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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Improved relations between NATO, Serbia-Montenegro to increase regional stability

Belgrade, 18 July 2005

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Miroljub Labus today talked with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer about co-operation with the Hague tribunal, the Serbia-Montenegrin defence system reforms, the safety situation in Kosovo-Metohija and about EU integrations.

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, left, and Miroljub Labus

Scheffer stated that NATO is prepared to continue with the professional and financial support for defence system reforms and stressed the need for the Serbian government to continue with the enhancement of these reforms.

He added that NATO will assist with its Programme for Resettlement of Redundant Military Personnel (PRISMA), as well as with establishing a creditor’s fund for facilitating the defence system in the transition period.

Labus pointed out during the meeting the need for providing more long-term internal financial support, and the necessity for joint engagement on providing external funds for financing defence system reforms.

The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed the importance of a parallel process of European and Euro-Atlantic integrations, which implies the stabilisation and association process on one side, and full membership in the Partnership for Peace on the other.

Scheffer pointed out that continued integration depends entirely on the fulfilment of obligations to the Hague tribunal. He also praised the Serbian government for its commitment to fulfilling these obligations up to now.

Speaking about Kosovo-Metohija, Scheffer said that NATO expects Serbs to fully participate in institutions in Kosovo since that is the most efficient way to achieve their rights and to have influence on the events in the southern province. Labus stressed the significance of establishing a serious political dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

During the meeting, they both pointed out that the improved relations between NATO and Serbia are encouraging, and that this will inevitably bring increased security and stability to the region.