Ambassador Beckerath meets with Starovic: We hope for successful cooperation between Serbia and EU

Photo: Tanjug/Marko Djokovic

European Union Ambassador to Serbia Andreas von Beckerath met today with Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic and pointed out that he hopes for successful cooperation in improving Serbia's accession to the European Union through implementation of the necessary obligations, the EU announced.

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He said that the EU is closely monitoring what he referred to as a challenging political situation in Serbia, including in the context of negotiations on EU accession.

The ambassador pointed out that accession process provides a solid framework for solving key issues - from strengthening the rule of law and protecting media freedom, to improving electoral conditions and creating an encouraging environment for civil society.

He reminded that the opening of Cluster 3 depends on "tangible and sustainable progress in the area of the rule of law" especially in connection with electoral reforms, respect for freedom of expression and the election of "a credible new REM Council."

The EU ambassador reminded of "the need to respect basic rights, including the right to peaceful assembly" which also means avoiding any violence towards political opponents and premises of political parties as a means of political protest.

The ambassador reiterated that police action must be proportionate and in accordance with fundamental rights, and that any suspicion of excessive use of force must be adequately investigated, including the troubling reports about threats and violence against journalists.

He reiterated EU's commitment to Serbia's European perspective, as well as continued support through EU-oriented reforms, investments and political engagement, for the benefit of all citizens of Serbia.

In this sense, he reminded that within the new EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, significant EU support is conditional on implementation of key reforms, in order to speed up convergence with the EU and the country's progress on the way to EU membership.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)