(ANSAmed) - BELGRADE, JANUARY 23 - Serbian President Boris Tadic
congratulated Croatian citizens for the wide margin of victory
by those in favour of the EU in yesterday's referendum in
Croatia, saying that the Croatian people "made the right
decision for their future and for future generations".
"I would like to congratulate all Croatian citizens. This is an
enormously important decision for Croatia's future, as well as a
positive sign for our entire region," said Tadic in a message
sent to Croatian President Ivo Josipovic and Premier Zoran
Milosevic. "The entrance of Croatia into the EU," he added,
"opens up new chances for the integration of Serbia and other
countries in the Western Balkans into the EU."
"The EU means respecting and applying European standards and
provides prospects for a better and more peaceful life for all
citizens in the region who have suffered wars, tension and
turbulence in their history. This is the only way to put all of
the conflicts behind us and to open a new page of peace,
tolerance and cooperation," concluded Tadic. Serbia, which has
remained behind in the European integration process, hopes to
obtain EU candidate status at the European Council in early
March.
Congratulations for Croatia's 'yes' vote regarding EU
membership also came from Bosnian Premier, Vjekoslav Bevanda and
Slovenian President Danilo Tuerk.
In yesterday's referendum, 66.2% of Croatians voted in favour
of EU membership compared to 33.1% against. Croatia will
formally join the EU on July 1, 2013. (ANSAmed).
