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EU says Serbia agreement on hold | EU says Serbia agreement on hold |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The EU enlargement commissioner has said a deal due to be signed with Serbia has been postponed because of a political dispute in Belgrade. | The EU enlargement commissioner has said a deal due to be signed with Serbia has been postponed because of a political dispute in Belgrade. |
Olli Rehn spoke of "the obstruction by certain politicians in Belgrade in blocking the signature". | Olli Rehn spoke of "the obstruction by certain politicians in Belgrade in blocking the signature". |
The accord offering Serbia closer trade relations and easing visa requirements was due to be signed on Thursday. | The accord offering Serbia closer trade relations and easing visa requirements was due to be signed on Thursday. |
Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica has accused the EU of tricking Belgrade into recognising an independent Kosovo. | Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica has accused the EU of tricking Belgrade into recognising an independent Kosovo. |
The leadership of the breakaway Serbian province is due to proclaim independence in the next few weeks. | The leadership of the breakaway Serbian province is due to proclaim independence in the next few weeks. |
Serbian sovereignty | |
Mr Kostunica said yesterday the EU's decision this week formally to agree a civilian mission there has undermined Serbian sovereignty. | Mr Kostunica said yesterday the EU's decision this week formally to agree a civilian mission there has undermined Serbian sovereignty. |
His stance is at odds with that of President Tadic, who won re-election on Sunday and whose party is part of the same ruling coalition. | |
Mr Rehn accused some leaders in Serbia of ignoring the election result. | |
"They have really failed to hear the choice of the Serbian people," he told reporters in Brussels. | |
He said he very much regretted having to postpone tomorrow's signing but said the deal still stood. | |
"Of course, the EU commitment is firm and the invitation remains on the table." | "Of course, the EU commitment is firm and the invitation remains on the table." |