European Liberal Democrats welcome the formation of a new Serbian government

3.12.33pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th May 2007

Just minutes away from a constitutional deadline, the Serbian parliament approved the new government comprised of the main pro-democracy parties. Reacting to the news of the formation of a cabinet to be led by the current acting Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, European Liberal Democrat Leader Graham Watson said: "Liberals and Democrats welcome yet another important step on the road to lasting peace in the Western Balkans. We wish the new government every success in its work to bring Serbia closer to the EU".

"Today marks a watershed not only for Serbia but for the entire region. It has been a long, tough slog in Serbian politics since the elections back in January, but the Serbian people should be able to look forward to positive developments in their country from now on. In particular, I welcome the appointment of DS' Božidar Ðeliæ to the important post of Deputy Prime Minister responsible for European Integration. This illustrates the importance the new government places on a European future for Serbia. I am also pleased to hear that overall responsibility for national security will be in the hands of President Tadiæ", stated Parliament's Rapporteur for Serbia Jelko Kacin.

"The new government should lose no haste in tackling the big issues: raising the living standard of its citizens and full cooperation with the ICTY. This will enable Serbia to make much-needed progress in its relations with the EU. As a first step, I very much welcome today's initialling of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements with the EU", continued Kacin.

Kacin will shortly travel to Belgrade on a fact-finding mission in order to begin preparations for a parliamentary report on Serbia's progress towards the EU.