German FM backs plan for Serbia to join EU

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-05-2008 10:42

Germany's foreign minister is backing plans for Serbia to become an official candidate for European Union membership in 2009.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) and Foreign Minister  Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) place their files as they  arrive for the weekly cabinet meeting in Berlin,  September 3, 2008.REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch (GERMANY)

During a joint news briefing with his Serbian counterpart Vuk Jeremic, Frank-Walter Steinmeier acknowledged talks on Serbia's EU membership were moving forward swiftly.

Steinmeier also reviewed some of the conditions on Thursday, including reform of Serbia's judicial system and police force.

Jeremic said his government will address the issues but warned Serbia and the EU may remain at odds regarding Kosovo's sovereignty.

He said Serbia plans to ask the European Court of Justice to review whether Kosovo's declaration of independence was legal under international law. Steinmeier said he stood by Germany's decision to recognize Kosovo's independence.

Editor:Du Xiaodan