Djuric: We will fight for Serbia to open Cluster 3 in EU talks

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Monday Serbia would fight to open Cluster 3 in its EU accession talks and noted that it was very important to determine the political motives behind a recent attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal in Kosovo-Metohija.

Asked by the RTS what kind of statements could be expected to be made at Tuesday's meeting of Western Balkan leaders with new European Council President Antonio Costa, Djuric said the meeting would be very interesting and that Serbia was going to Brussels with its head held high and with clear and firm positions.

"We see Serbia clearly as one of the engines of this part of Europe. Our GDP accounts for 52 pct of the Balkans' total economic output. With annual growth of 4 pct, we can contribute to the EU and we want to be accepted as an equal member. We do not want to be watching from the second or third row, but to make decisions together with other members," Djuric said.

"We will fight for Serbia to open Cluster 3, which would change the rules of the game in the region in terms of how much progress on EU integration would also mean for Serbia's geopolitical position. I believe that those behind the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal might perhaps have had that in mind as well. For us, it is very important that the political motives behind the attack on the canal are determined," Djuric said.