The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra is using this opportunity to inform that, as instructed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, the procurement process for PMCA Services has been put on hold/postponed.

We will inform the potential bidders about the continuation of the procurement process as soon as possible, with a new deadline for the submission of offers, which will be determined accordingly.

We apologise for any inconvenience this might cause to potential bidders.

The Republic of Serbia, represented by its Embassy in Canberra is the Crown lessee of a property at 6 Beale Crescent (Block 14, Section 67) Deakin, 2600 ACT, on which it proposes to construct a new diplomatic complex.

After the development of the project, the Embassy has acquired the documentation necessary for construction approval and all necessary permits from the National Capital Authority (NCA). On 30 April 2023, the formal conditions for the Embassy to start the process of construction of the diplomatic complex of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra, have been fulfilled.

The new diplomatic complex (subject to budget approvals being obtained by the Embassy) is intended to include an embassy with consulate, ambassador’s residence, covered parking, other un-covered parking, landscaping and other site infrastructure.
The Embassy seeks to engage the services of a suitably qualified and experienced provider of project management and construction administration services (the Project Manager). The services are to be executed in one or more stages as required by the Principal (and subject to the Principal obtaining relevant budget approvals) (Stages) further explained in the request for tender (RTF).

In order for the Bidder to obtain required documentation for participation in the procurement process, we kindly ask you to sign and stamp the Statement on data confidentiality and return it to the email address of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra: embassy.canberra@mfa.rs  in case you prefer the tender documentation to be sent to you via Australia Post or bring it with you if you prefer to take over the tender documentation in person at the Embassy`s premises.

The deadline for the submission of bids is Monday, February 05, 2024, until 12.00pm (AEDT)

 

The Republic of Serbia, represented by its Embassy in Canberra, Australia, has secured a property at the address: 6 Beale Crescent, Block 14, Section 67, Deakin, 2600 ACT, - owned by the Republic of Serbia on the basis of a long-term lease agreement (“Crown Lease”) signed with the National Capital Authority (NCA).

After the development of the project, the Embassy has acquired the documentation necessary for construction approval and all necessary permits from the National Capital Authority (NCA). On 30 April 2023, the formal conditions for the Embassy to start the process of selecting a contractor, i.e. starting the construction of the diplomatic complex of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra, have been fulfilled.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia by this invitation is starting the process of procurement of high value works to build the new Diplomatic Complex of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra – Phase I and invites all interested companies to submit an offer to provide Building Services based on the Main Building Project, Technical Specification of works and Tender Documentation.

In order for the Bidder to obtain required documentation for participation in the procurement process, we kindly ask you to sign and stamp the Statement on data confidentiality and return it to the email address of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra: office.canberra@mfa.rs

The deadline for the submission of bids is Monday, October 30, 2023, until 12.00pm (AEDT)

Following the tragic loss of lives at the “Vladislav Ribnikar” Elementary School shooting in Belgrade on 3 May 2023, the Government of Serbia has declared three days of national mourning, from 5 May to 7 May 2023.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia is grateful for all the messages of support we have received.

A book of condolence will open at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, 4 Bulwarra Close, O`Malley from 5 May 2023.

Members of the public who wish to leave written tributes can do so during the following opening hours:

5 May 2023     10.00 – 14.00 and 16.00 – 18.00
6. May 2023    10.00 – 12.00
7. May 2023   10.00 – 12.00

Please be advised that visitors to the Embassy will be subject to security checks.

For those unable to attend in person, an online book of condolence can be signed at: office.canberra@mfa.rs 

By invitation of the organizer of the Tennis Association of Australia (TSA) championship, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Australia Rade Stefanović attended the final match of the men's competition of the Australian Open, where Serbian best tennis player Novak Đokovic participated and won.

On the eve of the match, the Ambassador Stefanović had the opportunity to talk with the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, the Executive Director of TSA Craig Tiley and with a few members of the Board of Directors of the Australian Open.

The interlocutors considered to the last year's deportation and ban on entering the country that was imposed on Novak Djokovic, but also the decision of the current Australian Government to cancel the mentioned ban issue a new Australian visa to him, thus enabling the participation of the world's best tennis player in this prestigious tournament - for which the Ambassador once again thanked the Australian Prime Minister Albanese and the Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles.

Moreover, the Ambassador Stefanović drew attention to the events of a few days ago and the media campaign launched without a good reason in the Australian public regarding videos and photos of Srđan Đoković, the father of our tennis player, with a group of "fans" displaying symbols that have been prohibited during this year's tournament. Presenting his view of the mentioned situation and Serbia's attitude towards the conflict in Ukraine, the Ambassador emphasized that politics and sports should not be mixed.

After the victory of our tennis player, the Australian officials sent their congratulations to the Ambassador of Serbia and commented on Novak Djokovic's game and success, with chosen words.

On Saint Sava's Day, on the eve of the traditional and largest celebration of this holiday, a feature film about Saint Nektarios of Aegina “Man of God”, directed by Jelena Popović, was shown at the monastery of Saint Sava Novi Kalenić near Canberra. The event was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Australia, Rade Stefanović, as well as the Australian-New Zealand Bishop Siluan, clergy, monks and numerous members of the Serbian community from Canberra and other places.

Bishop Silouan, together with the clergy, served the Holy Bishop's Liturgy, which was attended by many Orthodox believers. The Liturgy was followed by speeches from Bishop Siluan and Ambassador Stefanović, who officially opened the 42nd St.Sava Youth Festival.

Bishop Siluan emphasised the importance and role of the monastery of St. Sava Novi Kalenić near Canberra for the spiritual well-being and survival of the Serbian people in Australia and New Zealand.

After greeting the attendees, Ambassador Stefanović specifically referred to the importance of St. Sava in the tradition and culture of our people, particularly his educational work - which is why he is celebrated as a school Slava in Serbia. In this context, Ambassador Stefanović emphasised the importance of preserving the Serbian language and culture in the Serbian diaspora, which is a high priority for the state of Serbia.

 

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Australia Rade Stefanović met with Bishop Siluan at the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand in Cabramatta, as part of his regular activities.

The Ambassador and the Bishop discussed important topics concerning the Serbian community in Australia, with a brief overview of the activities carried out in the previous period, and exchanged information about the plans for the current year.

The Ambassador informed Bishop Siluan about the Social Security Agreement between the Republic of Serbia and Australia, which has been negotiated for several years. It was assessed that signing of the agreement represented an important indicator of the intensification of relations between the two countries, as well as that it had particular significance for the members of the Serbian community in Australia.

In the context of preserving national and cultural identity and developing stronger and permanent ties with the home country, the importance of supplementary schools of Serbian language and culture in Australia was also discussed, as well as the importance of St Sava College in Varroville.

 

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Canberra Rade Stefanović met with Federal Senator for South Australia Alex Antic.

Ambassador Stefanović and Senator Antic discussed the current status of bilateral relations between Serbia and Australia, with an emphasis on parliamentary cooperation.

Ambassador Stefanović informed Senator Antic about the recent establishment of a Parliamentary Friendship Group with Australia in the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.

They discussed the current situation in Kosovo and Metohija and the progress of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, as well as the current economic circumstances in Serbia.

Ambassador Stefanović and Senator Antic both expressed their pleasure with the decision of the competent authorities of Australia to issue a new visa to the best Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic, making it possible for him to take part in the upcoming Australian Open in January 2023.

MEDIA STATEMENT

The Tennis Australia, as the organizer of the Australian Open, is entitled to formulate the event policy regarding flags, symbols and all other aspects of the competition. The players, their teams and spectators, no matter what are the rules, are obligated to respect that fact if they want to be a part of the event. Having that in mind, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Australia is of the opinion that everyone should obey the rules set by the organizers.
According to the Embassy’s knowledge, Mr Srdjan Djokovic himself has not displayed any forbidden symbols during the tournament and has not breached any rules set by the organizers. The videos and photos could be easily taken out of context and irresponsible individuals from the crowd after Novak’s brilliant victory on Wednesday night could easily misuse the presence and the celebration moment of Mr. Srdjan Djokovic for their own selfish purposes by taking the photos with him while by themselves holding prohibited symbols. The Embassy feels that part of the media is jumping into conclusions without giving Mr. Srdjan Djokovic benefit of the doubt.
Mr. Srdjan Djokovic is the citizen of the Republic of Serbia and the Embassy will provide him, as it would to any other citizen of our country, all assistance and protection that might be necessary.
The position of the Republic of Serbia towards conflict in Ukraine is well known – the Republic of Serbia provides full and principled support to observation of principles of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Just like it is committed to preservation of sovereignty and integrity of its own territory, the Republic of Serbia is likewise advocating respect for territorial integrity of other sovereign countries and the principle that borders can be changed only in accordance with the rules of international law. Fundamental principle of the contemporary international law is the principle of peaceful resolution of conflicts and refraining from threat and use of armed force against territorial integrity and political independence of any country whatsoever and in any way that is not in accordance with the United Nations Charter. Guided by fundamental principles of its foreign policy, the Republic of Serbia finds the violation of territorial integrity of any country, including Ukraine, very wrong.
The Embassy shares the opinion that the politics should be kept out of sports. Sports should be the instrument of connecting people. The organizers of the tournament are well known for their excellent organization and this year’s tournament should be remembered likewise and by the players who demonstrated the best performance and reached its final stages. Today we have two very interesting men’s semi-finals and all attention should be devoted to the matches and participating players.
Canberra, 27 January 2023

 

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Australia Rade Stefanović during his first official visit to Queensland gave an interview to the „4EB“ radio station from Brisbane for the Serbian-language newsroom.

Ambassador Stefanović briefed about numerous current issues of interest to the Serbian community in Queensland, primarily in the domain of consular affairs, as well as about the signing of a bilateral Agreement on social security between the Republic of Serbia and Australia, expected to be concluded in Belgrade at the end of the year.

A particularly important topic was the accreditation of supplementary schools in the Serbian language in Australia and raising the quality of current teaching, in accordance with the programme for educational work abroad of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Serbia, whereupon the Ambassador offered the Embassy's assistance in further steps and invited all those interested to sign up.

Sports topics such as the upcoming participation of the Serbian national football team in the World Championship in Doha were inevitable, as well as possible participation of the best Serbian tennis player, Novak Đoković in the next Australian Open tennis championship in January 2023.

„4EB“ is a multi-ethnic radio station from Brisbane, founded on 1 December 1979. Today, the programme is broadcast in 55 world languages, including Serbian language.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Australia Rade Stefanović paid his first official visit to Queensland.

During his stay in Brisbane, Ambassador Stefanović met with Governor of the Federal State of Queensland JeannetteYoung, representative of the Parliament James Martin, representatives of various sectors of the Government, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Queensland.

The Ambassador also met with Councillor Petar Matić, Deputy Chair of the Brisbane City Council, born in Belgrade.

They discussed the economy, position of the Serbian community in Australia and prospective cooperation in the field of preserving national identity and culture, as well as opportunities for economic cooperation and investments by Queensland -based companies in Serbia.

Ambassador Stefanović also visited the Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas in Brisbane where, after attending the evening service, he held a joint meeting with representatives of the Serbian community from Brisbane and the surrounding area. At the meeting, current issues of interest to the Serbian community in Queensland were discussed, with a special emphasis on the establishment of supplementary schools of the Serbian language, as part of the system of the Ministry of Education of Serbia.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Australia Rade Stefanović attended the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the monastery of St. Sava in Elaine, the oldest monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Australia and in the southern hemisphere.

The holy bishop's liturgy was served by Bishop Siluan of Australia and New Zealand, with the concurrence of Archimandrite Methodius, abbot of the Hilandar Monastery, Archimandrite Teodor (Bojović), abbot of Saint Sava Monastery in Elaine, as well as numerous clergy of the Metropolis of Australia and New Zealand. After the service, in a solemn procession from the temple of St. Sava to the temple of St. Olimpius Stolpnik, the miraculous icon of the Holy Theotokos of Elaine was brought into its new throne. Marking of the anniversary was attended by numerous representatives of the Serbian community from different parts of Australia.

Ambassador Stefanović expressed his satisfaction with the fact that he was attending such a significant anniversary for the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian people in Australia. He said that the state of Serbia was firmly determined to further strengthen ties with its diaspora, as well as that he saw significant potential in the Serbian community for the improvement of overall relations between Serbia and Australia.

Bishop Siluan spoke about the significance of this anniversary, as well as the „spiritual mission“ of the monastery in Elaine during its fifty years of existence. He particularly highlighted the fact and the presence of the Ambassador of Serbia, which showed, as he stated, the great care and commitment of the home country.

 

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra made his first official visit to Western Australia.

During his stay in Perth, Ambassador Stefanović met with Governor of Western Australia Chris Dawson, presidents of both houses of the Parliament of Western Australia - Alanna Clohesy, President of the Legislative Council (upper house) and Michelle Roberts, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (lower house), as well as Minister Stephen Dawson, representative of the Prime Minister of Western Australia.

During the visit, the Ambassador also met with Klara Andrić, the first deputy in the upper house of the Parliament born in Serbia, leader of the opposition and President of the Liberal Party of Australia - Western Australian Division - David Honey, and Mayor of the city of Perth Basil Zempilas.

Special emphasis was placed on economic cooperation, as well as the position of the Serbian community in Australia. In this context several meetings were held, including in the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation of the Government of Western Australia, and visits were made to mining and energy companies operating in Serbia.

On the first day of the visit, Ambassador Stefanović and First Counsellor Ivana Isidorović also visited the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Perth where, after attending the evening service, they held a meeting with representatives of several Serbian associations from Perth and the surrounding area, with whom they discussed numerous current issues of interest to the Serbian community in Western Australia.

Mr. President,
Madam Special Representative,
Ladies and gentleman,

It gives me honor to address this distinguished body once again and to discuss the latest report of the Secretary-General on the work of the UNMIK.
I would like to thank the Secretary-General and the Special Representative for submitting the report. We take note of the efforts that Ms. Ziadeh makes in performing this very responsible duty, especially bearing in mind the necessity of a comprehensive overview and the complexity of the situation on the ground.
I also take this opportunity to underline that the Republic of Serbia highly values the activities of UNMIK in Kosovo and Metohija, established under UN Security Council Resolution 1244. We advocate for its continued operation in an unchanged and undiminished scope and capacity, especially bearing in mind that the Mission has not yet achieved the main goal of its mandate - a peaceful and normal life for all citizens of our southern province.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Unfortunately, the last few months have not brought more stability in Kosovo and Metohija and the situation in the Province is not exactly as presented in the report. Unilateral moves of Pristina continue to consciously and systematically deepen ethnic differences, causing discrimination against the non-Albanian population. To our knowledge, 105 ethnically motivated attacks have been recorded since the beginning of this year. In addition, Pristina is actively working on administrative and bureaucratic obstacles, by taking measures that were not agreed upon in the dialogue as the basic mechanism for negotiations and reaching solutions between Belgrade and Pristina. Pristina’s approach is problematic in many ways. This irresponsible conduct of Pristina is consciously sabotaging the efforts not only of Belgrade, but also of the EU and other involved parties of the international community, with the clear intention of achieving two goals - the first being to avoid the implementation of assumed commitments. The second, the ultimate and far more alarming goal is the intimidation, marginalization and persecution of Serbs.
In all previous statements before this this distinguished body, Pristina focused on what happened in the past while failing to mention, which is painful to witness, how non-Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija live today. Serbs are still intimidated in different ways, forced to leave their homes, villages and cities. Those displaced are discouraged from returning to where they were born and lived their lives.
The provisional institutions work systematically to remove and erase as much as possible of the cultural and national diversity that is left. At the same time, Pristina is consciously fueling inter-ethnic tensions using all available methods.
Attending religious celebrations seems to be a crime in Kosovo and Methohija. It is the case of Nikola Nedeljković who was arrested for allegedly "inciting ethnic hatred and intolerance", but actually his imprisonment was for attending the St. Vitus Day (Vidovdan) celebration.
Nikola was sentenced to eight months in prison without any material evidence. On the other hand, let me remind you that even to this day there is not a single perpetrator held legally accountable for the more than 1,000 Serbs killed since 1999. Due to planned intimidation, almost all towns and villages in Kosovo and Metohija are ethnically cleansed. Representatives of Pristina are ignoring the suffering, insulting the open wounds of the Serbs who had to leave their ancestral homes, and I underline, there are more than 200,000 of them. Such conduct has not change for last 23 years and is in complete opposite to the democratic values and principles that the provisional institutions of self-government often promote in their statements.
Therefore, I consider it necessary to emphasize that the true political will of the involved international actors and Pristina is necessary in order to create the conditions for the beginning of the end of discrimination on a national basis and common life in the Province.
Esteemed members of the Security Council, I would like to draw your attention to the rigid, problematic and extremely irresponsible conduct of the other negotiating party within the dialogue. In achieving the above-mentioned goals, Pristina applies the so-called policy of reciprocity, a well-thought-out, malicious strategy that, unfortunately, was not constructed independently. By continuously insisting on mutual recognition as a central part of the dialogue, the so-called policy of reciprocity demonstrates the essential unwillingness of the current political leadership of Pristina to find any compromise solution. Let me remind you that the talks between Belgrade and Pristina did not start with last elections in Pristina, but have been in progress for 11 years since the technical dialogue started (8 March 2011). Therefore, we assess as inadmissible attempts to disregard the current format of the dialogue, and annul the agreements only because they are not to the liking of the current political factors. It is unacceptable that the current geopolitical circumstances are being used to simply erase what has been painstakingly worked on for years. Belgrade, I underline, was institutionally involved in the dialogue from the very beginning, while the commitment of the other side has varied and continues to vary depending on the political option that is in power.
The harsher political rhetoric and narrative of the current leadership of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina are accompanied by concrete destabilizing steps. In the reporting period, measures on license plates were imposed, disguised as attempts at alleged integration into society.
Let me remind you again, there was no agreement on such measures in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. I believe, ladies and gentlemen, that even today we will hear from the representative of Pristina that their side has fulfilled all obligations, but the decision on re-registration of license plates shows that Pristina is not only failing to fulfill what has been agreed upon, but it nullifies the results of the dialogue, creating a new crisis all over again. The effect of such forcibly imposed measures is best illustrated by the fact that since the decision was made a single-digit number of re-registered vehicles with Serbian license plates has been recorded, of which only two are Serbs from the north of Kosovo and Metohija. This is another indicator that Pristina does not enjoy full support, but that, on the other hand, it continuously provokes the natural reaction of the Serbian population, which cannot endlessly be subject to the arbitrariness of temporary institutions.
I believe that even today we will hear already known narrative of representatives from Pristina who try to present every reaction of the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija as an activity organized by Belgrade in alleged attempts at destabilization. Such claims are simply not true. Serbia, for its part, cannot in any way contain the revolt present among the non-Albanian population of Kosovo and Metohija. It is an undeniable fact that citizens' protests represent a voice against many years of institutional violence and the deprivation of rights of the non-Albanian population, which, in this case, is denied the right to peaceful enjoyment of private property acquired in a legal manner.
Pristina does not cease in its attempts to confiscate property, and, as is well-known, one of the targets is the Serbian Orthodox Church. By calling into question the return of property to the Dečani Monaster Pristina paradoxically does not execute the decisions of its own so-called Constitutional Court.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I thought for a long time how to best illustrate the true picture of everyday life of the non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija. I will mention only some of the facts. Numerous ethnically motivated incidents, hate speech, intimidation, violations of the right to a fair trial, threats to the right to freedom of movement and religious rights, desecration of churches and graves were recorded in the last reporting period as well. The frequent attacks on the sites of the Serbian Orthodox Church are also unacceptable, and especially the humiliating attitude towards the Serbian cultural and spiritual heritage, including the 4 monuments that have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Numerous administrative and technical barriers are imposed on priests and monastic communities, making it difficult and even impossible for them to survive on church properties.
When it comes to civil rights, try to imagine that the basic political and civil right to vote has been taken away from you.
This is precisely what the Serbs in the Province have experienced along with frequent intimidation and violent incursions of the ROSU special forces, which are an instrument for the implementation of Pristina's goals under the pretext of allegedly fighting crime.
In December last year Bratislav Nikolić the president of municipality of Štrpce has been detained, as suspected of the organized crime and corruption - still not charged, kept in detention unit in Podujevo, only for the reason to make additional and final pressure on the Serbian community living in the enclave of Štrpce. How can this be justified as the fight against crime when special forces are used to raid village festivals, schools and kidnap drivers of ambulance transporting infusion containers and medicines? What are the motives behind and how can one rationalize these actions? Just try to imagine and put yourself in the shoes of Ms. Dragica Gašić, the only Serbian returnee in Djakovica. Imagine that you are still not allowed to buy bread because of your origin and nationality, because you live in a municipality that the local Albanians proudly consider forbidden to non-Albanians. Imagine that as many as eleven Albanian civil society organizations demand your expulsion, as well as a ban on any non-Albanian ever returning to that town. Then you will realize the level of intimidation that Serb returnees are facing. It will be clear to you why the percentage of returnees is below 2% and why it is still one of the lowest in the world. Let me pose a question - are these the characteristics of a society that presents itself to the world as a fully fledged democracy and a factor of stability in the region?
We are aware that the dialogue has a wider dimension and that it can affect the situation in the entire region.
This is reflected in every statement given by Serbian officials, including the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. "It is better to negotiate for a hundred years than to fight for a day" are the words of our President that best describe the policy of peace, reconciliation, and regional cooperation pursued by the Serbian leadership, which is guided by the vision of building a common and prosperous future of the Balkans.
I believe that it is a duty of today's leaders to create a clear common vision for the future generations. Such a vision was shown by the leaders of Belgrade, Skoplje and Tirana by creating Open Balkan, an initiative from the region for the region, which is already producing concrete results. Serbia has on several occasions reached out to Pristina inviting it to join this initiative. We counted on an awareness of the importance of economic connectivity and progress for the benefit of the citizens of the entire Balkans. However, our invitation was not met with understating from the other side.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We categorically reject Pristina's argumentation regarding the alleged unconstitutionality of the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities. It is clear that Pristina's attitude towards this obligation reflects its attitude towards the Serbian people in the Province. It also indicates that Pristina is against Serbian people being organized as an ethnic community and thus exercising their collective rights.
The aim of their approach, as a preferred model, is a community without Serbs, such as those in Pristina, Djakovica or Pec, or some similar localities in the Province. For our side, it is unacceptable that Pristina has refused to fulfil its obligations and discuss the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities for as much as 3,470 days but I assure you that, regardless of this fact, Serbia will not give up on its efforts to find a compromise solution for the current situation.
I will remind you that the representatives of Pristina, although they often repeat in their statements that the case of the so-called Kosovo is a fait accompli, continue not to be recognized by the majority of UN member states for 14 years now. If the so-called Kosovo's independence is a reality, how come that we have the dialogue? And how come that Belgrade is faced with increasing pressures as regards the need for mutual recognition? What the current political leadership of Pristina refuses to accept is that Belgrade cannot be left out in the search for a final solution. The same also applies to the case of the increasingly frequent indications about Pristina's upcoming membership in international organizations. Will these moves help to create the necessary atmosphere for dialogue? Are we, in this way, rewarding Pristina's destructive behaviour and refusal of dialogue? Our view is that the attempts of the so-called Kosovo to join international organizations are an unacceptable act and Serbia will work decisively against such steps.
During the last session in April this year, we could hear the calls of some members of the UN Security Council to reduce and even terminate UNMIK, with the explanation that Pristina has its own functional institutions. However, the circumstances I have presented to you and the situation on the ground remind us again that international presence in our southern province is still necessary. In this regard, we support the efforts made by UNMIK, KFOR, EULEX and OMIK within their mandates. The Serbian and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija has the highest confidence in the international presence and considers it a guarantor of security, which additionally confirms that international missions need to remain engaged in an undiminished scope and capacity in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244.
In conclusion,
I would like to point out that lately in all international forums we keep hearing calls for respect of the principles of the UN. We support the territorial integrity of all UN member states. But, what about Serbia? I would like to ask the esteemed members of this distinguished body whether the need to implement the principles of the UN Charter applies only to some or all of its members? As a country that consistently respects international law and still suffers the consequences of it being violated, we believe that the UN Charter and international law, including the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, should be respected by all and apply indiscriminately to all UN member states.
Ladies and gentleman,
It was this body that more than two decades ago adopted Resolution 1244, which confirmed the territorial integrity of Serbia. This fact did not prevent certain countries from recognizing the so-called “Kosovo” and thus violating the UN principles, but also the resolution that they adopted, by adjusting international law to their interests and goals. Precisely because of this, the more and more frequent mentioning of the case of "Kosovo" is an indication that the precedent made opened a Pandora's box, because the strength of each principle rests on its full and universal application and unconditional adherence.
You will notice that I posed a lot of questions in my statement and I express hope that today we will hear answers to at least some of them from you, esteemed members of the UN Security Council and representatives of Pristina, because the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija, of any nationality, whether they are Serbs or Albanians deserve it.
All the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija have every right to expect an improvement in the atmosphere and the reduction of tensions on the ethnic level, which are a prerequisite for a normal life. For such a step to be made, we need constructiveness, which is not lacking on the Serbian side, genuine support of international actors. I emphasize that Serbia has always been and remains deeply committed to finding a sustainable solution by peaceful means, for the sake of peace, stability and a common future.

Thank you.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia strongly condemns any incitement to national, racial and religious intolerance, as well as the glorification of criminal, fascist and Nazi regimes, as well as their collaborationists.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia is aware of the unpleasant scenes during the final match of the Australian Football Cup and the absolutely inappropriate behaviour of the fans of the football club "Sydney United 58 FC" in the form of Nazi salutes and shouting slogans of the criminal, Ustasha, regime, which is responsible for the death of a large number of Serbs, Jews, Roma and members of other nations during the Second World War. Without intending to generalize and negatively characterize all the fans of the mentioned football club, we regret to note that such behaviour, primarily, speaks volumes about themselves.

The Embassy also noted that the Football Australia immediately strongly condemned, as stated in their statement, the actions of a small minority of individuals, who engaged behaviour that is not in consistent with Football Australia’s values and wider community expectations. Also, the Embassy welcomes conducting a police investigation against the responsible persons - in order to identify and process all of them, as well as disciplinary proceedings against the club itself, due to the behaviour of its, so-called, fans.

The prosecution and potential punishment of perpetrators is the exclusive responsibility of the Australian authorities, and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia expressed concern to the authorities about this kind of behaviour, which offends not only the members of the Serbian community - but also the entire civilized world.

The Serbian women's national basketball team had the opportunity to socialise in Sydney with members of the numerous Serbian community in Australia.

The meeting, organised by the Serbian Embassy in Canberra, in cooperation with basketball clubs „Obilić“ and „Crvena zvezda“, was held in Cathy Freeman Park in Sydney Olympic Park, and a large number of the Serbian community members responded to the invitation, especially the youngest basketball enthusiasts.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra Rade Stefanović expressed his great satisfaction that a national team from Serbia would perform at a major world competition on Australian soil and that the Serbs would have the opportunity to watch and cheer for their national team live.

Head coach of the women's national basketball team Marina Maljković thanked for the reception and the company. She emphasised that it would be a great honour for the women's national team to have numerous fans in the stands, that she was aware of how much such meetings and socialising with the national teams meant to the Serbian community, and that they were always very happy to respond to such invitations.

The Women's Basketball World Cup will be held in Sydney from 22 September to 1 October 2022.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Australia Rade Stefanović visited the Serbia cycling national team participating in the UCI Road World Championships in Australia.

On this occasion, Ambassador Stefanović talked to the sporting director of the national team Marko Sudarić, as well as a member of the Serbia national team, Ognjen Ilić.

Ambassador Stefanović attended the individual time trial of Ognjen Ilić, a member of the Cycling Club "Borac" from Čačak, and congratulated him on having placed 30th and thus achieved the best ever Serbian cycling result in world championships.

