(ANSA) - BELGRADE - According to Gianni Pittella, leader of the Socialists in the European Parliament (Strasbourg), Serbia - which is engaged in the EU accession negotiations - has to comply with the decisions of the European Union on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. "I do not know what Serbia will do, but it is hoped that the country will comply with the EU's decisions'', Pittella said in an interview with the Belgrade daily newspaper Blic. And, according to him, Belgrade does not necessarily need to play a role as mediator, due to its good relations with Moscow. ''We talk directly with Russia, and we do not need intermediaries. We never got to the point where we can not talk to them: it would be very serious if we weren't able to have a dialogue with Russia'', said Pittella, who confessed at the same time that he appreciates Serbia's position, since the Balkan country does not take advantage of Russian and European embargoes, in favour of its exports. As for Serbia's need to recognise Kosovo's independence in order to join the EU, Gianni Pittella responded affirmatively. ''Yes, I hope this will happen and I am confident that Serbia will move in that direction'', he said, adding that he believes all the Balkan countries will be able to join the EU within ten years.