Tomislav Nikolic formally stepped into office as President of Serbia on Monday, saying that his presidency would focus on the policy of peace, stability and cooperation in the neighbourhood, and that in Serbia's interest he would cooperate with everybody, both "with the East and with the West."
Addressing guests at his inauguration, Nikolic said he would not allow "different positions on certain events from the past to jeopardise our joint future."
"We will solve all our differences and problems by democratic means, primarily dialogue. I will protect the Constitution, I will protect and preserve Serbia's territorial integrity and I will try to unite all political forces in our country to define and implement a common policy towards our Kosovo," Nikolic said.
He stressed that Serbia's European path was a path of the future and economic growth.
Those present were also addressed by European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele.
The presidents of most of the former Yugoslav countries did not attend the event.
