility that the 5 states not recognizing Kosovo's independence would allow for its admission with some type of undefined status, but there is no way the 22 countries that have recognized Kosovo Independence will admit Serbia with Kosovo within its borders.
Recognition may not be a prerequisite but seperation of borders will be. Serbia's acceptance will be up to them.
(pss, 23 October 2009 16:20)
Cyprus is an EU member despite being partially occupied.
------
How many EU members have "occupying" troops in Turkish Cyprus? How many EU members recognize the Turkish Cyprus as a Republic?
Clearly 22/27 do not see Serbia as occupied or Kosova as part of Serbia
(ARta, 24 October 2009 02:07)
I don't trust this move at all coming from the UK. I think it is a further attempt to try and separate Kosovo from Serbia. They have something up their sleeves.
Raso is right - membership should be as a nation with a clearly defined boundary, as legally defined, including Kosovo. Even if Kosovo is an autonomous entity or protectorate it should still be included.
(kate, 23 October 2009 13:26)
Mysteriously, when Russian bear tightens relations with the Serbian eagle, showing her teeth, then the (until recently arrogant) western hawks run to catch up the party, but they always come too late and their ridiculous gifts simply don't compensate.
Positive report? from the hague? from the court who let almost ALL major croat-muslim CRIMINALS go?
Give us a break mr words(un)worth, we are all adults here.
(Pyrros, 23 October 2009 10:27)
I guess Medvedevs visit and the close relations between Serbia and Russia has scared some Westerners. All of the sudden they are eager to see Serbia in the EU and NATO. That's what happens if you bet on the wrong horse. Before Serbia enters the EU we should require the EU to take back its recognition of Kosovo and appoligize for the killings of thousands of Serbs or we won't join. The days for the Snake and his henchmen are numberd. Kosovo is returning home. Serbias territory has never been smaller but at the same time Serbia is more powerfull than ever before. Soon we'll be both.
(MikeC, 23 October 2009 12:22)
"Discussing relations between the UK and Serbia, Wordsworth said that Serbian membership of NATO was not a condition for EU membership,"
Thank goodness as the USA, the key NATO country, is not an EU member. Although if they wanted to be, they probably could force their way in.
(kujon, 23 October 2009 12:49)
We will see what will happen then, when the report is presented to the Security Council and the European Union. I hope that it will be enough and that Serbia will move ahead. We want Serbia to progress. Serbia has a lot to offer, we want to see it progress and enter the next phase,” he said
Right your are, so stop talking and JUST DO IT !
(The Swiss, 23 October 2009 10:51)
Raso is right - membership should be as a nation with a clearly defined boundary, as legally defined, including Kosovo. Even if Kosovo is an autonomous entity or protectorate it should still be included.
(kate, 23 October 2009 13:26)
There is a possibility that the 5 states not recognizing Kosovo's independence would allow for its admission with some type of undefined status, but there is no way the 22 countries that have recognized Kosovo Independence will admit Serbia with Kosovo within its borders.
Recognition may not be a prerequisite but seperation of borders will be. Serbia's acceptance will be up to them.
(pss, 23 October 2009 16:20)
Cyprus is an EU member despite being partially occupied.
------
How many EU members have "occupying" troops in Turkish Cyprus? How many EU members recognize the Turkish Cyprus as a Republic?
Clearly 22/27 do not see Serbia as occupied or Kosova as part of Serbia
(ARta, 24 October 2009 02:07)
Welcome back to the Balkans, Russia. Your absence has been too long. It's all about the friends you keep, isn't it fellow bloggers.
(Winston, 23 October 2009 18:01)
These are indeed interesting times. That a representative of the british government publicly looses 'his bottle' is a surprise. Was this sanctioned by London? It's almost as if he believe all the russo-phobic propaganda since Putin cleaned up the british friendly oligarchs in Russia. Still, GB gets to host 'nice' russians like Berezovsky whoose fortune is built on many murders.
Strange times indeed.
What is clear is that Serbia's hand has been if not significantly strengthened, then at least the relations ship between Master (US/EU) and Servant (Serbia) has become more equal. Good God, the US/EU might actually have to keep some of their own promises for once!
(Aleks, 23 October 2009 15:36)
Before the USSR committed suicide Britain had quite different viewing of breakaway regions. For 35 years they (and the rest of the world but Turkey) were putting one vital condition for EU membership of the Northern Cyprus. It is rejoining the Greeks. So if they stimulate the same way K-Albanians then Serbia would need no SAA or other Road Maps on it’s way to EU. And why should we pay attention to what this low rank official said while the entire Foreign Office is just a regional department of the Secretary Of State ?
The UK acting as if Britania still rules the waves. Pathetic aren’t they! As if their opinion mattered or any cared to listen to it.
All Serbs should rejoice because the tide is turning and the panic is setting in the EU. For years the EU toyed with Serbs like a cat playing with a mouse, but never putting it out its misery simply because they were so drunk on power and had to show the world the might of the New World order. Now they see that China and Russia have a firm foothold in the centre of Europe they are panicking to the point of hyperventilating and now running to Serbia to ask it to sign the Stabilization and Association Agreement.
“I think that the next phase is the visit of Hague Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz. I hope and expect, based on what I have heard, that he will write a very positive report (for Serbia). I hope that he will do that,” Wordsworth said.
Funny how they now are confident of a positive report or should I say that the EU has instructed that a positive report be written. Well, I for one am will be delighted to see Brammertz running to Belgrade to ensure there is a positive report.
However, my informant tells me that Serbia will not be rushing into anything that Russia does not approve and first the EU will be forced to resolve the mess they created in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo.
This is the EU asking Wordsworth to begin grovelling and sucking up to Serbia. Now do you see the poor quality political leadership/administrators of the west, there is no proactive action it’s all reactive or constant crises management. This is the same whether you are in North America, Australia or EU. The current democratic systems have created mindless drones that would not have survived politically 40 years ago.
Ps. The Serbian people have no desire to join the EU. That’s another obstacle the EU has to climb over.
(sj, 24 October 2009 05:12)
pss- Being part of the EU isn't necessarily the best thing for Serbia anyway. It certainly isn't worth 12.5% of its sovereign territory as defined and protected under international law.
(kate, 24 October 2009 12:00)