The UCI Road World Championships in Australia is taking place in the Australian city of Wollongong, from 18 of 25 September. Three members of the Serbia national team (two seniors and one junior) will have an opportunity to compete in six disciplines.

At the Sydney airport, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Canberra Rade Stefanović welcomed the Serbia senior women's basketball national team, who were to take part in the Women's Basketball World Cup in Australia from 22 September to 1 October.

Ambassador Stefanović welcomed the members of the Serbia national team and wished them success in the upcoming championship.

He emphasised that the women’s basketball national team was attracting a lot of attention in the Serbian community in Australia, and that they could count on strong support of Serbian fans.

Ambassador Stefanović thanked the Basketball Federation of Serbia and the management of the Senior Women’s National Team for their readiness to participate in an event with the youngest players of the local basketball clubs Obilić and Red Star, which would be organised in the upcoming days by the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra.

 

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Australia Rade Stefanović signed the condolence book, which has been opened in the Government House in Canberra. He expressed his condolences to the Royal Family, the Government and people of Australia, and the nations of the Commonwealth on the occasion of passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Ambassador Stefanović also used this occasion to talk with the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia David Hurley and his wife and offer them his condolences.

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was also the formal Head of State of Australia and New Zealand. (“Queen of Australia” and “Queen of New Zealand” were among her official titles.)

Ambassador Stefanović laid a wreath on the memorial of Queen Elizabeth II, located in the building of the federal Parliament of Australia.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Australia, Rade Stefanović, participated in the international conference “Borders, work and mobility: comparing the EU and Australia”, organized by Monash University from Melbourne, within the framework of the Jean Monet and Erasmus+ programmes.

Speaking as part of the panel “Work, refugees and migration: impact on the Balkans”, Ambassador Stefanović presented the migration profile of Serbia, with particular reference to specifics in the form of the existence of a long-term problem of refugees from the area of ​​the former SFRY (from the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina) and almost 200,000 internally displaced persons from the territory of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija, who, due to the security situation, are unable to return to their homes.

Stefanović also spoke about the “Open Balkan” initiative, i.e. the accelerated connection of the Republic of Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia, which is based on the four key freedoms of the EU (freedom of movement of people, capital, goods and services), and particularly emphasized the importance of creating a single labour market, which should contribute to an even more dynamic economic development, attracting foreign investments, but also creating a climate for easier resolution of political issues.

The ambassador referred to the position of the Serbian diaspora and the economic potential it represents, and talked about the initiative for the return and easier resolution of their status issues within the project Carta Serbica.

 

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Australia Rade Stefanović attended the 6th Annual Assembly of the Australian Serbian Commerce Chamber.
In his welcoming speech, Ambassador Stefanović pointed out the possibilities for improving economic and trade cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and Australia and presented the current economic opportunities in the country, as well as the advantages of investing in Serbia. He particularly referred to the potential for cooperation in the IT sector and in the fields of agriculture, education and others. He also commended the cooperation of the Serbian Embassy in Canberra with the Australian Serbian Commerce Chamber and expressed his belief that such a trend would continue in the future.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Australia Rade Stefanović attended the opening of the 34th Serbian Folkloric Festival at the Bonnyrigg Serbian Centre in Sydney.
In his address, Ambassador Stefanović expressed his pleasure for the opportunity to personally attend this event for the first time and for the fact that this traditional festival is being held again after a three-year interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He emphasised that the Republic of Serbia supports all activities that contribute to the preservation of the cultural and national identity, as well as that he sees the Serbian community in Australia as an important bond for enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.
The opening of the festival was also attended by Australian-New Zealand Bishop Siluan, member of the Australian Parliament Dai Le, several members of the Parliament of New South Wales, the mayor of the Sydney municipality of Fairfield, as well as several councilmembers.
The event is the largest of its kind in Australia, and this year’s gathering brought together folklore, and cultural and artistic societies from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Wollongong.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Australia Rade Stefanović, at the invitation of His Grace Bishop of Australia and New Zeeland Siluan, attended the Saint Archpriest Liturgy, the celebration of the Patron Saint-day of the Missionary Parish of St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Coober Pedy, and the celebration of the 30th anniversary of its foundation.
In his speech to the attendees, Ambassador Stefanović said he was very happy to have come and for the fact that he was the first Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia visiting the small Serbian community and the Serbian church in Coober Pedy, a unique cultural monument of both the Serbian and Australian people. He emphasised the importance of their preservation and protection, as a permanent sign of the presence of the Serbian people in Australia. 
In addition to many believers, who had arrived from all parts of Australia, this event was also attended by Member of Parliament of South Australia and representative of the Premier of South Australia Edward Hughes.
St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Coober Pedy is unique, as the only Serbian church in the world to have been fully built underground, in a desert environment, in Central Australia.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Australia, Rade Stefanović, during his stay in the Republic of Fiji, which he covers on a non-residential basis, visited the Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), where he spoke with the Secretary General of this regional organization, Ambassador Sol Mar.

Secretary General Solo Mara introduced Ambassador Stefanović to the current projects and activities of this organization, with a focus on sustainable development and the "green" and "blue" economy, which are the priorities of the Pacific island states that are members of the Forum.

They also discussed the possibilities for cooperation with the Republic of Serbia, especially in the fields of agriculture, transfer of experience and sustainable development.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Australia, Rade Stefanović, met with the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, during his stay in that country, which he covers on a non-residential basis. During the conversation, the need for a regular exchange of views on all bilateral and international topics, as well as issues of importance for the two countries, was highlighted. The importance of establishing contacts between the parliamentarians of the two countries was also pointed out, which was also discussed during the last meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Fiji, in October 2019, when the Speaker of the Parliament Nailatikau was in Belgrade to participate in the 141st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Ambassador Stefanović also reminded that in the previous convocation in the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, a parliamentary Friendship Group with the Republic of Fiji was formed, that the global pandemic of the infectious disease Covid-19 objectively affected the intensity of relations, but also expressed his belief that, after the end of the parliamentary elections in both countries, a more dynamic phase of bilateral relations and cooperation will follow.

 

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Australia, Rade Stefanović, presented the letters of credence to the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, and thereby assumed the duties of ambassador on a non-residential basis in that country.
Ambassador Stefanović conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and emphasized our determination to improve bilateral relations with the Republic of Fiji.
President Katonivere welcomed Ambassador Stefanović and wished him success in his work and pointed to the long history of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Fiji. He asked the ambassador to convey his wishes for further progress and prosperity to President Aleksandar Vučić, the Government and citizens of the Republic of Serbia.
Along with the need to intensify the political dialogue topics such as the opportunities for cooperation on a multilateral level, in the field of environmental protection and climate change, as well as in the field of education, especially within the “World in Serbia” project, were highlighted in the conversation.
The solemn ceremony of presenting the credentials was held at the State Residence in Suva, and Ambassador Stefanović was greeted by the Fiji armed forces honor guard.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Australia, Rade Stefanović, presented his credentials to the New Zealand Governor-General, Cindy Kiro, thus taking office of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in this country.
Ambassador Stefanović conveyed greetings of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and emphasised our commitment to improving bilateral relations with New Zealand, particularly through intensifying political dialogue at the highest and high levels, as well as through developing cooperation in different fields – to which the Serbian community in this country could significantly contribute.
Governor-General welcomed Ambassador Stefanović and wished him success in his work in New Zealand. She expressed readiness for cooperation in order to connect two countries, including strengthening economic ties, and asked the Ambassador to convey her best wishes to President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić.
The solemn ceremony of presenting credentials was held in the Government House in Wellington, and Ambassador Stefanović was welcomed, beside the guard of honour,  traditional dance, by the representatives of the Māori Community as well.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Australia, Rade Stefanović, met with the New Zealand Parliament Speaker, Trevor Mallard, and the Parliament Deputy Speaker, Adrian Rurawhe, during his stay in New Zealand, covered on non-residential basis.

In an open and cordial conversation, determination of both Parties to improve bilateral cooperation, and intensify political dialogue and mutual contacts, was emphasised. In this regard, it was pointed to the importance of establishing contacts and exchange of visits by Parliamentarians of the two countries.

Furthermore, it was assessed that there are good opportunities for improving economic cooperation as well as cooperation in the education and sport fields; also, notable Serbian diaspora in New Zealand is an important potential for improving overall cooperation.

Today, in Marrakesh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selaković participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

Minister Selaković said that Serbia was committed to the multilateral aspect of the fight against terrorism, adding that he firmly believed the United Nations should be the key forum for international cooperation in this field.

Minister Selaković stated that Serbia was fulfilling all international obligations pertaining to the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, especially those related to the introduction of arms embargoes, including bans aimed at non-state actors, terrorist organisations and related individuals. He emphasised that Serbia was a signatory to 15 international conventions against terrorism.

“By participating in multinational UN and EU peacekeeping missions, Serbia is making a concrete contribution to preserving regional and global security,” Minister Selaković said, paying tribute to a member of the Serbian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Dejan Stanojević and his colleagues, who tragically lost their lives on March 29 in the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“Serbia does not diminish the importance of other international forums, which is why it joined the Global Coalition from the very beginning, and selflessly contributes to international efforts to fight ISIS, primarily through various forms of donations in military equipment, ammunition, and training in Iraqi security forces”, Minister Selaković said. He added that as a candidate country for membership in the European Union, Serbia gave its full contribution through active participation in European policies on the fight against terrorism, and had developed a strategic cooperation with EUROPOL.

Minister Selaković noted that Serbian criminal legislation provided instruments to prevent and punish the encouragement, organisation, and participation of its citizens in wars or conflicts in foreign countries. He explained that the Serbian judicial authorities had completed proceedings against 7 persons engaged in foreign battlefields, and that several investigations against persons connected with terrorist activities were underway.

Minister Selaković said that the fight against terrorism, radicalism and extremism was a priority, and that Serbia was actively involved in combating these challenges and threats at the domestic, regional, and international level.

Within the project “Serbian as heritage language summer camp”, the Academic Serbian Association invites all the people from diaspora aged 18 to 22 to apply for the summer camp of Serbian as heritage language, which will be organized from 11th of July till the 17th of July 2022 (six days), in Nis. The applications are open till the 28th of May 2022.

Under the auspices of the Directorate for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia continues to promote Serbian language, history, culture and traditions in the diaspora and the region. The goal of the project is to study, preserve and nurture Serbian language and the Cyrillic alphabet, as well as connect young people from all over the world, through lessons of Serbian as heritage language.

The summer camp of Serbian as heritage language is a unique opportunity for participants to learn and improve their Serbian language skills in the only school of Serbian as heritage language accredited by the Agency for qualifications and the Ministry of Education, science and technological development of the Republic of Serbia. By the end of the camp, the participants will receive a certificate of participation, issued by the Academic Serbian Association.

In addition to learning and improving Serbian as heritage language, participants will be able to socialize with peers from all over the world and Serbia, as well as learn about Serbian history, culture and tradition through various workshops (historical, folklore, sports, old crafts, etc.), and will also get to sightsee Nis and its region.
Applications

Number of applications is limited. The first 10 registered participants will have free accommodation and food (3 meals a day), while the program content will be funded through donations from the participants themselves. For more information, you can contact the Academic Serbian Association at the e-mail address asasocijacija@gmail.com, or via Viber at +381 64 2331666.

We encourage you to fill in the application directly on the website https://asasocijacija.com/en/application-for-the-serbian-as-heritage-language-summer-camp/ or download the application form from the same site and send it to e-mail: asasocijacija@gmail.com, titled “Application – summer camp”.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Commonwealth of Australia, Rade Stefanović, presented his credentials to the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, David Hurley, on 01st April 2022, thus officially taking over the duty of Ambassador to this country.
The Ambassador conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and his wishes for the continued development of bilateral relations between Serbia and Australia. He expressed his desire to develop comprehensive relations and cooperation in all areas of common interest.
Governor-General David Hurley wished Ambassador Stefanović a pleasant stay and success in his diplomatic work in Australia.
The ceremony of presentation of credentials was held in the "Governor's House" in Canberra.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic attended today in Geneva the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Economic Forum Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Serbia, the first of its kind in the Western Balkans.

The agreement was signed at the headquarters of that forum by Director of the Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment Mihailo Jovanovic and Managing Director and Head of the Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Jeremy Jurgens.

The centre in Serbia will be the 16th in the network of centres of the World Economic Forum in the world and the first in the region of the Western Balkans.

The new centre will start operating on 1 March and will function as a non-profit organisation and a platform for public-private partnership and cooperation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while the focus of work will be on artificial intelligence and bioengineering.

This centre will work within the Serbian government’s Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment and will cooperate with scientific institutes, state institutions and the private sector.

The signing of this document was also attended by founder and Executive Director of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab and President of the World Economic Forum Borge Brende, with whom Brnabic had previously met.

Addressing the press, Brnabic pointed out that this agreement is the result of many years of joint work between Serbia and the World Economic Forum.

We started talking in 2018, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, then 2020 hampered us a bit, but we continued to plan in 2021 and here we are today, she said.

According to her, the centre will be focused on the development of artificial intelligence, biomedicine and biotechnology, and on the ways in which digitalisation can raise the productivity of companies and the entire economy.

This is what further leads to higher salaries, a better standard of living, as well as to an economy that is mainly based on knowledge, creativity and innovation, Brnabic emphasised.

Today, we have received great recognition for everything that Serbia has done in the field of digitalisation, development of high technologies and paradigm shift – from an economy that was based on labour-intensive investments to digital development.
That is why this agreement shows that Serbia has been recognised as one of the leaders in the economy and IT industry in the last six years, the Prime Minister pointed out and assessed that this is the announcement of the beginning of an even closer cooperation between Serbia and WEF.

She added that they will have a joint meeting with the 16 WEF centres for the fourth industrial revolution in the world every month, at which they will talk about what each of them is doing, since each has a different focus.

That is how we will hear what everyone is doing every month, learn from each other and I am sure that the centre in Belgrade will be one of the best, the Prime Minister said.

According to her, this gives us visibility, the opportunity to further establish Serbia as an investment destination, a country good for living and investing in new technologies and knowledge.

Jovanovic said that the ecosystem formed around the centre will use the infrastructure of the National Platform for the Development of Artificial Intelligence, the Centre for Genome Sequencing and the future bioeconomic centre – BIO4 Campus.

Izvor/Foto: Tanjug

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked last night with Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison.
In a telephone conversation, Brnabic and Morrison exchanged all information about the current situation regarding the best tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, who was approved to enter the country by an Australian court yesterday.

Brnabic asked that Novak Djokovic be treated fairly by the Australian authorities, and that all his rights be respected.
The Prime Minister especially emphasised the importance of the conditions for training and physical preparation for the upcoming competition, considering that Novak Djokovic was not allowed to train in the previous days, and the tournament in Melbourne starts this weekend.

Prime Minister Brnabic also asked Morrison to be in direct contact in the coming days and for the government of Serbia and the government of Australia to exchange all information directly.

Prime Minister Morrison accepted this proposal, and an agreement was reached for the two prime ministers to talk again in the coming days.

Brnabic asked her Australian colleague to do everything in his power, so that Novak Djokovic would have human and dignified treatment in Australia, for the entire duration of his stay.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the Republic of Serbia is fully ready to provide all guarantees to Australia, if they are needed.

The Ambassador of Australia to Serbia, Daniel Emery, received a verbal protest at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia on January 06th, due to the inappropriate treatment to which the best tennis player in the world and a citizen of Serbia, Novak Djokovic, was exposed in Melbourne.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nemanja Starovic expressed the expectation that Ambassador Emery will make personal efforts to enable Djokovic to wait for a court decision on whether he can stay in Australia in accommodation that is adequate for an athlete of his rank.

According to him, Serbia does not want to influence the upcoming decision of the Australian judiciary in any way, but expects that the executive authorities of that country, in the spirit of good bilateral relations between Australia and Serbia, and in accordance with their competencies, will allow Djokovic to spend Christmas in better accommodation.

He emphasized that the Serbian public has a strong impression that Djokovic is a victim of the political game, against his will, and that he was lured to travel to Australia in order to be humiliated.

State Secretary Starović pointed out that Novak Đoković is not a criminal, terrorist or illegal migrant, but that he was treated that way by the Australian authorities, which causes understandable indignation of his fans and citizens of Serbia.

The day before, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia sent a protest note to the Embassy of Australia in Belgrade, and our Embassy in Canberra sent a protest note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, met today with the Ambassador of Australia, Daniel Joseph Emery.
Selaković stated that there is a positive trend in the political dialogue and cooperation between the two countries, pointing out that visits at the high and the highest level would provide an additional impetus to our relations.
He pointed out that a special bond to our relations is given by the numerous Serbian diaspora in Australia, noting that it is a significant potential for strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
When it comes to economic cooperation, the minister pointed out that there is a large, unused space for intensification, especially in the volume of trade exchange, further growth of our exports and encouraging the inflow of new investments on our market. As a good example, Selaković singled out the cooperation of about twenty Serbian companies with Australia in the IT sector.
Also, the minister conveyed the readiness of Serbia to improve cooperation in the economic, scientific-technological, cultural, educational and sports spheres.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today that severe examples of endangering the Serbian cultural, historical and spiritual heritage in Kosovo and Metohija are proof of the important role of UNESCO in protecting and preserving heritage.

At the 41st session of the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, Brnabic emphasized that four jewels of the Serbian medieval cultural heritage in Kosovo – Visoki Decani, Pec Patriarchate, Gracanica and Bogorodica Ljeviska, have been preserved thanks to the fact that they are inscribed on the endangered world heritage list. Hundreds of other sites and monuments are endangered.

The Serbian heritage in Kosovo and Metohija is of immeasurable importance, not only for the national identity of Serbia, but also as a part of the esteemed European and world heritage, she underlined.

Source/Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

 

"Your Excellences,
distinguished delegates,
dear Sarah,

At the very beginning, I feel obliged to thank Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Her Majesty’s Government for exceptional hospitality.

I feel privileged to represent the Republic of Serbia at this important place and at the highest-level world forum, in working on the most important topic of today – promoting climate awareness.

We all agree that we must make investment into climate and environment.

We all, likewise agree, that future generations must be educated in order not to repeat the mistakes we made, by hurting the only Planet that makes life possible.

I am very honoured that the Republic of Serbia is co-chairing this year’s Conference as a Non-EU representative of the Eastern Europe Group.

In concrete terms, we see the special contribution of our expert team in finalising negotiations on the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which refers to the establishment of the global market and non-market mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to remaining provisions referring to advanced transparency framework and common timeframes for Nationally Determined Contributions, which are the key provisions of the Agreement that have not yet been covered by the decision that is to be adopted by the Conference, i.e. all member states.

We, therefore, believe that this is an exceptional opportunity for Serbia to give its full contribution to the finalization of negotiations, which, we hope, will secure full implementation of the Paris Agreement.

As a result of strong economic development, modelled for Serbia by 2050, the impact of the implementation of climate measures to employment will be optimal, through new jobs creation and creation of new industries which have not existed so far.

One billion euros was raised at the first green bonds auction in Serbia, which clearly confirms the trust of international investors in our green agenda, but also to the economic and political stability of our country.

Incomes from green bonds issuance will be used for financing renewables, energy efficiency, sustainable water management, prevention of pollution and circular economy development and biodiversity preservation.

And as you can see, dear friends, my people made a terrific speech for me, but I am going to add a few more words and a few more questions for those that are coming from big powers and that haven’t answered yet several questions:

Number one is: how are we going to finance all these activities?

We’ve heard the story of trillions of dollars that are at our disposal. My question would be: what would be the interest rate, what would be the terms for taking these amounts of money, and actually how are we going to tackle that issue?

Number two: how are we going to treat the nuclear power plants? Are we going to shut them all or are we going to build them more?

Then, how are we going to build more renewables if we already started endorsing populist movements against wind parks, new hydropower plants, and are we going to put in jeopardy the level of our public debt to GDP ratio if we raise huge amounts of money?

How are we going to treat natural gas, and how are we going to secure decent prices of natural gas and electricity power as well?

And, I came here using an electric car from Edinburgh to Glasgow. But, how are we going to do mining and refining of lithium, nickel, cobalt and many other very important minerals?

In the end, we all know what is our final aim, what is our final target. But, it’s not a fairytale – we’ll have to work a lot, we’ll have to be 100 per cent dedicated, and we’ll have to be more honest with each other.

The health of people living in Serbia depends directly on the implementation of this Agenda, just like the health and life of each living being on Earth depends on arrangements that will be reached here and on national implementation of the respective arrangements.

Perhaps it is the right time to listen and hear the cry of Mother Earth because if we lose this race against time, our children will inherit an irreparably polluted Planet.

Thank you very much for listening to me."

Source: www.predsednik.rs
Photo: Dimitrije Goll

Distinguished President of the Security Council,

Esteemed members of the Security Council,

Distinguished Special Representative,
I would like to thank Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Guterres and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK Mr. Tanin for the report submitted and for their efforts made towards the implementation of the UNMIK mandate. I would also like to thank the members of the Security Council for the continued attention they have devoted to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. The Republic of Serbia highly values the activities of the Mission of the United Nations in Kosovo and Metohija and supports it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible, pursuant to the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve lasting peace, stability and security in the Province.

Mr. Tanin,

Please accept the expressions of our gratitude for your engagement and the cooperation we achieved during your term of office.

Mr. President,

Deep regret and concerns are raised by the fact that the security situation in Kosovo and Metohija in the past period has been marked by an increasing number of various ethnically motivated attacks and incidents targeting Serbs, which was also stated in the Report; that the provisional institutions of self-government (PISG) in Pristina continue to take unilateral steps and refuse to implement the agreements reached in the Brussels dialogue; and that institutional discrimination against Serbs, attacks on the sites of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the undermining of the economic sustainability of Serb communities in the Province have continued.

We are witnessing that dangerous provocations by Pristina are taking place every day, at an accelerated pace, thus seriously threatening the safety of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija and directly violating the agreements and arrangements reached within the Brussels dialogue.

The latest violent incursion of the so-called ROSU units into the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica, on 13 October, is the ninth incursion of its kind. Tear gas, shock bombs and unbridled violence are becoming a matter of everyday life for Serbs in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, and that must be stopped immediately.

In the last attack with firearms and chemicals used by Pristina special forces, 71-year-old Verica Djelic died as a result of chemicals used in the intervention, 10 unarmed civilians were wounded, one of them 36 years old Srećko Sofronijević was critically wounded in the back with of an automatic rifle. A three-month-old baby, who miraculously remained unharmed, was also the target of the shooting.

The false excuse for the latest unilateral action, as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell called it, was the fight against organized crime and smuggling. Ladies and gentlemen, Serbia is strongly against organized crime and smuggling, but the members of the UNSC should know that such an important and general global goal, which we all share, was cynically used for an armed attack on unarmed civilians, which began with an automatic rifle raid of pharmacies in which patients of Serbian and other nationalities are supplied with vitally important medicines. Four days before the local elections in Kosovo and Metohija, in order to gain votes in an irresponsible and inhumane way, fully motivated by separatist goals, the current PISG regime used medicines on which people’s lives depend to prove its position on the status contrary to UNSCR 1244.

Only a few days earlier, another provocation on the part of Pristina led to a dangerous crisis, when personnel of the so-called ROSU unit, armed with long firearms and reinforced with armoured vehicles, were deployed to administrative crossings between central Serbia and Kosovo and Metohija - Brnjak and Jarinje – in order to remove Serbian license plates and replace them with temporary ones, thus violently preventing the free movement of citizens.

These events do not fall within the reporting period covered by the latest Report of the UN Secretary General on the work of UNMIK, but it is incumbent upon us to address them on this occasion, in order to have everyone understand how dramatic the situation on the ground has been and how serious the consequences of Pristina's unilateral actions can be.

The incursions of heavily armed Pristina police formations, composed exclusively of Albanians, into the north of Kosovo and Metohija, under various pretexts and motives, with the use of excessive force, are provocations that have an extremely dangerous potential to destabilize the already sensitive security situation on the ground. The goal of the latest incursions of Pristina’s special force personnel into the north of the province was to provoke the Serbs and additionally intimidate them with a demonstration of force, as well as to provoke Belgrade to react hastily in some way.

It is obvious that with such moves Pristina aims to erase the 10 years of dialogue, which is the only way to resolve open issues. These provocations once again demonstrate that the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina, not only do not intend to implement everything agreed in the Brussels dialogue, but that their goal is to completely deny dialogue as a means of resolving problems. An effective response to Pristina's lack of credibility and their dangerous play with fire, which could have unforeseeable consequences, cannot be provided by calling on "both sides" for constructiveness and restraint, which has long been a manner in public communication of some important factors in the international community. There is only one source of destabilization, it has a name – and that is the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina - and after the events of 13 October, it is clear that it can and needs to be stopped by urgent and decisive action of the international community. It is now quite obvious that these are no longer sporadic and isolated provocations by Pristina, but that this is an organized campaign of ethnically motivated violence and discrimination against Serbs.

We also express our concern over the latest imposition of tariffs by Pristina on certain products originating from central Serbia, which was made public on 8 October. We remind you that the unilateral decision of Pristina to impose duties on products from central Serbia in November 2018 resulted in a de facto complete trade blockade and a long-term stalemate in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. In contrast to Pristina, which persistently seeks to raise barriers towards central Serbia through unilateral acts, Belgrade is persistently and consistently working to liberalize the flow of people, goods, services and capital, which is the basic goal of our "Open Balkan" initiative. North Macedonia and Albania joined this initiative, but Pristina did not.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

In the period from March to September this year, which is covered in the latest Report, close to 100 ethnically motivated attacks were carried out against Serbs, their private property, religious and cultural heritage sites. The increase in the frequency of attacks was accompanied by the strengthening of the intensity of ethnically motivated violence, which more and more often targets children, the elderly, women, the few returnees present there, as well as churches and other property of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

This systematically intensifies the ubiquitous sense of insecurity of the remaining Serbs, but also deters potential returnees, who are in fact being told that local Albanian communities can attack them with impunity and prevent them from returning to live in their own homes.

The most striking example of the position of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija is the case of the displaced person Dragica Gašić, who moved into her apartment in the municipality of Djakovica again in early June. In that town – to which local Albanians proudly refer as a place forbidden to Serbs - Ms. Gašić, on her return, first faced physical and verbal attacks by citizens of Albanian nationality living there. Instead of being provided protection, that seriously ill woman then became a victim of institutional persecution as well, that the local self-government bodies and the police unleashed against her. Since this is a person who is the first and only Serb returnee to Đakovica after more than twenty years, it was to be expected that, at that moment, at least civil society organizations would attempt to protect her rights. However, NGOs from Djakovica soon joined the activities aimed at the expulsion Ms. Gašić, including those receiving funding from international donors for projects related to strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

I must also mention the latest attack on the house of the only remaining Serbian woman in the center of Pec, retired teacher Rumena Ljubić, whose windows were stoned twice in just 24 hours on 13 October.

Dragica's and Rumena’s fate is a frightening reflection of the real situation of human rights that almost every one of over 200,000 displaced Serbs and non-Albanians would face in Kosovo and Metohija - provided that they gather the courage to return to their homes in the Province after more than twenty years. I would like to remind you again that since 1999, only around 1.9% of internally displaced Serbs and other non-Albanians have achieved a sustainable return to Kosovo and Metohija.

Therefore, I believe that the aforementioned will encourage the members of the Security Council and the international presence on the ground to devote priority attention in the future

to the issue of the return of displaced persons, which is an important part of the UNMIK mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

I therefore thank the Secretary-General in particular for keeping this extremely important issue in focus and for calling again, in the conclusions of his Report, for the creation of conditions for the sustainable return of internally displaced persons and the sustainable reintegration of returnees.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

Serbian medieval monuments in Kosovo and Metohija, including monuments that, due to their exceptional value but also constantly being subject to threats are inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger, are still among the most endangered cultural heritage in Europe.

