Van Rompuy na ontmoeting met Servische president Tadic: arrestatie Mladic brengt Servië dichter bij Europa (en)
I congratulated President Tadic and expressed the European Union's satisfaction over the arrest and extradition of Ratko Mladic. I commended President Tadic on his personal leadership and commitment that led to this achievement. In many ways this is a milestone. For Serbia, for the region, and for international justice as well.
By capturing and extraditing Ratko Mladic Serbia moved a significant step closer to playing its full part in today's Europe, and realising its European perspective. I used the opportunity of our meeting today to reiterate my support for the President's European vision and his determination. The road ahead is still difficult, but a major roadblock has been cleared. Serbia is presented with a new opportunity.
It is essential now to make as much progress on this road as possible. I encouraged President Tadic to intensify work on his reform agenda. Strengthening national democratic institutions, enhancing the rule of law, promoting justice reform are central elements. These objectives deserve our full support and assistance.
We have six months ahead of us before the European Council will again discuss the issue of enlargement, and take decisions. The remaining timeframe must be used well.
The arrest of Ratko Mladic is significant not only for Serbia but also from a regional perspective. I hope this courageous action will take us a step closer to reconciliation, regional stability, and lasting peace. In fact, regional co-operation and reconciliation, together with moving forward with European integration, will serve as the guarantee that the past should not be repeated.
Serbia has now an opportunity to enhance its constructive and indispensable role in the region. With courage, vision and determination the region's remaining challenges can also be brought to conclusion.
In this context, we also touched upon the ongoing dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. The two teams have been working intensively, with the assistance of the European Union. On many of the issues discussed - which, in fact, mostly concern problems of daily life of ordinary people. They are close to pragmatic agreements in terms of regional cooperation, which is essential for the European integration process.
Finally, we should not forget the wider international stage, and the symbolic significance of the Hague trial. What we see is a triumph for international justice and the rule of law. The message to the world is clear. It may take time, but the legal institutions set up by the common will of the international community are functioning, and justice is being served.