MOSCOW, May 5 (RIA Novosti) - A senior Russian lawmaker will arrive in Belgrade on May 8 at the invitation of outgoing-Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, a week before the country's crucial parliamentary elections.

Konstantin Kosachyov, who heads the International Affairs Committee at the State Duma, told reporters on Monday the visit would take place as part of a 'friendly party' agreement between the ruling United Russia party and Kostunica's Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS).

During his visit Kosachyov will participate in a DSS public meeting before the early elections due on May 11. The Russian lawmaker is also expected to meet with leaders of other political parties and with members of Serbia's caretaker parliament.

In March, pro-Western President Boris Tadic dismissed parliament and urged new elections after nationalist premier Kostunica refused to govern alongside Tadic's Democratic Party over disagreements on EU integration.

The main issue for voters is whether Serbia should move closer to the EU or return to hard-line nationalism.