SOLANA TO VISIT YUGOSLAVIA, HOPES TO ENCOURAGE DIALOGUE

BELGRADE, Nov 25 (Hina) - The European Union's high commissioner for external policy and security, Javier Solana, has announced he will visit Belgrade and Podgorica on Tuesday, confident he can encourage a democratic and constructive dialogue between the two capitals' officials. In an interview with the Belgrade news agency Beta on Sunday, Solana says a genuine debate on Serbia-Montenegro relations has not begun yet. No referendum can replace the necessary debate on the nature and contents of the new democratic ties between Serbia and Montenegro, he maintains. Solana conveyed the European Union's position that new changes in the Balkans would mean running against the course of history. All aspiring to join must prove they are capable of identifying with the Union, which develops and becomes stronger on a daily basis thanks to dialogue and the sharing of sovereignty among its member- states, said Solana. Asked what stance the EU would take if Kosovo Albanian leaders continued to insist on independence for the province, Solana said the recent general election had marked a key stage to the return of democracy. He added the fact that various ethnic communities, especially Serbs, voted was encouraging. Solana will also visit Pristina. All political leaders in Kosovo must now wisely assume their responsibilities in the new institutions that will be established, in compliance with the UN Security Council's Resolution 1244, he said. (hina) ha