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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Russia welcomes Kosovo children, provides assistance for Serb houses, Hilandar monastery

Belgrade, 23 June 2004

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica met today with Georgy Poltavchenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin's authorized representative to the Central federal district, as well as with delegations of the Russian National Glory Centre, the Apostle Andrei Fund and the Belgrade-based Society of Serbian-Russian Friendship, which have allowed 540 children from Kosovo-Metohija to visit Russia.

Kostunica thanked the Russian President, Russian people and the three organizations for enabling Kosovo-Metohija children to spend vacations in Russia.

The visit to Russia’s friendly and safe environment restored the children’s hope and love, especially following the March violence in the province, the Prime Minister said.

Poltavchenko conveyed regards from the Russian President and said that Russian people felt the need to help Serb children from Kosovo-Metohija. He added that a further 200 children will visit Russia in August at the invitation from Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov.

Poltavchenko said that Russia is also interested in expanding cultural cooperation with Serbia, stressing that funds are being raised to help the country repair the Hilandar monastery which was damaged in a fire in early March. He also noted that Russia has appropriated $2 million to help Kosovo-Metohija Serbs rebuild their homes.