Belgrade, March, 27. 2010 (Source: Tanjug) - The Serbian government should discuss the sale of 40 percent of state-owned shares of the telecommunications public company Telekom Srbija today. The government is also expected to adopt a package of measure regarding subsidized dinar loans for Serbia's citizens as it meets in Belgrade this Friday.
Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković yesterday stated that now is the right time to sell Telekom, given that new landline and mobile service providers have created competition, and expressed expectation that the transaction will be realized by the end of 2010.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Meeting On Danube Strategy In Belgrade In September
Belgrade, March, 23. 2010 ( Source: Beta) — In September, Belgrade will host a meeting of the officials from the Danube countries and the European Commission which aims at setting the crucial projects and funding sources for the Danube Strategy of the Danube region, whose patron will be European Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn. The press learned this in Brussels on March 19 from Serbian Deputy Prime Minister for European Integrations Bozidar Djelic after meeting with Hahn, as well as the European Commission's Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas. The Danube Strategy is being prepared by the European Commission, and should be finished by the end of 2010, while Hahn accepted to be the patron of the meeting in Belgrade, Djelic said.He underlined that it is "a sign of great trust" in Serbia, which has not yet become an official candidate for EU membership, and it is about to work on one of the most important questions related to the Danube Strategy. Djelic also reported that he and Kallas considered how to build and develop European transport corridors in the future, including the possibility for Serbia to join the discussion on the financing of large infrastructure projects, especially when it comes to European Corridors 7 and 10, which pass through Serbia. He added that Serbia will take all steps to reinforce the idea about the construction of Corridor 11, from Romania to Montenegro via Bosnia and Herzegovina. Djelic underlined that he and Kallas exchanged opinions on the construction of railway infrastructure, which will be given great priority in the EU, as a more eco-friendly and cost-efficient type of transport than road transport."This is where I see a chance for the ambitious projects Serbia has in the domain of railway Corridor 10," Djelic stressed.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Serbia to lead regional projects preventing natural disasters
Belgrade, March, 20. 2010 (Serbia Today) – Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Sasa Dragin stated today that Serbia will become the leader of a project dealing with issues such as natural disasters and weather inclemency, which will be implemented together with other countries in the region.
At a press conference following the government session, Dragin told the press that this will be realized on the basis of a Bill the government adopted today, namely one affirming the Memorandum of Understanding on the institutional framework of the initiative for prevention and preparedness in the event of natural disasters for Southeast Europe.
He recalled that Serbia has had its share of forest fires during which it required the help of neighboring countries, adding that its rescuers also answered calls for help from those same countries. The Minister said that the government adopted a Conclusion on reprogramming farmers’ debts for farm land drainage in 2008 and 2009. Dragin stressed that in this Conclusion, the government advised executive boards of water managing companies to allow farmers to repay their debts without having to pay interest on the arrears. He said he is not pleased with the current Law on water management, announcing that a new law will soon be sent to the Parliament. Under the new law, all legal entities will contribute 0.025% of their income to an irrigation fund, from which subsidies will be provided to farmers for building irrigation systems, he said. At its session today the government passed decrees concerning rural development as well as a Decree on the distribution of incentive funds for genetic advancement of livestock during 2010, said Dragin. A Program for the distribution of subsidies for plant protection for 2010 was also approved he said.
At a press conference following the government session, Dragin told the press that this will be realized on the basis of a Bill the government adopted today, namely one affirming the Memorandum of Understanding on the institutional framework of the initiative for prevention and preparedness in the event of natural disasters for Southeast Europe.
He recalled that Serbia has had its share of forest fires during which it required the help of neighboring countries, adding that its rescuers also answered calls for help from those same countries. The Minister said that the government adopted a Conclusion on reprogramming farmers’ debts for farm land drainage in 2008 and 2009. Dragin stressed that in this Conclusion, the government advised executive boards of water managing companies to allow farmers to repay their debts without having to pay interest on the arrears. He said he is not pleased with the current Law on water management, announcing that a new law will soon be sent to the Parliament. Under the new law, all legal entities will contribute 0.025% of their income to an irrigation fund, from which subsidies will be provided to farmers for building irrigation systems, he said. At its session today the government passed decrees concerning rural development as well as a Decree on the distribution of incentive funds for genetic advancement of livestock during 2010, said Dragin. A Program for the distribution of subsidies for plant protection for 2010 was also approved he said.
