Serbia hails EC decision to start EU accession talks

Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic hailed Friday the European Council's decision to open accession talks with Serbia as "historic", but adding that Serbia is not totally satisfied with it, reported local media. "We are not totally satisfied with the fact that this will be in January, but anyway this is a historic day. We are of the opinion this could take place earlier, but at Germany's request, this was defined in that way," Dacic said in Krusevac, a city in central Serbia. Decision by European Council to open accession negotiations with Serbia means we are desirable and an equal partner with EU, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic wrote in his Twitter account. "Now we have to dedicate ourselves in full to uplift Serbia economically, and better the living standard of our people, " Nikolic wrote. Nikolic also said on Friday he expected Serbia to start the accession talks with the EU very soon. "I expect the official decision (by the European Council) this afternoon or evening. It will be known then who wanted what and who demanded what. I expect us to be in the EU some day and I expect the talks to start very soon and for us to continue with reforms," Nikolic said in Krusevac in central Serbia. Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivan Mrkic said on Friday the EU decision to start the accession talks with Serbia finally put the country on the path of irreversible progress. "A full confirmation was given that Serbia is running a responsible political agenda and that the government and President Tomislav Nikolic are leading the people towards safe and prosperous times," Mrkic said. European leaders on Friday decided to open accession negotiations with Serbia in January 2014 following a two-day European Council summit in the EU headquarters in Brussels.