German Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere on Wednesday called on Belgrade to use its influence on ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo to end violent protests there, warning that lack ofaction would affect its bid for EU membership, dpa reported. "I believe that its influence is strong and should be used more strongly to achieve peace. I demand this of the Serbian government," de Maiziere said as he arrived for a regular meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels. "The Serbian government wants the EU candidate status. At the moment, every day leads Serbia further away from a positive decision," he added. De Maiziere also suggested that a reduction of NATO peace keeping troops in Kosovo planned for February may not take place after all because of the violence. When asked whether he expected an increase in troops instead, he said that "it is too early to tell. "
