More intensive regional police cooperation necessary to tackle organised crime

Belgrade, Nov 7, 2007 – Interior ministers and police officials from the region agreed today in Belgrade that a more intensive regional police cooperation is necessary so as to tackle organised crime.

Serbian Minister of Interior Dragan Jocic told a press conference held after the regional meeting of interior ministers and police officials in the region that this meeting confirmed readiness of regional police forces to continue fighting organised crime.

Jocic pointed out to the importance of preserving the state borders from all forms of criminal activities, thus protecting both the region and the EU countries.

He said that regional police cooperation in searching for Hague indictees will be everyday on an operational level and added that Serbia initiates this cooperation being the country that should end its cooperation with the Hague tribunal.

Representatives from Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia participated in the meeting.

Foundations for economic, cultural cooperation of Baden-Württemberg, Serbia established

Stuttgart, Oct 26, 2007 – Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic expressed satisfaction today in Stuttgart, after visiting the German province of Baden Württemberg, that Serbia is able to set foundations for economic and cultural cooperation with this strong German province.

Djelic met today with Baden-Württemberg Minister President Günther Oettinger, with who he reached an agreement on forming a joint commission of the Serbian government and authorities of Baden-Württemberg, which would work on speeding up Serbia’s EU integration, economic and cultural cooperation.

I am very pleased that today we established these connections. This is the first visit of a Serbian government official to Baden-Württemberg in the past 32 years, Djelic told journalists after the meeting with Oettinger and a delegation of local businesspeople.

Oettinger said that as the Serbian nation and economy are progressing, Baden-Württemberg has an interest to cooperate with Serbia.

CEO of the Baden-Württemberg Agency for International Economic and Scientific Cooperation Michael Hagenmeyer said that Serbia is now attractive for foreign investors, especially in the areas of water management, energy and renewable energy.

He however, highlighted that political stability needs to be established and that ownership issue need to be resolved.

Djelic will travel to Hamburg tonight to attend the German Social Democratic Party Congress tomorrow.

Conclusion of cooperation with Hague Tribunal in Serbia’s interest

Belgrade, Oct 26, 2007 – Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica met today with Hague Tribunal’s Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte and said that there is determination and political willingness on behalf of Serbia to conclude cooperation with the Hague Tribunal.

Kostunica stressed at the meeting that fulfilment of all international obligations is primarily in Serbia’s interest, as well as the conclusion of cooperation with the Tribunal.

Del Ponte emphasised it is important for the Tribunal to have indictees stand trial as soon as possible.

Also present at the meeting were President of the National Council for Cooperation with ICTY Rasim Ljajic and Secretary of the National Security Council Miodrag Rakic.