A spokesperson for the late Slobodan Milosevic, the former Serbian and Yugoslavian President charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity, has been appointed the new Prime Minister of Serbia.
Ivica Dacic was sworn in earlier, in a parliament dominated by Serbian nationalists and socialists; including Milosevic’s party the Socialist Party of Serbia headed by Dacic.
Addressing parliament in Belgrade, Dacic stated that Serbia would refuse to recognise Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence, but would respect European Union brokered agreements with the country. The issue of Kosovo has been particularly contentious in Serbia’s attempt to becoming a member of the European Union (see here and here).
Dacic told the Serbian Parliament,
"Our goal is the acceleration of the process of European integration with a maximum effort to get a date for the start of EU accession talks,"
"Serbia wants to be a factor of peace and stability in the region... all outstanding issues should be resolved peacefully.”
"Serbia is extending its hands in reconciliation with everyone. We will not concern ourselves with the past; let's concern ourselves with the future."
He also stated that he had already discussed matters with the EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who commented that Serbia “needs an effective government” that will “continue to deliver on the European integration agenda, regional cooperation and reconciliation, including through the early resumption of dialogue” with Kosovo.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel also commented on Serbia’s appointment, urging “normalization of the neighbourly relations with Kosovo.”
Also in Serbia's new cabinet is Defence Minister Aleksandar Vucic, Milosevic's former information minister infamous for his extremist views during the Kosovo War and new General secretary Veljko Odalovic, a senior official during the conflict.
