Droutsas: Greece wants Western Balkans EU integration by2014

BELGRADE, Nov 19. (Tanjug). The new Greek government has proposed an agenda for integration of all Western Balkan countries in the European Union by 2014, Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas said on Wednesday in Belgrade.

This proposal is both important and symbolic, as 2014 will be the year of the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, Droutsas said following his meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic.

The EU is the most successful peace model, he said, adding that it “can contribute considerably to peace in our region by assuming its own responsibilities”.

This is why a new dimension of the new Road Map for the Western Balkans must be created, he said,

Droutsas started his Western Balkans tour by his visit to Belgrade.

Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said that Serbia wholeheartedly upholds Greece's initiative for integration of all Western Balkan countries in the European Union by 2014.

Serbia has waited for a long time for Greece to resume its role as leader as regards EU integration, he said, adding that the next few weeks will be very important for Serbia.

After 20 years, visas for Serbia's citizens will be abolished for travel to EU countries, he said.

A decision on unfreezing the Stabilization and Association Agreement is also expected, Jeremic said.

The conditions have thus been secured for Serbia to take that important step and realizing these goals will be easier with Greece as a partner, he said.

Jeremic especially thanked Greece for its support to Serbia's endeavors for preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity regarding Kosovo.

There are no open issues between Serbia and Greece and Greece is Serbia's closest partner on its path to EU integration, he said.

Droutsas will attend Thursday the funeral of Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) Patriarch Pavle on behalf of the Greek government.

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