Fico: Serbia Deserves Fair Chance for EU Membership, It's Ready

Bratislava, 18 February (TASR) - Serbia deserves membership in the European Union and is well prepared for it, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) wrote on his social media with respect to Wednesday's event marking Serbia's Statehood Day, which he attended. At the same time, Fico rejected what he sees as discrimination against Serbia in the EU accession process. According to him, such discrimination by EU institutions and some member states is evident. "Serbia has my sincere recognition. I support its path to the European Union and I am convinced that if the country meets the conditions, it must receive a fair chance. Slovakia will stand by Serbia as a reliable partner and friend," Fico said. He also wrote that he wished Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic all the best and much wisdom in leading the Serbian nation to where it belongs - the most developed Europe. At the event, he said he congratulated Serbia on the holiday on behalf of the Slovak government and thanked it for the friendship that unites the two nations. He is convinced that there is a strong bond between Slovaks and Serbs - historical, cultural and based on shared values. "We are Slavic nations and must not forget what unites us. We have our own experience, our own courage, our own pride. And these values shape us today. Slavdom, its common sense and experience can help Europe more than anyone might imagine," the prime minister added. mf