There will be organizational changes in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but this will happen only after a new Foreign Affairs Law is adopted, which is likely in twenty or so days, says Ivan Mrkic, Serbian Foreign Minister in an interview with Danas, in response to the question as to whether any in the MFA are being contemplated in the framework of Cabinet reshuffle.

What were the major challenges facing your Ministry in the course of the past year and what is, in your opinion, its best record of accomplishments in that period?

It is for others to speak about our accomplishments! People often tell me in person that, in reality, there have been certain accomplishments. I believe that the current Government has done a lot to put Serbia in a much better position than was the case in the past. Many people say that our relations with the neighbours have never been better than they are now, and I agree with them because a friendly atmosphere prevails in the region. It has been noted that Serbia has enhanced its friendships throughout Europe while not neglecting its traditional friendship with countries on other continents. Our relations with Russia, United States and Beijing have never been better.

In the negotiating process, will Serbia be drawing upon the experiences of countries which have already become EU members and has any country already offered its assistance to Belgrade?
Of course, we will draw upon the experiences of the member states. Specifically, we have signed 11 interstate agreements devoted solely to cooperation in the context of European integration. Of the EU Member States we have such agreements with Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, Finland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Slovenia, Poland, Croatia and Greece. We also have two agreements with countries which have not as yet become members, namely with Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Incidentally, all partners have offered their help, and we are, believe me, going to take advantage of it profusely. In this process, some countries will be useful as consultants on specific chapters and some others in areas in which they have specialized themselves in particular. What I mean is that some EU members are well versed in the farming sector but are less knowledgeable, say, in services or vice versa. Accordingly, we will decide on whom to consult. I stress that all European countries are willing to help us without reservation.

How is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs preparing itself for Serbia's membership negotiations with the EU?
The Ministry is making organizational and technical preparations. However, the changes mostly affect the structure and scope of activities done by our Mission to the European Union in Brussels, as well as our department specifically concerned with European integration.

What role in the negotiations will be assigned to the civil society and representatives of AP Vojvodina and national minorities, and is there a possibility for their inclusion in the working groups on specific negotiation chapters?
There is no doubt that they will be included. All the institutions and organizations mentioned will be involved, depending on the requirements and purpose of the relevant negotiations.

Can the fact that the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina will be discussed from the start to the completion of the negotiating process, slow down Serbia's pace towards EU membership?
You know that anything is possible. However, the cliché being created that everything revolves around our talks with Pristina is totally out of touch with reality. Naturally, we continue to normalize our relations with Pristina, but I must say that no one is measuring, in an apothecary sort of way, the process that we have embarked upon for the sake of achieving our own interests.

When is the draft new Law on Foreign Affairs due for adoption by the Serbian Government?
Hopefully, it will be in twenty or so days from now.

What will be the main tasks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the next few months?
Aside from its normal activities, diplomacy will be fully focused on enhancing the economy of our country.

What is the significance of the future Serbian Chairmanship-in-Office of the OSCE and what will be the priorities in this respect?
It is a great honour for Serbia to be presiding over an organization bringing together countries stretching from Vancouver to Vladivostok. With our Swiss friends, we are making preparations and have already outlined our work plan at the recent conference in Vienna. I think that it is too soon to tell what will be the immediate tasks of the Serbian CiO.