I wish to recall that there are over 1,300 Serbian churches and monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija. Attacks on Serbian cultural and religious heritage are at the same time attacks on the identity of Serbs in the Province and directly affect their sense of safety.

A striking example of disrespect for Serbian cultural and religious monuments in the Province is the case of the Visoki Decani monastery. The monastery, which has been the target of attacks and shelling several times since 2000, is still secured by KFOR forces due to being under a threat. It is faced with a series of hostile actions, and the perpetrators are not deterred by the fact that this is a World Heritage Site. Despite frequent declaratory statements, even the decision of the so-called "constitutional court" of the PISG in Pristina five years ago confirming ownership of Visoki Decani Monastery over 24 hectares, is not respected. We welcome the assessment made by the UN Secretary General in his Report.

Dear Mr. President,

The Republic of Serbia remains committed to finding a compromise political solution, as prescribed under Resolution 1244, which will ensure lasting peace and stability. We firmly believe that dialogue and the implementation of the agreements reached are the only right way to resolve all open issues.

As a state committed to the respect for international law and a member of the United Nations, Serbia opposes any attempt at establishing an artificial balance between the parties in the dialogue, as well as the relativization of responsibility for unilateral acts.

We note with concern that not even eight years after reaching the Brussels Agreement, the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities has not been initiated, although Belgrade has fulfilled all its obligations under that agreement.

There are also numerous and repeated examples of Pristina violating or obstructing agreements reached in dialogue, in the areas of energy, justice, freedom of movement and visits by officials.

One such example is the verdict sentencing Ivan Todosijevic to two years in prison, which is also pointed out in the Secretary General's Report. The Brussels Agreement was directly breached, which was also stated by the representatives of the European Union. With its conduct Pristina caused immeasurable damage to the reconciliation process in Kosovo and Metohija.

Despite the interpretation from the European Commission that this is a violation of the Brussels Agreement, because Todosijevic had to be sentenced by a panel consisting of the majority of judges of Serbian ethnicity, Pristina still does not take any action in this regard.

Pristina also continued with the practice of banning Serbian officials from entering the territory of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija.

We believe that it is important that the international community, and especially the European Union, as the guarantor of the agreement, firmly insists that the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina start implementing all the agreements reached.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

As before, the Republic of Serbia remains fully committed to resolving the issue of missing persons, as also demonstrated through full cooperation with relevant international mechanisms as well as participation in the work of the Working Group on Missing Persons. We expect that the representatives of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina will fulfill their obligations.

Bearing in mind everything I delivered here today in my address, we hold the position that the international presence in Kosovo and Metohija, pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1244, is still necessary. In addition to UNMIK, the presence of KFOR as the main guarantor of security and EULEX, due to its engagement in the field of the rule of law, is also important. I would like to emphasize once again that Serbia fully supports respect for international law, comprehensive implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and activities of UNMIK in an undiminished scope and with adequate financial resources, so that the Mission fulfills the mandate entrusted to it under the Resolution.

Thank you.

 

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, received the credentials from the new Ambassador of Australia, Daniel Emery today, whom he welcomed, expressing hope that the cooperation between the two countries would be even better in the future.

President Vučić and Ambassador Emery agreed that it is necessary for Serbia and Australia to continue to intensify contacts, in order to give an impetus to cooperation in various fields. They especially pointed out the possibilities for stronger economic ties. Ambassador Emery pointed out that the interest of mining companies from Australia for doing business in Serbia is growing.

The interlocutors pointed out that the numerous Serbian community in Australia has an important role in connecting the two countries.

President Vučić and Ambassador Emery also discussed global issues, in which Australia is involved.

Source/Photo: www.predsednik.rs

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic warned today that Pristina has seriously jeopardised local and regional stability after sending heavily armed special units to the north of Kosovo who are exerting ` against the peaceful Serbian population.

Brnabic spoke at the general debate of world leaders, as part of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

We bring the Prime Minister's speech in its entirety:

Mr. President,

Mr. Secretary General,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I have the great honor to address you today on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia.

Esteemed Excellencies Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Mr. Volkan Bozkir and Mr. António Guterres, I would like thank you for the active engagement, dedication, and leadership you have shown during these difficult times for the United Nations and all of humanity.

Serbia shares your conviction and we remain fully committed to supporting your efforts.

This year, we come together at a decisive moment in our history.

Covid-19 has shaken our foundations to the core.

At the same time, we are increasingly witnessing and experiencing effects of climate change.

And, finally, we are seeing significant shifts in global partnerships and alliances, trade wars between traditional partners and allies, protectionism instead of openness and free market, and overall uncertainty at an unprecedented scale.

Some of the pressing and extremely emotional issues that we have locally, in the Balkans, are still unresolved and while we are trying – and Serbia is especially dedicated to this – to change the future by working together and creating alliances, through initiatives such as the Berlin process or Open Balkan, others are trying to disrupt these processes, and instead of focusing on the future, they want to recreate the past – whatever the cost of that may be.

But, let me start with COVID:

COVID-19 pandemic has exposed critical weaknesses in the architecture of global governance. It has threatened to erase the progress many nations have achieved in recent years.

It has placed nations at a junction between isolation and collaboration, between panic and hope, between chaos and order.

The pandemic questioned some of the basic tenets of the open and cooperative international order.

Global exchanges, international communication, cross-border trade have all seen a vast decrease.

Curfews, restrictions on freedom and lockdowns of entire societies have created uncertainty in many segments of the individual lives of our citizens or – for that matter – our own individual perception of what freedom in today’s world even means.

For Serbia, this pandemic threatened to undermine everything we have been doing for the past 7 years, to crush all of the results and accomplishments of difficult reforms we initiated in 2014, and to propel us back to the times of high unemployment, rising public debt, uncontrollable deficit, and overall desperation.

Much as in any other country, COVID-19 has tested our nations’ resiliency and, this time, unlike during the global financial crisis – which was of much more limited scope and incomparable in consequences to COVID-19 pandemic – Serbia stood strong.

The reforms we undertook in the pre-COVID times made us more resilient than ever.

The fiscal consolidation, the budget surplus we had, efficient and predictable investment environment, became a lifeline that saved us from a recession during the pandemic and one that ensured we could support our citizens and our economy during these, most difficult of times.

Despite the effects of the crisis, Serbia has managed to preserve financial and economic stability. In 2020, we recorded a decline in GDP of only 0.9% – one of the best results in Europe. Our public debt remained below 60% of our GDP, average salary continued to grow by almost 10%, while despite the pandemic the number of people employed increased by over 3%.

The recovery in this year has been stronger than expected – our GDP will grow approximately 7%, and perhaps even stronger.

Prior to the pandemic, we have opened our borders to investment, technology, and ideas, and we managed to create peaceful and stable environment that allowed us to pursue rapid domestic transformation, with innovation and knowledge-based economy as the foundation.

The innovative advances we had made allowed us to diversify our capabilities when the virus hit – through e-Government, online education and digital textbooks, or central software system for a successful vaccination rollout.

We invested heavily in health infrastructure and strengthened the health system in order to respond to the current crisis, eternally grateful to the health care workers for their dedicated struggle.

Our decision to put geopolitics aside, and people at the center of our policies, is the reason we were able to acquire vaccines quicker than most other nations.

We did not discriminate between manufacturers, did not care whether vaccines are from the East or from the West, but chose to negotiate with all vaccine manufacturers deemed safe by regulators. This openness gave us the ability to purchase vaccines from around the world, giving our citizens the unique freedom to choose which vaccine they prefer.

Excellencies,

Serbia believes in solidarity between nations, multilateralism and helping others when in need.

Since the beginning of this year, we have made it our mission to support our neighbors, and all those in need, with COVID-19 vaccines and we have also allowed foreign nationals to come to Serbia to receive the vaccine which will protect their lives.

In total, Serbia has donated or allocated over a million doses of vaccines – of which 230.000 doses to the region; 300.000 doses for foreign nationals which came to Serbia to get vaccinated; and additional 570.000 doses to countries of Africa and Asia.

We will keep doing so, to the greatest extent possible, and until COVID-19 is behind all of us.

That is why we have also taken steps to acquire the technology to produce at least two types of COVID-19 vaccines to help improve global access so we can all be safe and victorious.

However, as stated by dignitaries of some of the largest nations during this General Assembly, there are other pressing issues that all of us need to keep addressing without any delay and in a bold manner – and that is climate change.

Serbia has redoubled its efforts to make our country safer and cleaner for its citizens, and by doing so, contribute to the fight against climate change and for environmental protection.

We are strongly committed to the implementation of the sustainable development goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We are committed to global efforts and will continue to work actively to meet our obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

We are about to submit our revised Nationally Determined Contributions to contribute to this critical global effort. We have already announced our intention to reduce greenhouse gasses for at least 33.3% compared to 1990, and 13.2% compared to 2010, which we are currently incorporating into our energy and climate strategic documents.

We work strategically on planning and investments in this sector. These investments are extremely expensive, requiring years and decades of commitment and a systemic approach - but we are clearly set on the path of this transformation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Of all the challenges we face, the most worrisome for Serbia is the maintenance of peace and stability in the southern Serbian province of Kosovo and Metohija.

For more than two decades, we have been constantly drawing international attention to the problems that non-Albanian population is facing in Kosovo and Metohija. Physical safety, respect for and protection of human rights, especially of minority communities, are far from satisfactory.

We are now witnessing a constant increase in the number of attacks targeting Serbs, their property and religious heritage in Kosovo and Metohija.

To illustrate, there were 55 such incidents in 2014, 62 in 2016, 71 in 2020, and 100 since the beginning of this year. The total number of attacks in 2020 has already been surpassed by June of this year.

According to the UN, Kosovo and Metohija is still the territory with the least number of returnees (internally displaced Serbs) of all post-conflict areas in the entire world!

I will give you just a few examples to depict how life of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija looks like.

On the 11th of May the house of Radoje Pumpalović, 81-years old returnee to Kosovo in the village of Dubrava, in Istok municipality, was attacked. This was the 5th attack on him in the same year. Again… he is 81 years old.

Since June 2021, multiple attacks were carried out against Dragica Gašić, 59-years old woman, the first Serb returnee in Đakovica after 22 years since the end of the conflict. Attacks include stoning of her apartment, banning her from shopping for food in the local store and petitions by civil society organization demanding her eviction from the city.

On 2nd of July, in the village of Gobulji near Vučitrn, a group of Albanians attacked 13-year old Nikola Perić. The attack occurred when he was returning home from the school playground with three friends.

Attacks on Serbian medieval churches, monasteries and monuments in Kosovo and Metohija, make them some of the most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe.

Monastery Visoki Dečani was recently listed, by Europa Nostra, as one of the 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe in 2021. The Advisory Panel of Europa Nostra noted that Dečani is the only monument in Europe under robust military protection for a continuous period of 20 years, although it constitutes a monument of ultimate historical and cultural importance for Europe and the world.

This spiral of violence occurring in Kosovo and Metohija culminated at the beginning of this week. On the pretext of enforcing new license plate rules, Priština dispatched heavily armed special units to the north of the province. This is yet another brutal violation of the Brussels Agreement, and this irrational show of force has ignited a major crisis. It disrupted the supply of food and medication to Serb communities in the north of the province. Local Serbs who peacefully gathered to protest this measure were met with tear gas and police brutality, thus seriously threatening local and regional stability.

Despite of all the challenges and daily provocations, Serbia remains strongly committed to finding a compromise-based solution that will ensure lasting peace and stability.

Dialogue and the implementation of the agreements reached – are the only proper way to resolve all open issues.

However, almost 9 years after reaching the Brussels Agreement, as the 1st agreement on normalization between Belgrade and Priština, the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities – the backbone of this agreement – has not yet even begun.

I would like to appeal, once again, to the international community, and especially the European Union, as the guarantor of the Brussels Agreement, to firmly insist that the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Priština start implementing all of the agreements reached.

The Republic of Serbia, by defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, at the same time defends international law, the UN Charter, legally binding UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and the supreme authority of the Security Council when it comes to the preservation of international peace and security.

We attach special importance to the activity of the UN mission in Kosovo and Metohija and expect it to continue to implement its mandate in the Province in accordance with this resolution.

Dear friends,

Our generation shares the common destiny of the modern world, which is becoming increasingly complex in terms of geopolitics, technology, health, climate. In the face of these challenges, Serbia will continue nurturing international partnerships, on a predictable and transparent basis.

We will continue pursuing the rule of law reforms on our EU path, which is our strategic foreign policy goal. We see this as inseparable from achieving sustainable peace, stability and prosperity.

We will host, together with the Republic of Azerbaijan as the current chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, a commemorative high-level event marking the 60th anniversary of the First Non-Aligned Movement Conference, which was held in Belgrade in 1961. We are very much looking forward to hosting our friends from all parts of the world in Belgrade in October this year.

We will further enhance cooperation across the Balkans, through the Open Balkan initiative and Berlin process, by opening borders, harmonizing differences, and further integrating our region.

In conclusion,

Over the past 7 years, Serbia has been transformed: we sparked an economic revival, created opportunities for young people, cultivated a tech boom, and improved Serbia’s position abroad. The progress we have made has allowed Serbia to better face and survive the pandemic.

The world now faces a turning point. The recovery from COVID-19 and sustainable reconstruction will not proceed if issues, new and old, are not handled by joint forces and collaborative international actions.

This pandemic taught us one important lesson: unless all of us are safe, no one is safe – so we can either win together, all of us – regardless of how rich or poor, large or small, from Europe, Asia, Africa, America or Australia, or fail together.

But, if anything, the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the issue of climate change, should have taught us to stand together.

Thank you.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

 

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, has discussed today by phone with the General Secretary of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg about, as the General Secretary said, worrisome situation in northern Kosovo and Metohija.

President Vučić said that Serbia had not violated either Brussels Agreement or Resolution 1244 by anything, by any single move or in any manner jeopardized peace preservation.

“The complete occupation by armored vehicles of northern Kosovo and Metohija has lasted for seven days and it is conducted by Priština and everyone in the international community “are thunderously silent”, said Serbian President. “However, everyone is worried all of a sudden when they spot Serbian helicopters and airplanes at the territory of central Serbia, because apparently they should not exist, or should not take off until they receive the approval from Kurti or someone from the international community”, says President Vučić.

Serbia observes all international agreements it signed, Serbia will always conduct responsibly and seriously, but Serbia is still asking when the formation of SMC will start and when Kurti’s armored units will be withdrawn from northern Kosovo and Metohija.

Finally, with the gratitude to General Secretary Stoltenberg for the fair relation and wish to listen to the Serbian side, President Vučić asked about the norm and international regulation violated by Serbia? Today, yesterday or any time?

The two interlocutors agreed to stay in constant touch due to necessity of the preservation of peace and stability in the entire region.

 
Source/Photo: www.predsednik.rs

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, has stated that in New York he introduced foreign ministers of 28 countries to economic success of Serbia but also to the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, which he also discussed with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, who told him that we could count on the support of the Russian Federation, with regards to Serbian interests in K&M.

Summarizing results of his visit to New York within the session of the UN General Assembly, Minister Selaković says that one of the last meetings was with Minister Lavrov, which was their third meeting in the previous nine months.

The Serbian Foreign Minister says that he surely used this opportunity, too, to introduce Minister Lavrov to the latest events in northern Kosovo and Metohija, the situation of the dialog between Belgrade and Priština and very clear and unambiguous attitude of President Aleksandar Vučić regarding the continuation of the dialog and subsequent events in K&M.

“We discussed the principled support of the Russian Federation, which is constantly present not just in Moscow, Belgrade, in the field, but also here in the East River, by the delegation of the Russian Federation as the permanent member of the UN Security Council. Of course, we will continue to maintain this type of dialog. What Minister Lavrov said was that we could count on the support of the Russian Federation in future with regards to our interests in K&M”, highlighted Minister Selaković.

He said that he had had the opportunity in New York to hold 33 meetings, of which 28 with ministers of foreign affairs, whom he had introduced also to topicalities related to the latest events in Kosovo and Metohija, but also to our principled position regarding the observance of the international public law, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Minister Selaković said that his colleagues at the meetings had praised the substantial and fantastic success of Serbia in the consolidation of the economic sphere and transformation of what had been on the edge of collapse and economic disaster seven years before to the fastest growing economy in Europe, which Serbia was in the past two years.

He said that most of his interlocutors had supported our reforms and expressed great respect toward what President Aleksandar Vučić and Serbia had done in the previous period.

Many of them, says the Serbian Foreign Minister, showed great interest in the manner in which Serbia organized the figth against Covid 19.

“It was a great pleasure and pride to represent the Republic of Serbia in all these meetings. Many of my colleagues confirmed their arrival to Belgrade to the Conference on 11th and 12th October, which is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Non-Allied Movement”, said Minister Selaković.

He emphasized that it was not just the evidence of how much they had cared to come to Belgrade to the conference, but also to see and witness the Serbia which after several decades of attempts to fight different challenges rose to its feed, was economically consolidated and turned towards its traditional friends.

“That is a great deal and our country will surely during October be one of the spots on Earth of greatest importance for multilateralism, for cooperation among the countries which share the same values, the values entered into the UN Charter and which are based on the promotion and fight for peace, equality, observance of the international public law and rights of every country to pursue its path to happiness and better and more ordered society in compliance with the wishes of its population”, said Minister Selaković.

He said that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, would come to Belgrade to the conference on the occasion of the Non-Allied Movement adding that we had strategic cooperation with Azerbaijan and frequent contacts.

“We agreed to realize as soon as possible after the Belgrade conference his bilateral visit to Serbia”, added Minister Selaković.

He said that it had been agreed to intensify the cooperation and finalize the agreements which should be signed and after that realized when the meeting of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev took place.

Minister Selaković says that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had recently received its sector for economic diplomacy and there were great expectations from it and one of the tasks was to deepen the cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic participated today at the Global COVID-19 summit, organised by the White House, which was opened by US President Joseph Biden.

The video messages are attended by a large number of world leaders and officials of international organizations, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British and Canadian Prime Ministers, Boris Johnson and Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and many others.

In the message, the Prime Minister pointed out that Serbia was among the first European countries to procure a covid vaccine, and that she was the first European Prime Minister to receive the vaccine.

Thanks to years of investment in digitalisation and development of eGovernment, we have managed to organise a complicated and complex vaccination process very efficiently and in a way that it is focused on citizens, she explained.

However, as she added, from the very beginning we were aware that this is not just a matter of our citizens and only our struggle. In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all safe or no one is safe.

That is why, in addition to procuring vaccines for our citizens, we donated vaccines to the citizens of the Western Balkans, but also to other countries, she reminded and specified that Serbia donated 230,000 doses of vaccines to the region, we vaccinated foreign citizens in Serbia with approximately 300,000 doses and set aside we have 570,000 doses of vaccines for countries in Africa and Asia.

Brnabic mentioned that Serbia has already started the production of covid vaccine from one manufacturer, and that it will start production from another by the end of the year, because in that way we want to help and support all people and countries that need vaccines.

This is a pandemic in which we will either win together or lose together, but we must fight together, the Prime Minister repeated.

That is why Serbia supports the goals of this global summit, she emphasised, and expressed her gratitude to the United States of America and President Biden for organising the summit and supporting joint efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccines are the only way out in the fight against the pandemic, concluded Brnabic.

 

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with Ambassador of Australia to Serbia Ruth Stewart, who is ending her term, about current bilateral relations between the two countries, economic cooperation and opportunities for joint project engagement.
Brnabic pointed out that the relations between the two countries are good, but that she expects that, after the crisis caused by the epidemiological situation, political contacts will be additionally intensified.
The Prime Minister pointed out that there are numerous opportunities for joint projects and improvement of economic relations, while expressing the expectation that Australian companies will use the potentials that Serbia offers and invests in our market.
The Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to Ambassador Stewart for her personal contribution to the improvement of bilateral cooperation during her mandate in Serbia and wished her much success in the future, both professionally and personally.
Stewart emphasised that Serbia is a great chance for Australian companies and that it is sending positive signals to foreign investors through efforts to implement reforms and modernize countries.
She expressed the expectation that such positive changes will affect the increase in the number of Australian companies on the Serbian market.
The mining sector is recognised as primary for investors from Australia, Stewart said, adding that she expects greater investments and more significant cooperation between the two countries in this area in the future.
It was pointed out at the meeting that the numerous Serbian diaspora in Australia is an important link between the two countries and a significant driver for further improvement of interstate relations.

www.srbija.gov.rs

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, attended the marking of the Remembrance Day of all the victims and expelled Serbs in the armed operation "Storm" and said that Serbia remembers!

"Today, when we remind ourselves again of what happened in August 1995, the terrible pogrom, the expulsion of more than 250,000 Serbs, the exodus and ethnic cleansing, we, at the same time, and finally, remind ourselves of who we are, what we are, where we come from and where we are going. Thank you all for being here together tonight and for showing how much we love our people", said President Vučić, adding that we will not forget any of the things that the Krajina people had to go through.

"For us, these are not just terrible numbers of victims", said President Vučić and emphasized that Serbia will not forget.

"History has never been rewritten like today. That is why I want to remind us all not only of what others have done to us, not wanting us to exist, but also of what we have done to ourselves, just as if we ourselves did not want to exist", said the President, noting that we must never again allow Serbia to forget its silent heroes.

President Vučić emphasized that we must never again cover our eyes, ears, and mouths in front of something that truly was a pogrom and the downfall of all humanity.

"Pretending that this is not true, avoiding saying it, is a crime not only against the victims, but also against ourselves, every living Serb, people from Krajina, as well as Serbia and its future", said President Vučić and underlined that people can stand up straight and live with themselves and the others without hesitation, fear and doubt, only if they remember.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia must fight for peace and cradles with children, as well as that not remembering annuls and erases us from the history and the future, depriving us of the right to tomorrow.

"Our mission is a happy future for us and for the new generations! Today's Serbia is based on a clear identity and a culture of remembrance", said President Vučić and reminded that everything that had been neglected for decades had been done, and that a strong Serbia has become the master of its own destiny.

"Eternal glory to you, Serbian martyrs who perished in the "Storm" and all other pogroms. Your children are in their Serbia, taken care of, loved and successful. Sleep peacefully, Serbian falcons, the future of your children is our vow", concluded President Vučić and thanked everyone who showed that night how much they love their country and that Serbia remembers.

Source: www.predsednik.rs
Photo: www.predsednik.rs

We have decided – our goal was and remains the EU, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said in an interview with the German daily "Handelsblatt", adding that there is no alternative for Serbia, but also stressing that China is an important partner for Serbia, and that the task of the state is to take care about the interests of its citizens.

He thus answered the question of what Serbia will choose once it has to choose between close relations with Beijing or the EU. Vučić emphasized that Serbia wants to become a full member of the EU.

"We are connected by history, common culture, EU members are already undoubtedly our most important partners", he explained and added that the trade exchange between Germany and China is 3,000 times higher than between Serbia and China, and, as he noted, even despite that, Serbia's business operations with China are portrayed as a problem.

To the statement that the German Chancellor Angela Merkel did not congratulate the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, and that he did so, he replied that Serbia is not Germany, but a small country. On additional insistence on what Serbia will do if it has to choose between the EU and China, he underlined that Serbia has already decided, that its goal was and remains the EU membership.

"Our biggest investors are from the EU. The EU accounts for 67% of our trade while 17 percent of the trade is with countries of the region that are all on the way to the EU. We cannot survive without the EU", he added.

"But can we do a lot of good things with China – of course. And we do that, just like Germany does", Vučić pointed out, and to the remark that the quality of the Silk Road projects was being criticized, primarily because of Chinese workers, he answered that the quality of roads or bridges, which Serbia is building with China, is excellent.

"We give jobs to those who submit the best offer to us. That is why I tell Europeans who criticize Chinese projects in our country – offer us a project for one euro more and you will get it", he emphasized.

In that regard, he pointed out that Serbia is building a railway to Northern Macedonia with 600 million euros of EU aid, stating that that offer was better than China's.

"There is often talk of a 180-kilometer railway to Budapest through the territory of Serbia, which is financed by China. But the railway that is being built with the help of the EU from Belgrade to the northern Macedonian border is twice as long and no one is talking about it. It is all too political", he stated.

Asked whether he welcomes the plans of the EU and the USA regarding an alternative initiative to the Silk Road, Vučić said that he supports everything that brings advantages to our region.

"The Chinese want to expand their presence everywhere, but many processes in the West are, frankly, more efficient and without problems. We still have a lot to learn from the West, but we are getting there", Vučić said.

He pointed out that China was an important partner for Serbia and added that when the consolidation of state finances began in 2014, our country received good conditions from China for development projects.

He also stated that a competition for a copper mine was announced in eastern Serbia, at the request of the EU, that no European company had made an offer for six months, and that it had then been taken over by the Chinese.

"Our job is to take care of our people", he said.

He reminded that the Serbian economy grew by 52% in eight and a half years, which for the EU means that Serbia could be a strong member and engine for the entire region.

Explaining how Serbia is developing so well economically, he pointed out that Serbia has an excellent workforce, which speaks English, that society and administration are digitalized, and that it has the most flexible labor law in Europe, as well as consolidated public finances.

He reminded that previously the public debt was at 78% of GDP, and that today it has been reduced, thanks to the strong growth of the economy, to 52%.

"We can afford to give investors an incentive to come", he added, emphasizing that Serbia offers investment assistance, but that, for example, subsidies were not the motive for the arrival of the development center of the company Continental.

He pointed out that, five or six years ago, only Serbia started using the dual education system in this region, which Germany, Switzerland and Austria also use, that tens of thousands of people are in dual education, and that this is appreciated by foreign investors, who, in addition, can work closely with universities as well.

Germany, he stated, is the most important trade partner and the largest investor.

We started with the arrival of small textile companies from Turkey, and now primarily large German companies are coming. Today, 71,000 people work in German companies in Serbia", he explained.

Vučić said that the European perspective is very important for investors, stating that Nidek, Toyo Tires or Mitsubishi are coming from Japan to Serbia because our country is on a stable European path.

Asked if he believes that Serbia will become an EU member in the foreseeable future, he said that he does not complain.

"It is certain that if we had received 45 billion euros of EU aid, we would have been much further economically. Instead, we received 1.6 billion euros from the EU. We are used to achieving our successes on our own", said Vučić.

The President of Serbia reminded that in Croatia, salaries used to be 2.2 times higher than in Serbia, and today they are only 1.7 times higher.

"We are closing the gap with our own efforts. If we were to become a member of the EU, then we would certainly not ask for the biggest subsidies", he assures.

He said that the Serbian path follows the German path to Europe, and that Serbia wants a fair chance.

"I believe Merkel's words. She is at the end of her term and I would not have to praise her anymore. But she gave us stability, freedom of travel to the EU, helped us with the migrant crisis in 2015, and asked the Minister of Economy Altmeier and others to work closely with us", he reminded.

Asked if there were any indications that the new German government would support Serbia in the same way, Vučić expressed confidence that it would be the same.

"I know Armin Laschet, I talked to him while he was the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia. He is very smart and understands the situation in the Balkans, and he will certainly continue Merkel's policy towards our region as the new chancellor", he added.

Vučić also expressed his belief that Russia, if Serbia's accession to the EU were concretized, would not react similarly as in the case of Ukraine, as this is a sovereign decision of Serbia.

To an additional question in this regard, Vučić pointed out that whenever he met with Vladimir Putin, and there were 18 or 19 meetings, he told him that he was grateful for the traditionally close friendship with Russia, but also that Serbia is on a clear course towards the EU.

"He asked if it was our choice and I answered that EU membership is indeed our goal", he added.

When it comes to "Kosovo", Vučić emphasized that a compromise is needed regarding this issue.