Monday, March 22, 2010
"Vreme", finally
By: Milen Vesovic
Belgrade, March 16, 2010 (Serbia Today) - The Publishing House "Vreme" D.O.O. announced its thousandth issue of the weekly magazine “Vreme”. It is the most informative weekly magazine in Serbia, next to NIN. The Editorial Board of this magazine will celebrate this year their 20 years of work. Dragoljub Zarkovic, the Chief Editor of the weekly “Vreme”, said that the Editorial Board should be proud of their work and that, despite the skeptics, with 1,000 issues behind, “Vreme” proved to be on the right track. Throughout the years the texts for this magazine were written by journalists such as Filip Svarm, Tamara Skrozza, Dragoljub Zarkovic, Teofil Pancic, Ljubomir Zivkov, Dimitrije Boarov and sometimes Ljiljana Smajlovic now president of the Association of Journalists of Serbia, Veselin Simonovic now chief editor of “Blic”, Vesna Pesic, now a deputy in the National Assembly and many others.
The Newsroom today consists of: Dragoljub Zarkovic (Chief Editor) Philip Svarm (Editor), Aleksandar Ciric (Assistant Editor) Dejan Anastasijevic, Duska Anastasijevic, Alexander Andjic (Photo), Dimitrije Boarov, Slobodan Bubnjević, Sofia Ciric, Vera Didanović John Dulovic Slobodan Georgiev, John Gligorijević, Jelena Grujic, Nebojsa Grujičić (Culture), Andrej Ivanji (World), Zoja Jovanov (Business), Tatjana Jovanovic, Slobodan Kostic, Jasmina Lazic Zoran Majdin, Sasa Markovic, Ivana Milanovic Hrašovec, Milan Milosevic, Teofil Pancic, Ana Radic, Sasa Rakezić (Comics), Tamara Skrozza, Vladimir Stankovic, Zoran Stanojevic (Navigator), Tatjana Tagirov, Dragan Todorovic, Tanja Topic, Momir Turudić, Biljana Vasic, Milos Vasic, Marija Vidic (Sunday issue), Ljubomir Zhivkov , Dragoslav Grujic (Text documents), Jelena Mrdja (Photo documentation). During eighteen years, the newsroom has lost four striking Authors: Jug Grizelj, Stojan Cerovic, Uros Kolenović and Drasko Gagović. The first issue of “Vreme” came out on October 29, 1990. The magazine was founded by journalists who left the daily publication “Borba” , the weekly publication “NIN”, and a group of Belgrade dissidents.
Belgrade, March 16, 2010 (Serbia Today) - The Publishing House "Vreme" D.O.O. announced its thousandth issue of the weekly magazine “Vreme”. It is the most informative weekly magazine in Serbia, next to NIN. The Editorial Board of this magazine will celebrate this year their 20 years of work. Dragoljub Zarkovic, the Chief Editor of the weekly “Vreme”, said that the Editorial Board should be proud of their work and that, despite the skeptics, with 1,000 issues behind, “Vreme” proved to be on the right track. Throughout the years the texts for this magazine were written by journalists such as Filip Svarm, Tamara Skrozza, Dragoljub Zarkovic, Teofil Pancic, Ljubomir Zivkov, Dimitrije Boarov and sometimes Ljiljana Smajlovic now president of the Association of Journalists of Serbia, Veselin Simonovic now chief editor of “Blic”, Vesna Pesic, now a deputy in the National Assembly and many others.
