Govt 23 July said ICJ’s 22 July decision that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law failed to answer question whether unilaterally proclaimed secession is legal (see Kosovo); asserted commitment to preserving country’s territorial integrity, defend position at UN General Assembly (UNGA). 28 July submitted draft resolution to UNGA saying unilateral secession not acceptable means for solving territorial disputes, calling for resumption of talks for mutually agreed solution; followed 26 July motion by Parliament backing govt Kosovo policy. President Tadic attended 11 July ceremony in Bosnia commemorating Srebrenica massacre, vowed to bring former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic to justice.

After receiving positive report by UN Tribunal Chief Prosecutor on Serbia’s cooperation 14 June, EU Council of Ministers opened ratification process for country’s Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Govt reiterated commitment to bring former Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladic to justice despite 16 June motion by family to declare him dead, citing serious illness, lack of indications he is alive.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Fuele 19 May said next month’s report by Hague tribunal Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz on co-operation by Serbia crucial to country’s EU integration bid. Tribunal 19 May announced receipt from Serbia of diaries of former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic to be used in trial of former Bosnian Serb leader Karadzic. FM Jeremic 16 May said agreement reached on holding 2 June EU-Western Balkans summit with Kosovo’s participation. Summit to be held in so-called Gymnich format with countries represented without state symbols. Govt 20 May pledged to undertake investigation into possible mass grave discovered 10 May in Raska, believed to contain remains of some 250 ethnic Albanians killed in 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict.

During 14 Apr visit, Council of Europe SG Jagland praised reforms, announced decision to end post-accession supervision of Serbia. During 7-8 Apr visit to Belgrade U.S. Deputy Sec State Steinberg commended Serbia’s EU progress, cooperation with Hague Tribunal, resolution condemning Srebrenica massacre.

Parliament 31 March adopted resolution condemning 1995 Srebrenica massacre, apologising to victims’ families. UK authorities 1 March arrested Ejup Ganic, member of Bosnia’s wartime presidency, on Serbian warrant relating to alleged role in 1992 attack on Yugoslav People’s Army convoy leaving Sarajevo under negotiated safe passage. Serbian Ministry of Justice 10 March requested extradition of Ganic; Bosnia 3 March filed rival request. Thousands protested outside British, Serbian embassies in Sarajevo demanding Ganic’s release. 20 March EU-Balkans cooperation summit in Slovenia highlighted political, ethnic divisions: President Tadic refused to attend over Kosovo’s state-level participation; Bosnian PM Spiric (Bosnian Serb) walked out during Kosovo PM Thaci speech.

Serbia 9 Feb announced it had fully normalised relations with Bosnia, frozen since Belgrade rejected Bosnia’s ambassador 3 years ago. 1 policeman seriously injured in 14 Feb bomb explosion in Bujanovac, Albanian-majority areas in south; police called blast a “terrorist attack”. Police 23 Feb conducted search of Ratko Mladic’s Belgrade family home aimed at disrupting his financial support network.

Following meeting with FM Jeremic, Spanish FM Moratinos 26 Jan said will push for quick decision on Serbia’s bid for EU membership. Bishop Irinej, advocate of ecumenical dialogue and widely seen as moderate and apolitical, elected Patriarch of Serbian Orthodox Church 22 Jan. Serbia recalled ambassador from Podgorica after Montenegro 15 Jan established diplomatic relations with Kosovo.

Belgrade 22 Dec submitted formal EU membership application after EU FMs 7 Dec agreed to unblock interim trade agreement with Serbia, citing cooperation with The Hague, key European reforms. Occurred after ICTY Chief Prosecutor Brammertz 3 Dec reported to UNSC Serbia’s “constant progress” in cooperation with tribunal, and Netherlands lifted its opposition, in place since April 2008 signing of Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between EU and Serbia. Dutch FM 15 Dec said position on unfreezing of full SAA depends on further progress with ICTY.

ICTY chief prosecutor Brammertz visited early Nov to assess Serbia’s cooperation with Court; allegedly favourable report to be delivered to UNSC 3 Dec, though stops short of citing full cooperation. Addressing Dutch parliament EU enlargement debate 12 Nov, Dutch FM noted progress in Serbia’s cooperation with UN war crimes tribunal. New military base near Kosovo, Macedonian borders prompted criticism from local Serbian Albanians. EU Council of Ministers 30 Nov lifted visa restrictions against Serbia, to begin 19 Dec instead of 1 Jan.