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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Dacic meets with Guterres

Belgrade/Geneva, 25 November 2009

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic talked today in Geneva with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres.

Dacic informed Guterres about Serbia's problems in finding solutions for the lasting return and integration of refugees and internally displaced persons.

Guterres said that UNHCR has very good cooperation with Serbian authorities and underlined that despite new world crises, UNHCR must not forget people from the Balkan wars.

He told Dacic that UNHCR has problems with internally displaced persons because the UN does not recognise the Kosovo government and those people do not have the status of refugees for them, which is why it is not easy to find solution to their problems.

UNHCR takes an active role in finding solutions for recognising rights to property, pensions and other issues, which internally displaced persons have by law.

Guterres underlined the importance of the Serbian government's programme for a resolution to the problems of Roma nationals, as one of the most concrete programmes.

The UN High Commissioner welcomed the preparations for the regional conference on refugees, which is being held in Belgrade.

Dacic thanked Guterres for the UNHCR support over the issues of refugees and returnees, especially concerning their housing rights.

He also underlined the importance of the participation of the UNHCR in the dialogue with the Croatian government concerning the return of refugees and the realisation of their full rights.

Guterres said that problems of refugees must be resolved and collective centres closed down, because it is impermissible that in the 21st century Europe tolerates the existence of an unsolved refugee problem on its territory.