The Newsroom today consists of: Dragoljub Zarkovic (Chief Editor) Philip Svarm (Editor), Aleksandar Ciric (Assistant Editor) Dejan Anastasijevic, Duska Anastasijevic, Alexander Andjic (Photo), Dimitrije Boarov, Slobodan Bubnjević, Sofia Ciric, Vera Didanović John Dulovic Slobodan Georgiev, John Gligorijević, Jelena Grujic, Nebojsa Grujičić (Culture), Andrej Ivanji (World), Zoja Jovanov (Business), Tatjana Jovanovic, Slobodan Kostic, Jasmina Lazic Zoran Majdin, Sasa Markovic, Ivana Milanovic Hrašovec, Milan Milosevic, Teofil Pancic, Ana Radic, Sasa Rakezić (Comics), Tamara Skrozza, Vladimir Stankovic, Zoran Stanojevic (Navigator), Tatjana Tagirov, Dragan Todorovic, Tanja Topic, Momir Turudić, Biljana Vasic, Milos Vasic, Marija Vidic (Sunday issue), Ljubomir Zhivkov , Dragoslav Grujic (Text documents), Jelena Mrdja (Photo documentation). During eighteen years, the newsroom has lost four striking Authors: Jug Grizelj, Stojan Cerovic, Uros Kolenović and Drasko Gagović. The first issue of “Vreme” came out on October 29, 1990. The magazine was founded by journalists who left the daily publication “Borba” , the weekly publication “NIN”, and a group of Belgrade dissidents.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Government adopts bill on social security central registry
Belgrade, March 13, 2010 (Serbia Today) – The Serbian government adopted a bill on the central registry for mandatory social security and amendments to the Law on regional development. At today’s session it also passed several decrees concerning agriculture. The government adopted a conclusion on withdrawing from parliamentary procedure the bill on the election of president and members of the Committee for the Protection of Rights in Public Procurements. The government made this decision after Borislav Galic, a candidate for the Committee president, withdrew his candidacy.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
London court releases Ganić on bail
London, March, 12. 2010 (Source: Beta, Tanjug) - A court in London has released Ejup Ganić, previously arrested in the UK on a Serbian war crimes warrant, on bail today. Ganić was a wartime Muslim member of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Serbia is seeking his extradition on suspicion that he committed war crimes against members of the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), in the May 1992 attack and massacre in Sarajevo's Dobrovoljačka Street. The suspect was arrested on March 1 in London. Serbia is looking for 18 more Bosnian citizens in connection to the case. The British court today reviewed Ganić's release, since he appealed an earlier decision to remand him in prison. Serbia's Justice Ministry said on Thursday that it had sent an official extradition request to the UK.
According to announcements, Serbia was to submit new facts about Ganić’s alleged involvement in the war crimes during the court hearing today – new compared to those reviewed by the Hague prosecution in 2003, which concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to indict Ganić. In Londond today, the BBC reports that Ganić's lawyers said "moves to make him face trial in Serbia are politically motivated and his arrest is illegal". The bail was granted on "stringent" conditions, including staying at an undisclosed London address, observing a nightly curfew and not applying for a passport or travel document. He must also report daily to a London police station, the report said. The bail – amounting to GBP 300,000 (EUR 330,000) – had been provided as security by a "well-wisher" described as "a lady of substantial means". Meanwhile, it was reported that Chairman of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Presidency Haris Silajdžić left for London yesterday in order to support the suspect. Silajdžić was expected to hold meetings with British officials, the Federal Television of Bosnia-Herzegovina reported. The Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina did not discuss its chairman’s trip to London at yesterday’s session, and the Serb republic in Bosnia, RS, does not view the visit as official. RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik said that Silajdžić would abuse his position and send a bad message to RS if he visited Ganić in custody, as he had previously planned.
According to announcements, Serbia was to submit new facts about Ganić’s alleged involvement in the war crimes during the court hearing today – new compared to those reviewed by the Hague prosecution in 2003, which concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to indict Ganić. In Londond today, the BBC reports that Ganić's lawyers said "moves to make him face trial in Serbia are politically motivated and his arrest is illegal". The bail was granted on "stringent" conditions, including staying at an undisclosed London address, observing a nightly curfew and not applying for a passport or travel document. He must also report daily to a London police station, the report said. The bail – amounting to GBP 300,000 (EUR 330,000) – had been provided as security by a "well-wisher" described as "a lady of substantial means". Meanwhile, it was reported that Chairman of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Presidency Haris Silajdžić left for London yesterday in order to support the suspect. Silajdžić was expected to hold meetings with British officials, the Federal Television of Bosnia-Herzegovina reported. The Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina did not discuss its chairman’s trip to London at yesterday’s session, and the Serb republic in Bosnia, RS, does not view the visit as official. RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik said that Silajdžić would abuse his position and send a bad message to RS if he visited Ganić in custody, as he had previously planned.
