German Ambassador Axel Dittmann says his country will support opening chapters 23 and 24, on judiciary and rule of law, in the first half of this year.

In an interview for Vecernje Novosti, Dittman said that NATO membership was not a prerequisite for joining the EU, and the same applies for recognition of Kosovo's independence.

Dittmann pointed out that there was more work to be done in the fields of rule of law, combating corruption, independence of judiciary and freedom of expression, adding that it is important to keep the reform momentum despite the forthcoming elections.

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