EU FOREIGN MINISTERS CONCERNED ABOUT SITUATION IN SERBIA

BRUSSELS, Feb 23 (Hina) - European Union foreign ministers have voiced concern over the recent events in Serbia, where premier-designate Vojislav Kostunica is forming a minority government with the support of the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) led by Slobodan Milosevic.#L# The Council of Ministers is concerned about the political developments in Serbia following the parliamentary elections of 28 December 2003, read conclusions the EU foreign ministers issued in Brussels on Monday. Sources close to the European Commission say that the EU is not satisfied with the possibility of a minority government being formed in Serbia, which would be supported in parliament by Milosevic's SPS. The EU would like to see a majority government which would include all democratic parties committed to reforms and European values, the same sources say. The EU is interested in seeing a Serbia committed to political and economic reforms, to meeting international commitments, including full cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal, as well as to the fight against organised crime and to the continuation of reconciliation and cooperation with neighbouring countries. Actual progress in that direction is important for further progress towards the European integration process with full support from the EU, the Council of Ministers said. (Hina) rml sb