Joksimovic: Serbia ready for reforms

BELGRADE - Minister without Portfolio in charge of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic said Friday that Serbia is ready to press ahead with the reforms that are crucial for the opening of most important chapters in the EU accession talks, aimed to strengthen institutions and the rule of law.

"Without the reform of judiciary, respect for human and minority rights, the fight against organized crime, police reform and the fight against corruption, reforms will not be possible in any other sphere of social life,” Minister Joksimovic stressed in a meeting with Charles Sheehan, the non-resident Ambassador of Ireland based in Athens.

"For that reason we want to be ready as soon as possible for the opening of Chapters 23 and 24, which address these issues. They are also preconditions for the creation of a stable business environment that will attract investors," she said.

Ambassador Sheehan noted that each country faced different challenges on the path to EU integration, depending on their circumstances, the Serbian government media office stated in a release.

Ireland achieved a marked success in creating a positive investment environment, developing the IT sector and utilizing the EU funds, which is also a useful experience for Serbia, the release quotes Sheehan as saying.

Photo Tanjug/S. Radovanovic