(BRUSSELS) - The Slovenian presidency of the European Union hailed Sunday what it called "a clear victory" by pro-European forces in Serbia's general elections.

"The EU presidency warmly welcomes the clear victory of pro-European forces at the Serbian general elections," it said in a statement on its website that underlined "the peaceful and orderly conduct" of the polls.

It added: "It hopes that a new government will soon be composed with a clear European agenda."

The presidency statement was issued within an hour of Serbian President Boris Tadic, the flag-bearer for a pro-European alliance, claiming victory in Sunday's elections.

The parliamentary vote was a virtual referendum asking voters to choose between entering or rebuffing the European Union in a backlash to Kosovo's declaration of independence three months ago.

Earlier in the evening, initial counts by the electoral commission, poll monitors and various parties showed Tadic's "For a European Serbia" alliance was on course for a surprise victory.

In its statement, the Slovenian EU presidency said that, so long as "necessary conditions are met", the outcome of the election "should enable Serbia to advance further on its EU path, including candidate status".

It added: "The EU looks forward to the new government to engage constructively in regional cooperation."

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