Serbia cancels signing of EU agreement

European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said he hoped the problems in Belgrade would be resolved quickly. He added that the EU commitment was firm and the offer would remain on the table.

Serbian President Boris Tadic backs the cooperation agreement, but Prime Minister Vojislav Tadic is opposed, saying that the deal is only a sop to persuade Serbia to accept independence for Kosovo.

A majority in parliament supports the prime minister, but his party is the weaker partner in the government coalition.

Earlier it was reported that new Serb government faces crisis

Belgrade - Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has condemned President Boris Tadic's plans to sign an agreement with the European Union on Thursday for closer trade relations and easier visa requirements. The prime minister says the accord was an EU ploy to trick Serbia into recognising Kosovo's independence.

Brussels authorised sending a supervisory mission to Kosovo just hours after Mr Tadic was re-elected. Although President Tadic has the support of the cabinet, the prime minister has a parliamentary majority. The prime minister has made moves to prevent the signing of the agreement, which could lead to the fall of the government.

Source: Radio Netherlands