Serbian President Boris Tadic wants his country to join the EU and gain more international acceptance.

But his reaction to the ICJ’s ruling on Kosovo was just as uncompromising as that of his foreign minister. He insisted that Kosovo is an integral part of Serbia, pledging that Belgrade would never give up on the idea.

“Serbia, of course, will never recognise the unilaterally-proclaimed independence of Kosovo, because we think that ethnically-motivated secession in not in accordance with UN principles,” he said.
“Many countries will be under pressure to recognise Kosovo before discussion at the General Assembly of the United Nations. Serbia will put in all its efforts to make sure there are as few recognitions as possible.”

Tadic, despite his tough stance, is seen as a moderate who says he wants dialogue and a compromise solution. He has ruled out the use of force. However, it is too late. The Kosovans insist they are gone.

“This opinion finally removes all dilemmas that might have been faced by the countries that have not recognised independence. We call on all these countries to take their decision to recognise the republic of Kosovo as an independent sovereign state,” said Kosovan President Fatmir Sejdiu.

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