"Only in this way can there be sustainable peace. Serbia wants peace, me as well. Let's stop with the madness of the past. Only then can the whole region become the engine of new growth for Europe", said Vučić.

Source: Tanjug

 

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, stated at a gathering dedicated to digitalization and the IT sector, which was held in New York, that since she became Prime Minister, she is most proud of Serbia's success in the field of digitalization.

Brnabić, who is on a two-day visit to the United States, said that when she was elected Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government in August 2016, she wanted to do everything to change the public administration and what bothered her as a citizen.

She stated that, when she took office as Prime Minister, she knew what her priorities were and that first of all, digitalization needed to be raised to a higher level, that the education reform was supposed to begin, as well as work on strengthening the economy.

I believed in a country that believes in its people, because the Serbian people are creative. From 1 June 2017, we started working as an e-Government, i.e. we started exchanging data electronically, said the Prime Minister.

According to her, our citizens no longer had to go to, say, the Tax Administration, and since then, the public administration has exchanged 50 million documents, which means that citizens did not have to go from office to office for 50 million papers.

Brnabić pointed out that she is proud of what has been done in the field of education since she became the head of the Government, specifying that in September 2017, programming was introduced as a compulsory subject in primary schools.

Nobody believed that we could do that, but we cooperated with the private sector and some social organizations and we succeeded. At the moment, we are far ahead of numerous countries in Europe and the world, said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister pointed out that she was most proud when the cornerstone was laid for the science and technology park in southern Serbia, noting that so far, our country has four science and technology parks.

She pointed out that Serbia has since become one of the most successful countries in the world in the field of technology, and that according to some parameters, it is among the ten countries in the world, or among the five, assessing that this is proof that the country can change quickly.

Answering the question about vaccination, the Prime Minister emphasized that our country has never seen it as a geopolitical issue, but as a health issue.

According to her, Serbia talked with producers from both the East and the West and was among the first European countries to sign agreements with the company Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm.

Unfortunately, many countries have viewed this issue as geopolitical. It did not matter to us, as long as the vaccines were safe, the Prime Minister emphasized and added that this was not the end of Serbia's success, because good organization was also needed.

Brnabić explained that the organization is another important thing in vaccination, because it is a logistically very difficult process, adding that, with the help of digitalization, success has been achieved and that everything we did in the previous years has paid off.

She stated that Serbia quickly established a system through which citizens could express interest in vaccination against the coronavirus and choose which vaccine they wanted to receive, as well as to be informed by a message when to go and get vaccinated.

Now I can log in on my phone, to see how many people have received the vaccine, how many more have registered, so that the effects of digitalization are obvious. We have made everything very efficient and easy for our citizens, the Prime Minister explained.

Answering the question of what she can tell other countries of the world about how to progress faster, Brnabić said that it is important to invest as much as possible in digitalization and education.

You need to teach children how to think, not what to think. Not all children will become IT experts, but what they can learn is an algorithmic way of thinking and how to make decisions, she said.

The Prime Minister mentioned investing in high-speed internet and providing infrastructure for start-ups as an important thing for progress, because more and more economies will be based on start-ups and innovations, emphasizing that people should be helped to start companies and implement their ideas.

Speaking about social networks, she pointed out that fake news has become the biggest problem on these networks and that it will remain so for some time.

This is the biggest challenge I face as Prime Minister, especially during the corona virus pandemic, she said, adding that social networks are also a great opportunity for politicians to communicate with citizens.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs
Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, spoke at the Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) today and on that occasion sent an invitation to the representatives of the members to gather in Belgrade on 11 and 12 October, when the 60th anniversary of the first Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Belgrade in 1961 will be marked.

Selaković informed the participants of the conference that Serbia would organize this important jubilee of non-aligned countries together with Azerbaijan – which is currently chairing the NAM.

In his address, Selaković reminded that the former Yugoslavia and President Tito, as co-founders of the Movement, gave their contribution to creating a vision of a different world, and that Serbia, as one of the successors of Yugoslavia, is proud of that part of its history.

"The spirit of non-alignment is based on equality, freedom, lasting peace, sovereign equality of states and peaceful cooperation of all peoples, and these values are also woven into the state-building foundations of Serbia", the minister said.

Selaković said that the Non-Aligned Movement throughout its history has been a beacon of freedom to all those who sought the right to existence and prosperity in a world that was often ruled, not by the force of law, but by the law of force. He assessed that even today we find ourselves in times of serious global challenges in which the Movement has the opportunity to reaffirm its libertarian traditions and commitment to a world of equals.

"Serbia, as a militarily neutral and politically independent state, will give its most sincere contribution to such goals of the Movement. We hope that by strengthening mutual ties and cooperation, as a group of states and peoples that share the same values and interests, we will strengthen our common capacity to face the challenges of tomorrow. And the challenges are already before us", Selaković pointed out.

The Minister emphasized that international law should be a pillar of political and security architecture of the world, and added that Serbia respects the commitment of the members of the Movement towards the goals and principles of the UN Charter.

"Many members of this movement are aware that by insisting on international law, they are working in their own favor and in favor of preserving regional and global stability," the minister pointed out.

Selaković also said that the COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed that inequality, lack of solidarity and empathy in the world have become very obvious in the roughest way.

"Serbia is eternally grateful to all the countries which, such as Azerbaijan, helped us in difficult times. We later extended that chain of solidarity by making vaccines available, not only to our citizens, but also to others in the region. We supported our neighbors with the belief that solidarity is the best investment in a common future", the minister concluded.

 

Dear Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, members of the delegations

I would point to a few ongoing issues in my speech that refer to the competences of the Mechanism, namely, the possibility of serving the sentences passed by the ICTY and Mechanism in the Republic of Serbia, with the current practice of disabling early release of the sentenced persons as well as obligation of the Mechanism regarding protection of sentenced persons.

The second part of the speech will be dedicated to issues that are opened by the six –month Report on the work of the Mechanism by Mechanism President Mr. Agius and Report by the Chief Prosecutor Mr. Serge Brammertz, especially regarding current cooperation of the Republic of Serbia and the Mechanism.

The third part of my speech, and I noticed that in many of your statements even today, is going to be the view of Serbia on everything that took place in The Hague Tribunal and what the Tribunal verdicts brought to people in the region of former Yugoslavia.

The Republic of Serbia has initiated before the Security Council, on several occasions, the issue of possibility of serving sentences passed by the ICTY and Mechanism in the Republic of Serbia. Beside the efforts to move this issue from “square one”, not a single response was obtained from the Security Council. The majority of persons that are serving their prison sentences are citizens of the Republic of Serbia, and it comes naturally that the Republic of Serbia is interested in enabling them to serve their prison sentences in the Republic of Serbia.

ICTY and the Mechanism are making references to the Security Council as an institution in charge of dealing with this issue.

I am ready to reiterate here the readiness of the Republic of Serbia to take over obligations and liability for executing prison sentences that the Tribunal or Mechanism passed on the citizens of the Republic of Serbia, under the monitoring of the Mechanism and full respect for the authority of the Mechanism regarding early release.

Mr. President

A particular problem that we are facing with is disturbance by the judicial institutions established in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija, which is within Serbia and which is under Interim Administration of the UN. We are witnesses of attempts of retrial for two citizens that are serving their prison sentences for which they had already been trialed before the ICTY. More concretely, in previous period there was an attempt for hearing of Nebojša Pavković and for obtaining extradition of Vlastimir Đorđević.

I urge on the Mechanism and Security Council to prevent attempts of violation of the principle ne bis in idem, a civilization principle that was confirmed in Article 7 (1) of the Statute of the Mechanism and to disable retrials for persons already convicted by the ICTY, particularly to make sure that it is not done in the territory which is under interim UN administration.

Mr. President,

President of the Mechanism (Mr. Carmel Agius), apart from the regular Report, delivered also on 11 May 2021 a letter to the President of the Security Council, whose subject is the alleged omission of the Republic of Serbia to apprehend and turn over to the Mechanism Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta, indicted of contempt of court, claiming that in this way the Republic of Serbia was acting contrary to its obligations towards the UNSC Resolution 1966 (2010) and asking the Security Council to take measures in order to ensure that Serbia meets the alleged obligations in accordance with the Mechanism Statue and Resolution 1966.

The point of the argumentation of the President of the Mechanism comes to that that the Republic of Serbia has the obligation to deprive of liberty and extradite to the Mechanism its citizens accused of contempt of court, regardless of the nature of accusation, circumstances under which such an order was made and consequences that might result from its implementation.

It is about accusations that do not refer to sever violations of international humanitarian law and that are related to a case before the ICTY, which ended in 2018 (Vojislav Šešelj case), by acquitting the defendant in the first instance, and upon the Prosecutor’s complaint the defendant was declared guilty and sentenced to a 10-year imprisonment, which was covered by the time he spent at the UN Detention Unit.

Judge Agius states that Serbia ignores its obligations in accordance with the Resolution 1966 (2010). Quite the opposite- the Republic of Serbia takes seriously its obligations regarding cooperation with the Mechanism. After the warrant for apprehension and extradition of the two persons accused of contempt of court to the Mechanism had been introduced, the Higher Court in Belgrade established that assumptions for their apprehension and extradition to the Mechanism had not been met. The decision is founded on the rules of international law and domestic law of the Republic of Serbia and it is mandatory for holders of the executive power in the Republic of Serbia.

I would remind here that the first decision of a sole judge (Aydin Sefa Akay, 12 June 2018), that was acting in this case was that the criminal prosecution of V. Radeta and P. Jojić for alleged contempt of court was to be forwarded to the judicial authorities of the Republic of Serbia. In procedures that followed, the argument of the alleged unwillingness of the witnesses to cooperate with the judicial authorities of the Republic of Serbia was stated for the first time, and the decision on deprivation of transferring the case to the jurisdiction of the judicial authorities of the Republic of Serbia was based on the respective argument.

The Republic of Serbia expressed its readiness to take over the court procedure against Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta on several occasions and it provided appropriate guarantees. Additionally, the Republic of Serbia fully recognizes and accepts the obligation of the Mechanism to monitor trials that were transferred to national courts with the help of international and regional organizations, as well as to take measures envisaged by Article 6 of the Statute of the Mechanism.

I would remind here that the Republic of Serbia extradited to the tribunal all the persons indicted by the Prosecutor’s Office, and among the respective mostly highest political, military and police officials; it enabled presence of vast number of witnesses, delivered extensive documentation. Obligation of the Mechanism, in accordance with the Resolution of this Security Council, is to take measures that enable transfer of cases to national justice system. In previous practice, 13 cases were transferred to Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2 to Croatia and only one to Serbia.

The last but not the least, I want to remind all of you here of the fact that France- of course as a sovereign and independent country- upon request for apprehension and extradition of Florence Altman for publishing documents and contempt of court, refused the request for extradition, with an explanation that it does not extradite its citizens. For far smaller offence you ask as to extradite our citizens Jojic and Radeta, showing both the distrust to Serbian justice and judiciary and Serbian State, as well as a fact that the rule from ancient Rome is still valid – quod licet lovi non licet bovi.

It does not harm to underline that high-level officers and politicians were not trialed for crimes against Serbs, and that crimes against Serbs remained unsanctioned before ICTY and Mechanism. Let me remind you, just as an example that Ademi and Norac case for ferocious crimes against Serb civilians in Medački Džep was left to Croatian justice institutions. Proven crimes against Serbs, like those of Ramuš Haradinaj, Naser Orić, then Ante Gotovina and other indicted for military operation “Storm” that led to a complete ethnic cleansing of Serb population in the big part of today’s Croatia, resulted before the ICTY in acquittals. Many horrible crimes against Serb civilians that were committed in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija, and that resulted in ethnic cleansing, simply were not the subject of interest of the ICTY.

What’s very important and not to leave anything unclear, Serbia is a country that condemns all crimes and all criminals who perpetrated them in the region of former Yugoslavia. However, it is interesting that despite often criticism Serbia is the only one that speaks openly and condemns crimes perpetrated by Serb nationals, while in other regional countries they do not speak at all about crimes that representatives of those nations committed against members of Serbian people.

And I want to emphasize once again here in front of you that Serbia condemns terrible crime in Srebrenica and extends its deepest condolences to the families of all killed in that massacre. And there are no “buts” about the respective.

Nevertheless, we are here to analyze results and penal policy of ICTY and the Mechanism and it was such that it has never gained trust among Serbian people, no matter where they live. And not because we Serbs do not acknowledge crime committed by some of our compatriots, but because The Hague Tribunal, with exceptions, was judging only to Serbs and in all three territories of former Yugoslavia- Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo and Metohija, which some of the SC Member States see and name of course, contrary to law and legal norms and UN Resolutions, as an independent state. I would try to plastically prove to you how The Hague justice was tailored even though I know that it will not come to understanding of many of you, but to me it is important because of the history, facts, and school books that will be made in accordance with the facts.

Namely, Serbs were sentenced to totally 1138 years of imprisonment, and to 8 life imprisonments. At the same time, The Hague Tribunal did not sentence a single Croat for crimes against Serbs, neither in actions Medački Džep, nor Flash and Storm. How politically cunning it was done in the Tribunal, and all wrapped in the form of law and justice. Prosecutors of The Hague Tribunal chose on purpose three military and political leaders of Croats, Bosniac Muslims and Albanians, on all three mentioned territories, committed against Serbs. – Ante Gotovina, Naser Orić and Ramuš Haradinaj. It is interesting that following the same pattern, the same pattern, this injustice was shared. Namely, all of them were sentenced in the first instance procedure, with the exception of Ramuš Haradinaj, because not a single witness survived. Gotovina was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment in first-instance procedure, while by a mysterious decision of the second instance council and 3:2 judge ratio, the verdict was changed to acquittal. Naser Orić, for crimes against Serbs, was also sentenced in first instance verdict, but by a mysterious decision of the second instance court, and again 3:2 ratio decision was an acquittal and he was set free of any liability. Let me reiterate, all witnesses in process against Ramus Haradinaj, either committed suicide or were killed under very, very strange circumstances.

Let me conclude, I do not want to believe that someone wants to say that there had been no crimes against Serbs, but judging by the verdicts of The Hague Tribunal, no one- absolutely no one- is responsible for those crimes.

Nevertheless, we in Serbia will show responsibility and we will fight for peace, stability and reconciliation in the region.

We ask UN Security Council Member States to help us with rational and pragmatic approach and respect for international law and not by attempts of further humiliation of Serbia. Serbia is a small country, with proud and courageous people, the one that gave the biggest sacrifice during the WWI and WWII; people who wants to leave in peace with their neighbors. And when I am asking you for this, I do not think I am asking for too much.

At the very end, Serbia is the fastest growing country of the Western Balkans region and we cannot progress unless our relations with neighbors, friends and other countries are good, solid and better. That is why- despite the selective justice that was applied in The Hague Tribunal- we will be open for any dialogue, any kind of cooperation and we will look towards the future and not towards the past. And I have only one message for the citizens of Serbia and citizens of Serbian nationality in the entire region- keep your heads up, neither Serbia nor Serbian people are convicted of anything and it is up to us to work even more diligently, to open factories and to fight for our children and our future.

Long Live Serbia!

 

A new service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "e-Consulate" was presented in Belgrade today, intended for foreign citizens who apply for a visa and aspire to come to Serbia to work.

On that occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said that this service was one of the indicators of good development of our country, which, as he pointed out, was becoming a magnet for serious foreign companies, which brought a large number of workers from other countries to work in Serbia.

"Not to be pretentious, but completely realistic, this service represents a turning point in the functioning of our system. E-Consulate and digitalization of the procedure for issuing work visas for foreign citizens who want to work in Serbia, is the first electronic service offered by the Foreign Ministry, and I can promise you that this is indeed our first, but by no means the last e-service", Selakovic emphasized.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy pointed out that "e-Consulate" reflected the modernization of an extremely important segment of the activities of diplomatic and consular missions of Serbia, and that we were actually talking about something that was essential for the further development processes of our country.

The Minister recalled that, when the President of the Republic visited the construction site of the Moravian Corridor, he was told that some construction works were delayed because Bechtel company was not issued work visas on time.

“The moment we saw that and heard the President, I alerted the services in the Ministry. We were surprised, as we knew that the issuance of visas in Turkey had a good dynamic, and then we determined that it was actually workers from Bangladesh who applied for a visa through our Embassy in India, where we have a problem with staff shortage”, the Minister explained.

As he added, this is a demanding and laborious task, each of our employees had to receive the documentation on paper, check it, then request additional information, and only then forward it.

"Today, this has been fantastically perfected for our consular officers, all that documentation is submitted in electronic form. We used to have two filters to check the documentation, now we actually have three. And the work is significantly more efficient", Selakovic pointed out.

As he emphasized, this is a service which was promised less than four months ago and it becomes available on Monday, in 95 diplomatic and consular missions of Serbia, i.e. in all our embassies and consulates general.

The biggest result of that endeavor, the Minister pointed out, apart from the advantage it would bring in the future work, was the fact that it was not a project of one state body, but a joint endeavor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IT and eGovernment Office, General Secretariat of the Government, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, National Employment Service.

“We did an extremely good job in record time. This is to the pride of our Ministry, to the pride of the entire state. I am convinced that in the period ahead, we will further modernize our affairs and make Serbia one of the few countries that has such mechanisms and such state-of-the-art provision of consular services", Selakovic said.

Speaking about the "e-Consulate" portal itself, the Minister explained that there is a cartoon of Nikola Tesla and the building of the old railway station with one crane, which actually symbolizes a historical fact - that Tesla was in Belgrade in the year when it was built.

"Today it is the place behind which the Belgrade of the future is rising, and what we managed to do together is an indicator of something that is the future of Serbia, the development of artificial intelligence, IT and creating conditions for more people to live and arrive here in Serbia in the future seeking good life and employment", concluded the Minister.

The Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment, Mihailo Jovanovic, said that this was the first time that e-services were focused on foreign citizens, which was the case with our citizens so far.

In the period from 1 January 2019 to 17 May this year, the most applications for Serbian visas were submitted at the Embassy in Beijing, 6,766 applications, then in New Delhi - 2,973, Shanghai 2,115, Tokyo 1,798, and Cairo 1,756.

In that period, 1,270 requests were submitted in Algiers, 1,095 in Jakarta, and 1,077 in Beirut.

In terms of their nationality, Serbian D visa for employment is most requested by citizens of China - 9,516 applications, followed by India 1,955, and Ukraine - 673.

On-line application for issuing D-employment visas has started in the Republic of Serbia. Viza D allows entry into the Republic of Serbia and stay between 90 and 180 days. It also enables the regulation of temporary residence in Serbia.

If you are sure that you meet the requirements for visa D - for employment and have all the necessary documents, you can apply electronically, at the following link: https://econsulate.gov.rs/

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked today via a video link with the representatives of the delegation of the International Monetary Fund led by the Head of the Mission, Jan Kees Martijn. The interlocutors concluded that Serbia's main goal remains to preserve the hard-earned reputation of a fiscally secure country, as well as to continue with a responsible fiscal policy so that public debt does not exceed 60 per cent of GDP, whereby Serbia continues to work on further economic growth.

During the conversation, President Vučić and Jan Kees Martijn especially referred to the incentive measures and adopted three packages of measures to help the economy and citizens, which preserved macroeconomic stability and even achieved a higher employment rate. Martijn commended the responsible economic policy of Serbia and the successful crisis management during the pandemic.

"Serbia achieved one of the best results last year despite the challenges of the pandemic", Martijn said, noting that Serbia was one of the few countries to which the IMF did not adjust the initial projection of the 5% growth rate it gave last year.

President Vučić added that following the first quarter of 2021, Serbia is well on its way to achieving the planned growth of 6% as planned, since one of the main focuses of the Government is investing in large infrastructure projects and intensifying work on attracting foreign direct investments.

"In 2020, Serbia was at the very top in terms of economic growth in Europe, and I am convinced that this year we can enter the first three or four countries in terms of growth", said President Vučić, adding that he was satisfied that Serbia still, despite the pandemic situation, has an extremely strong inflow of investment.

President Vučić and Jan Kees Martijn also discussed a new advisory arrangement, which is of special importance in light of the improvement of the general investment climate in Serbia, as well as in the context of even greater investor assurance.

"Given Serbia's tremendous progress over the past eight years, the priority goal of this arrangement will be to preserve the results achieved, but also to provide support for further implementation of structural reforms aimed at even faster, stronger and more sustainable growth", said President Vučić and thanked the IMF and the personal engagement of Jan Kees Martijn in the professional and expert support that Serbia is counting on.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia will pay special attention to reforms in public companies, and that priorities will continue to be investments in infrastructure, creating an even better climate for investments, greater investments in the environment, science and capital projects, which will further contribute to the long term stable financial growth in the coming years.

Source: www.predsednik.rs
Photo: www.predsednik.rs

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today with the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation for Europe Hans Kluge, to discuss cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as cooperation in improving health care in our country and other joint activities.

President Vučić thanked Dr Kluge for his personal engagement and support during the current pandemic, especially for technical assistance and expertise. On this occasion, he informed the WHO official about the results of immunisation in Serbia and plans on how to provide the vaccine to all citizens who want to get it.

Dr Kluge congratulated President Vučić on his leadership and personal commitment to provide vaccines. He emphasised that Serbia, with its good immunisation strategy, ranked among the global leaders, thus becoming an example of humanity and solidarity by enabling vaccination of elderly people in rural areas, foreign citizens and donating vaccines to other countries.

"Serbia has accepted the vaccine as a life-saving product and has not looked at it geopolitically", said Dr Kluge.
 
The two interlocutors agreed that the world should increase production capacities for vaccines, as well as develop new adequate therapies for the fight against COVID-19, and, in this regard, work on increasing the level of citizens' trust in science.

President Vučić informed Dr Kluge about the plans for improving the work of the Institute for Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak".

"We want to make 'Torlak' one of the best vaccine factories in Europe", said President Vučić.

Source: www.predsednik.rs
Photo: www.predsednik.rs

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge about the epidemiological situation and the course of immunisation of citizens in Serbia.

Brnabic expressed gratitude for the cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, technical assistance and expertise, emphasising that the support of this organisation is very important for our country.

She informed the WHO Regional Director for Europe about the course of immunisation of citizens in Serbia, expressing her belief that, thanks to the large number of vaccinated people, we will be able to create collective immunity and return to normal life.

Kluge assessed the immunisation process in Serbia as impressive, and added that Serbia has made a good decision to offer citizens all available vaccines used in the fight against coronavirus.

Expressing concern over the emergence of new strains of the virus, he stressed the need to speed up the immunisation process and show mutual solidarity.

The WHO Regional Director for Europe praised Serbia for the humanity it has shown by donating vaccines to the countries of the region and enabling vaccination for those who do not have a sufficient number of vaccines for their citizens.

The Prime Minister said that Serbia will continue to cooperate with the countries of the region and help in accordance with its capabilities.

When it comes to the project "Roadmap for Health in the Western Balkans 2021-2025", it was stated that, if epidemiological conditions allow, a regional meeting will be held in Belgrade at the end of the year, important for future improvement of cooperation between countries in the field of health challenges.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs
Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic stated today that Pristina further persisted in its campaign of hatred against the Serbian people, which was most drastically seen in the unfounded accusations of mass rapes and genocide.

At the UN Security Council meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Selakovic emphasized that the efforts of the provisional institutions in Kosovo and Metohija to create a narrative about mass rapes of Albanian women were obvious, and that propaganda methods and lies were used for that purpose.

"It is clear that there were victims on all sides in the conflict, as well as that our side has evidence of numerous Serb victims. But the precondition for ensuring the protection of rights that belong to each individual victim is a rational and well-argued approach", Selakovic said responding to the slander of the Pristina representative.

Selakovic underlined that, contrary to the claims of politicians from Pristina about 20,000 raped Albanian women, the information provided by the Commission for the Verification and Recognition of Sexual Violence Victim Status indicates 912 raped persons, however, failing to include in this number the Serb women who were victims of violence.

"Let me emphasize that Serbia condemns every act of sexual violence in conflicts and is committed to achieving justice for all victims. The number of victims certainly does not diminish the horrific effect of this type of violence on each victim individually, but also, speculating on numbers does not contribute to justice being served and leads to politicization and slowing down the reconciliation process", Selakovic said.

Regarding the genocide accusations, Minister Selakovic stated that they only went to prove that Pristina further persisted in its campaign of hatred, propaganda and open hostility towards the Serbian people.

"Through statements given on a daily basis, they attempt to paint a picture that Serbia is to blame for everything and that genocide was committed against Albanians, all in order to hide their own responsibility for the committed crimes", the Serbian Foreign Minister said. 

He underlined that anyone who knew what the definition of genocide implied would understand that it was not Serbia that committed something, but that the Serbian people was instead a victim of the "state-building" project of the Kosovo Albanians, based on the dangerous idea of ethnically clean territories, as evidenced by more than 200,000 expelled Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija.

"We are convinced that the civilized world will not agree to be their accomplice in concealing and covering up their crimes, and that a clear message will be sent to them that they must take responsibility for their actions", Selakovic said.
He reminded that until 1999, around 40,000 Serbs lived in Pristina, and that today there were only about twenty of them, that around 17,000 Serbs lived in Pec, and that today there were only the Serbian nuns in the Patriarchate of Pec, that around 12,000 Serbs lived in Prizren before the war, and that today only 17 families remained there, and that in Urosevac, out of 10,000 Serbs who lived there before the war, only the family of a Serbian priest remained.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic warned, at the United Nations Security Council meeting, that the political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija was not decreasing, but on the contrary, was becoming stronger.

At the meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Minister Selakovic recalled that the obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities  remained unfulfilled for 2,917 days now and that, in fact, 19 April marked eight full years since the agreement was reached in Brussels, while Pristina still refused to follow up on its commitment and enable the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities. 

The Minister reminded that the current Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina repeatedly threatened to unite the self-proclaimed Kosovo and Albania, and that he also stated that the dialogue with Belgrade was low on the list of his priorities.

Minister Selakovic pointed out that it was high time for Albanian leaders in Pristina to show responsibility in fulfilling their commitments, but also a sincere commitment to reaching a compromise solution and building mutual trust.

"Serbia is determined and will not give up on identifying a compromise solution, which will be sustainable for future generations as well. The only way to build lasting peace and stability in our region is by working to build trust and insisting on positive political agendas", Selakovic concluded.

According to the Minister, lasting peace and stability can only be achieved if none of the participants in the dialogue pursued maximalist demands and insisted on the complete humiliation of the other.

He pointed out that the Serbian and Albanian peoples, as the two most numerous peoples in the Western Balkans, needed to find a way to reach reconciliation and a basis for cooperation, both in terms of the economy and in achieving shared prospects for membership of the European Union.

"Belgrade has made sincere steps in that direction, by being one of the initiators of the idea of relaxing the flow of people, goods, capital and services, popularly referred to as "mini-Schengen", the Minister underlined.

Pointing out that Serbia had time and time again demonstrated its commitment to dialogue as the only way towards a peaceful, political solution to the problem in Kosovo and Metohija, Selakovic underscored that the recent elections in the Province confirmed that political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija was not decreasing, but on the contrary, was becoming stronger, which could be seen during the recent pre-election process.
Minister stressed that political pressures on Serbs continued even after the election process was completed, by denying Serbs fair representation in provisional institutions as the new so-called government in Pristina decided to assign only one ministry to the Serb community.

"Serb returnees represent a particularly vulnerable category, who spend their every day in fear of being attacked. I remind you that the southern Serbian province is still an area with the lowest return rate of displaced persons in the world", the Minister said and emphasized that, in the last year alone, more than 80 attacks and incidents took place in our southern province, targeting Serbs, their property and religious sites.

