The position adopted by Romania about the independence of Kosovo was not hazardous but listened to and understood by European and American allies as it was well argumented, says Frederick Kempe, head of the US think-tank the Atlantic Council. In an exclusive interview for HotNews.ro, he says Bucharest is already playing the role of a mediator between Serbia and the EU/NATO, but its role can improve as Belgrade moves forward towards European integration.

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Reporter: Romania said it wanted to be a mediator between Serbia and EU/NATO. How do you think it could play this role? Frederick Kempe: I think it was a very important signal that Boris Tadic came to Romania on his very first foreign trip. And it shows how important Romania is for Serbia. I think that the fact that Romania has such a good relationship with Serbia means that it is already playing a mediator role and can play a more important role going forward. Over time, Serbia will definitely want to grow closer to the European Union, I think the election of Tadic shows that. It's a difficult period for Serbia now, for its relationship with the European Union and the United States, and certainly Serbia-Nato. But I think that as time goes on, Serbia moves more to the integration in Europe and Romania is going to be critical to Serbia's ability t