Latest News from Serbia

S. Stream "sobering for Serbia," says German paper

BERLIN -- It was "sobering for Serbia to learn that in the NIS sale contract had no clause on compensation or extra payment in case of the South Stream pipeline failure."

This is what German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung writes in an article it dedicated to relations between Serbia and Russia.

"Serbia belongs in EU," says former EC chief

BELGRADE -- Serbia "should be in the EU and the reforms introduced by the government of PM Aleksandar Vucic are in the interest of the citizens, with or without the EU."

This is according to former European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

Serbia Europe's best in extra-institutional child care

BELGRADE - In Serbia, most children without parental care live in foster families, with fewer than 1,000 boys and girls living in relevant institutions, which makes Serbia the best in Europe in this regard, Serbian Minister of Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Aleksandar Vulin said on Monday.

Chinese ambassador on "excellent relations," upcoming summit

BELGRADE -- Chinese Ambassador in Belgrade Li Manchang has told B92 that Serbia has the right to take care of its interests in relations with Europe and the world.

He during the weekend briefly commented on Serbia's decision not to join bloc divisions and to cultivate relationships with all sides.

Association of Djakovica citizens wants Serb homes rebuilt

BELGRADE - The Association of Djakovica Citizens has stated that the demolished Serb homes in that town in southwestern Kosovo should be rebuilt to allow 12,000 Serbs to return there, because Kosovo's future lies in multiethnicity.

Serbia belongs in EU, reforms in citizens' interest

BELGRADE - Serbia should be in the European Union and the reforms introduced by the government of Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic are in the interest of the citizens, with or without the EU, former European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has said.

FM: EU made "no official request" regarding Kosovo

BELGRADE -- Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Sunday Serbia's stance not to recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo remains unchanged.

The EU "has not officially requested this from Serbia," he told a regular monthly news conference.

Social Democratic Party demands Vulin's resignation

BELGRADE - The Social Democratic Party (SDS) has called on the authorities to determine who is responsible for the illegal decision by the Labour Ministry to grant funds to non-governmental organisations and invited Labour Minister Aleksandar Vulin to take responsibility and resign.

Aleksandar Antic remains president of SPS Belgrade branch

BELGRADE - Serbia's Energy Minister Aleksandar Antic has been re-elected as president of the Belgrade branch of the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS).

At the ninth electoral conference of the branch, held on Sunday, the new SPS city board was elected as well, said a statement released by the party, a minority partner in Serbia's ruling coalition.

"South Stream scrapping detrimental to everyone"

BELGRADE -- Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Sunday the canceling of the South Stream natural gas pipeline would be "very detrimental" for the country.

Serbia would be left without an alternative gas supply route, he told his monthly news conference in Belgrade, the Beta agency is reporting.

"Serbia not giving up either on EU or territorial integrity"

KRUPANJ -- Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday that Serbia "does not give up on its European path or its territorial integrity."

President again says EU will seek "recognition of Kosovo"

BELGRADE -- Tomislav Nikolic says he "knows for certain" that Serbia will be faced with a choice: either Kosovo or EU membership.

The Serbian president spoke during the weekend to add that the country "must be prepared for this."

The Diocese of Raska and Prizren of the Serbian Orthodox Church qualified this as "a new provocation."