European integration, Mladić arrest inextricably linked

Belgrade, October 01 (Source: B92) - Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša feels Serbia should soon become a candidate for EU membership. That support, together with a similar call from Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi are the results of a diplomatic initiative, aimed at maximum acceleration of the integration process, B92 understands from Ksenija Milivojević, adviser to the government’s vice-president for European integration.

She said that the initiative was significant above all because from January 1, 2008 Slovenia would assume the six-month presidency of the EU. "Slovenia is a country that has placed the western Balkan states– and by association, Serbia - and their accelerated integration, at the top of their list of priorities." "Since during the course of a presidency, the chair can have a major influence on the EU decision-making process and put certain issues to the forefront, it’s particularly significant that Slovenia has, in the course of her preparations, raised the question," said Milivojević.

For Serbia to receive candidacy status, it must first initial, and then sign the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA). Earlier forecasts suggested that initialing could take place in October, while the condition for signing remains full cooperation with the Hague Tribunal. Precisely that will be the subject of a conversation between the coordinators for implementing the Action Plan, Rasim Ljaljić and Vladimira Vukčević with European officials in Brussels on October 16. Although two weeks remain until that meeting, Ljaljić was unable to say whether he and Vukčević would have anything new to tell the EU officials. Milivojević expects a positive report to be submitted by the Hague’s Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte, and that it will enable initialing of the agreement. For signing to take place, however, consent from all EU members is required.

"That’s where the question of interpretation of full cooperation with the Hague comes into play. In other words, does it mean extradition, or an assurance – that is, proof – that the state is doing everything in its power to bring about that extradition?" she said. She added that the political will undoubtedly existed, although this will, in the short term, would have to be accompanied by tangible results in terms of locating and handing over the fugitives. Milivojević concluded that full cooperation with the Hague at every future step along the path to European integration meant arresting Ratko Mladić and the other Hague fugitives

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