The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dačić spoke today at the panel discussion "2014: Present-day Hotbeds of Crisis", in the framework of the Conference devoted to the First World War "1814, 1914, 2014: Lessons from the Past, Vision for the Future", held in Salzburg.

Minister Dačić said in his statement that the Republic of Serbia would take over the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office at a moment in time, delicate and complicated for the European region, underlining that OSCE participation in resolving the Ukrainian crisis is yet another proof of the relevance of this Organization.

In the context of continued presence of conflicts in the world, Minister Dačić emphasized the need for their peaceful solution, in accordance with international law, as envisaged in the United Nations Charter.

Dačić underlined that, depending on their influence at the international stage, international factors should contribute to the de-escalation of the on-going crises in Ukraine, Iraq, the Middle East and Syria, as well as work on seeking viable and long-term solutions.

"The experience of the Western Balkans in the 1990s suggests that conflicts can be overcome, testimony of which is the ever improving cooperation among the countries in the region", said Minister Dačić.

Dačić reiterated the position that the European Union was the most appropriate framework for all the countries of the region, where their individual interests could best be achieved.
"The European integration process is a historic undertaking that requires great efforts and calls for rationality of all the actors, and Serbia is resolved to persevere in that process", he said.

The Serbian Foreign Minister emphasized that Kosovo and Metohija was Serbia's major security issue, adding that Serbia was devoted to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as to the implementation of all the arrangements under the Brussels Agreement.

"Serbia is committed to continuing to be an important factor of regional stability and a reliable partner in international relations", said Dačić, adding that proof of this was its cooperation with the European Union in the Common Security and Defence Policy, active participation in the Partnership for Peace programme, cooperation with the UN and the OSCE, as well as initiatives in the disarmament field.