It is particularly worrying for the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, Selakovic noted, that in the previous period, and especially in March this year, there were frequent physical attacks on the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

"A striking example of the disrespectful attitude towards Serbian cultural and religious monuments in the Province, whose exceptional universal value UNESCO confirmed by inscribing them on the World Heritage List, is the case of the Visoki Decani Monastery", the Minister underlined.

Furthermore, the Serbian Foreign Minister assessed as concerning the breaking into the Health Center in Strpce by police inspectors and officers, in January this year, who conducted a search aiming to discover Covid-19 vaccines there, originating from central Serbia.

"Although we consider this to be an intrusion into a health care institution, our reaction was restrained this time as well. We did not want our decisions to cause escalation and politicization of activities that are solely aimed at protecting public health. We organized the vaccination of citizens from Kosovo and Metohija at three locations in central Serbia and thus clearly demonstrated that people's lives are the top priority to us", the Minister stressed.

Minister Selakovic stated that Serbia highly valued the activities of UNMIK mission in Kosovo and Metohija and that it supported it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve security in the Province.

Selakovic said that the international missions in Kosovo and Metohija - UNMIK, KFOR, EULEX and the OSCE mission, under the administration of the United Nations and in line with UNSC Resolution 1244, played a key role in the preservation of peace and protection of the population.

"We support and respect their engagement and efforts made in the framework of their mandates, with the common goal of creating conditions for a peaceful and safe coexistence of the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija. The Serb and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija have the utmost confidence in the international presence and consider it a guarantor of security and a barrier against the arbitrariness of the provisional institutions in Pristina", the Minister emphasized.

He said that this demonstrated the need that international missions remain engaged in an undiminished scope, in order to consistently implement UNSC Resolution 1244.

Selakovic further emphasized the importance of KFOR international forces and pointed out that any unilateral attempt to assign to someone else or that someone else assumes a part of KFOR's mandate and responsibilities constitutes a violation of UNSC Resolution 1244.

The Minister also noted as unacceptable the unilateral decisions on the formation of the Pristina "Ministry of Defence" and launching the process of transforming the so-called "Kosovo Security Forces" (KSF) into the so-called "Kosovo Army". 

At the beginning of his statement, Minister Selakovic lodged a protest against the abuse of the video format of the session by the representative of Pristina as she had a flag of the self-proclaimed "Kosovo" placed behind her, and the representative of Russia did the same.

Below is an integral version of the speech of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic

Distinguished President of the Security Council,

Distinguished Special Representative,

Esteemed members of the Security Council,

At the outset, I have no choice but to lodge a protest against the abuse of the video format of this session on the part of the representatives of Pristina in order to promote the symbols of the so-called statehood of Kosovo. Despite the fact that the representatives of Pristina were warned on several occasions, including by the President of the Security Council at the previous session, that such abuses of Security Council sessions are absolutely unacceptable and constitute a flagrant violation of the Security Council rules on participation of representatives of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina, under Rule 39 of the UN Security Council Rules of Procedure, we are again faced with their reckless disregard for the rules of this distinguished body. Let me reiterate our call for the necessary steps to be taken to prevent such abuses.

It is my great pleasure to address this august body at the meeting on the work of the Mission of the United Nations in Kosovo and Metohija. At the outset, I would like to thank Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Guterres and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK Mr. Tanin for the report submitted and for their efforts made towards the implementation of the UNMIK mandate, and also to the members of the Security Council for the continued attention they have devoted to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. The Republic of Serbia highly values the activities of the Mission of the United Nations in Kosovo and Metohija and supports it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve security in the Province.

Mr. President,

In the previous period we have faced political instability in Kosovo and Metohija. We recently had elections in the Province, which unfortunately confirmed that political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija is not decreasing, but on the contrary, is becoming stronger. We have witnessed Albanian leaders competing among themselves in efforts to find the best way to provoke an incident in Serb communities, in order to score political points of the Albanian electorate. Under the pretext of amending the voter list, a large number of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija were deprived of one of their fundamental political rights - the opportunity to elect their political representatives. Out of approximately 140,000 of citizens of Kosovo and Metohija who were removed from the voter list in the latest election process, 85% are Serbs.

Despite numerous challenges and problems, the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija have shown, by high turnout and a convincing victory of the Serb List which won all ten seats reserved for Serbian representatives, that nothing can stop them from resolutely defending their position. Political pressures on Serbs continued even after the election process was completed, by denying Serbs fair representation in provisional institutions as the new so-called government in Pristina decided to assign only one ministry to the Serb community.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

Unfortunately, it was not only during the election activities that we witnessed the unreasonable anti-Serb policy being pursued by the provisional institutions in Pristina. This goes to the length of breaking into the Health Center in Strpce, in the south of Kosovo and Metohija, by police inspectors and officers from Pristina, in  January this year, who conducted a search aiming to discover Covid-19 vaccines there, originating from central Serbia, which they did not find. In doing so they demonstrated force and threatened to arrest the director of the Health Center, medical staff and doctors. At a time when the whole world is fighting the pandemic with vaccines being the only way to end this challenge, while Serbia is showing support and solidarity by donating vaccines and medical equipment to all in need in the region, Pristina wants to destroy vaccines only because they originate from central Serbia. As the whole world expresses gratitude to medical doctors, who have made great and heroic sacrifices in combating the virus, the provisional institutions in Pristina are attacking Serbian doctors for doing their job.

Although we believe that intrusions into health care institutions are inadmissible, our reaction was restrained this time as well. We did not want our decisions to cause escalation and politicization of activities that are solely aimed at protecting public health. We organized the vaccination of citizens from Kosovo and Metohija at three locations in central Serbia and thus clearly demonstrated that people's lives are the top priority to us. Serbia continues to be ready to help all in need of assistance, and we call for reason and responsibility, especially in such difficult times.

Mr. President,

Attacks targeting Serbs and their property have been on the rise. In the last year alone, more than 80 attacks and incidents took place in our southern province, targeting Serbs, their property and religious sites. According to the information provided by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and Metohija, in the second half of last year, the number of incidents increased by more than 30% compared to 2019. Therefore, we cannot agree with the assessment that the "security situation in Kosovo remained stable, with a few incidents reported affecting non-majority communities". Last weekend, for example, an entirely unprovoked physical attack by a group of Albanians on two Serb young men took place in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica.

Serb returnees represent a particularly vulnerable category, who spend their every day in fear of being attacked. The fact that one family of returnees was the target of seven attacks clearly indicates the persistence of those who do not want Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. There is absolutely no trace of political will in Pristina for 212,995 displaced Serbs who have been living outside Kosovo and Metohija for 22 years to return to their homes. Since 1999, the rate of sustainable return of internally displaced persons in Kosovo and Metohija has been only 1.9%, which according to the UN data is officially the lowest percentage of return of expelled population after a conflict anywhere in the world.

At the same time, while arresting internally displaced persons, Pristina authorities are exerting the strongest of pressures on the Specialist Chambers in The Hague. The aim is to completely prevent the further processing of a number of cases against members of the terrorist KLA, on charges of serious crimes committed during the conflict in Kosovo and Metohija against both Serbs and persons belonging to other nationalities. President of the Specialist Chambers Madam Trendafilova recently warned that, should the pressures continue, this would have very dramatic consequences to the trials in progress. President Trendafilova underlined as highly problematic the phenomenon of witness intimidation, who are key for conducting proceedings successfully and rendering a proper verdict.

Although the wait to raise indictments was far too long, we consider it commendable that efforts have finally been made to punish the perpetrators of numerous serious crimes which were committed during the armed conflicts a little over two decades ago, but also upon the arrival of the international forces to Kosovo and Metohija. For example, no one has been held accountable to this day for the killings and abductions of 17 journalists in Kosovo and Metohija, which is currently the largest number of unsolved cases of murdered and kidnapped journalists in Europe. Furthermore, the perpetrators of any of the mass crimes committed against Serb civilians after 1999 have not been brought to justice. I will remind you of only a few of these cases: 14 Serb farmers were killed in the village of Staro Gracko, 12 displaced Serbs were killed and 43 wounded in the attack on the "Niš Express" bus in Livadice near Podujevo, and in Gorazdevac near Pec unknown persons fired automatic weapons on children who were swimming in the Bistrica river. Two Serb children were killed then, and four were seriously injured.

We expect the EULEX Mission to continue to support the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor's Office, as well as its additional engagement in the field of the rule of law. Special attention needs to be devoted to witness protection, and determining the fate of missing persons.

International missions in Kosovo and Metohija - UNMIK, KFOR EULEX and OMIK are an integral part of the international civilian and security presence in our southern province, under the administration of the United Nations and in line with UNSC Resolution 1244 (1999), and play a key role and make an outstanding contribution to the preservation of peace and protection of the population. We support and respect their engagement and efforts made in the framework of their mandates, with the common goal of creating conditions for a peaceful and safe coexistence of the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija. The Serb and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija have the utmost confidence in the international presence and consider it a guarantor of security and a barrier against the arbitrariness of the provisional institutions in Pristina. This further demonstrates the need that international missions remain engaged in an undiminished scope, in order to consistently implement UNSC Resolution 1244.

I would like to further emphasize the importance of KFOR international forces and point out that any unilateral attempt to assign to someone else or that someone else assumes a part of KFOR's mandate and responsibilities constitutes a violation of the UNSC Resolution 1244, while also being a potential source of instability and tensions. I will remind you that Pristina, contrary to international law and completely ignoring the interests and positions of the Serb community in the Province, would not abandon its plans to install a new security actor in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija. We consider the unilateral decisions on the formation of the "Ministry of Defence" and launching the process of transforming the so-called "Kosovo Security Forces" (KSF) into the so-called "Kosovo Army" to be unacceptable. I would like to reiterate that such unilateral moves on the part of Pristina constitute a gross violation of the UNSC Resolution 1244 and the Military Technical Agreement, according to which only the International Security Forces, that is KFOR, have the mandate for all military aspects of security in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija.

In this context, an additional reason for concern is the announcement of the construction of the largest base of the "Kosovo Security Forces" in the southern part of Kosovska Mitrovica, which Serbs in the north of Kosovo and Metohija perceive as the most open provocation and threat to their physical safety.


Distinguished members of the Security Council,

It is particularly worrying for the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija that in the previous period, and especially in March this year, there were frequent physical attacks on the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church. In just two weeks, as many as seven Orthodox landmarks in the province were targeted by vandals, at a time when we all remember the March 2004 pogrom against Serbs and Serbian holy sites in Kosovo and Metohija. The condition of the Serbian cultural and spiritual heritage in Kosovo and Metohija is humiliating, including the four monuments that are inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger (Visoki Decani, Holy Virgin of Ljevisa, Gracanica and the Patriarchate of Pec). Numerous administrative and technical barriers are imposed on priestly and monastic communities, which makes it more difficult or even impossible for them to survive on church property.

A striking example of the disrespectful attitude towards Serbian cultural and religious monuments in the Province, whose exceptional universal value UNESCO confirmed by inscribing them on the World Heritage List, is the case of the Visoki Decani Monastery.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

The reason for the nervous behaviour of Pristina is all too obvious, as the project of the so-called independence today fails to be recognized by more than a half of the United Nations Member States, including five members of the European Union. However, it is high time for Albanian leaders in Pristina to show responsibility in fulfilling their commitments, but also a sincere commitment to reaching a compromise solution and building mutual trust.

I will remind you that the current Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina has repeatedly threatened to unite the self-proclaimed Kosovo and Albania in the past. A member of his party publicly said last weekend that the self-proclaimed Kosovo and Albania would be united, I quote, "with rifle and gunpowder, or referendum boxes".

I need not explain why such dangerous ideas constitute a direct threat to peace and stability. They violate Resolution 1244, while continuously destabilizing not only our southern province, but the entire region as well, and in no way contribute to the dialogue process, but instead hamper it again.

We have demonstrated time and time again our commitment to dialogue as the only way towards a peaceful, political solution to the problem in Kosovo and Metohija. Even today, after many years of negotiations, but also failure to fulfill what was agreed and constant unilateral moves and provocations on the part of the provisional institutions in Pristina, we are still ready to sit down at the table and talk.

We are ready for dialogue but not to be blackmailed and threatened and especially not for ultimatums recently presented by Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina. I will remind you of his statement that the dialogue will be low on the list of priorities of the Pristina authorities. It is bewildering how Pristina refers to ultimatums completely undermining any chance of dialogue, as the European Union also pointed out, as "principles" and how it persistently insists that Belgrade should recognize the unilaterally declared independence of "Kosovo", upon which, they believe, all else would be resolved. What is the purpose of the dialogue then, if Belgrade is only expected to recognize the so-called Kosovo? Does the dialogue imply that one side should give up everything only for the other to win it all? And does the dialogue, in Pristina's opinion, imply that what was agreed should not be fulfilled?

I will remind you that Pristina still refuses to follow up on its obligations arising from the agreements reached so far and does not agree to discuss their implementation within the dialogue. And the situation is quite simple - in April 2013, the first agreement was signed in Brussels, which envisaged four obligations: one for Pristina and three for Belgrade. Belgrade has fulfilled all obligations, while the only obligation that the provisional institutions in Pristina had - to form the Community of Serb Municipalities - has remained unfulfilled for 2,917 days now. In fact, 19 April marks eight full years since the agreement was reached in Brussels, and of Pristina's failure to fulfill the obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities.

Distinguished Mr. President,

Regardless of the discouraging messages heard from Pristina and the fact that the dialogue has been in progress for many years, Serbia is determined and will not give up on identifying a compromise solution, which will be sustainable for future generations as well. Lasting peace and stability can only be achieved if none of the participants in the dialogue pursues maximalist demands and insists on the complete humiliation of the other. The Serbian and Albanian peoples, as the two most numerous peoples in the Western Balkans, need to find a way to reach reconciliation and a basis for cooperation, both in terms of the economy and in achieving shared prospects for membership  to the European Union.

Belgrade has made sincere steps in that direction, by being one of the initiators of the idea of relaxing the flow of people, goods, capital and services, popularly referred to as "mini-Schengen".

As far as Serbia is concerned, we are convinced that the only way to build lasting peace and stability in our region is by working to build trust and insisting on positive political agendas. The inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija, of any nationality, whether they are Serbs or Albanians, do not deserve anything less.

Thank you for your attention.

The development of the On-line application for D visa is in the final phase and after it is finished, people applying for D Visa based on employment, will be able to fill in the application electronically and attach the necessary documents and proof of payment of the consular fee. This application will facilitate the procedure of submitting the request and contribute to the efficiency of the procedure itself.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic made a statement on the occasion of marking the Day of Remembrance of the victims of the NATO aggression.

"Your Holiness, distinguished Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, distinguished Speakers of the National Assemblies of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, distinguished Prime Ministers of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, distinguished Ministers of both Governments, dear guests and friends, representatives of the Serbian People from Montenegro, North Macedonia, Croatia, thank you for the fact that we are all together tonight and that the Serbian spirit is unbreakable and invincible.

One child a day and a little more than that. That is the most difficult, sickening and painful number of the NATO aggression from 1999. Killed, stopped, guilty of nothing, having committed no sin, without the right to defence, without the right to justice and without the right to life.

No one has ever been held accountable for this crime, a crime greater than a crime. No one, for the 2,500 killed civilians, but also soldiers and policemen who were only guilty of guarding, protecting themselves and their homes. No one has ever been held accountable for more than 6,000 persons injured.

Even today, 22 years after the aggression, it is not possible to explain that, there is no universal justification, despite all the work done to that end, there is no reason, it makes no sense, and only names remain, as eternal as sin.

Miljana Milic, fifteen years old,
Vladimir Milic, twelve years old,
Miomir Mladenovic, fourteen years old,
Dragan Dimic, three years old,
Julijana Brudar, ten years,
Olivera Maksimovic, twelve years old,
Miroslav Knezevic, thirteen years old,
Dajana Pavlovic, five years old,
Stevan Pavlovic, eight years old,
Marko Simic, two years old,
Milica Rakic, three years old,
Ivan Ivancic, seven years old,
Marko Ivanovic, three years old...

And the list goes on, eighty nine names, not only Serbian ones...

The senselessness of sheer killing did not choose. Sixteen children, aged two to seventeen, from the Ahmetaj and Hasani families, were killed in a convoy returning home to Prizren.

In one headline in the West, this was simply explained as a "tragic mistake". The deaths of Marko Roglic, Milan Ignjatovic, Gordana Nikolic, Irena Mitic, Milica Stojanovic, Bojana Tosovic, Branimir Stanijanovic, our Sanja Milenkovic...could not expect or get even such an explanation.

Those deaths were not tragic, for those who caused them, much less a mistake. It was just an excuse, a miserable excuse.

They were a result of intent and a clear decision, as a severe judgment against one country, its people, its children.

And that is why today we will refrain from speculation in giving a name to everything that happened during the spring of 1999. Because a crime happened, a heinous and terrible one. And it was an aggression, not a bombing, not an intervention, not a campaign, not an operation. An aggression is what happened. An attack on a sovereign country, without a decision of the United Nations, without a sufficient reason that would justify attacking the then Yugoslavia or a neighbouring or NATO country.

No one was attacked by Serbia or the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia at that time. They attacked us, with one goal. To defeat us, to keep killing us, and in the end to take away a part of our territory.

And no matter how much we analyze things today, no matter how harsh and critical we are towards ourselves, our policy and leadership at the time, it is clear that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia were left with almost no choice then. The choice was horrible, either the loss of territory and people on the one hand, or the complete disappearance of the Serbian state, morals, honour, Serbian spirit, names and surnames. And we could not help but lose. Nineteen big ones attacked one small country, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. They attacked both Serbia and Montenegro. And even when they don't talk about it today, in one of the two independent countries, those are the facts. And that small country, and that small nation, to all nineteen of them so great and powerful, held a lesson in what matters most - honour, morals and love for freedom that a nation can have.

Yes, justice, lest we forget justice. All those nineteen great ones today still silently talk about their military success, avoid answering questions, while - can you imagine, one small, only numerically small Serbian people, that small but magnificent nation, with sadness, tears in their eyes, proudly remembers their resistance and struggle against the nineteen cruel and arrogant ones.

We lost a lot, we lost our fathers, brothers, spouses, children, but the honour and Serbian heart are still there, to protect Serbia, which is eternal and indestructible.

We lost children, we lost people, we lost control over a large part of the territory, we lost billions because of the destroyed infrastructure and economy.

And all that was left for us was the body of a tortured, destroyed country, a country in disintegration, mutilated, looted, wounded, deserted, and guilty, condemned for everything that happened not only in the 1990s, but throughout history.

A country that, even ten years after the aggression, did not have the strength to stand up, rise to its feet, and do anything but be silent, or bow its head and obediently apologize, for everything, even for its dead, even for its murdered children.

Today, it is no longer that failed, tortured, devastated, mutilated Serbia.

Today, it is Serbia, which has found its strength and its pride again.

Serbia, which calls things by their real names.

Serbia, which turned its back on war and defeats, and started working.

Serbia, which rose to stand on its own feet and has a voice of its own.

Serbia, which, even when they don't believe it, they listen to. Which is capable, which is growing, and is no longer part of the problem. Serbia, which is and will be, at least we will do our best to this end, the very solution that enables the entire region to live in peace and understanding.

And that Serbia, today, when there are still many more bombs in the world than vaccines, sends not bombs, but precisely those vaccines to the region. Today, it is ready to produce them as well, and in just a few months we will do just that, but not only for ourselves, but also for others, for the entire Balkans.

We are ready, and we are willing to help.

We are not ready to be and we will not be silent, nor be humiliated again.

We draw the right to that not only from the victims we had, but also from the fact that we stopped looking at others only a long time ago, and looking for fault and guilt only in them, and not sometimes in ourselves as well.

We looked at each other and admitted. Every loss, every defeat and every crime that someone committed in our name, every failure and every wrong policy.

And we are no longer doing anything that could endanger anyone.

We continue to work and work, and grow more and more, gaining strength with only one goal - to be the best in economy and education, health, in culture, science, sports...

And we want to be safe, on our own. We want our army to be much stronger than it was in 1999. So that we never again face a situation that someone is killing our children, destroying the country, or expelling our people.

We want to remain free, to decide our own destiny, and for no one to take everything away from us ever again, and give us nothing.

And that nothing today, and I will repeat it as much as necessary, is the idea of some great, powerful ones, but also those who serve them, the idea that "Kosovo" should recognize us, so that we could recognize "Kosovo".

We do not need that recognition. And Serbia will not allow you to walk over our victims, our history, our past, but also to walk over our future. You will get the answer of reasonable, kind and responsible people. We need a compromise. We need all the obligations that we and Pristina have assumed to be fulfilled, but only we have fulfilled them so far.

And this is not our whim. It is not a phantasmagoria about a Serbian world that we want to create.

Even today, when they threaten us with the formation of a Greater Albania, when they say that the Community of Serb Municipalities is not going to happen, it is ours to be calm, to take care of our people in Kosovo and Metohija, but to send a clear message to all those great, powerful ones that we are not as weak as we were, that we will be able to preserve what is our own, not touching anything that belongs to anyone else. After all, Serbia is not and will not be but a handful of oats that every crow from the whole wide world can eat. As for those who used the strength and power of the nineteen arrogant and cruel ones, I only ask them not to threaten us. Please, please, don't threaten us. They should not think that Serbia is broken and that it will not have the strength to respond. Please, please, our Albanian neighbours, do not threaten us. And we ask all others, who have demonstrated their cruelty towards Serbia, not to help you in that. That is all we are asking and nothing more.

And we will respond to calls for peace, calls for compromise, and always with good will, because we do not want to have children killed again. And we do not want the children of others to suffer again. But do not underestimate Serbia, and do not look at Serbia with the same eyes as you did in 1999.

Today, Serbia is much stronger, much more powerful. Today, Serbia is a united country of togetherness, not a divided one. Today, Serbia is incomparably stronger and better in every aspect than it was in 1999, from the economy to our army. And we will never threaten anyone, we just ask you and request from you to respect us and nothing more.

Today, we are building roads that will connect us, among ourselves, with the region and with the world. Until the end of the year, we will work on eight motorways, on eight routes in the entire Balkans, not only Serbia, eight roads of peace and cooperation.

Only a crazy person would trade this for war, for dead children, for demolition and new loss. And yes, we want to have the closest relations with everyone who took part in the aggression against our beautiful Serbia, we have forgiven a long time ago, but no, we will never forget. And don't ask us to. That one day, every year, we will remind both ourselves and you. The nineteen of you, the most powerful, strongest, greatest in terms of might and force, but not so much when it comes to honour and morality. We will keep remind you and ourselves, just so it would never happen again. Not to us only, but to none other freedom-loving people in the world.

And if we have an offer, today it reads as follows: we are ready to make the whole Balkans a winner, for everyone to win, as long as no one tries to make Serbs the only losers.

And the path to this goal is not difficult at all.

We just need to respect and understand each other and not try to humiliate each other.

And not to touch into what everyone paid the highest and bloodies price for. Freedom. And we, Serbs, know the price of freedom.

Into our right to have it, to keep it and to remember all the victims who are part of it.

And our defeats, our lives and our children are built into ours. And the lives of our heroic pilots, and our giants from Kosare and Pastrik, and our children, innocent, completely innocent, and only guilty of living in Serbia.

This is too high a price to be quiet about it.

Because that would mean that we are ready for another defeat, for another humiliation.

And we are not.

And when all go quiet, we will keep repeating.

A child a day, and a little more. This was how much you killed us. In an aggression that even you did not understand why you carried it out.

And we will keep repeating this, just so it does not happen to us again.

With special reverence, we are fulfilling our obligation to pay tribute to all innocent Serbian victims who laid their lives on the altar of the homeland, both civilians and our heroic soldiers and policemen, the heroes of Kosare, Prizren, Mitrovica.

Today, for us Serbs, life in Kosovo and Metohija is like Via Dolorosa, using their last strength on the road to Golgotha, but we would not be Serbs if we were not capable to "exist in a terrible place".

And today, tonight, I can conclude with one important sentence. On the soil of Europe, there was, and today is stronger than ever, an indomitable, unwavering, unconquerable and never conquered Serbia.

May eternal glory be to all the victims of the NATO aggression and let us all exclaim together - long live free and proud Serbia", President Vucic said.

Source:www.predsednik.rs
Photo:www.predsednik.rs

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic participated today in the commemoration of the Remembrance Day of 17 March 2004 - Pogrom in Kosovo and Metohija. He said that exactly 17 years ago, a pogrom took place in Kosovo and Metohija, and that pogrom surpassed all other crimes.

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest, these words of Elie Wiesel, a camp survivor and Nobel laureate, make it forever incumbent upon us not to remain silent against crime, regardless of who and for what reason committed it", President Vucic stated and added that we remembered and learned every lesson in which we were losers, each one in which we were silent to our own victims, and each one when we were ready to forget.   

"Serbia is no longer weak today, nor is it a country of losers, it does not threaten, but it does not forget either, it is ready for talks, but not for humiliation. Serbia, just like everyone else, has the right to take care of its people, their safety and well-being. The right to life is a fundamental human right and we will always defend it", President Vucic said.

President Vucic said that pogrom surpasses all other crimes, because it is not only an act, but an intention, a policy, a premediated attempt to forcibly cleanse persons belonging to other peoples and faiths from a region or a country.

"We have no right to remain silent to that", said the President of Serbia, emphasizing that we have an obligation to be winners without blood spilled and war, to be the best in the economy, healthcare, sports, education and everything else that implies development and progress.

"We also wish others to work on themselves and be successful, because we are aware that crime is a tool for losers that winners do not need, as they remember, but forgive and move on, while the losers keep spinning in the same vicious circle. We Serbs do not want to be that anymore, we want a future in which we will remember, but from which we will not return. We know what happened and we call it by its real name", President Vucic concluded.

Photo: Dimitrije Goll

 

The Republic of Serbia as an associate member of the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF), together with the entire French-speaking community around the World, celebrates the Month of Francophonie (le Mois de la Francophonie). For all lovers of Serbian culture and the French language, the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia has prepared an extensive program and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra invites you to discover the diversity and richness of Serbian culture in French. Please click on the picture.

La République de Serbie en qualité de membre associé à l'OIF, de concert avec toute la communauté francophone dans le monde entier, célèbre le Mois de la Francophonie. Pour tous les amateurs de la culture serbe et de la langue française, le Ministère de la Culture et de l'Information de la République de Serbie a préparé un vaste programme et L’Ambassade de la République de Serbie à Canberra vous invite à découvrir la diversité et la richesse de la culture serbe en français. cliquez sur l'image ci-dessus.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said today that the fight against all forms of crime was a top priority of the Serbian Government and an integral part of the EU accession process.

"It is also our moral duty, in order to leave a better world for the generations to come", Selakovic said participating via video-link at the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Kyoto.    

Minister Selakovic emphasized that Serbia, in its Second Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment from 2019, identified as its goal to eliminate cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism and irregular migration.

The Serbian Foreign Minister pointed out that our country had established in a timely manner a normative and institutional framework that regulates prevention of abuse in this area, as well as that the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Cybercrime, a special court department and a special police unit were established. 

The Minister underlined that, in the field of the fight against corruption, Serbia was guided by the postulates set out in the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the UN Convention against Corruption.

Selakovic pointed out the efforts made by the Anti-Corruption Agency, as an independent state body, to protect the public interest, build individual and institutional integrity, strengthen transparency and accountability of the public administration.

"We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism, including extremism and radicalism, and call for them to be fully eradicated, while implementing the relevant UN resolutions and conventions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy", the Head of Serbian diplomacy underscored. 

In order to combat these complex phenomena efficiently and successfully, Selakovic said, it was of vital importance to build capacities of our societies and states, while exchanging experiences at the regional and global levels.

