Former president Tadic to form new Serb government

Former Serbian President Boris Tadic has agreed to start negotiations on the formation of a pro-EU government that would leave the new nationalist president without real power. Tadic announced his decision late Sunday. Coalition talks are to start Monday when Tadic is to meet Tomislav Nikolic who edged him in the May 20 presidential election. Nikolic is expected to be forced to name Tadic primes minister because Tadic has the support of the majority of the250-seat Parliament. Although Nikolic's nationalist Progressive party has the most seats, Tadic's Democrats have more allies to form the next cabinet. The position of a prime minister is stronger than the president, a figurehead who cannot draft laws or make real political decisions. Tadic says he would not include Nikolic's party in his government.