Vicar accused of embezzlement arrested in Greece
Belgrade, March, 12. 2010 (Source:Tanjug) - SPC Vicar Simeon Vilovski, suspected of embezzlement in the Raška-Prizren Eparchy has been arrested in Greece. This was confirmed today by Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić said.
Greek police apprehended Vilovski, for whose arrest an international warrant was issued, around noon in a suburb of Thessaloniki, the interior minister told Tanjug. The criminal charge has been filed to the Higher Prosecution in Belgrade against Simeon, a former abbot of Banjska monastery and the dismissed deputy in the Raška-Prizren Eparchy. He has been accused of financial embezzlement of the eparchy’s funds worth several hundred thousand euros. Vilovski was the secretary of Bishop of Raška-Prizren and Kosovo-Metohija Artemije, who has been temporarily relieved of his duties with a decision of the Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC ).
Greek police apprehended Vilovski, for whose arrest an international warrant was issued, around noon in a suburb of Thessaloniki, the interior minister told Tanjug. The criminal charge has been filed to the Higher Prosecution in Belgrade against Simeon, a former abbot of Banjska monastery and the dismissed deputy in the Raška-Prizren Eparchy. He has been accused of financial embezzlement of the eparchy’s funds worth several hundred thousand euros. Vilovski was the secretary of Bishop of Raška-Prizren and Kosovo-Metohija Artemije, who has been temporarily relieved of his duties with a decision of the Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC ).
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
RSD 50 million for roads in Novi Pazar
Novi Pazar, March 11, 2010 (Serbia Today) – Deputy Prime Minister for EU integration and Minister of Science and Technology Bozidar Djelic said in Novi Pazar today that the government will secure funds of RSD 50 million for building asphalt roads in Novi Pazar.
The EU has approved a project costing €25 million to Serbia. Part of these funds will also be used for building university facilities, said Djelic after talks with Novi Sad Mayor Meho Mahmutovic. Students’ hostels, canteens and other facilities will be built. Those who finish their studies should stay in Novi Pazar and help with economic development. We cannot allow young people to go on leaving Serbia, stressed Djelic. Novi Pazar could also benefit from the arrangements concluded recently with the European Investment Bank for investment in knowledge economy, he said. Novi Pazar should put forward science and technology projects which we will then be able to finance with funds of €400 million set aside for big investments in science, said Djelic. Djelic also presented telescopes to Bratstvo Elementary School and the Astronomy Society of Novi Pazar. He visited the State University of Novi Pazar where he talked with Rector Cemal Dolicanin and headed a panel discussion titled Europe for All.
The EU has approved a project costing €25 million to Serbia. Part of these funds will also be used for building university facilities, said Djelic after talks with Novi Sad Mayor Meho Mahmutovic. Students’ hostels, canteens and other facilities will be built. Those who finish their studies should stay in Novi Pazar and help with economic development. We cannot allow young people to go on leaving Serbia, stressed Djelic. Novi Pazar could also benefit from the arrangements concluded recently with the European Investment Bank for investment in knowledge economy, he said. Novi Pazar should put forward science and technology projects which we will then be able to finance with funds of €400 million set aside for big investments in science, said Djelic. Djelic also presented telescopes to Bratstvo Elementary School and the Astronomy Society of Novi Pazar. He visited the State University of Novi Pazar where he talked with Rector Cemal Dolicanin and headed a panel discussion titled Europe for All.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Citizens with ID cards with chips to get free digital signature certificates
Belgrade, March 10, 2010 (Serbia Today) – First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic and Minister of Telecommunications and Information Society Jasna Matic visited the Savski Venac police station and had their qualified certificates linked to their ID cards.
Dacic stressed that Serbian citizens who have been issued with ID cards with a biometric chip will also be able to have their qualified certificates linked to their ID cards. This will enable them to use their ID cards for electronic signatures or identification in the virtual world. He noted that the adoption of the amendment to the decree on the data included in the ID card and the decree on registering the Ministry of the Interior’s Certificate Authority in the registry of qualified certificate authorities will enable all citizens to get free-of-charge digital signature certificates in police stations, provided they have been issued with ID cards with a biometric chip.