Minister Selakovic thanked Japanese Ambassador Hikihara for the skill he showed in conducting the talks on harmonizing and adopting the Kyoto Declaration, which, as he stressed, was an important indicator of the commitment to creating and maintaining the institutional framework for crime prevention as one of the main preconditions for promoting sustainable development goals.

"Back in 1970 when Japan hosted this event for the first time, we demonstrated strong political will to draw attention to the problem. Today, it is incumbent upon us to reaffirm this willingness and resolve and translate it into concrete steps", the Serbian Foreign Minister said.

 

The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church elected His Eminence Metropolitan Porfirije of Zagreb-Ljubljana, PhD, as the new Serbian Patriarch, in its convocation in Memorial Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade on 18 February 2021.

Immediately after the election a thanksgiving service was officiated and Many Years was chanted to the Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije. Bells at Saint Sava Cathedral in the Vracar district of Belgrade rang a few minutes before 4:00 pm indicating that the 46th Patriarch of Serbia was elected.

Newly-elected Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije (Peric) was born on 22 July 1961 in Becej, to father Radivoje and Mother Radojka. He was baptized as Prvoslav. He finished primary school in Curug, and the “Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj” Grammar School in Novi Sad. He was ordained a monk according to the rite of small schime by his spiritual father, then hieromonk Dr. Irinej (Bulovic), at Decani Monastery on Sunday of St. Thomas in 1985.

He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade in 1986, when the then Bishop of Raska-Prizren Diocese, future Serbian Patriarch Pavle of blessed memory, ordained him a hierodeacon at the monastery of Holy Trinity in Musutiste.

He attended postgraduate studies in Athens from 1986 until 1990. That year, upon the blessing of Bishop Dr. Irinej of Backa, he joined the monastery of Holy Archangels in Kovilj, where he was ordained as hieromonk and became its abbot.

Many young monks and novices came to the monastery following him. These were the years when the Kovilj Monastery became a spiritual center for many young people: intellectuals, artists, popular actors and rock musicians, especially from Novi Sad and Belgrade. Since then abbot Porfirije has particularly dealt with drug-addicted patients. In 2005, he formed for this purpose a therapeutic community called “The Land of the Living”, which is recognized as the most successful drug-addiction therapy project and, under the leadership of Bishop Porfirije, it has more than a hundred residents in camps throughout Serbia today.

During the ordinary meeting of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Belgrade on 14 May 1999 he was elected as Bishop of Jegar, Vicar of the Diocese of Backa.

He defended his PhD thesis Possibility of knowability of God in St. Paul’s understanding according to the interpretation of Saint John Chrysostom at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Athens in 2004.

He became a lecturer at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology - Department of Pastoral Psychology - succeeding famous psychiatrist, academician Dr. Vladeta Jerotic. His lectures have been attended not only by students of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, but other Belgrade faculties as well.

Together with a group of experts: psychologists, doctors, criminologists, sociologists, Bishop Porfirije founded a civic association that deals with the resocialization of victims of destructive religious sects and cults.

Bishop Porfirije has not been just president of the Steering Board for a decade, but a real spiritus movens of the Humanitarian Fund “Privrednik”, which has provided scholarships for a great number of gifted, but poor pupils and students, regardless of their nationality or religious affiliation.

In 2005, the National Assembly elected him as representative of all Churches and religious communities, to be a member of the Council of the Republic Broadcasting Agency, and in 2008 the RBA elected him its president. As President of the Council of the Republic Broadcasting Agency, Bishop Porfirije supported the long-term interests of society and citizens, unaffected by political influences.

Since then, church radio stations have been heard in the broadcasting spectrum of Serbia. He has made a key contribution to launching of a series of radio and television shows dealing with religious topics.

In 2010, The Holy Assembly of Bishops entrusted him to establish military chaplaincy in the Serbian Armed Forces. The fruits of his labour in that field include not only the suitable legal regulations, but also the selection of military chaplains, the organization and equipping of churches at barracks and performance of the first religious services.

His expert theological works Bishop Porfirije published in magazines both in Serbia and abroad. He participated in a large number of scientific conferences and symposia across the globe.

Bishop Porfirije, as one of the most prominent contemporary Serbian clergymen and intellectuals, has an extremely wide circle of friends, not only in the Homeland, and he fosters personal friendship and close cooperation with priests and representatives of other Churches and religious communities.

He speaks Greek, English, German and uses the Russian language, while his style of communication is always adapted to his interlocutors.

He was enthroned as the Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubljana on 13 July 2014 in the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Zagreb. The solemn Hierarchal Liturgy was served by Serbian Patriarch Irinej, accompanied by a large number of archbishops of the Serbian Church and other sister Churches, as well as priests and monks, and pious people.

Source: SPC/Serbian Orthodox Church

The Republic of Serbia celebrates the Statehood Day today.

Video message prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on this occasion, can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh6idN_HKsQ&ab_channel=MFAoftheRepublicofSerbia

President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Army Aleksandar Vucic attended a demonstration of capabilities of one part of Serbian Army units in the "Rastko Nemanjić" barracks in Pancevo. On this occasion, President Vucic stated that Serbia was ready to continue the EU-facilitated dialogue with Pristina at any point, while respecting also the position of the United States as well as the positions of Russia and China.   

The President said that he would rather put his "head on the chopping block" than sign any document with a recognition and reminded that he had already once refused to do so in Washington, where there were two versions of the agreement.

He stated that he immediately had his delegation leave the meeting, that he told the U.S. delegation that Serbia would not sign such an agreement, while conveying that Serbia would always endeavour to hold peaceful talks in order to preserve peace, but that it would not take any humiliation.

The Serbian President thanked the U.S. President Joe Biden for the letter of congratulations on the occasion of the upcoming Statehood Day, in which, in addition to the usual emphasis on commitment to promoting economic cooperation, regional stability and democratic values, he unequivocally called for mutual recognition of Serbia and "Kosovo" as a result.

Mutual recognition between Serbia and "Kosovo" is not part of any act of any world organization, the President pointed out and reiterated that Serbia was ready to continue the EU-facilitated dialogue with Pristina at any point, while respecting also the position of the United States as well as the positions of Russia and China.

According to the president, the situation is difficult and will only be increasingly difficult.

"As I told you three days ago, I can see it and I expect it, I can see the situation slowly tightening, because the conflicts between them at the global level have been increasing and intensifying, and then we have to pay the price", the President said.

President Vucic said that said that it was up to our state to continue strengthening the country in the economic sense.

Photo: Presidency of Serbia / Dimitrije Goll

The President added that the role of the army was very important in the highly complex security and political conditions of the modern world, and that was why Serbia needed to do everything it could to deter any potential aggressor and attacks on citizens and the country.

"The policy of strengthening the armed forces will continue at a faster pace", the President emphasized, adding that the goal was for the Serbian Army to play a stabilizing role with regard to the political developments in the region.

According to him, it should be clear to everyone that Serbia was not a punching bag and that not everyone could attack and threaten it like it was the case in the past.

Vucic said that he was pleased with what he saw and that a lot had been done in the previous period, pointing out that the salaries of military personnel would be significantly increased as of April.

President Vucic also stated that investments in the Serbian Army would continue, whom he told that he expected the Army to continue to be the guardian of our country, its integrity and freedom.

"We expect you to be the guardians of our country, its integrity and freedom, the defenders of our people, the guardians of the homeland, the protectors of the interests of the state of Serbia and to be a deterrent factor for every aggressor and anyone who might consider attacking Serbia", Vucic said.

The military exercise called "Spearhead" demostrated the capabilities of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade, and the event, which the President of Serbia and the Supreme Commander of the Serbian Army assessed as very good, was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojsa Stefanovic and Chief of General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilovic.

Belgrade,
7 February 2021

Serbia's foreign policy positions are naturally being adjusted to the new developments at the international level, but our foreign policy priorities have not changed in a long time. Our top and most important interest is to preserve good-neighbourly relations and stability and peace in the region and, in the same context, to find a peaceful and just solution to the problems in Kosovo and Metohija, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said in an interview with Politika daily.

Another lasting interest of ours is full membership of the European Union, because this is the type of society we strive for. At the bilateral level, our goal is to strengthen ties with traditional friends, the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, but also to build new partner relations with the United States. One of the most important tasks of our foreign policy is to improve the position and protect the rights and identity of our people in the region, as well as to provide various types of support to Serbs in the diaspora. All these are very important and more often than not complementary goals, Nikola Selakovic pointed out.

What kind of relations do you expect Serbia to have with the new U.S. administration?

It is too early to speculate about this in public. The new presidential administration in Washington is currently preoccupied with internal issues and this will be the case for some time. There are people in the team of President Joseph Biden who have dealt with our region, and it is likely that the Balkans and Serbia will be the focus of the U.S. foreign policy at some point. I will remind you that President Vucic and President Biden not so long ago had very substantive talks in Belgrade, after which our President stated that he had the opportunity to talk to someone extremely well acquainted with the situation in this part of the world and an extraordinarily prepared interlocutor. Taking their personal relationship into account, but also the importance of enhancing the ties between Serbia and the United States, we have reason to expect that a meeting between the two presidents will be organized in the foreseeable future. I am sure that the nature and dynamics of the relations between Serbia and the United States will be influenced by the fact that Ambassador Marko Djuric now represents us in Washington, whose presence at President Biden's inauguration ceremony is an important signal and, I believe, a harbinger of positive developments in bilateral relations between our two countries.

How would you describe our country's relations with Moscow, Brussels and Beijing?

Russia is our traditional friend and that friendship goes beyond merely political ties. These are deep spiritual, cultural and civilizational bonds, and it is only natural that we have a mutual interest in improving those ties, even though they are at a very high level. We have a relationship with the People's Republic of China which is, in addition to the sincere iron-clad friendship between our peoples and high political representatives, based on deep trust and mutual support. Full membership of the European Union is Serbia's strategic orientation that all our friends are aware of, but our country does not forget its friendships, but strengthens and promotes them instead, and approaches all with honesty and no ulterior motives. In this context, we do not seek any preferential treatment, but only the right to freely and independently make decisions about our future and relations with all who respect us.

Could Serbia pursue a different foreign policy than the one it is pursuing at the moment?

It is always possible to have a different policy, just look at the foreign policy of Serbia ten, twenty or thirty years ago, examine the results at that time and you will realize how irretrievably expensive that policy turned out to be. Whether a policy is right, at either foreign or domestic level, is measured through its results and effect on the lives of citizens and the fate of the entire state. Our foreign policy priorities are not being defined on a whim, but are instead the result of a serious and deep examination of our complex position and strategic thinking about ways to improve it. Today, Serbia has a better international reputation and credibility than two decades ago, and the main reason for that is that our results have shown how serious and responsible we are as a country. That kind of credibility is not achieved by trickery, but only by hard and well-thought-out work on oneself. And I need to emphasize on this occasion as well that the main inspiration for such an attitude towards politics, the state and its future comes from none other than President Aleksandar Vucic. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I have the opportunity on a daily basis to see the level of appreciation and respect President Vucic enjoys beyond the borders of our country.

When can we expect the vacant posts of Serbian ambassadors and consuls across the globe to be filled?

That is one of the main tasks for 2021. This will be a year of reinvigoration and I believe also rejuvenation of Serbian diplomacy. Our country, given its size, has a fairly extensive diplomatic network, which provides it with great opportunities for deepening political and economic relations with countries in all parts of the world. But we need more fresh and energetic staff, people who will be the most honourable representatives of a modern and dynamic Serbia. There are such people in Serbia, and we do need a serious rejuvenation, in order to avoid wide generation gaps in our personnel, and to lay the foundations of a modern career diplomacy.

How would you describe your relationship with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic?

President Vucic and I are, in addition to having close and friendly relations, by virtue of the work we do and our constitutional competencies, the closest collaborators in the realization of Serbia's foreign policy goals. This allows me to talk to him often, and on many occasions learn a lot of new and important things. President Vucic is a man who inspires people around him with his strategic and visionary approach to politics, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to be part of his closest team of associates over the years, and to have had him as a kind of political mentor. In any case, his vision of Serbia as a modern, progressive and prosperous state, which independently and on its own will decides on its destiny, is my wish as well and key motivation for political engagement. For only such Serbia is a country that its own citizens, as well as Serbs beyond our borders, can confidently rely on, while also being an inspiration to the entire region.

Source: Politika

The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia announces the open call for the Co-Financing of projects for the Translation of Representative Works of Serbian Literature into Foreign Languages in 2021, which will be open until March 09, 2021.

Competition texts and accompanying application forms can be found on the Ministry of Culture and Information website: www.kultura.gov.rs

For additional information about the competition, interested parties can contact Mladen Veskovic by email: mladen.veskovic@kultura.gov.rs  or by phone: +381 11 3398026.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pointed out that Serbia is the first in Europe in terms of economic growth, which will be officially confirmed at the end of March, and that this was possible owing to the reform measures taken since 2014 and the rapid opening of the country after the first wave of corona virus.

The President pointed out that Serbia had a growth of 5.2 percent in the first quarter, while the Eurozone was at minus 3.2 percent, in the second quarter Serbia had a growth of minus 6.3 percent, while the Eurozone was at minus 14.7 percent, and in the third quarter, when the Eurozone was at minus 4.3 percent, Serbia's figure was only minus 1.4 percent.
Vucic stated that Montenegro, for example, recorded as much as 26 percent minus in the third quarter.

Furthermore, the President emphasized that hospitals were built and renovated in our country, and that two hospitals were built from the ground up in just four months.

He said that the state made significant efforts to procure respirators, masks, gloves, protective suits, medicines, everything that was needed, and pointed out that work was being done on 10 general hospitals throughout Serbia, adding that all these were major achievements that were only possible owing to the success of the 2014 reforms, the enactment of the Labor Law, which yielded excellent results, and also through fiscal consolidation measures.

"These are unprecedented results for Serbia. Was Serbia ever before the first in Europe in terms of growth rate? We will get the results on 31 March that will confirm that Serbia is number one in Europe. All that was possible thanks to people who believed in difficult changes", Vucic said.

According to the President, this year, as many as six highways will be built in Serbia at the same time, and in this regard, he noted that Bulgaria has announced that the highway from our border to Sofia will be completed by the end of the year, after which it will be possible to use motorway to travel to Istanbul, which is very important to ensure that our country is on a transport route.

President Vucic emphasized that in 2020, the so-called year of corona, our country had a net inflow of foreign direct investment amounting to EUR 2.9 billion net, and three billion gross, which means that many foreign companies such as Toyota Tires, Boysen, ZTF and Brose have invested in Serbia even in this year of crisis.

The President said that Serbia has the highest average wages in the region, amounting to 511 or 512 euros, and that in February, due to the January increase, the average wage will be 535 or 536 euros, and that only in Belgrade in the last seven years the average wage increased by 180 euros or 40 percent.

That President said that Serbia was fourth in the region in terms of salaries before, and that today we are officially the first, and that the difference in relation to other countries will only increase faster. He also pointed out that the employment rate is growing in Serbia as well as that our public debt increased less than in most European countries. This is illustrated by the data that in Italy the public debt surged to 156 percent, in Germany to 87 percent, in France to 114 percent, in Croatia to 88 percent, while in Serbia it is at 57 percent.

The Serbian President announced that by Sretenje, 15 February, an additional package of assistance to the economy will be earmarked, and as he explained, it will be a new capital injection for companies, the trade, entrepreneurs, small, medium and large enterprises which, as he said, concerns 1,052,000 people within that system.

Vucic specified that it will most likely be help in the form of two or three payments amounting to half a minimum wage each, and that there will also be sectoral aid for tourism, hotel owners, travel agencies, guides, for bus carriers, through another half minimum wage payment.

The President added that efforts will be made to extend the guarantee schemes as well, which proved to be excellent, amounting to 1.5 billion, and this time, through the same system, two more portions amounting to 500 million each could be provided.

Vucic said that the first agreements with DFC worth 300 to 400 million dollars are expected in seven days.

He also stated that the state will endeavour to help pensioners further, in addition to increasing pensions by 5.9 percent in January, which will be reflected in their first checks in February, and added that pensioners should by March receive symbolic aid in the form of packages with vitamin C, D and zinc, which, as the President said, are small things, but they reflect the state's care and efforts made to protect health.

The President announced that negotiations on the procurement of the Chinese vaccine would be completed in the next seven to eight days, after the first quantities of the Pfizer and Sputnik V vaccines have arrived in Serbia, and pointed out that the Chinese vaccine was of exceptional quality, but probably the most expensive, which is why he wrote to the Chinese President and asked for a discount for our country.
Vucic thanked the Americans for deciding to sell the vaccine to our country and noted that no one in the region other than Serbia has received it, except for the small quantity that Albania got.

He pointed out that our state relied on itself and its own capacities, and that our state leadership anticipated that vaccines within the European COVAX plan would arrive late.

The President rejected the claims about bad results of Serbia in the fight against the corona virus and stated that our country has recorded the lowest corona virus mortality rate in the region.

He presented statistical information indicating that Slovenia had 144 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, North Macedonia 126, Bosnia and Herzegovina 123, Bulgaria 115, Montenegro 115, Hungary 110, Croatia 107, Romania 85, and Serbia 51.

"The mortality rate in the region is as follows: Bulgaria 3.9, Bosnia and Herzegovina 3.7, Hungary 3.11, North Macedonia 3.03, Romania 2.48. Slovenia 2.15, Croatia 1.99, Montenegro 1.4, and Serbia 1.0. This can be seen in the graphs and is no fabrication", the President stressed.

He said that the state will fight for vaccines, and that only Serbia, in the Western Balkans, received significant quantities of vaccines, other than a smaller quantity that Albania received, and added that in one day since the registration for vaccination opened, as many as 63,000 persons have registered.

President Vucic expressed his belief that the year ahead will be better than the previous one as well as that the corona virus will be defeated through vaccination of citizens.

Belgrade,
12 January 2021

 

Our compatriots living abroad are one of the great potentials that the state has not recognized in the right way so far, which is why a different approach is needed to the issue of how to strengthen our diaspora and use the good will of people who are potential lobbyists for the interests of Serbia and the Serbian people, Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said.

"When it comes to Serbs in the diaspora, and especially in the region, this issue has been a kind of an unattended crop which requires a lot of work, and even when a lot is done at once this is not apparent immediately ", Minister Selakovic stated in an interview with Tanjug.

He emphasized that the appointment of the Director of the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region for the first time after almost seven years since this body was formed within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shows that it is one of the priorities of the Ministry he is at the helm of.

Selaković notes that intensive efforts have been long underway on forming a plan to make the diaspora more visible both outside the borders of Serbia and in the mother country itself.

"Every person in the diaspora is a potential lobbyist for the interests of our country and people, and we need to find the right way to use that", he said.

That much can be done in that regar Selakovic illustrates with the fact that only in Switzerland, in 24 cities, there are Serbian cultural and artistic associations which amounts to more than 3,000 young people who get together in order to preserve our tradition, culture, the Serbian language and history.

"If they were able to set up such associations in 24 cities, it speaks volumes about the enthusiasm of these people. There is so much enthusiasm, energy and love in these people. We need to explore ways to help them and use their good will and potential", the Minister points out.

He also cites the example of an emigrant family in Canada, the Varaklic family from southwestern Serbia, who sends Christmas packages for children in the Raska region every year. He adds that they have so far donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to non-governmental organizations for those needs alone, but he says that we do not see that here.

"The state does not recognize this, and these are people who gained success as entrepreneurs working in a distant country, who can be serious lobbyists for Serbia, for Serbian interests, someone who represents us in the best possible way", Minister Selakovic said.

Minister Selakovic also pointed out that Arnaud Gouillon has been appointed as head of the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region and described him as a man of extraordinary energy, great love for the Serbian people, which he showed in his engagement towards Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, where they were seriously endangered.

"By doing so, he showed and set an example to many of our compatriots of what an individual can do. And when one such individual focuses energy, enthusiasm and love for people, on work done within the state administration system, I think that the preconditions have been created for such activities to yield good results", Minister Selakovic said.

Source: Tanjug

This year, Serbia could finally have Ambassadors and Consuls General appointed to about a third of the currently vacant positions in the country's diplomatic and consular missions in the world, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic is convinced that most of these positions will be filled, as he points out, by the best possible people.

"In the next year, I am convinced that the majority of these vacancies will be filled", Selakovic told Tanjug, emphasizing that the work is being done gradually, because the state wants to show that is has a quality staff who will represent Serbia's interests in the best possible way.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy reminded that in a number of diplomatic missions, the four-year mandate of Ambassadors and Consuls General has already expired, so that the procedure for appointing new ones will follow, after their recall.

One of the "vacant" spots is the post of the Serbian Ambassador to China.

"We are working hard to find the best possible solution for our new Ambassador to China and as we appointed one of the best people in the state system as Ambassador to the United States, who, I am sure, will perform his duties in the best possible way, I am convinced that it will be the same for the Ambassador in Beijing", Selakovic said.

The Minister, who took over the foreign policy sector in the Government a little over two months ago, points out that circumstances in the world, as well as Serbia's position in it, have changed, but that Serbia's foreign policy goals do not change: the country remains strategically committed to European integration and, while pursuing the EU path, it will also strengthen traditional friendships with Russia and China, as well as promote and strengthen new partner relations with the United States.

"Relations in the region, good-neighborly relations, regional cooperation are also important for Serbia, because this fits into the set of requirements on the European path. But, even regardless of the European path, it is always important who you live next to, who you live with, what your neighbors are like and what the relations are like in the neighborhood", Minister Selakovic said.

He also points out that the issue of Kosovo and Metohija is of inestimable importance, it being the main national and state issue for Serbia and the Serbian people.

"When I say that circumstances are changing, but not the goals - the EU and European integration was our goal seven years ago as well, but look at what our room for maneuver was then, in terms of economic aspects, and look at it today. Circumstances changed, and then you adjust your actions to these changed circumstances, to the best extent possible", Minister Selakovic said.

He reminds that foreign policy priorities for 2021 were also outlined by the President of the Republic, and that maintaining peace and stability in the region is the absolute priority.

"Only in a peaceful and stable region of the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe can Serbia thrive economically, culturally and scientifically - in every respect. Peace and stability in the region  are “sine qua non” without which there is no development and progress. Serbia has acted, is acting and will act as a factor that stabilizes the entire region and maintains peace in the region, showing that it is the region that benefits everyone the most", Minister Selakovic said.

Relations in the region have always been complex, and the region, Minister Selakovic noted, is to our great regret, burdened with issues that we cannot have a bearing on, and which concern
the past.

Serbia's approach is to seek room to influence what is happening today and what will happen
happen in the future.

In this context, he states that the so-called "mini-Schengen" initiative for market unification of the region, which originated from Aleksandar Vucic and was met with a positive response from the Prime Ministers of Albania and North Macedonia, is one of the opportunities to do much more for the region.

"To show how much more we can do if we act together and if we seek our common denominators, and not what separates and divides us ", Selakovic points out.

When it comes to relations with the United States, Selakovic said that one should not expect the great powers to change their positions the way we would like, want or imagine, but that it is important that the Ambassador in Washington, Marko Djuric, also emphasized that his task, among other things, will be to make efforts to change the climate in bilateral relations with the United States - the most important country in the world, as our lacking communication with them in the past seriously affected the position of the Serbian people and Serbia.

"I am convinced that Djuric will work seriously on that, together with President Vucic, Prime Minister Brnabic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and contribute to a large extent to changing that climate", Minister Selakovic said.

He points out that it is extremely important for Serbia to promote its partner relations with the United States to a higher level.

"This is a country with which we cooperate closely in many areas and a country with which we must strive, and not give up in doing so, to find what we have in common, our common ground and good examples of our cooperation in the past, and to create space for such cooperation in the future as well", Minister Selakovic concluded.

Source: Tanjug

 The New Year's video greeting from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia now available on the address

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lBa_AWOSjY

Preservation of peace, taking care of the health and better living standard are key for Serbia in 2021, underlined President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic, convinced that even though the completion of this ambitious and by no means easy task will be anything but straightforward, best results can be achieved by working in concert with the Government, while ensuring security and a future of certainty for the citizens.

The President said that Serbia has set for itself great and ambitious goals for the next year, notwithstanding the complex international and regional circumstances, and that it will endeavour to fully preserve peace and stability in the region and the country, while safeguarding the vital national and state interests.

"Serbia will remain on the course of a winning policy - the policy of stability", President Vucic said and stressed that our country remains on the European integration path and that it will carefully foster its friendship with Russia and China, while building a friendship with the United States as well.

According to the President, Serbia will continue to pursue a winning policy, with the country itself as a top priority, i.e., a policy that will enable Serbia to continue being one of the top three countries in Europe in terms of growth rate in the next two years.

A precondition for that, the President noted, is to crack down on criminal groups, but also to ensure even bigger investments in the police and army forces.

"Serbia is the country that recorded the highest growth in Europe in 2020", the President pointed out at the annual press conference and added that he expects to conclude a new arrangement with the IMF, as well as that Serbia, by the end of next year or early 2022, will raise its credit rating to an "investment" one, which will put our country's rating on par with the most developed EU countries.

As the greatest success in 2020, Vucic noted that Serbia will end the year with the highest growth rate in Europe, which, as he said, is expected to be from minus 0.75 percent to minus one.

"I am proud to be the President of a country that is the European champion in terms of GDP",  Vucic pointed out and added that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was also pleased with Serbia's success.

According to President Vucic, this result will encourage Serbia to accelerate its European path, while continuing friendships with those who did not turn their backs on Serbia when it was at its darkest hour, namely Russia and China.

The President pointed out that the activities to attract foreign investors will continue, then that work will be done on investments in agriculture, primarily the food industry, new machinery, and digitalization of agriculture.

President Vucic also emphasized that the goal is for salaries in the public sector to average between 560 and 570 euros by the end of the year. Only in Belgrade, the average salary would be around 700 euros. 

President Vucic reminded that the salaries of health care workers will increase by five percent from January 1, while the salaries of others in the public sector will increase by 3.5 percent and an additional 1.5 percent as of April 1, while corporal, private first class and non-commissioned officer army ranks will get an increase of an additional 10 percent. He noted that the minimum wage will be increased by 6.6 percent and so will pensions from January 1, by 5.9 percent, with the plan that the average pension amounts to 270 euros by the end of 2021. The President especially pointed out investments in health care, reminding that two new covid hospitals have been opened and that the renovation and construction of health facilities continues throughout Serbia, while stressing that Serbia is by far the first in the region in terms of hospitalized persons per 100,000 citizens, which is why it has recorded a low mortality rate , and also that Serbia this year has been among the top three countries in the region according to the number of PCR tests performed.

Speaking about tourism, the President said that, next year, efforts will be made on the development of the Danube basin region, from Apatin to Kladovo, that the Ovcar-Kablar Gorge will be developed, as well as our mountain centers.

Discussing the field of culture and information, President Vucic said that the implementation of the media strategy and the completion of the reconstruction of the National Theater in Subotica are important for next year, and he announced investments in museums, especially emphasizing the relocation of the History Museum to the train station building. He also stated that the floor heating in the Church of Saint Sava will be completed next year.

He pointed out that the state will continue to take care of our citizens in Kosovo and Metohija, that no one can forbid Serbia to help its people, and that Serbia will not give up on helping our people.

As he emphasized, Serbia is ready to send medicines and vaccines to the Albanian population as well, and pointed out that in the upcoming period our country will pursue a policy of peace in the region and will endeavour to cooperate with Zagreb, Sarajevo, Podgorica and others.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ana Brnabic received today the first vaccine against the coronavirus made by Pfizer company, at the Torlak Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera.

Brnabic, who is the first European Prime Minister to receive the vaccine, pointed out that this day may be the first since 6 March that we have a reason for a smile on our faces as it marks the beginning of the end of the coronavirus pandemic in Serbia, but also in Europe and the world.

As Prime Minister and as someone who leads the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team, I felt obliged to be the first to receive the vaccine, to show that we believe in it, as well as in our institutions - the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia and experts who worked round the clock to test the vaccine, she said.

