Serbia is firmly on the path towards full membership in the EU, but wants to enter Europe as an integral whole - either that or nothing, says Tomislav Nikolic.

The Serbian president made this statement as he addressed the central ceremony marking Armed Forces Day and Victory Day in Zrenjanin, northern Serbia, on Monday.

"Some representatives of the EU are hinting that Serbia's entry into the European community of nations might be conditional on recognizing Kosovo and Metohija. If it really be demanded of us, it means that they do not want us. Serbia, a UN member, wants to enter Europe as a whole - it's either that or nothing. That is the principle Europe was built on and that is a Europe we want. Our ancestors entrusted us with our fatherland Serbia in its entirety and we must keep it that way and preserve it for our descendants unbroken," said Nikolic.

Serbia is committed, by word and deed, to honoring the principles of freedom, understanding and cooperation, accepting differences and keeping the peace in the country, the region and the world, the president said.

He also told those gathered that "we must never forget that a crime has been committed, and forever owe it to the victims to remember them with reverence."

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