COX ADDRESSES PARLIAMENT OF SERBIA-MONTENEGRO

BELGRADE, Sept 29 (Hina) - European Parliament President Pat Cox addressed the parliament of Serbia-Montenegro on Monday evening, after he arrived in Belgrade from Zagreb. #L# Cox, who is on a tour to south-eastern European countries covered by the Stabilisation Association process (SAp), told MPs in Belgrade that the process of joining the European Union was long and complex and should be treated as a national project regardless of which government would implement it. He also urged parliamentarians to assume responsibility for the implementation of reforms. Cox warned in his speech that the situation regarding human rights in Serbia-Montenegro and the region was still a matter for concern. Worrying issues include the functioning of judicial authorities, the freedom of the media and cooperation with the Hague-based UN war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, he added. The EU is willing to help aspirants to overcome those problems but each of countries-candidates must meet the Copenhagen criteria, he said referring to political stability, market economy, the ability to fulfil obligations and the adoption of the acquis communautaire. (hina) ms