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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Kostunica, Labus meet Grossman

Belgrade, 7 July 2004

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and Deputy Prime Minister Miroljub Labus met today with US State Under Secretary for Political Affairs Marc Grossman and Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Kathleen Stephens.

Kostunica stressed that the Serbian government is strongly committed to institution building, revival of economy, implementation of judiciary reforms and the improvement of the country's overall stability.

Speaking about Kosovo-Metohija, the Serbian Prime Minister said that the remaining Serb population in the province must be secured conditions for survival, adding that decentralisation and autonomy would secure safety to Serbs and other non-Albanians.

Grossman said that the US support Serbian government's reforms, because it is impossible to secure respect for human rights without their implementation.

Stressing that the US endorse the policy of standards before status, Grossman said that decentralisation is necessary so that democracy and respect for minorities could be established. He added that the US insist that Serb houses that were destroyed must be rebuilt and that he will set that demand on his visit to Pristina.

The talks specially focused on cooperation of Serbia-Montenegro with the Hague tribunal. The US support the model of cooperation in which Serbia-Montenegro must fulfill its obligations, but in such a way that the country's stability is preserved.

Grossman conveyed to Prime Minister Kostunica President Bush's support to democratic institutions in Serbia, adding that the US will continue to support Serbian people in their efforts to develop democracy.