Serb "vote for Europe" not as emphatic as some wish

By Zoran Radosavljevic

ZAGREB (Reuters) - The United States and European Union portrayed the result of Serbian elections as an emphatic endorsement of the pro-European camp over nationalist rivals.

But Serbia's neighbors and Western analysts saw no clear resolution of the split between nationalists and pro-Westerners that might help usher in a period of stable government.

The Democratic Party of President Boris Tadic, which the EU favored, won 39 percent on Sunday, beating the nationalist Radical Party into second place. But with 29 percent and two potential partners, the Radicals are also challenging for power.

Western countries, whose support for the February 17 secession of the region of Kosovo inflamed nationalist sensitivities, said they were encouraged by the outcome.

"The result of the election is a clear expression of the desire of the majority of citizens of Serbia to get closer to Europe," said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

"This is good news for Serbia and Europe. I hope that a government will be formed quickly so that together we can take the next steps in the direction of Europe," he said.

The U.S. embassy in Belgrade -- torched in riots when Kosovo seceded -- said Serbia "demonstrated its heart is in Europe".

But a former U.S. ambassador who is now an independent commentator on Balkan affairs took a more cautious view.