Dacic said this will enable citizens to address the state in most cases when necessary in an electronic way with their ID card, sign their petitions with the qualified certificate and get an answer from the state. This will make queues at the counters shorter and citizens will have quicker and more efficient communication with the state. Matic said that the portal of the Serbian government’s electronic administration will start with its work next month and emphasized the great importance of electronic administration, as it reduces time and costs in getting certain documents, transparency is increased and the opportunity for corruption reduced.
Dacic stressed that Serbian citizens who have been issued with ID cards with a biometric chip will also be able to have their qualified certificates linked to their ID cards. This will enable them to use their ID cards for electronic signatures or identification in the virtual world. He noted that the adoption of the amendment to the decree on the data included in the ID card and the decree on registering the Ministry of the Interior’s Certificate Authority in the registry of qualified certificate authorities will enable all citizens to get free-of-charge digital signature certificates in police stations, provided they have been issued with ID cards with a biometric chip.
Dacic said this will enable citizens to address the state in most cases when necessary in an electronic way with their ID card, sign their petitions with the qualified certificate and get an answer from the state. This will make queues at the counters shorter and citizens will have quicker and more efficient communication with the state. Matic said that the portal of the Serbian government’s electronic administration will start with its work next month and emphasized the great importance of electronic administration, as it reduces time and costs in getting certain documents, transparency is increased and the opportunity for corruption reduced.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Ejup Ganic arrested in London
Belgrade, March 03, 2010 (Source: B92) - Former Muslim member of the war-time Bosnian Presidency Ejup Ganić has been arrested and remanded in prison in London according to media source B92 from Belgrade. Mr. Ganić will be detained until March 29. He was arrested on a Serbian war crimes warrant. Belgrade announced late on Monday it would seek his extradition on Tuesday morning. Serbia now has 45 days to provide complete documentation related to the case, substantiating its extradition demand. Serbian MUP in early 2009 issued arrest warrants for 19 Bosnian citizens, including Ganić, for their role in the so-called Dobrovoljačka St. massacre. In May 1992, a retreating convoy of the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) was attacked in this Sarajevo street. Ganić was arrested as he was trying to leave Britain, police said. News agencies reported that he is accused by Serbia of conspiracy to murder 40 soldiers, in breach of the Geneva Convention, "primarily in respect of the killing of wounded soldiers".
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Cvetkovic, Dinkic present 200 mattresses to flood victims in Zajecar
Zajecar, March 02, 2010 (Serbia Today) – Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Regional Development Mladjan Dinkic presented Zajecar municipal authorities with 200 mattresses today, intended for flood stricken citizens. Cvetkovic visited the flooded areas and talked to citizens whose houses were damaged in floods that have struck Timocka Krajina in the last few days. He recalled that the government donated RSD 20 million dinars to Zajecar, which is around RSD 30,000 for every flood-affected household. Cvetkovic called upon all businesspeople to help the flood-affected areas in Serbia, stressing that apart from financial assistance, Zajecar will receive aid in the form of mattresses and blankets. Dinkic said that the relevant ministry secured the mattresses in cooperation with the Simpo Company, adding that the state cannot prevent natural disasters, but is under an obligation to help people in flood stricken areas. Zajecar mayor Bosko Nicic said that the aid arriving in the town will be gathered in one place and then distributed to citizens. The government decided yesterday to send emergency financial aid in the sum of RSD 77 million to towns and municipalities in which floods caused the greatest damage. Apart from the RSD 20 million for Zajecar, the government also earmarked RSD 8 million each for Aleksinac, Pozega and Knjazevac, RSD 6 million for Negotin, RSD 4 million for Svrljig and RSD 3million for Boljevac. The municipalities of Merosina, Doljevac, Koceljeva, Ub, Lajkovac, Ljig, Vladimirci, Zitoradja, Priboj and Prijepolje will receive RSD 2 million each.
