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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Prime Minister Kostunica meets Sawers

Belgrade, 16 March 2004

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica met with Political Director General at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office John Sawers to discuss the current situation in Kosovo-Metohija, relations within the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, cooperation with the Hague tribunal, and economic relations between the United Kingdom and Serbia.

Sawers said that the situation in Kosovo, for all results achieved so far, is not satisfactory and expressed his support to further talks between Belgrade and Pristina. He added that those who wish to return to Kosovo must be allowed to do so.

Sawers also confirmed that assistance to Serbia-Montenegro through the CARDS programme will be continued. He added that Great Britain and other EU members attach great significance to Serbia's cooperation with the Hague tribunal.

Kostunica acquainted Sawers with problems that Serbs and other non-Albanians in Kosovo are faced with, adding that they are largely due to the disrespect of human rights in the province.

Kostunica pointed out that a very small number of Serbs have returned to Kosovo, despite the international community's insisting on reaching adequate standards. He added that minorities' human rights are violated on a daily basis and that ethnically-motivated crimes are frequent. For that reason, Kostunica said, it is necessary to provide additional institutional guarantees to Serbs and other non-Albanians, through a process of decentralisation.

Kostunica expressed optimism when it comes to the future of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro and added that its survival is in the interest of all its citizens. He said the state union enjoys wide international support, particularly from the European Union, the United States, and Russia.

Kostunica said the launching of a war crime trial in Belgrade for the Ovcara case proves that Serbia has a responsible approach to cooperation with The Hague.

During the meeting, Sawers handed over to Kostunica a letter of congratulations from British Prime Minister Tony Blair and conveyed his support to the Serbian government.