OSCE Mission lauds State Union Parliament resolution on Serbia and Montenegro's accession to the EU

BELGRADE, 29 June 2005 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia and Montenegro, Ambassador Maurizio Massari, welcomed today's adoption of a resolution on accession to the European Union by the Parliament of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.

Similar resolutions were adopted by both the Parliaments of the Republic of Serbia in October 2004 and the Republic of Montenegro in June 2005.

"This is an important step forward for the State Union," Ambassador Massari said.

"Accession of Serbia and Montenegro to European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, including the EU, must be based on a clear strategy and broad political consensus - within Serbia, within Montenegro, and within the State Union as a whole. Therefore it is gratifying that the State Union is now mandated by its Parliament to make clear commitments for Serbia and Montenegro's speedier accession to the European family."

"The people of Serbia and Montenegro favour joining Euro-Atlantic institutions. There is no better way to ensure security and prosperity than to implement the reforms necessary for rapid integration into those structures," added Massari.