Refugees and Asylum 31100

Europe this week prepared to kill the fatted calf as Serbia, for so long a pariah among the international community and a blot on the European landscape, swore in President Kostunica and embraced the democratic process.

The President of the European Commission Romano Prodi immediately sent a heartfelt message of congratulations to the Yugoslav Federal President “The people of Europe have watched in admiration as the Yugoslav people have claimed back their country. The events of recent days have given hope to people everywhere. I take this opportunity to express my admiration for your principles and courageous stand in favour of democracy and civil society. You have made clear your wish to see Yugoslavia rejoin the European family and Europe has long said that it would welcome a democratic Yugoslavia with open arms. Now we look forward to carrying out that promise.”

Pledging the ‘strong support’ of the European Commission, President Prodi also said that many difficulties would no doubt lie ahead but pledged “we will continue to work with you and your people to rebuild your country and we will work with all south-east Europe to bring lasting peace and prosperity to that part of our continent.” “Europe is ready to welcome Serbia home” added Chris Patten, European Commissioner for External Relations.

This happy spirit was endorsed at the European Council in Luxembourg where Ministers proceeded to “lift all the sanctions put in place against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia since 1998, with the exception of those against Milosevic and his associates”. The oil embargo and the ban on flights (already suspended until March 2001) have therefore been lifted immediately, as has the ban on investing in Serbia. Hubert Védrine, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and President-in-office of the Council, travelled to Belgrade so as to be able to inform President Kostunica personally of the European Union’s decision.

The EU Ministers also expressed a wish to enable the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to benefit from the CARDS (Community assistance for Reconstruction, Democratisation and Stabilisation) programme of aid for the Balkan states and to contribute actively to restoring navigation on the Danube, which has been at a standstill since the bombing of the bridges by NATO during the Kosovo conflict.

Back to home page

Use browser back button to view more articles in this category