A delegation of the South-Eastern Europe parliamentary friendship group of the German Bundestag, headed by Detlef Dzembritzki, met, on 14 November, at Assembly House, a delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the European Integrations Committee, headed by the chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Gordana Comic.

The beginning of the meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Predrag Markovic, who welcomed the guests by saying that Serbia was now, ‘as it had been for all these years, interested in making possible both official and unofficial visits from Europe, so that it could relay the message that Serbia wanted and was able to be a good partner. Serbia had a minority government for the past three years, but, in spite of that, the present Assembly convocation adopted more laws than any previous Serbian parliament; a new Serbian Constitution was adopted; and the first sitting was held at Assembly House, after 100 years of its being designed. Serbia was able to solve two problems it had at the outset – the issue of disassociation from Montenegro, which did not depend on Serbia only, and the adoption of the new Constitution, which was a matter for Serbia alone to solve. After parliamentary elections, called by the President of the Republic for 21 January 2007, Serbia will face another two major issues: the future status of Kosovo and Metohia, which will not depend on Serbia only, and co-operation with international bodies, primarily the Hague tribunal, which will be a matter for Serbia alone to solve.’ Markovic underlined the fact that Serbia found it very important that Germany was about to assume the EU presidency, ‘not only because our two nations have good economic and cultural relations, but also since Germany has always shown understanding for Serbia’s actions, both past and future, in establishing stability and adopting European standards.’

The ensuing discussion between the two delegations focused on the aim of the German delegation’s visit – the establishment of closer ties with the Serbian Assembly. It was concluded that co-operation would be intensified with the formation of the Germany Friendship Group after January’s elections and the constituting of a new Assembly. Agreement was also reached on certain issues that could be discussed at a future date.
The two delegations agreed that the German presidency of the EU in the first six months of 2007 could help Serbia on its road to Europe, as well as that Germany expected good news from Serbia after elections are held and necessary legislation is adopted.
The meeting heard that Serbia was firmly committed to European values, as well that further harmonisation of Serbia’s laws with EU standards was expected. The expectation was also voiced that the Action Plan for co-operation with the Hague Tribunal would be implemented after the election of a new government, as well as that a solution for the future status of Kosovo and Metohia would be found.