Russia "respects" Serbia's EU bid - FM Lavrov

Russia "respects" Serbia's EU bid - FM Lavrov

BELGRADE -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia respects the negotiations on Serbia's accession to the EU, but finds dividing lines in Europe unacceptable.

"We treat with respect the position of Serbia in talks on joining the EU. This position is based on the impermissibility of creating new dividing lines in Europe and, on the contrary, promotes the idea of ​​a single economic, humanitarian and cultural space," Lavrov said.

At a press conference held in Belgrade on Tuesday after a meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić, Lavrov said that the construction of the South Stream pipeline will go "according to plan."

"We have confirmed all our agreements and contracts concerning South Stream, and also the necessity to carry this major project through because right now, it is the only one that can ensure gas supply to Southeast Europe," the Russian minister stated, and voiced belief that the suspension of the work on the pipeline in southern Bulgaria was only temporary.

"All decisions regarding the works remain in effect, there is no change of plans," said Lavrov.

He also spoke about the upcoming presidency of Serbia of the OSCE noting that next year marks the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Helsinki Act, while a process dubbed Helsinki +40 was ongoing.

"We hope that this process will result in the elaboration of certain agreements that will promote new approaches to the unity of Europe. One of the useful topics would also elaborate the harmonization of integration projects, both within the EU and within the Eurasian integration project," said the Russian official.

He stressed that his country...