Underlining that it was an honour to do this for her country and be the first to pave the way for all citizens, the Prime Minister said that she agreed with President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic that the two of them receive different vaccines, so he will most likely receive the next one that arrives, most probably the one produced by China.

At the moment we have the Pfizer-BioNTech consortium vaccine, and the vaccines from the Chinese Sinopharm are expected in the near future, as well as certain quantities of the Russian vaccine Sputnik V.

She expressed her belief that at the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of next year we will have the vaccine of the company AstraZeneca, and after that the vaccine manufactured by Moderna.

As we promised, all vaccines licensed in their countries and approved by relevant international agencies will be available to our citizens, and of course they will be tested by all of our agencies and institutes as well, the Prime Minister pointed out.

She said that prior to the vaccination of health care workers, Minister of Health Zlatibor Loncar will also receive a vaccine shot as we endeavour to serve as an example and show how confident we are in the vaccines and institutions.

Brnabic pointed out that Serbia, not counting Great Britain, is the first country in Europe to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and the third to start a mass immunization and campaign for giving the vaccine - after Great Britain and Switzerland.

We achieved something very important and we will not stop even for a moment until the immunization of the population is completed, the Prime Minister said.

She specified that our country will receive another 16,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in January, as well as that together with other vaccines we will have a total of one million doses in January, and a total of approximately two million doses during the first quarter of next year.

There is a dynamic on which Pfizer delivers vaccines and it varies depending on the production, and this is the case with deliveries to both Serbia and all other countries worldwide. We expected to receive 10,000 doses from Pfizer-BioNTech in December, however 4,807 doses arrived, the Prime Minister explained.

Serbia demonstrated that it is able to fight and succeed if we all work as a team, Brnabic said and called on all not to see the beginning of vaccination as the end of the fight already, but to continue to apply all measures instead.

This is to be certain and to be able to help our health care workers, and once the immunity is acquired we will be able to slowly start taking off the masks in 2021, but until then we should not see this as a victory but as the beginning of the end, the Prime Minister concluded.

After the Prime Minister, vaccine shots were also administered to the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs and a member of the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team Darija Kisic Tepavcevic and to Predrag Kon who is also on the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team.

Furthermore, vaccine shots were also given to Head of the MMA Department for the Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections prof. Dr. Vesna Suljagic and academician Predrag Pesko, professor of Belgrade and Heidelberg universities and full member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

The first quantities of the vaccine arrived in Serbia on 22 December, and today they will be administered to patrons of nursing homes in Belgrade and Novi Sad.

Serbia is the first country in the region to receive a shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

In addition to procuring the vaccine among the first countries in the world, even before EU countries, Serbia is one of the rare countries that managed to build and open two covid hospitals in record time. The hospitals with 930 beds in Batajnica and 500 beds in Krusevac are a major contribution to the expansion of capacities and strengthening the health care system in the fight against coronavirus and, as President Vucic said, represent a monument of the future, that will talk about the accomplishments the state made in a short time.

Also, we recall that investments in health infrastructure have been large in Serbia, and since 2016, 80 health centers and clinics have been renovated, and works are underway on six large health centers. This way more than EUR 200 million was invested in the reconstruction, construction and equipping of hospitals and more than 300 million in the renovation of clinics and specialized hospitals, and many have already been completed, such as the University Children's Hospital Tiršova, and KBC Zemun nad KBC "Dragiša Mišović" hospitals.

The absolute priority of the Serbian Government is the successful completion of health infrastructure projects that are underway, but great attention is also paid to health workers,
whose salaries have, by 2020, been increased by 56.8% for specialist doctors, and 66.9% for
nurses, while significant funding is invested in the education of health professionals, as well as in equipment and working conditions.

Like other countries, Serbia has faced great challenges this year, most notably health challenges, and all factors in the state were focused on preventing the spread of the virus and safeguarding the lives and health of citizens. Serbia has faced these challenges better than many wealthier and more developed countries in Europe and the world.

Belgrade,
24 December 2020

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

On the occasion of 10 December, the international Human Rights Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia reaffirms its commitment to the principles and values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on this day in 1948.

The principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have been the foundation for the development of international law in this field, and of the international system for the promotion and protection of human rights, as a unique achievement of modern civilization. It is incumbent upon us today to safeguard and strengthen the international system ensuring respect for human rights, to develop human rights standards, control the implementation of commitments, and also to continue cooperating with international and regional institutions on the protection of human rights.

Serbia is fully committed to the universal values of human rights and implementing in practice the international legal instruments relating to human rights. Our continued cooperation with the Human Rights Council mechanisms in the framework of the United Nations, with the Council of Europe and the mechanisms of the OSCE human dimension, represents an important segment of activities carried out by all state authorities, thus demonstrating our consistent commitment to the implementation of international human rights standards.

The international Human Rights Day is an opportunity to point out once again that Serb and other non-Albanian population is being deprived of its rights in Kosovo and Metohija and to call again on the international community to ensure the respect for the guaranteed international human rights norms and contribute to creating conditions for the return of internally displaced persons and giving them back their usurped property.  

The Association of Journalists of Serbia (UNS), with the support of the Directorate for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs and the Region of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will organize the 10th Media Conference of the Diaspora and Serbs in the region on December 29, 2020. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the conference will be held via the ZOOM application.

The topic of the 10th Conference will be the work of the media, organizations and associations of Serbs from the region and the diaspora during the Covid 19 virus pandemic, and whether and in what way the pandemic affected the quality of work and economic sustainability of Serb media activities in the diaspora and region.

The second part of the Conference will present the UNS website www.umrezavanje.rs, launched on the occasion of the 10th Jubilee Conference, with the idea of representing a platform for connecting media and organizations of Serbs from the region and the diaspora with the home country.

Applications for participation in the Conference can be sent by interested representatives of the media, associations and organizations to the e-mail address ana.petronijevic@uns.rs, until December 17, 2020.

 
The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra is restarting the acceptance of visa applications  from foreign nationals planing to enter Republic of Serbia.

On May 21, 2020  the Government of the Republic of Serbia passed the Decision on the termination of the Decision on closing all border crossings for entry into the Republic of Serbia ("Official Gazette of RS", No. 37/20), the Decision on termination of the Decision on closing border crossings ("Official Gazette of the RS", 25/20, 27/20, 35/20, 47/20 and 66/20) and the Decision on Amendments to the Decision on the Proclamation of the COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus an infectious disease ("Official Gazette of RS", 23/20, 24/20, 27,20, 28/20, 30/20, 32/20, 35/20, 37/20, 38/20 , 39/20, 43/20, 45/20, 48/20, 49/20, 59/20, 60/20, 66/20, 67/20, 72/20, 73/20 and 75/20). The decisions were published in the "Official Gazette of RS", no. 76/20 of 21 May 2020 and entered into force on 22 May 2020.

In accordance with the above decisions, all border crossings of the Republic of Serbia have been opened and since May 22, 2020 they are functioning in the usual regime.

Amendments to the Decision on declaring COVID-19 a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus a contagious disease lifted the ban on entering the Republic of Serbia, as well as epidemiological measures for all categories of domestic and foreign citizens. To enter the Republic of Serbia, a special consent is no longer required, i.e. a permit for entry for citizens of the Republic of Serbia, as well as for the entry of all categories of foreign citizens.

All persons entering the Republic of Serbia - instead of previous isolation measures and the obligation to have a negative PCR test - are given a written notice during passport control - a health warning about the measures to be followed to prevent the occurrence, spread and suppression of COVID-19.

Foreign citizens whose temporary residence in the Republic of Serbia expired after the day of declaration of the state of emergency in the Republic of Serbia due to the epidemic of the infectious disease COVID-19, may enter the Republic of Serbia no later than July 1, 2020 and legally submit a request for extension of temporary residence within 30 days from the day of entry into the Republic of Serbia.

 

In order to facilitate access to cultural contents to the citizens of Serbia as well as to users from other countries during COVID-19 epidemic, the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Serbia made available a large scale of programs of  National Cultural Institutions in digital format in different languages (virtual tours, digital audio and video materials, photos, texts, 3D scanned objects, etc). А list of digital cultural content offered by cultural institutions of the Republic of Serbia is on the web site of the Ministry of Culture and Information, as follows: (http://www.kultura.gov.rs/cyr/aktuelnosti/digital-contents----serbian-cultural-institutions-2020)

Serbian films

1. Next to me (Pored mene, 2015, Сtevan Filipovic, drama, 110 minutes)
http://www.fcs.rs/en/films/film-database/?page=film&id=1314
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpKAFB9QUZc

2. Skinning (Šišanje, 2010, Stevan Filipovic, drama, 98 minutes)
http://fcs.rs/en/films/film-database?page=film&id=169
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsH6IRftCEI

3. Sheitans Warrior (Šejtanov ratnik, 2006, Stevan Filipovic, SF comedy, 94 minutes)
http://www.fcs.rs/en/films/film-database/?page=film&id=152
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgxT0TmisxE

 

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ana Brnabic and the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Maja Gojkovic adopted a Decision on the introduction of a state of emergency in accordance with the Constitution on 15 March. The decision came into force the same day.

The borders of the Republic of Serbia are closed to all foreign nationals, with the exception of diplomats accredited in Serbia and their family members as well as foreigners with a residence permit in the Republic of Serbia.

Citizens of the Republic of Serbia, as well as accredited diplomats and foreign nationals residing in the Republic of Serbia, who enter the Republic of Serbia, are obliged to be in self-isolation for at least 14 days. This measure will be strictly controlled and its violation will be most severely sanctioned.

Citizens will be provided with a legally binding solution upon entering the country. Imprisonment for violating this provision is up to three years in prison. This is very important to reduce the movement of citizens, which is one of the main reasons for introducing a state of emergency in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In the case of citizens of the Republic of Serbia and foreign nationals residing in the Republic of Serbia, arriving from the Swiss Confederation, Republic of Italy, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Romania, the Kingdom of Spain, the Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Slovenia and the Hellenic Republic isolation period will be 28 days.

These measures shall not apply to:

• crews of freight motor vehicles when carrying out international road transport.
• Crews of cargo ships transporting goods to one of the domestic ports.
• the crews of railway vehicles entering the border station zone established by interstate agreements;
• crews and cabin crew of aircraft whose final destination is the Republic of Serbia or are in transit through the international airports of the Republic of Serbia;
• Persons who have obtained consent to enter the Republic of Serbia from a Government working body composed of representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure.
• humanitarian convoys under mandatory diplomatic escort.

Having in mind the above mentioned, all diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Republic of Serbia abroad will suspend their activities regarding the visa applications for foreigners, beside the above mentioned categories, who intend to enter the territory of the Republic of Serbia.

Please follow the latest news on the portal of the Government of the Republic of Serbia

The special portal of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia explains in detail the procedure at border crossings when passengers entering the Republic of Serbia.

 

Izbori za narodne poslanike Narodne skupštine Republike Srbije biće održani 26. aprila 2020.godine.

Birači – državljani Republike Srbije – koji imaju boravište u inostranstvu i koji su upisani u jednistven birački spisak, mogu podneti zahtev preko diplomatsko-konzularnog predstavništva Republike Srbije – u Australiji su to Ambasada u Kanberi i Generalni konzulat u Sidneju – najkasnije pet dana pre dana zaključenja jedinstvenog biračkog spiska (znači, najkasnije do 4. aprila 2020. godine), da se u jedinstveni birački spisak upiše podatak da će na predstojećim izborima za narodne poslanike Narodne skupštine glasati u inostranstvu. Napominjemo da će istog dana, 26. aprila, biti održani i lokalni i pokrajinski izbori, ali mogućnost ostvarivanja vašeg biračkog prava u inostranstvu odnosi se samo na izbore za narodne poslanike Narodne skupštine Republike Srbije (parlamentarne izbore).
U Australiji biračka mesta mogu biti otvorena u Ambasadi u Kanberi i u Generalnom konzulatu u Sidneju, a važan preduslov za to je da u propisanom postupku bude prijavljeno najmanje 100 zainteresovanih birača koji žele da ostvare svoje biračko pravo na tom biračkom merstu.
Naravno, uvažavajući specifičnosti Australije kao i važeće propise u vezi sa postupkom otvaranja biračkog mesta u inostranstvu, postoji mogućnost da biračko mesto bude otvoreno i na nekom dodatnom mestu, ali je i za takvu odluku neophodno da postoji minimum 100 zainteresovanih birača. Zainteresovanost za tu mogućnost treba da bude dokumentovana/obrazložena  pravovremeno (u skladu sa propisanim rokovima za pojedine predizborne radnje) i predstavljena Ambasadi i Generalnom konzulatu koji će o realnim pretpostavkama za otvaranje takvog biračkog mesta obavestiti Centralnu izbornu komisiju. 
Polazeći od napred navedenog, vidljivo je da je prvi korak provera da li je birač upisan u jedinstven birački spisak kao preduslov za ostvarenje prava da glasa u inostranstvu.
Uvid u jedinstveni birački spisak može se izvršiti elektronskim putem, unošenjem jedinstvenog matičnog broja građana, na zvaničnoj internet stranici Ministarstva državne uprave i lokalne samouprave– https://upit.birackispisak.gov.rs/
Ako ste ustanovili da se vaše ime, prezime i ostali podaci nalaze u spisku, potrebno je da podnesete Zahtev za upis u jedinstveni birački spisak podatka o tome da će birač glasati u inostranstvu popunjavanjem obrasca koji možete preuzeti ovde. U obrascu treba da naglasite na kom biračkom mestu želite da ostvarite svoje pravo.
Ako tokom uvida u jedinstven birački spisak ustanovite da se vaši podaci ne nalaze u  spisku, za odlučivanje po zahtevu za upis podatka o tome da će birač glasati u inostranstvu, neophodno je prethodno sprovesti postupak upisa u jedinstveni birački spisak. Zato je potrebno da podnesete Zahtev za upis u jedinstveni birački spisak, a obrazac možete preuzeti ovde.
Po dobijanju odgovora da je vaš zahtev za upis u jedinstven birački spisak pozitivno rešen, biće procesuiran i vaš zahtev za upis podatka o tome da ćete glasati u inostranstvu. Dakle, u tom slučaju, oba popunjena zahteva, treba podneti Ambasadi u Kanberi ili Generalnom konzulatu u Sidneju koji će ih dalje procesuirati.
Uz popunjenu i potpisanu izjavu/zahtev, potrebno je diplomatsko – konzularnom predstavništvu Republike Srbije u inostranstvu dostaviti (lično, redovnom poštom ili na e-mail) i kopiju nekog od identifikacionih dokumenta Republike Srbije (pasoš ili lična karta).
U slučaju potrebe za dodatnim pojašnjenjima po pitanju ostvarenja vašeg biračkog prava tokom predstojećih parlamentarnih izbora u Srbiji, možete kontaktirati Ambasadu u Kanberi ili Generalni konzulat u Sidneju.

 

The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia announces the Competition for Partially Financing projects for translation of representative works of Serbian literature abroad and cultural activities of Serbs abroad in 2020, which will be open until March 16, 2020.

Competition texts and accompanying application forms can be found on the Ministry of Culture and Information website: www.kultura.gov.rs

For additional information about the competition, interested parties can contact Mladen Veskovic by email: mladen.veskovic@kultura.gov.rs  or by phone: +381 11 3398026.

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

IS SELLING BY A PUBLIC BIDDING BMW 530I EXECUTIVE SEDAN

Engine: 6 cylinder Petrol Aspirated 3.0L, 170 kw
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Odometer: 270,061 km
Colour: Sterling grey metallic
Interior: Grey leather
Transmission: Automatic
Engine repair required
Minimum Asking Price: $ 100,00

Vehicle has not been on the road for over 2 years and is now taking up space.
Contact number: 0402470092 or e-mail: embassy.canberra@serbia.org.au  
Time for bidding closes on February 12, 2020 at 12:00 hours

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Directorate for Cooperation with the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region, announces the Competition for Partially Financing projects that contribute with its merits to preserving and strengthening of connections between the homeland and the diaspora and the homeland and Serbs in the region which will opend from January 20th to February 10th, 2020.
The subject of the Competition is the partially financing of projects aimed at:
1) practicing, teaching, preserving and cultivating Serbian and Cyrillic letters, preserving and cultivating Serbian cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious identity
2) the promotion of economic cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Diaspora.
Information on the conditions and method of realization of the Competition for Partially Financing projects that contribute with its merits to preserving and strengthening of connections between the homeland and the diaspora is available on the website: http://www.dijaspora.gov.rs/uprava-za-dijasporu-konkursi/

Having in mind that the State of Emergency was declaired in the Republic of Serbia starting March 15th, 2020, the decision was made to cancell the above mentioned competitions, and to announce a new ones after the State of Emergency ends.

On the occasion of the horrendous massacre in two masques in Chistchurch, New Zealand, President of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr Aleksandar Vucic sent the letter of condolences to the Governor-General of New Zealand H.E. Madam Dame Patsy Reddy.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr Ivica Dacic sent the letter of condolences to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Rt Hon Winston Peters. 

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra: Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the Christchurch people who have lost loved ones and to everyone in New Zealand.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, the Directorate for Cooperation with the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region, has announced a competition for co-financing the projects that, by their quality, contribute to the preservation and strengthening of the relations between the home country and diaspora and the home country and Serbs in the region.

The competition will be open from 13 March to 1 April 2019.

All information on the competition and the application procedure can be found here.

The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia has launched an Open Call for financing or co-financing the projects in the field of cultural activities of Serbs abroad in 2019.
This Open Call is valid from 10th of January to 1st of March 2019. More information about the Open Call can be found on the web page of the Ministry of Culture and Information.

The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia has launched an Open Call for co-financing the projects in the field of translation of representative works of Serbian literature abroad in 2019. 

This Open Call is valid from 10th of January to 1st of March 2019. More information about the Open Call can be found on the web page of the Ministry of Culture and Information.

U okviru aktivnosti u cilju trajnog rešavanja smeštaja Ambasade i Rezidencije Republike Srbije u Kanberi, Australija, Ministarstvo spoljnih poslova Republike Srbije raspisalo je 16. maja 2018. godine arhitektonsko-urbanistički konkurs za izbor idejnog rešenja za izgradnju kompleksa diplomatsko-konzularnog predstavništva Republike Srbije u Kanberi.
Konkurs je otvoren do 17. jula 2018. godine, do 15.00 časova.
Kompleks diplomatsko-konzularnog predstavništva Republike Srbije u Kanberi biće izgrađen na placu koji je zakupljen 28. februara 2018. godine na period od 99 godina i nalazi se u diplomatskoj četvrti Dikin (Deakin).
Kompletna konkursna dokumentacija dostupna je na sledećem linku:
http://www.mfa.rs/sr/index.php/o-ministarstvu/tenderi?lang=lat

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Directorate for Cooperation with the Diaspora and the Serbs in the region, announces the Competition for Partially Financing projects that contribute with its merits to preserving and strengthening of connections between the homeland and the diaspora and the homeland and Serbs in the region which will opend from 12th to 30th March 2018.

The subject of the Competition is the partially financing of projects aimed at:
1) practicing, teaching, preserving and cultivating Serbian and Cyrillic letters, preserving and cultivating Serbian cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious identity
2) the promotion of economic cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Diaspora.

Information on the conditions and method of realization of the Competition for Partially Financing projects that contribute with its merits to preserving and strengthening of connections between the homeland and the diaspora is available on the website http://www.dijaspora.gov.rs/lat/konkurs-za-sufinansiranje-projekata-organizacija-iz-dijaspore/

If you require any further information, feel free to contact the Embassy or the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia.

Decemebr is a month for summing up the achievements of the past year, for reviewing the plans that were made and not fulfilled, but also for planning what should be done by next December. Not infrequently, December gives us a chance to complete unfinished business and make the year that has passed seem fulfilled.

That is why it gives me great pleasure to be able to share with you that the year 2017 can be described as one of the most significant years in decades with respect to the development of bi-lateral relations between Serbia and Australia.

 - First of all, dialogue between the two countries was renewed at ministerial level. The Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Ms Julie Bishop, visited the Republic of Serbia on 13-14 July. This was the first Australian visit to Belgrade on the ministerial level in 33 years. Earlier in the year, on 3 March, the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Conchetta Fieravnti-Wells visited Serbia. At the beginning of May, bilateral talks were held on the level of the Assistant Secretary. The delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was led by the assistant minister for bilateral cooperation, Amabassador Mr Goran Aleksic. These were the first ever organized bilateral political consultations marking a consolidation of relations between the two countries. (MORE)

Belgrade, 14 July 2017 – First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic and Foreign Minister of Australia Julius Bishop highlighted the importance of further enhancement of political dialogue at all levels.
Dacic and Bishop also stressed the importance of fostering traditionally good and friendly relations and developing cooperation in areas of common interest. The two officials indicated that this is the first visit of a foreign minister of Australia to Serbia after more than thirty years.

Also, the officials estimated that there is a need for deepening and expanding the spectrum of economic cooperation in areas such as exploration of mines, investments, agriculture and tourism, along with cooperation in sports, culture and other fields.

Dacic informed Bishop about the current phase in dialogue with Pristina and our attitudes regarding the issue of Kosovo-Metohija and pointed out the need for consistent respect for international law. Bearing in mind the number of representatives of our diaspora in Australia, there is a commitment on our side to further improve the position of the Serbian community in Australia, as one of the important factors in relations between Serbia and Australia. Also, there is an interest in further simplifying the procedure for applying and obtaining Australian visas for citizens of Serbia.

Belgrade, 13 July 2017 – Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said today in a meeting with Foreign Minister of Australia Julia Bishop that there is a mutual interest in strengthening bilateral relations of the two countries, especially in the fields of economy, culture and education.
Prime Minister Brnabic pointed out that Serbia has taken strong steps towards stabilisation of the economy and fiscal consolidation in the last three years, adding that these measures now yield results and that Serbia expects faster economic growth in the next year. She invited Australian companies to operate in Serbia on this occasion.
Prime Minister Brnabic and Australia's Foreign Minister agreed to work on joint projects that produce results in the future, such as Jadar project by the company Rio Tinto from Loznica.
Minister Bishop praised Serbia's commitment to Eurointegration and conveyed the support of the government of Australia to the opening of the chapters in the negotiations of our country with the EU.
They estimated that the Serbian diaspora in Australia is one of the most important bridges of the previous and future cooperation of the two countries and much more attention should be paid to it to various activities in the future period.

On Friday, 5th May 2017 in Canberra, the first bilateral political consultations were held between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, on the level of the assistant ministers responsible for the bilateral cooperation.
Serbian side was led by Acting Assistant Minister Ambassador Goran Aleksić, and Australian side by First Assistant Secretary, Ms Louise Hand.
During the talks between two delegations a wide range of issues of importance to the relations and cooperation between two countries was covered – from the mutual information on events which are of importance for the positioning internationally, to the review of topics that are of great importance for improving the cooperation between two countries within the international organizations, with emphasis on specific issues of cooperation on the bilateral level such as economy (investment and trade exchange), expansion and improvement of legal basis for cooperation (with special emphasis on understanding the circumstances of importance for the continuation of negotiations of the Social Security Agreement), as well as the activities in the aim of improving cultural, sporting and educational cooperation.
Serbian delegation presented the foreign policy priorities of Serbia, with emphasis on measures and activities within their true commitment to the preservation of peace and stability in the Balkans region as well as resolving the question of Kosovo and Metohija through dialogue between Belgrade and Priština.
Acknowledging that the relationship between Serbia and Australia is friendly and that there are no opened questions, it was jointly concluded that the Serbian community in Australia represents one of the most important bridges of current and future cooperation between two countries so mutually more attention will be paid towards the realization of some of the activities in the coming period.
It was jointly determined that the long history of relations between two countries is a good basis and strong incentive for improvement of overall relations between Serbia in Australia in the coming period. In addition to the establishment of regular political dialogue at the high and highest level, it was jointly evaluated that the implementation of investment projects, among which is the Rio Tinto company’s project “Jadar” as one of the most important, will contribute to the new content and quality of relations between two countries in the coming period.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic meets with Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, 3 March 2017, in Belgrade.
In the talks, they discussed prospects for the promotion of overall cooperation between the two countries, particularly in economy, culture and education, and pointed to the necessity to further strengthen the contractual cooperation.
Both officials underlined that the Serbian community in Australia was an important element of relations between the Republic of Serbia and Australia.
During the talks with the Head of Serbian diplomacy, in addition to discussing bilateral issues and cooperation in this area, the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific pointed to the importance Australia attached to human rights issues at national and international levels, presented Australia's candidacy for membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2018-2020, stressing that Australia had earlier never been a member of this UN body.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Fiji Mr. Miroljub Petrovic, presented his Letter of Credence to the President of the Republic of Fiji His Excellency Major-General(ret'd) George Konrote OF MC, on Tuesday 28 February 2017, at the Presidential Palace, Suva,  as the first Ambassador of Serbia to Fiji. 

The Australian licensing authorities - Austroads - officially have agreed to grant Serbia "Experienced Driver Recognition" status from the First February 2017. 

"Experienced Driver Recognition" status provides that an applicant from the Republic of Serbia who is applying for an Australian drivers licence is exempt from undertaking the practical driving test and theory tests for the authorisation to drive C (car) or R (motorcycle) class vehicles only.

Furthermore the applicant:
·        must be 25 year or older,
·        meets class eligibility requirements (age and tenure) for relevant vehicle classes,
·        provides adequate proof of identity, and
·        meets residency requirements.

If the driver is under 25 years of age and comes from an Experienced Driver recognised county they are required to undertake all the necessary testing requirements.

Registering boys who will turn 18 this year in the military records has begun during January. A general request for registration in the military records has been made to boys born in 1999 and older, who have not been registered in the military records yet for some reason, to come to the centres of the Ministry of Defence in their towns and fulfil that legal obligation. One should bring ID card or in case they do not have it, some other public document which can serve as proof of identity. The general request for registration in the military records will last until the end of February. After that, individual requests will be delivered to the ones who have not responded to the general request.
Boys who reside in Australia and New Zealand should exercise their right and fulfil the legal obligation in the Embassy in Canberra or Consulate General in Sydney.
LINK ON THE INVITATION

MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND MEDIA OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA – Department of Contemporary Artistic Production and Creative Industries announces this OPEN CALL for the Co-Financing of Projects for the Translation of Representative Works of Serbian Literature into Foreign Languages in 2017. This Open Call is valid from 9 January 2017 to 28 February 2017.
The scope of this Open Call is co-financing of projects for the translation of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages.
The overarching goal of this Open Call is the translation of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages.
Submissions in the following literary fields are eligible under this Open Call for the translation of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages: poetry, prose, drama, children’s literature (other than picture books and textbooks), anthologies and thematic selections and theoretical works in the fields of culture and arts intended for the wider readership. LINK TO OPEN CALL.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Slovenia, and the Republic of Serbia – as the sole Successor States to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (hereinafter “the SFRY”) – and the co-owners of diplomatic and consular property of the SFRY, as the previous title owner, hereby issue an invitation to tender for the provision of the service of brokering the sale of the following immovable property :

a) Permanent Mission of the SFRY to the UN, New York, USA (854 Fifth Avenue, N.Y. 10065);

b) Residence of the Permanent Representative of the SFRY to the UN, New York, USA (730 Park Avenue, N.Y. 10021); 

c) Embassy and residence of the SFRY in Tokyo, Japan (7-24, 4-chome, Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo); 

d) Embassy of the SFRY in Bonn, Germany (Schlossallee 5, 5300 Bonn 2);

e) Embassy and residence of the SFRY in Berne, Switzerland (Seminarstrasse 5, 3006 Bern).
 

FULL TEXT OF INVITATION TO TENDER HERE.

FULL TEXT (FORMULAR) OF TENDER BOND (GUARANTEE) HERE.

