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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

EU integration, preservation of national, state interests continue in first 100 days of government work

Belgrade, 13 October 2008

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Ivica Dacic said that the Serbian government, although facing big temptations, succeeded in continuing the EU integration process and the preservation of national and state interests.

In a statement to the Tanjug news agency, on the occasion of 100 working days of the government, Dacic said that the government managed to set the base for economic development through foreign investments as well as for social justice through solving many issues such as the amount of pensions, but also to continue its fight against crime and corruption.

He said that Serbia progressed several steps regarding the EU integration and now Serbia is closer to the EU than 100 days ago, and recalled that very important results were achieved in the UN General Assembly since Serbia’s initiative that the International Court of Justice gives an opinion on the legality of the declaration of Kosovo’s independence was adopted.

Dacic said that the government signed an agreement with the Italian company Fiat and an agreement with Russia, comprising the selling of Serbia’s oil industry Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) and gas pipeline construction, will soon be signed, and the effects of the agreements are estimated to be more than €1 billion.

According to him, the government was faced with big tempations, such as the issue of Kosovo, arrest and extradition of Radovan Karadzic and riots, and the division within the Serbian Radical Party which influenced the work of parliament.

The results of the government work are visible, Dacic said and expressed belief that Serbia should continue actions to implement the agreement with Russia as well as with the EU.

He noted that it is in Serbian initerest to have good ties with both the Union and Russia.

He recalled that pensions in November will be increased by 16% and announced that a law on pension and disability insutrance is being prepared and should enter parlaimentary procedure by the end of the year.

Commenting on police performance, Dacic said that it became clear during the anti-fascist demonstration held this weekend that trust must be established between the police and public, adding that it was the first occasion when the public, particularly journalists, were pleased to see a large police presence.

He stressed that the police will serve the people and will make every effort in the fight against crime and corruption. He added that the police must behave properly towards the public, but it should also be ensured that there are no attacks on the police, disorderly behaviour or assaults on journalists.

Speaking about the decision to expel ambassadors of Montenegro and Macedonia following these countries’ decision to recognise Kosovo, the Minister said that it was one of the measures recommended by the action plan, but this will not jeopardise relations between the people of the three countries.

We will continue talks on dual citizenship with Montenegrin representatives this week, because this issue is of vital importance for people in Montenegro and Serbia, said Dacic. He added that Serbia will not deprive Montenegrins living in Serbia of their right to education and health services.