Serbia´s EU hopes tied to resolving Kosovo issues

Kouchner said that a compromise ˝is necessary˝ between the governments in Belgrade and Pristina, Kosovo's capital.

BELGRADE, March 1, 2010 (AFP) - French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner told Serbia on Monday that its progress towards EU membership would depend on its ability to peacefully co-exist with Kosovo.

"It is necessary to see these two things advance simultaneously," Kouchner told reporters after talks with top Serbian officials.

However, Kouchner insisted the international community was not insisting Belgrade recognise the breakaway province's independence, saying such move was not a "pre-condition" of Serbia's integration into the 27-member bloc.

Serbia has challenged the legality of Kosovo's independence, proclaimed in February 2008, before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Belgrade wants other states to postpone recognition or establishing diplomatic relations until a ruling by the UN's highest court, expected in the coming months.

Kouchner said that a compromise "is necessary" between the governments in Belgrade and Pristina, Kosovo's capital.

Calling himself a friend of both Kosovo and Serbia, Kouchner insisted "there is no misunderstanding on the necessity for Serbia to become an EU member".

"Serbia has its place -- naturally, historically, emotionally, politically -- in the EU," Kouchner said, but added that "there are people who do not want further" expansion of the European Union.

Serbia officially applied for EU membership in December, while Kosovo has also announced its aim to join the bloc.

During his visit to Belgrade, Kouchner met Serbian President Boris Tadic and Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic and Bozidar Djelic.

In a statement after the meeting with Kouchner, Tadic said the ICJ ruling "will open a way to seeking a compromise and viable solution" for Kosovo.

Following talks in Belgrade, Kouchner was expected in Kosovo, where he was the UN's top administrator after the United Nations took control of following a NATO air campaign in 1999.