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Djuric: Thaci’s statement threat to Serbs in Kosovo (RTS, Tanjug)

Serbian Government Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director, Marko Djuric commenting on a statement of Kosovo President Hashim Thaci on “unification of Mitrovica” said Thaci should not play games with Serbia and should not threaten Serbs, RTS reports. At the same time, Djuric urged the EU to react before it is too late.

“Hashim Thaci speaks about annexation of Mitrovica North, and I want to convey a message to him, not to play games with Serbia and threaten Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, not to act irresponsibly, since such statements are call for destabilization,” Djuric said.

Romania does not believe visas for Kosovo residents would be lifted (BETA)

Romania expressed doubts the EU would soon lift visas for the Kosovo residents, given disputable decisions that Pristina authorities undertook lately, BETA news agency reports.

It includes the introduction of punitive measures on goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as intention to establish Kosovo armed forces.

“We welcome good relations of Serbia and Russia” (Blic, Tanjug)

Germany and France welcome good relations of Serbia and Russia as long as they do not contradict Serbia’s EU path.

German and French ambassadors to Serbia, Thomas Schieb and Frederic Mondoloni said this in an interview to Belgrade-based daily Blic, adding that Serbia could join the EU by 2025.

French Ambassador Mondoloni noted that Serbian authorities over the last couple of years made visible efforts to invite for visits and welcome leaders from the main partner states.

Vucic for RTS: I am ready for difficult decisions, but those must be difficult and for Pristina not only for Belgrade (RTS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told morning RTS News that he is not optimistic that a final solution for Kosovo will be reached, but that he is ready for difficult decisions. He says that it must be a compromise.

The Republic of Palau is the 13th country that has withdrawn the recognition of Kosovo's independence. The president of that republic is in Belgrade today and where will meet with Aleksandar Vucic.

Simic: Brussels should exert pressure on Pristina (RTS)

Representative of Srpska Lista, Slavko Simic told RTS that tomorrow’s meeting of Kosovo Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli, PM Ramush Haradinaj and US Ambassador Philip Kosnett on taxes is of crucial importance, since the future of Belgrade and Pristina dialogue depends on it.

He also urged Brussels and Quint states to exert pressure on Kosovo leaders in order to revoke the taxes and make Kosovo Albanians sit at the negotiation table in Brussels.

"EU integration supported by 55 percent of citizens" (Serbian Government, B92)

EU Integration Minister Jadranka Joksimovic said on Friday that EU integration is supported by 55 percent of Serbian citizens.

This represents "a steady support to the process," she said, according to remarks carried by the Serbian Government's website.

Speaking at the session of the National Council on the EU, Joksimovic presented the latest six-month research of the ministry, which was conducted in December according to Eurobarometer standards, noting that the responses of support to Serbia's EU accession are almost identical as in July last year.

Brnabic: Putin’s visit cannot bother Brussels (Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said she is pleased with the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding the visit absolutely cannot impede Serbia on its path towards Euro-integration, Tanjug news agency reported.

She noted Brussels is aware of Serbian and Russian traditional ties, political and economic ones, same as Moscow knows about Serbia’s EU aspiration.

Brnabic also said it was important to hear the message that Russia supports Belgrade and Pristina dialogue, and it would support any solution that suits Belgrade.

“EU expects from Serbia to remain committed to European perspective” (Tanjug, RTS)

Unnamed EU official from Brussels told Tanjug news agency in relation to the Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday’s visit to Serbia, that the EU does not comment on the visits of leaders from other countries, however the EU expects from Serbia to remain committed to its European perspective.

“Serbian authorities identified the EU integration as a strategic priority for their country. We expect from Serbia to act in line with its obligations, so the European perspective of the country remains unhampered,” the EU official said.

Belgrade and Pristina delegations "almost came to blows"(Tanjug, B92, Kurir)

Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic has revealed that a fight almost broke out during one of the meetings between Belgrade and Pristina delegations in Brussels. Dacic, who is also first deputy PM in the Serbian Government, specified that those involved were himself and the-then Kosovo Justice Minister Hajredin Kuci.

Dacic made this statement after President Aleksandar Vucic said that Kuci on one occasion "jumped at Dacic during a meeting between Belgrade and Pristina delegations," and that he "had to come to his aid."

Dialogue to continue once trade barriers are lifted – Vucic (B92)

President Aleksandar Vucic says he had a working lunch with the representatives of the EU and thanked member states for their support to Serbia's European road.

Vucic met in Belgrade on Tuesday with ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of EU member states.

As he said, the meeting lasted more than two hours, and concerned "what Serbia must do when it comes to its European path."