BALKAN MOTIFS

- The latest round of talks be-tween Serbia and Kosovo ended in Brussels on 19 April. In Kosovo itself and in the states that have recognized its independence, as well as in the European Union, the results of these talks have been regarded as the first evidence of Serbia's recognition of this region's sovereignty. What is the situation really like?

- Kosovo and Metohija are a part of Serbia. The agreement between Belgrade and Pristina about the normalization of relations is a chance for modern Serbia to embark on the implementation of further reforms. According to the agreement, the Serbs in Kosovo will have their own self-administration bodies, their own legal system and powers of law-and-order. They are strong in the sphere of the economy, planning and also health and education. The agreement does not imply the status of an independent state for Kosovo. Serbia has never recognized the sovereignty of Kosovo and Metohija.

- After the collapse of Yugosla-via, six independent states emerged - Serbia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Cro-atia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovenia. What are relations like between these countries which were once united into a single state?

- You were right when you said that these states were once part of a single Yugoslavia. Unfortunately, the collapse of Yugoslavia led to a civil war in the Balkans. The war in 1991-95 raged mainly in Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina and ended with the Dayton agreements.

- Relations now between these independent states are positive and we are trying to develop our economy. As you will recall, Yugoslavia was hit by sanctions from the UN. But now, as independent states, we want to develop our relations according to the new standards. We are also developing cooperation in the context of regional and international organizations. Bilateral relations are also being strengthened because we speak the same language, live on the same territory and have been a part of a federal state. We are moving towards strengthening mutual trust.

- Slovenia is already a member of the European Union. Croatia will become a full-fledged member this year, and Serbia is a candidate to join from 1 March this year. The date of the start of talks on Serbia's joining the European Union will be agreed in June. In the Balkans we are strengthening our mutual economic relations and we hope to achieve full harmony as a part of the EU.

- What is the difference between the political situation in the Balkans and the South Caucasus? Would you say that everything is stable in the Balkans and there is political and economic development?

- Of course, the Balkans and the South Caucasus are not the same. That said, both regions have been through a tough period in history. But the development of the economy in both regions, and especially the economy and energy of Azerbaijan, is an important factor in broadening bilateral relations between the Balkans and the South Caucasus. A number of energy projects are being implemented in this region and Azerbaijan is an important country for the EU in terms of cooperation in this sphere. Your country is planning to implement a number of projects in the delivery of energy resources to Turkey and Europe. This is an important element of Azerbaijan's economic development. We in the Balkans are also developing our economy and cooperation with all partners.

- Relations between Serbia and Azerbaijan are fine. There are embassies operating in both countries. We are trying to do all we can to develop economic relations.

- Serbian President Tomislav Ni-kolic paid an official visit to Azerbaijan in February. The Azerbaijani president also visited Serbia last year. Generally speaking, there has been an intensive development of ties in recent years. What projects are due to be implemented in the future?

- President Tomislav Nikolic's visit to Azerbaijan was proof of the high level of  political dialogue between the heads of state. The presidents signed a Declaration of friendship and strategic cooperation. This document opens up opportunities for the development of relations in all spheres - economic, cultural, scientific, sporting, educational, and so on. This means we can say that Azerbaijan and Serbia are strategic partners in the international arena. And both sides have a strong will to develop comprehensive cooperation.

- In his speech in Baku President Nikolic pointed out that Azerbaijan has become a reliable partner for Serbia in the East. What do you think Serbia means for Azerbaijan?

- Azerbaijan has become a reliable partner for Serbia not only in the East but also in the West. Our countries support one another at an international level. For Serbia, Azerbaijan is a serious, reliable and strategic partner and a friendly country. Cooperation is developing between our countries in the economic, educational, sporting and other spheres. The Serbs are very interested in visits to Azerbaijan, just as the people of your country want to visit Serbia. Such a mutual flow of tourists will strengthen the friendly relations between the countries even more.

- What is Serbia's position in a settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict?

- Serbia takes a very clear position in a settlement to the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. Serbia respects Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The conflict in Nagornyy Karabakh is a very painful one. We have already encountered such a problem in the Balkans. We believe that the only way to a solution to the conflict is to hold peace talks. We hope that Azerbaijan and Armenia will find a peaceful solution to the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict and we support the position of the international community in this process.