Athens , 25 May 2009

Ms. Bakoyannis: It is a pleasure to welcome my friend Vuk to Athens again. Our frequent meetings confirm the very close, excellent relations between Greece and Serbia, on both the political and economic levels.

In today’s useful meeting, we of course discussed Serbia’s European perspective once again; a difficult course that nevertheless must be followed through successfully to the benefit of Serbia, our neighbourhood and the Union.

When I visited Serbia in February, in my capacity as Chairperson of the OSCE, I discerned the visible results of this course and the increased sense of stability and progress throughout the country. Greece believes that Serbia has a place in the great European family, providing practical support – economic and political – for its efforts.

I also had the opportunity to assure Vuk Jeremic in person, once more, regarding Greece’s position, which is a position in favour of liberalizing the visa regime so that the citizens of the Western Balkans can travel freely in all the countries of Europe. Moreover, Greece is ready to receive many Serbian friends as tourists who will come to visit us this summer.

Once more, Vuk, welcome.

Mr. Jeremic: Greece is our most important economic partner. We’ve said this many times today. We spent a lot of time on issues that have to do with European Union enlargement in the Balkans, and there really is not the slightest difference between the Greek and Serbian positions.

The only reason for us to continue this dialogue is to look at the joint manner in which we will come out with our positions with our partners.

Right now, the most important issue for Serbia with regard to European integration is the liberalization of the visa regime. And right now all of our attention is really focused on achieving that goal.

We have reason for optimism and we believe that the liberalization of the visa regime will be achieved by the end of this year.

We also talked about Greek investments in Serbia. Greece is one of the most important investors in Serbia. Later this afternoon, I will have the opportunity to talk to the Greek-Serbian Chamber of Commerce. And the positions of the Greek and Serbian governments coincide with regard to the strengthening and promotion of economic cooperation – this trade cooperation – between the two countries, as well as dealing with and resolving issues that we are facing right now in particular, during the international economic crisis.

There is no difference between the positions of Greece and Serbia. Greece supports us fully. It supports our national priorities and we really are grateful.

Thank you.

Journalist: Having chairmanship of the OSCE, what is your comment about the new exercise for North Korea?

Ms. Bakoyannis: I strongly condemn North Korea’s declared nuclear test. I am deeply concerned by this threat to regional and global stability. Rather than enhancing its nuclear capabilities, North Korea should return immediately to the six-party talks and avoid any actions that would further heighten the tension.

The 56-state OSCE, as part of the international community, should contribute to a resolute and measured response to this test. I would note our organization directly borders North Korea, as Russia is a participating state. Cooperation and dialogue are vital to improve security in the region.

Journalist: If I may ask Minister Jeremic, what is the message you received from the meeting you had with Vice President Biden, and how do you see the perspective of the region after the official trip of Mr. Biden in the region?

Mr. Jeremic: Well, I think this was a very important signal from Washington to the region, that the United States is going to remain engaged in the region. I think it’s positive news, and I think that the visit to Serbia of Vice President Biden was seen in Serbia as an attempt by the new American administration to find ways of cooperating, despite certain very strong differences.

And I can say that this profound difference, truly profound difference, that we have with Washington – this is on the issue of the future status of Kosovo – remained. But we found ways of compartmentalizing this difference and engaging in all other fields. I think we have the same goals when it comes to the endgame in the Balkans, and as far as we are concerned, as we also understand this is the position of Washington, is that the endgame of the Balkans should be Balkans truly and fully integrated into the European family of nations.

So we are on the same page when it comes to that, and we decided that we should continue working together in this regard. The difference in Kosovo is going to stay, for Serbia will not change its position regarding defending its constitutional order, its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Journalist: I am from News Agency FoNet from Belgrade. I have a question for Minister Bakoyannis. There are some circulations in Serbian media from Brussels, that the Netherlands could lift its opposition to the beginning of implementation on the side of the EU of the SAA, in June. Could you confirm that?

Ms. Bakoyannis: I cannot confirm it, but I hope that this will be the case. As you know, Greece is a very strong supporter for the immediate implementation of the SAA agreement. We hope that we will have an agreement in June, persuading all our colleagues that Serbia is really trying very hard and showing also that the cooperation which she has with ICTY is a real, sincere and full cooperation.