BRUSSELS, May 12, 2008 (Xinhua via COMTEX News Network) -- A European Union (EU) official here Monday welcomed the result of Serbia's latest parliamentary elections.

"I welcome the peaceful and orderly conduct of yesterday's parliamentary elections in Serbia, as confirmed by the election observation mission," said EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.

"The Commission takes note of the preliminary election results and welcomes the success of the reformist forces that share European values," he said.

"I trust the new government will pursue the country's reform agenda and its path towards the EU. Serbia can become the engine of the Western Balkans and the EU is ready to accelerate its EU course - including candidate status," he added.

The pro-Western coalition in Serbia has claimed victory in the parliamentary elections. But the alliance is short of a majority to form a government and the disgruntled nationalists have pledged not to give up.

The coalition, despite its opposition to Kosovo's independence, favors a speedy integration with the EU as it believes EU membership would help strengthen Serbia in the fight to maintain Kosovo.