EU, Dacic confirms no to Kosovo’s independence

Serbia will not recognize Kosovo's independence, said Premier Ivica Dacic after his visit to Brussels. Dacic said statements by European MP Martin Schulz concerning the need for the reciprocal recognition of Belgrade and Pristina in view of the countries' EU membership were misunderstood. The statements were criticized in Belgrade. "Martin Schulz's words were misinterpreted. Serbia will not recognize Kosovo", Dacic said in an interview published today by Vecernje Novosti. "The EU welcomed with satisfaction the position of the Serbian government in savour of continuing along the road of European integration", he also said. "And in Brussels they clearly said that European integration will mostly depend on Serbia itself, from the implementation of the preconditions set by the European Council in December 2011", the prime minister added in a reference to domestic reforms and improving relations between Belgrade and Pristina.