Serbia wants to join EU without damaging ties with Russia

MOSCOW - Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said in Moscow on Monday that Serbia would like to become a member of the European Union, but underlined that the country does not want to damage relations with Russia in the process.

I have never concealed that Serbia wants to become a part of the EU, but Serbia does not want to damage good, the best, friendly relations with Russia at the difficult moment, Vucic said, addressing reporters after a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow.

Vucic said that Serbia backs all peace initiatives by Russian President Vladimir Putin in relation to Ukraine. He noted that Serbia also supports Germany's position on the issue.

Serbia wants a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian problem. Serbia is a small country, and we learnt this hard way, Vucic said.

Medvedev said that they discussed openly and at length the situation in Ukraine- “what happened, who is to blame and what should be done.”

The Serbian prime minister said that in lengthy and constructive talks on the South Stream gas pipeline, all crucial issues have been resolved, with only technical details remaining, but they are also being adjusted and quickly closed.

Medvedev said that the two countries are ready to sign an agreement on South Stream soon, which will raise their relations to a new level.

He underscored that the project, which is to the benefit of both states, should not be politicized.

Medvedev noted that South Stream is a priority project for Russia, and this has become evident in the context of developments in Ukraine.

The Serbian prime minister noted that economic relations between the two countries are very good, and that Russia is...