Youth Delinquency Decreasing
Novi Sad, March 02, 2010 (Souce: Beta) – The percentage of delinquency among young people in Serbia has decreased in 2010, according to the Interior Ministry and Police Administration. Police Chief Mladen Kuribak said that the trust of citizens in the police has increased. Vojvodina Speaker Šandor Egereši said that the statistics of violence among minors is “defeating and frightening,” which is a great concern for him as a parent of two young children. He said that it is encouraging that the public is aware of the presence of violence in the community, and that there is a readiness for young people to help people who are victims of violence. Vojvodina Education Secretary Zoltan Jegeš said that in multi-national communities, the “Safe School” program has shown concrete results, with the number of incidents decreasing in these communities. School teacher Zdenka Ivković said that it is important to work on preventing violence in schools, instead of handing out punishment once violence has occurred. She said that the Novi Sad school she works in has received a “School Without Violence” certificate from a UNICEF program that contributed to a change in the mentality of those working in the schools, enabling them to recognize all forms of violence.
Dacic meets with Patriarch Irinej
Belgrade, March 02, 2010 (Serbia Today) – First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic spoke with Serbian Patriarch Irinej on Friday, Feb. 26. The Minister and the Patriarch pointed out the importance of the Serbian church and the place it occupies in society and they also discussed the protection of monuments of culture and monasteries in Kosovo-Metohija by representatives of the international community. Dacic said that the Serbian police are willing to help the church within their competencies and in the organization of the international celebration of the anniversary of the Edict of Milan, which will be held in Nis. Patriarch Irinej thanked the Serbian police for providing the highest security standards for the funeral of Patriarch Pavle.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Flooding in the Timok Region
Kursumlija, Feb.23, 2010, (Serbia Today) – Beli Timok River (White Timok) broke flood barriers during the night between Saturday and Sunday and flooded some two hundred households. Around 450 residents were forced to evacuate. In some areas houses have been submerged under more than 6 feet of water. The level of Beli Timok River is over 3 feet above the flood barrier level.
Emergency units of the Police and Fire Departments, in cooperation with local construction companies, are trying to rebuild broken barriers and to evacuate remaining residents of the flooded villages. The level of the nearby Crni Timok River (Black Timok ) rose some 6 inches , but for now it is not expected to rise further.
This winter saw frequent snow storms in Serbia, which resulted in the accumulation of huge piles of snow on the ground. Sudden warming in the past several days caused the snow to melt and led to the rise of the levels of many rivers. Emergency services of the local governments are on alert for possible flooding in other areas of Serbia as well. As a result of the flooding, traffic on the road Debelica – Ravan has been closed.
Emergency units of the Police and Fire Departments, in cooperation with local construction companies, are trying to rebuild broken barriers and to evacuate remaining residents of the flooded villages. The level of the nearby Crni Timok River (Black Timok ) rose some 6 inches , but for now it is not expected to rise further.
This winter saw frequent snow storms in Serbia, which resulted in the accumulation of huge piles of snow on the ground. Sudden warming in the past several days caused the snow to melt and led to the rise of the levels of many rivers. Emergency services of the local governments are on alert for possible flooding in other areas of Serbia as well. As a result of the flooding, traffic on the road Debelica – Ravan has been closed.
Bellow poverty line 700.000 citizens in Serbia
Belgrade, Feb. 22, 2010, (Serbia Today) – According to the statement by the Serbian Minister of Labor and Social Politics Rasim Ljajic to the press, the number of citizens living bellow the poverty line in 2009 was higher that in previous years. It is estimated that some 670.000 to 700.000 people in Serbia lives bellow poverty line, which is close to 10% of total population.
In 2008, this index was at 7.9%. Some 160.000 people has been covered by the state welfare programs at the moment, and thanks to the new welfare law that is in making, welfare benefits will be extended this year to another 90.000 recipients, Ljajic told reporters.
He also added that extra expense on welfare will put more burden on the budget, and the amount of money that will be separated for this purposes depend on the ability of country’s economy to get out of economic crisis.
Minister Ljajic hopes that this will be achieved by 2011. The most vulnerable groups of citizens at the moment are retired people over 65, young children, single mothers, families with more than six members, and families in rural areas of Serbia.
