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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia becomes guarantor of regional stability

Kranj, 5 October 2007

State Secretary at the Serbian Ministry of Interior Mirjana Orasanin said today that by achieving a high level of reform in the field of border control and introducing new and secure personal identification documents, Serbia has become a guarantor of regional stability and a reliable partner of the European Union in achieving overall safety.

At a meeting of ministers of interior of Western Balkan and EU countries, held in Brdo near Kranj in Slovenija, Orasanin said that the greatest problem in prevention of trans-border crime, and especially of illegal migration and human trafficking, is the inadequately protected border of Kosovo-Metohija towards Albania and Macedonia, which falls under the responsibility of UNMIK.

The situation is made even more difficult because of a very high level of organisation and power of criminal groups made of ethnic Albanians from Kosovo, which operate within Europe.

Orasanin specified that 70% of the total number of illegal migrants found in Serbia come from Kosovo and warned that the territory of the southern Serbian province is used as a large "storage" of heroin.

Underlining that this is a problem that affects the entire Europe, the State Secretary said at the meeting that Serbia is resolved to ensure the highest level of control of the state border, in a way that will enable safety, protection of rights and freedoms of citizens, and unimpeded and efficient development of economic activities.

Due to this, realisation of full coordination in police work, effective exchange of information, application of standards, and strengthening of mutual trust, are important facts in successful fight against cross border crime, said Orasanin.

She mentioned the activities of relevant ministries in the previous period, stressing the importance of a national strategy for integrated border regulation, which secures efficient cooperation and coordination in the work of all border authorities.

Serbia recently adopted the Law on travel documents, and laws on asylum, protection of state borders and foreigners are in legislative procedure, said Orasanin. She added that the introduction of new and more secure personal documents is one way in which to fight successfully against illegal immigration and to control cross border crime.

Orasanin also said that an all inclusive project is being realised in Serbia to introduce new documents which will reduce the possibility of misuse to a minimum.

European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security Franco Frattini and delegations of ministries of 13 EU and West Balkan countries are participating in the two-day regional conference which will end today.

Representatives of the European Police Office Europol presented a study on estimating the threat posed by organised crime in South East Europe, which should be implemented in the West Balkans for fight against organised crime, such as human trafficking and trade in narcotics and weapons.