Nikolic: Serbia ready for compromises, expects the same from Kosovo

Serbia is ready to make many compromises in the final stage of negotiations with Pristina in dealing with the Kosovo issue, but it expects the same from Kosovo, Serbian Prime Minister Tomislav Nikolic said at a meeting with British Foreign Secretary William Hague in Belgrade on Thursday.

Hague arrived in Belgrade after visiting Pristina, and at the meeting with Nikolic he supported the determination Serbia was demonstrating on its path towards the European Union, noting that Britain was a strong advocate of EU enlargement, according to a press release issued by Nikolic's office.

Hague and Nikolic agreed that all disputes relating to Kosovo should be dealt with through dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

Nikolic said that Serbia was ready for EU membership and determined to meet all the conditions set by the EU, including implementing judicial reform, ensuring the rule of law and the stability of state institutions, and cracking down on organised crime and corruption.

Hague also met with Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and was due to meet with Prime Minister Ivica Dacic later in the afternoon. The purpose of his visit was to encourage dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. (Hina)