In 2008, this index was at 7.9%. Some 160.000 people has been covered by the state welfare programs at the moment, and thanks to the new welfare law that is in making, welfare benefits will be extended this year to another 90.000 recipients, Ljajic told reporters.
He also added that extra expense on welfare will put more burden on the budget, and the amount of money that will be separated for this purposes depend on the ability of country’s economy to get out of economic crisis.
Minister Ljajic hopes that this will be achieved by 2011. The most vulnerable groups of citizens at the moment are retired people over 65, young children, single mothers, families with more than six members, and families in rural areas of Serbia.
U.S. Embassy-sponsored training program in economic journalism
Belgrade, Feb. 20, 2010 ( Source: US Embassy) - On February 12, Ambassador Mary Warlick attended the closing event of a three-month, Embassy-sponsored training program in economic journalism at TV Studio B. She presented Certificates to Participants of Training Program in Economic Journalism
Ten journalism students and young professionals learned research and reporting techniques for economic, business, and finance stories. The participants, working with resources and professionals from Key Connection Media, developed 12 television features about corporate social responsibility on topics such as corporate-sponsored scholarships and food bank donations. The features were broadcast primetime on Studio B.
The Ambassador presented certificates to the young reporters stressing that a free press leads to a free economy, and she expressed hope that professional journalists will continue to play an essential role in Serbia’s economic transformation. Asked about her first impressions of Belgrade and Serbia, Ambassador Warlick praised the warmth and hospitality of Belgraders and the Serbian people. “I look forward to exploring more of your country and meeting your people,” Warlick concluded.
Ten journalism students and young professionals learned research and reporting techniques for economic, business, and finance stories. The participants, working with resources and professionals from Key Connection Media, developed 12 television features about corporate social responsibility on topics such as corporate-sponsored scholarships and food bank donations. The features were broadcast primetime on Studio B.
The Ambassador presented certificates to the young reporters stressing that a free press leads to a free economy, and she expressed hope that professional journalists will continue to play an essential role in Serbia’s economic transformation. Asked about her first impressions of Belgrade and Serbia, Ambassador Warlick praised the warmth and hospitality of Belgraders and the Serbian people. “I look forward to exploring more of your country and meeting your people,” Warlick concluded.
Patriarch apologizes to Muslim citizens
Belgrade, Feb. 19, 2010 (Serbia Today) - Serbian Patriarch Irinej apologized on Friday to the Muslim citizens for his recent statement in which he spoke of Islam in an imprudent manner according to the official statement from the headquarters of the Serbian Orthodox Church. In a statement issued by his office, Patriarch Irinej pointed out that his actual position on Islam is based on the absolute appreciation of identity, dignity and integrity of Muslims as individuals, the Islamic community as a whole, and Islam as a great world religion.
Explaining that his statement was taken out of the context, Patriarch said that Belgrade daily Blic, which published the interview, left out the beginning and the end of his statement, in which he said that “we are all God's creation, and, as a consequence, we are invited to overcome all existing differences with human affection, and to live together in mutual love and respect.” “I express my deepest regret over the statement and its consequences, and I apologize sincerely to Muslims – our fellow-creatures and brothers,” the statement reads. In the interview, as published by Blic on St. Sava's Day, Patriarch Irinej evaluated that the philosophy of Islam is that Muslims, when there is a small number of them, know how to behave themselves and be fair, but when they become predominant and superior, they exert pressure. Islamic communities in Serbia reacted harshly to this demanding apology.
Explaining that his statement was taken out of the context, Patriarch said that Belgrade daily Blic, which published the interview, left out the beginning and the end of his statement, in which he said that “we are all God's creation, and, as a consequence, we are invited to overcome all existing differences with human affection, and to live together in mutual love and respect.” “I express my deepest regret over the statement and its consequences, and I apologize sincerely to Muslims – our fellow-creatures and brothers,” the statement reads. In the interview, as published by Blic on St. Sava's Day, Patriarch Irinej evaluated that the philosophy of Islam is that Muslims, when there is a small number of them, know how to behave themselves and be fair, but when they become predominant and superior, they exert pressure. Islamic communities in Serbia reacted harshly to this demanding apology.
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