European Union (EU) foreign ministers met here Monday to discuss developments in the West Balkans, the Middle East and the world trade talks.
At the regular monthly meeting, the ministers will also discuss the situation in Afghanistan and Zimbabwe as well as Iran's nuclear program.
At the meeting, preparations are expected to be made for the EU summit, which is scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Brussels.
Upon arriving at the meeting, some EU foreign ministers expressed hope that the upcoming elections in Serbia will be an opportunity for Serbian voters to show their support for pro-EU forces.
"We hope that the European forces will win ... I don't think there is any other possibility for our Serbian friends than the EU," said Slovenian Foreign Minister Dmitrij Rupel, whose country holds the EU presidency.
The Serbian government collapsed Saturday in a clash between Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and pro-Western President Boris Tadic over how to deal with the EU's stance toward Kosovo.
On February 17, Kosovo's 90 percent ethnic Albanian majority declared independence from Serbia. A majority of the EU's 27 member states have recognized the independence of Kosovo, much to the irritation of Serbia.
Kostunica wants Serbia to pursue EU membership only if the EU withdraws its recognition of Kosovo, which Tadic opposes. An early election will be held on May 11.
"We have an opportunity for the people of Serbia to choose their way forwards. I hope very much they will continue pushing for a deep and solid relationship with the EU," EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Monday.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article