Dačić: CSM to be the first and decisive step for the implementation of the European proposal

At the joint press conference with the Swedish Foreign Minister, Tobias Billström, Dačić reminded that the Brussels Agreement, where the establishment of CSM has been agreed for the first time, was signed exactly ten years ago.

"Today is the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Brussels Agreement, which I signed at the time as Prime Minister. Ten years on, there is a huge question mark over the Community of Serb Municipalities, the first item of the Brussels Agreement," Dačić said.

Serbian Foreign Minister emphasised that it is very important that everyone in Europe and around the world understand why Serbia wants the establishment of CSM to be the first, decisive and defining condition for implementing this agreement. "We do not want to embark on a period of uncertainty again and wait for years for CSM to be established," Dačić said.

He pointed out that the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vučić, who had met earlier today with Billström, informed the Swedish Foreign Minister on all Serbia’s expectations regarding the situation in K&M.

"What I believe is important and undeniable is that we are going to continue the reforms with the aim to achieve Serbian membership in the EU. I believe it is unquestionable on our part, and that it is in the interest of Serbia to apply EU standards when it comes to human rights, freedoms, democracy, reforms in various areas of society, including most certainly the system of the rule of law, media freedom, etc.," Dačić pointed out.

Foreign Minister also stressed that Serbia wishes to develop the best possible bilateral relations with Sweden. "Also, our political relations are of great significance. We have agreed to have regular annual bilateral meetings of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, which should further enhance the development of our bilateral relations. Of course, we are also very proud of the fact that we have increasingly better economic relations and cooperation," Dačić said.

He expressed gratitude to Sweden for its support provided to Serbia for different development projects and stated that there are about 130,000 Serbian citizens who live in Sweden, who he says can be a "bond between our two countries".

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström pointed out that he appreciates very much the welcome he has received in Belgrade and assessed that it is the reflection of strong bonds between Serbia and Sweden.

Billström said that he discussed with Dačić the negotiating process between Belgrade and Pristina; the European proposal for the normalisation of relations; as well as a series of other bilateral issues, including economic ones.

Source/Photo: Tanjug/MSP