Today's Date:

I extend my warmest congratulations to President Boris Tadic on his re-election. I pay tribute to the democratic conduct of this presidential election and the high turnout of Serbian citizens. I am delighted by the desire thus expressed to see Serbia move forward towards her European future.

France will act within the European Union to enable Serbia to make headway on this path, particularly by signing on 7 February the interim agreement concluded last Monday in Brussels. This agreement will open close cooperation with the European Union in the political, economic and social spheres.

We are expecting from the re-elected president and the Serbian government concrete measures to anchor Serbia in the European Union, starting with full cooperation with the [International] Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

France is ready to help Serbia carry through the reforms necessary for her European future. We hope she will soon be able to complete the stages necessary for her accession, including those which will enable her swiftly to be granted candidate status./.