Serbian president Boris Tadic told a news conference on August 3 2008 the fact that European Union membership was the country's top national interest “did not mean that Serbia will accept blackmail,” broadcaster B92 reported.
“If someone thinks that this pro-European government will give up defending national interests for the sake of European perspectives, they are wrong,” he also said, as quoted by B92, adding that Serbia would keep fighting for the breakaway province of Kosovo by diplomatic means.
Kosovo declared its independence on February 17 amidst severe protests from Serbian authorities, who vowed to never let it go in spite of most EU member states recognising it.
According to Tadic, Serbia's co-operation with The Hague war crimes tribunal was a sign that the country was protecting its national interests, B92 said.
On July 21, Serbian authorities arrested former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic after a 12-year hunt for one of the world's most wanted fugitives. His arrest came only weeks after the new Serbian government, which placed European integration top of its agenda, was sworn in.
Serbia's full co-operation with The Hague tribunal is the EU's main stipulation in order for the Balkan state to begin its path towards EU integration.


















