|
Belgrade: Serbia's nationalists and liberals clashed in parliament on Wednesday over a resolution to abandon the country's plan to join the European Union unless nations withdraw their recognition of Kosovo's statehood.
Nationalists supported by Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica's ruling conservatives drafted a resolution calling on the EU to "clearly and unequivocally" say that Kosovo remains part of Serbia before the Balkan country resumes its pre-membership talks with the bloc.
Several EU nations, including Britain, France and Germany, have recognised Kosovo's declared separation from Serbia on February 17.
Tomislav Nikolic, leader of the ultranationalist Radical party, said, "Serbia should not negotiate with any international organisation which does not recognise that Kosovo is a part of Serbia."
Olli Rehn, the EU's enlargement commissioner, appealed on Wednesday for Serbia to reaffirm its commitment to seeking closer ties and eventual membership.
The EU "remains committed to Serbia's European perspective, but it takes two," Rehn said in Brussels.
|
