Romanian President voices support for Serbia's EU membership ambitions

Romanian President Traian Basescu Tuesday extended whole-hearted support for Serbia's diplomatic efforts on European Union (EU) accession during a two-day visit to the neighboring nation. Appearing together with Serbian President Boris Tadic at a joint press conference in Belgrade, Basescu emphasized his country's unwavering support for Serbia's European Union (EU) membership ambitions and underscored Romania's continued resistance to the recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo. "Serbia is the key to peace in the Balkans," said Basescu. "Ordinary Serbs and Serbian politicians should know that Romania unreservedly supports Serbia's progress towards EU membership. We believe that Serbia should become an EU member as soon as possible." Tadic stressed the importance of Basescu's visit, as it comes approximately one month prior to the EU's decision on whether to grant Serbia candidate status. Romania is one of five EU member states which have refused to recognize the independence of Kosovo. Basescu and Tadic also discussed potential joint economic projects such as the transport of Caspian gas through the region to Western Europe and a power station on the Danube River, along with potential cooperation in such sectors as food, textile and wood. Basescu is scheduled to meet with representatives of the Romanian minority in Serbia, who live in the northeast of the country.