FULL TEXT (FORMULAR) OF PERFORMANCE BOND (GUARANTEE) HERE.

FULL TEXT (FORMULAR) OF TENDERER INFORMATION SHEET HERE.

FULL TEXT OF INVITATION IN SERBIAN LANGUAGE HERE.

The Office for cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the region of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia has announced a PUBLIC INVITATION for submission of proposals for assigning the national awards for exceptional contributions, results and merits in the field of accomplishing cooperation and strengthening ties between the homeland and Diaspora, as well as the homeland and Serbs in the region.
The authorized proposer should submit the proposals for the national recognitions no later than 11th May 2016. The Public invitation as well as the information about the fields and procedure for submission of proposals for assigning the national awards you can find HERE, and in case that you would need additional information, we ask you to directly contact the Embassy by phone or e-mail.

FOR REMINDING - The violence spurred by ethnic Albanian extremists and ethnic cleansing of the Serb population, on March 17 and 18, 2004.

We would kindly like to ask citizens of Serbia who wish to entitle their right to vote on the next parliamentary elections in Serbia, scheduled for 24 April 2016, to leave their information data until 2 April 2016 latest to the Embassy of Republic of Serbia in Canberra or Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Sydney. MORE INFORMATION

Ministarstvo kulture i informisanja Republike Srbije raspisalo je 25. februara 2016. godine KONKURS za finansiranje ili sufinansiranje projekata u oblasti kulturnih delatnosti Srba u inostranstvu u 2016. godini.
Opšti cilj konkursa je podsticanje i prezentacija kulturnog stvaralaštva pripadnika srpskog naroda u inostranstvu i očuvanje njihovog kulturnog identiteta.
Na konkursu iz oblasti kulturnih delatnosti Srba u inostranstvu biće podržani projekti koji se odnose na očuvanje kulturnog identiteta Srba u inostranstvu, jačanje kapaciteta, umrežavanje i profesionalizaciju rada pojedinaca, ustanova i organizacija Srba u inostranstvu, uključenost dece i mladih i multukulturalnost. Biće podržani projekti iz sledećih oblasti: vizuelne umetnosti, scensko stvaralaštvo, književnost i izdavaštvo, umetnička muzika, izvorno, narodno i amatersko stvaralaštvo, kulturna delatnost za decu i mlade i naučnoistraživačka i edukativna delatnost u kulturi.
Rok za podnošenje konkursnih prijava je 28. mart 2016. godine.
Ambasada moli zainteresovane da se detaljnije informišu o Konkursu na Internet-adresi: http://www.kultura.gov.rs/cyr/konkursi/k-o-n-k-u-r-s-za-finansiranje-ili-sufinansiranje-projekata-u-oblasti-kulturnih-delatnosti-srba-u-inostranstvu-u-2016--godini kao i da prate uputstva iz uslova Konkursa.
U slučaju potrebe za bilo kakvim dodatnim informacijama, možete kontaktirati Ambasadu.

Why "Kosovo" is ineligible for membership in UNESCO? (Non paper - link)

Exhibition of Photographs "The Roots of Soul"

Darko Dozet, a press photographer from Novi Sad, visited Kosovo and Metohia at the beginning of the 21st century. On the first plane, there is life, and on the second, there is situation... (link)

Photos about destruction of Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija are available HERE.

During the negotiations between Serbian and Australian Authorities, held in Canberra from 22 to 25 September 2015, the content of the draft social security agreement was considered in detail and final draft agreed to and initialled by the delegation leaders.
The Social Security Agreement between Serbia and Australia includes provisions concerning pension and disability insurance.
For the purpose of establishing eligibility, clauses within the agreement allow beneficiaries from both countries to combine qualifying periods (i.e. periods of insurance and residency) completed on the territories of both contracting parties, if needed. There are also clauses that allow for payment of benefits in the territory of the other Contracting Party in a convertible currency, then determination of application of legislation, as well as temporary secondment of workers in the second contracting state. Clauses relating to secondment of workers to the second contracting state, allow exemption from being subject to the legislation of the country in which the person is sent, thus avoiding payment of contributions in both countries at the same time.
As per procedure, there are a number of administrative arrangements pending, including preparation of supporting documents, signing of the agreement, followed by ratification and implementation of the agreement, on which the Embassy will inform the public in a timely manner.
The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Australia takes this opportunity to express their sincere gratitude to members of the Serbian community in Australia who have supported as well as assisted with travel and accommodation arrangements for the Serbian delegation, in order to progress the negotiations on the Social Security Agreement.

THE DAY REPLAYED - In the end, a tournament full of surprises and late, late drama had a fitting conclusion. Serbia, playing in the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time as an independent nation, will leave as its champions. That is the remarkable outcome after an enthralling final day of action that thrilled a sell-out, 25,000-plus crowd at Auckland's North Harbour Stadium. Nemanja Maksimovic's decisive, 118th-minute goal settled the final 2-1 in favour of the delirious Serbians, and left five-time champions Brazil to settle for silver. (FIFA.COM)

IV VIKEND (18. – 21. JUN): 
ČETVRTAK, 18. JUN – NOVI SAD (DVORANA SPC “VOJVODINA”):
SRBIJA – AUSTRALIJA         20,00
SUBOTA, 20. JUN – BEOGRAD
(DVORANA “PIONIR”):
SRBIJA – AUSTRALIJA         20,00

VI  WEEKEND (3 – 5 JULY):
MELBOURNE
STATE BASKETBALL CENTRE:
AUSTRALIA – SERBIA
FIRST MUTCH: Saturday, 4 JULY, from 07.00 PM (Melbourne Time).
SECOND MUTCH: Sunday, 5 JULY,
from 04.30 PM 

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic received on Wednesday, 13th May 2015, an Australian delegation, which was led by Mr Peter Woolcott, Australia’s Ambassador for the Environment.

The cooperation within the UNESCO was the conversation topic, especially about the forthcoming session of the World Heritage Committee in Bonn at the end of June this year. The Australian side has informed about the activities undertaken on the protection of the Great Barrier Reef which has been listed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

A mutual interest has been expressed for further strengthening the cooperation and exchange of visits from the officials of both countries.

On this occasion, Minister Dacic has reminded about an open invitation to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia to visit Serbia.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Ivica Dačić met on April 16, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia The Hon Julie Bishop MP in The Hague, at 2015 Global Conference on Cyberspacе.

The two ministers discussed improving bilateral co-operation. Dacic said that he is expecting the presence of MFA the Hon Julie Bishop at OSCE’s Minister’s council in Belgrade, at the beginning of December this year.

Serbia’s national soccer team in the age group up to 20 years old have succeeded to qualify for the first time amongst 24 best world selections and will compete at the World Championship in New Zealand from 30th May till 20th June 2015. The group stage of the competition will be held from 31st May till 6th June in Dunedin, the student centre of New Zealand and it’s most southern city.
In the organization of FIFA, the final draw was held on 10th February in Auckland and Serbia has been assigned in Group D, together with the teams of Uruguay, Mexico and one African team, which will soon be known after the end of the African Cup.
From year 1977 since this competition is first being held, Argentine has won six titles, Brazil five, Portugal two, and the Serbian soccer spectators of course wish for the replay of the World Championship in Chile in 1987 when the then team of Yugoslavia’s young players has won the title by winning in the finals against Western Germany’s team.
Our team’s preparations will be conducted in Auckland, in the period from 21st till 27th May, after what the team will travel to Dunedin, and Serbia will play the first match of the group stage of the competition against Uruguay on 31st May, beginning at 4.00 pm. The next match Serbia will play against the African representative on 3rd June at 7.00 pm, and the last game will be against the Mexican team on 6th June at 4.00 pm.
The eighth-finals are scheduled for 10th and 11th June, quarter-finals for 14th June, and semi-finals match will be held in Auckland on 17th June, as well as the final match on 20th June.
The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia calls upon all the interested organizations and individuals in the Serbian community in New Zealand and Australia to support the best young Serbian football players and through attendance at the matches give them the additional strength to fight for the best possible placement.

The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia announces open calls for financing or co-financing projects in the field of cultural activities of the Serbs abroad in 2015. The deadline for submitting applications along with the competition documentation is 31 March 2015. More details on the terms and conditions may be down-loaded from:
http://www.kultura.gov.rs/cyr/konkursi/k-o-n-k-u-r-s-za-finansiranje-ili-sufinansiranje-projekata-u-oblasti-kulturnih-delatnosti-srba-u-inostranstvu-u-2015--godini

The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia announces a public invitation for participation in The Competition for the Project of Translation of Representative Serbian Literary Works Abroad in the Year 2015. The purpose of this Competition is to provide financial support for the translation of Serbian literary works and literary works by national minorities from the Republic of Serbia, published by domestic professional publishing houses, into foreign languages abroad. The deadline for submitting applications along with the competition documentation is 31 March 2015. More details on the terms and conditions may be down-loaded from:
http://www.kultura.gov.rs/lat/konkursi/k-o-n-k-u-r-s-za-sufinansiranje-projekata-u-oblasti-prevodjenja-reprezentativnih-dela-srpske-knjizevnosti-u-inostranstvu-u-2015--godini

Official handing over of a collection of books on Serbian literature and culture as a gift to the University Library, University of Melbourne has organized by Cultural Club Novi Sad Thursday 29th January. The official ceremony was led by Mr Philip G Kent, University Librarian & Executive Director, Collections and HE Mr Miroljub Petrovic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia.
The collection is a gift from various libraries and publishers in Serbia, including National Library of Serbia (Narodna Biblioteka Srbije), Library Matica srpska Novi Sad and Serbian Academy of Sciences Library (Biblioteka SANU). The books were collected in Serbia through the offices of Matica Srpska Novi Sad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the request of Club Novi Sad Melbourne. The books on Serbian literature and culture, 300 titles, will enhance the existing Russian collection in the interest of promoting research into a wider area of Slavic studies.

Belgrade, 16th September 2014 – Minister of culture and information in the Government of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Ivan Tasovac held talks today with the minister of the department of environment Mr. Greg Hunt over preservation of natural and cultural heritage.

Special attention to this topic during the talks was given from the aspect of membership of Serbia in the Committee for the protection of world’s heritage UNESCO, with the emphasis on the support of this committee as vitally important in the realization of projects which are found in the minister’s department of environment in Australia.

Tasovac and Hunt have talked about possibilities concerning cooperations between the two countries in the area of culture together with main issues regarding preservation of cultural and historical heritage in Kosovo and Metohija.

One of the topics discussed during the meeting was also tackling consequences left behind the heavy floods in Serbia that occurred in May this year.

Tasovac believes that this meeting was very useful, having in mind that meetings between Serbia and Australia on a ministerial level are held rather seldom.

He also pointed out that possibilities have been explored for cooperation in the area of culture and has underlined that the exchange of experiences and knowledge is interpreted as the most essential segment of cooperation, according to the publication of ministry of culture and information.

On behalf of the initiative of the Ambassador of Republic of Serbia in Australia, Mr. Miroljub Petrovic, 26th August 2014, first consultation meeting was held with owners and managers of Australian companies who possess long-term experience with importing mostly nutritional products from Serbia.
The meeting was commenced with the aim of exploring opportunities to further improve and enlarge presence of these products from Serbia together with introduction of current experiences during the importation process and definition of measures that were and to be taken into consideration on various levels.

BELGRADE - Direct damage and losses caused by the catastrophic floods that hit Serbia in May total around EUR 1.5 billion, states the first official report adopted by the Serbian government, which will be presented at a donor conference in Brussels on July 16.

The report puts direct damage at EUR 810.1 million and losses at EUR 661.9 million, Tanjug reports.

Two-thirds of the total direct damage and losses are sustained by the production sector and stand at approximately EUR 1.07 billion, including the damage of around half a billion EUR and the losses of EUR 569.4 million.

Agriculture suffered the most damage and losses, estimated to EUR 107.9 and EUR 120.1 million, respectively. The damage caused to trade amounts to EUR 169.6 million and the losses to EUR 55.2 million.

The estimated damage to the social sectors, comprising housing, healthcare, education and culture, stands at EUR 34.6 milion and the losses at EUR 7.1 million.

The damage caused to residential buildings is EUR 227.3 million, while the losses stand at EUR 3.7 million. The damage in the healthcare sector is estimated to EUR 3 million and the losses to EUR 2.7 million.

The consequences of floods for the area of infrastructure, which includes transport, communications and water supply, are estimated to cost EUR 192.1 million, with the damage accounting for EUR 117.3 million and the losses for EUR 74.8 million.

Estimates say that the most affected sector was transport, where the damage stands at EUR 96 million and the losses at 70.4 million.

In the areas of environment and public administration, the estimated damage is EUR 17.2 million, and the losses EUR 10.6 million. Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Zorana Mihajlovic told Tanjug that the report on damages and losses caused by the floods was compiled by special teams who worked on the ground with experts from international organizations.

The report will be presented at a donor conference in Brussels on July 16, said Mihajlovic, adding that Serbia counts on donors' assistance in the repair process, but also on favorable loans, primarily when it comes to the repair of the road and rail infrastructure.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Australia is announcing that the balance of the dedicated bank account which has been opened in the aim of collecting funds for eliminating the consequences of the floods, on the 17th October at 13.18 is 2.83 AUD.

AUD 160,000 has been transferred 5th June, AUD 120,000 has been transerred 4th July and AUD 99,100.00 has been trasferred 17th October to the National Bank of Serbia to the account of the Serbian Ministry of Finance which means that the total sum of funds collected thus far, is AUD 379,102.83 as a result of 606 individual transactions.

List of transactions from the period 23th September until 17th October can be viewed HERE. 

List of transactions from the period 25th August until 23th September can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions from the period 8th until 25th August can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions from the period 25th July until 8th August can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions from the period 11th until 25th July can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions from the period 4th until 11th July can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions from the period 27th June until 4th July can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions from the period 20th until 27th June can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions from the period 13th until 20th June can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions from the period 6th until 13th June can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions from the period 30th May until 6th June can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions from the period 23th until 30th  May can be viewed HERE.

List of transactions since the account has been opened, 19th May until 23rd May can be viewed HERE.

In the aim of more efficient communication, the Embassy has open new e-mail address: floodreliefserbia@bigpond.com Other channels for contact with the Embassy also you can use.

UN Report on flooding handed over to the Government of Serbia

The United Nations team of experts says that a massive reconstruction, recovery and clean-up effort is needed in response to the unprecedented floods that hit Serbia in mid-May.

In a report delivered to the Government of Serbia 04 June 2014, the experts warn of health risks from stagnant water, potential risk to the environment and damage to agriculture.

For the full UNDAC Report, please follow the link: http://bit.ly/1o9pqaK 

Embassy of The Republic of Serbia in Australia has the honor to report that on June 5, the first transfer of funds collected on the Embassy’s special purpose account for the flood victims has been completed.

The second transfer of funds collected on the Embassy`s special purpose account for the flood victims has been completed July 4.

The third transfer of funds collected on the Embassy`s special purpose account for the flood victims has been completed October 17.

AUD 160,000.00 (June 5), AUD 120,00.00 (July 4) and AUD 99,100.00 (October 17) in total AUD 379,100.00 - has been transferred to the National Bank of Serbia to the account of the Serbian Ministry of Finance. Thanks to the courtesy of the Commonwealth bank, this and all future transfers are free from transaction fees.

The form of International Money Transfer from June 5 you can see HERE.

The form of International Money Transfer from July 4 you can see HERE.

The form of International Money Transfer from October 17 you can see HERE. 

Adhering to the principle of full transparency and maintaining the credibility of the whole action, the Embassy has thus far published all relevant details with regard to the collected funds, and this practice shall be continued in the future as well.

From an unofficial overview of realized fund-raising activities (as of June 3), that has been put together based on available published statements, declarations or indirect contact with organizers, we can conclude that the amount of funds collected is quite significant.

We firmly believe that publishing information about collected funds or executed transfers to the accounts in Serbia, or about delivery of collected help to the end users shall substantially contribute to the success of this noble joint action.

Bearing this in mind, the Embassy asks all involved organizations and individuals engaged in collecting funds for the flood victims, to publish information on the collected and transferred funds, in order to respect the principles of transparency and maintain full credibility of the joint action.

With honest gratitude to all who contributed to this humanitarian action, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Australia calls upon all people of good will to continue the joint effort, for Serbia has suffered damages of extremely high magnitude and help in coping with the aftermath of the floods is truly necessary.

LONDON /Tanjug, 29 May/ - The devastating floods in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have already damaged their economies and will hit growth and inflation in the future as well, believes the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), adding that some very rough preliminary estimates put the damage in Serbia at around EUR 1.5-2 billion.

THE REPORT OF THE ACCOUNT BALANCE:
Thursday,  5 June at 17:00 - 476 TRANSACTIONS - 185,000.41 AUD

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Australia is announcing that the balance of the dedicated bank account which has been opened in the aim of collecting funds for eliminating the consequences of the floods, on the 30th May at 09.14 AM is as follows: with 376 transactions, the amount of $136,693.55 has been received.

(List of transactions from the period 23th until 30th May can be viewed HERE).

(List of transactions since the account has been opened, 19th May until 23rd May can be viewed HERE).

In the aim of more efficient, but first of all clear procedural and fully transparent continuing activity of collecting funds, we would like to point out the following:

- The Embassy has opened a dedicated bank account at the Commonwealth Bank for collecting funds where donations can be paid in a simple and direct way.

- We would like to underline that the Embassy wishes and strives to achieve the coordination and cooperation with every individual or organisation that are devotedly working on collecting funds, no matter how the collected funds will be forwarded to Serbia. Due to that we would like to ask again all the organisations and individuals who have been collecting, collecting now or intending to collect funds in Australia for eliminating the consequences of the floods in Serbia, to contact us for better mutual awareness and by need better coordination of activities. It is not condition that all the funds go through the Embassy, but we believe that the transparency in collecting funds and transferring the aid to Serbia is beneficial to everyone, in order for everything to be done with mutual trust and to avoid every possible misuse.

- We would like to stress out that no one has the Embassy’s or the Consulate’s authority to open any new or separate accounts in their name in order of collecting funds that would be allegedly afterwards transferred into the Embassy’s account.

- Organisations that are collecting funds from their members or supporters and wish to transfer the funds from their account to the Embassy’s account, as well as the individuals who wish to help massification of the activity of collecting funds, that will be directly paid or transferred to the Embassy’s account, should adequately inform the Embassy or the Consulate-General about it, in order to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.

The transparency and explicitly clear procedure of collecting donations are of greatest significance   and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia will in the future abide by these principles for the purpose of complete confidence.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia and the Consulate-General in Sydney take this opportunity to once again express their sincere gratitude to all the individuals and organisations who have until now taken part in this action and to call upon the continuing mutual activities in the aim of collecting funds that are necessary in eliminating the extremely difficult consequences of the floods in Serbia. 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE BALANCE OF THE ACCOUNT

According to our announcement about the transparency of data of the forwarded contributions in the aim of helping Serbia eliminate difficult consequences of the floods, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia is informing of the first section of carried-out transactions with the balance dated on 23rd May 2014 at 9.56am - 35,648.40 AUD. The names of donors, where they were visible, are highlighted in accordance with respecting principles of full privacy. The following list will be published on 30th May 2014, and until then we will daily distribute the information about the account balance.

The Embassy of the Republic Serbia in Canberra and the Consulate-General of the Republic of Serbia in Sydney call upon all donors (after the completed transaction) to contact the Embassy or the Consulate-General in person, by telephone or email, in order to provide us with the information about the addresses where we can send by post the appropriate confirmation regarding the donations – certificate.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Australia would like to confirm once again its willingness to help in collecting needed funds for Serbia.

The Importance of Helping Serbia
- by Matthew Trinetti - The Huffington Post , 22 May

"You may be aware that Serbia and the other Balkan countries are experiencing devastating flooding right now.

It's the worst flooding the area has experienced in over 120 years. There's massive destruction of streets, buildings and homes. The death toll is rising. Over 25,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, most of which have been destroyed. Those families are in desperate need of food, water, clothes, blankets, medication, or other necessities..." (more...)

SERBIA NEEDS YOUR HELP

Serbia floods aerial video - Helivideo

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Australia, meeting a high demand of readiness from many citizens and organizations to offer help to the Republic of Serbia in the elimination of extremely difficult consequences of floods that struck Serbia, has confirmed on the 19 May a dedicated bank account at the Commonwealth Bank.

Accoun at the Commonwealth Bank:

Account type:         Society Cheque Account
BSB:                       062-902
Account number:    1031 3302
Account title:          EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
                               OF SERBIA IN AUSTRALIA
                               – FLOOD VICTIM ACCOUNT
Open date:              19/05/2014

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia will daily distribute the information about the account and guarantees total transparency.

The account funds will be continuously transferred to the central account that the Government of the Republic of Serbia has opened.The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia will be available at any moment – you can contact us by phone or e-mail – in the aim of giving additional information in regards of obtaining the necessary help to the eliminate the extremely difficult consequences of floods. Mobile phone for contact - 0435 752 933 - Zoran Marinkovic, First Secretary.

*****

Please see below opinion of Australian Red Cross, regarding donation of goods for Serbia:

"We have been in contact with Serbian Red Cross which is responding on the ground. We have also spoken with Australian Red Cross which are closely following the work of the Red Cross Movement in response to the terrible floods and the affect it is having on the Serbian people. Regular updates are coming in through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and an international appeal has now been launched.

We recognise and understand that at times like these people may have a strong desire to donate items. Neither we nor Red Cross are in a position to be able to support the transportation of any donated goods. While this generosity is appreciated, we do not have the capacity, nor are we set up to collect, store or distribute donated goods. Nor are we able to fund the transportation of collected/donated goods.

Red Cross experience with emergency recovery has also shown that affected communities recover sooner when they can make their own choices. This includes choosing and purchasing goods to help put their lives back together again rather than being given goods. Another benefit of allowing those affected to choose their own purchases is that money is being put back into the community to stimulate local businesses. This is an important part of the local economic recovery.

We encourage you to donate money to the Embassy Relief Flood".

*****

Instructions to potential donors of medicines and medical devices (link)

Sunday, May 18, 2014
In the goal of collecting and co-ordinating help from Australia for the victims of the catastrophic floods which struck the Republic of Serbia, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra has started the procedure of opening a special purpose bank account to which all those willing to help will be able to transfer funds.
Information about fund transfer will be periodically published, and together with the Australian authorities we will determine the procedure of issuing certificates of payment in order to, in line with regulation, avoid taxation.
As soon as the account is opened we will publish fund transfer guidelines.

Statement by the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Australia with regard to “celebration” of creating so-called Independent State of Croatia during World War Two and participation of Australian officials at such events:

"It is discouraging to know that still persisting and acting some organizations and individuals which so brutally abuse freedom and democracy in Australia, such as ones who celebrate the day when fascist so-called Independent State of Croatia has been created, an entity whose criminal character is undeniable!

Furthermore, it is a tragic fact that such organizations and individuals, in their morally monstrous glorification of fascism and nazism, are trying to involve people from the current political scene in Australia, even the Prime Minister himself.

Such events are giving rise to deep anxiety and serious concern in the Serbian community in Australia!

The Republic of Serbia strongly condemns any occurrence of glorifying fascis ghosts of the past, and strongly believes that there can be no justification or excuse for tolerating or - even worse - supporting such activities, no matter who the organizers or participants are!"

In the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra, a reception was organised in the honour of marking Statehood Day of Serbia on 27 February 2014. Amongst many guests, a number of political and public officials in Australia, members of the Diplomatic Corp as well as main representatives of Serbian community from all around Australia. Most honourable guest that was attending this reception was the Speaker of the House of Representatives the Hon Bronwyn Bishop MP.
(More photos from the reception)

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Commonwealth of Australia Mr. Miroljub Petrovic, presented his Letter of Credence to the Governor-General the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, on Thursday 27 February 2014, at Government House, Canberra.
The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Zoran Marinkovic, First Secretary from the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia. The Governor-General and Mr Bryce also received Mrs Zdenka Sladoja-Petrovic.
 

(More photos in Photo Gallery)

In 2001, the Serbian Parliament declared February 15 a state holiday to commemorate the day in 1804 that the first Serbian uprising against the Turks began and constitution - signed in 1835 - which led to the creation of the modern Serbian state.

The First Serbian Uprising against the Turks began in the village of Orašac on 15 February 1804. This is the religious holiday of Candlemas (Serbian - Sretenje), also known as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. The uprising was led by Karađorđe Petrović. Although Serbia was not internationally recognized until the Congress of Berlin in 1878, the foundations of Serbian statehood are symbolically connected with 1804.

On the same day in 1835, during the rule of Miloš Obrenović, the first Serbian constitution was adopted in Kragujevac (known as the Sretenjski ustav ‘Candlemas Constitution’). The Candlemas Constitution narrative particularly emphasizes its modernity and focus on human rights.

Statehood Day of Serbia is celebrated two days – 15 and 16 February.

Faculty of Philology, University of Belgrade is delighted to announce that registration for ONLINE Course of Serbian language (beginner level) is now open! Learning platform for this Course is Moodle.
All details and further information can be found at http://learnserbian.fil.bg.ac.rs/.

BELGRADE, Dec. 2 (Tanjug) – Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic has issued a Decree appointing Miroljub Petrovic as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia to Australia, it was published in the latest issue of the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia.

The Decree came into force one day after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia on November 29.

BELGRADE, 11/14/2013, 2:41:00 PM - Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic said on Thursday, after receiving a letter of credence from Trevor Donald Matheson, the newly appointed ambassador of New Zealand in Belgrade, it is Serbia's wish to continually improve cooperation with New Zealand in all domains.

"I am glad that we will have an opportunity to contribute together to improving ties and cooperation between the two countries. I am convinced that bilateral relations will develop more successfully in the future, taking into account that there are substantial prospects for that," the Serbian president said.

According to Nikolic, Serbia is committed to EU integration as its priority, but it would also like to foster and develop good relations with all world countries, including New Zealand, which is a home to a big Serb community.

President Nikolic voiced confidence that the dialogue between Serbia and New Zealand will be stepped up even further.

Ambassador Matheson pointed to the decades-long friendship between the two countries, as they established diplomatic relations in 1951.

On Monday 11th November, at the War Memorial Museum in Canberra was held Remembrance Day Service to mark the 95th traditional reminder of the day when the Armistice in the World War I was concluded.

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO and her husband Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, President of the Senate of the French Republic Senator Jean Pier Bell, spokesman for the Premier Tony Abbott and Minister for Veterans Affairs Mr Michael Ronaldson, Chief Minister for the Australian Capital Territory government Ms Katy Gallagher, the President of the Senate in the Australian Parliament Senator the Hon John Hogg, in-Chief of the Australian army General David Harley and superintendants of land, naval and aviation armed forces of Australia, Leader of the Opposition Labor Party the Hon Bill Shorten, former Premier Mr Paul Keating, Director of the War Memorial Museum Mr Brendon Nelson, representatives of Australian organisations of war veterans and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps attended the ceremony and laid wreaths.
 
In the name of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, the commemoration was attended by the Officer of the Embassy Zoran Pavlicic and Charge d’Affaires a.i. Zoran Marinkovic, who on behalf of the Embassy laid a wreath on the memorial landmark.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra, regarding the National holiday of the Republic of Serbia – World War I Armistice Day, which is celebrated on the 11th November, avails of this opportunity to congratulate all the citizens of the Republic of Serbia on this holiday which we commemorate as the remembrance of all killed in this war.

Also, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canberra avails of this opportunity to congratulate to citizens of Australia and all alliance countries in World War I the Remembrance Day, 11th November.

We are informing that the Embassy will be closed on Monday, 11th November 2013, and the first working day of the Embassy will continue as usual on Tuesday, 12th November 2013.