Taoiseach has talks with Serbian president

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern met with the President of Serbia and Montenegro Svetozar Marovic this evening.

Mr Marovic is paying a two-day official visit to Ireland. The Taoiseach said the pair spoke about developing relations between the EU and Serbia and Montenegro.

"I am very pleased to welcome President Marovic to Dublin on the first official visit to Ireland by a President of Serbia and Montenegro. We have had a very constructive meeting," said Mr Ahern.

Mr Ahern affirmed the EU will not change its long term commitment to working with countries of the Western Balkans towards their integration into the EU.

The pair also discussed Serbian co-operation with the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague.

"I strongly welcomed the significant improvement in relations with the Tribunal in the Hague, and President Marovic assured me of the state union's commitment to ensuring that full cooperation is

achieved as soon as possible," said Mr Ahern.