Recognition of Kosovo's independence might set precedent for future trouble: Serbian president

Serbia's President Boris Tadic said here on Friday that the recognition of Kosovo and Metochy's independence might create a precedent for future trouble in the Balkan area.

Paying a state visit to Bucharest, Tadic thanked his Romanian counterpart Traian Basescu for the support granted to his country on the Kosovo issue and Serbia's accession to the European Union.

"I am against accepting the independence of Kosovo Province ...At the same time, our country will never give up joining the European Union. I wish to thank President Basescu and the entire Romania for their support in the problems of Kosovo and Metochy, as well as in Serbia's joining the EU," Tadic told a joint press conference with Basescu following their official talks.

The Serbian president was positive that the stance Romania takes is also in its own interests.

"The Western Balkans and Serbia's joining the European Union is a very important strategic point. Recognizing the independence of Kosovo and Metochy might create a precedent that, in its turn, may cause trouble for the future of our area," said Tadic, stressing that Serbia's EU accession is also of great economic importance.

President Basescu said that he and his Serbian counterpart talked about the association agreement between Serbia and the European Union, adding that Romania thinks it must be signed as soon as possible, and Serbia meets all the criteria to seal the document.

Tadic arrived in Bucharest on Friday for a two-day visit to Romania. He also met with Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc as wellas Chamber of Deputies Speaker Roberta Anastase.

On Saturday, Tadic will go to the city of Constanta in south-eastern Romania, where together with Basescu he will watch a soccer match between Romania and Serbia, in the qualifiers for the2010 World Championships.