| SERBIA Republic of Serbia Republika Srbija Joined United Nations: 1 November 2000 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 08/06/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Belgrade
7,344,847
note: does not include the population of Kosovo
(July 2010 est.)
note: does not include the population of Kosovo
(July 2010 est.)
Boris Tadic
President of Serbia
since 11 July 2004
President of Serbia
since 11 July 2004
President elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible
for a second term); election last held 3 February 2008
Next election to be held: 2013
for a second term); election last held 3 February 2008
Next election to be held: 2013
| HEAD OF GOVERNMENT |
SELECTION PROCESS
Mirko Cvetkovic
Prime Minister of Serbia
since 7 July 2008
Prime Minister of Serbia
since 7 July 2008
Prime Minister elected by the National Assembly;
Elections: last held 21 January 2007 (next to be held 2013)
Kosovo Prime Minister and proposed cabinet are elected by
the Assembly Elections: last held : 13 February 2008
Next election to be held: 2013
Elections: last held 21 January 2007 (next to be held 2013)
Kosovo Prime Minister and proposed cabinet are elected by
the Assembly Elections: last held : 13 February 2008
Next election to be held: 2013
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Serb 82.9%, Hungarian 3.9%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.4%, Yugoslavs 1.1%, Bosniaks 1.8%, Montenegrin 0.9%, other
8% (2002 census)
8% (2002 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Serbian Orthodox 85%, Catholic 5.5%, Protestant 1.1%, Muslim 3.2%, unspecified 2.6%, other, unknown, or
atheist 2.6% (2002 census)
atheist 2.6% (2002 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with 190 municipalities (opcinas, singular - opcina). Legal system is based on civil law system
Executive: President elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 3
February 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister elected by the Assembly
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly (250 seats; deputies elected by direct vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 11 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012)
Judicial: Serbia- Constitutional Court, Supreme Court (to become court of cassation under new constitution),
appellate courts, district courts, municipal courts; Kosovo: Supreme Court, district courts, municipal courts, minor
offense courts; note - Ministry of Justice was created on 20 December 2004; UNMIK appoints all judges and
prosecutors; UNMIK is working on transferring competencies
Executive: President elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 3
February 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister elected by the Assembly
Legislative: Unicameral National Assembly (250 seats; deputies elected by direct vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 11 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012)
Judicial: Serbia- Constitutional Court, Supreme Court (to become court of cassation under new constitution),
appellate courts, district courts, municipal courts; Kosovo: Supreme Court, district courts, municipal courts, minor
offense courts; note - Ministry of Justice was created on 20 December 2004; UNMIK appoints all judges and
prosecutors; UNMIK is working on transferring competencies
| LANGUAGES |
Serbian 88.3% (official), Hungarian 3.8%, Bosniak 1.8%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.1%, other 4.1%, unknown 0.9%
(2002 census)
note: Romanian, Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Croatian all official in Vojvodina
(2002 census)
note: Romanian, Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Croatian all official in Vojvodina
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The Serbs entered their present territory early in the 7th century, settling in six distinct tribal delimitations. The first entry
point was at Stari Vlah in Serbia. The first recorded Serb princes were Višeslav, Radoslav, Prosigoj, and Vlastimir. By
that time, the country had entirely accepted Christianity. In Zeta, today's Montenegro, King Mihailo was crowned by the
Pope in 1077. At this time, Serbs were Catholics as well as Orthodox. Serbs have not been united since the Middle
Ages. The nation was split into several states, which were at times independent but at other times united. The names of
those states were Duklja (Zeta), Zahumlje (today's Hercegovina, with the city Dubrovnik), Travunija (Trebinje, part of
today's Bosnia and Croatia), Pagania (today's eastern Dalmatia with the Islands), Bosna (Bosnia) and Rascia (today's
Sandžak). Eventually Rascia emerged as the strongest and took the name Serbia instead. The first Serb-organized state
emerged under Časlav Klonimirović in the mid-10th century in Rascia. The first half of the 11th century saw the rise of the
Vojislavljević family in Zeta. Marked by disintegration and crises, it lasted until the end of 12th century. Medieval Serbia
enjoyed a high political, economic, and cultural reputation in Europe. It was one of the few states that did not practice the
feudal order. Medieval Serbia reached its apex in the mid-14th century, during the rule of Tsar Stefan Dušan. This is the
period of the Dušanov Zakonik (Dušan's Code, 1349), a juridical achievement unique among the European states of the
time. Unfortunately, he died in December 1355 at the age 47. Modern abduction of the emperor's body revealed that he
was poisoned. He was succeeded by his son Uroš, called the Weak, a term that might also apply to the state of the
kingdom slowly sliding into feudal anarchy. This was a period marked by the rise of a new threat: the Ottoman Turk
sultanate which, gradually spread from Asia to Europe conquering Byzantium first and then the remaining Balkans states.
Two of the most powerful barons in the Serbian Empire, Mrnjavčević brothers, gathered a great army to fight and push
back the Turks. They marched into Turkish territory in 1371 to attack the enemy but they were too confident in
themselves. They built an overnight camp near the river Maritsa at Chermen in today's Bulgaria, and started celebrating
and getting drunk. During the night, a detachment of Turkish forces attacked the drunken Serbian knights and drove them
back to the river. Most of the Serbs were either drowned or killed, thereby annihilating the Serbian army that was
gathered from southern states. The event eventually become known as Battle of Maritsa. Serbs heavily defeated Turks in
Battle of Plocnik in 1386.The most famous Serbian knight Milos Obilic was wounded by arrow in battle. The Battle of
Kosovo was a turning point in the war. Vassal troops commanded by Prince Lazar, the strongest regional ruler in Serbia
at the time, killed Turkish sultan Murad I but suffered a defeat, due to the legendary "sudden departure" of Vuk
Branković's troops. The Battle of Kosovo defined the fate of Serbia, because after it no force capable of standing up to
the Turks existed. The Turks continued their conquest until they finally seized the entire northern Serbian territory in 1459
when Smederevo fell into their hands. Only free Serbian territories were parts of Bosnia and Zeta, but they lasted only
until 1496. The present-day Serbian territory would be ruled by the Ottoman Empire for the next four centuries. European
powers, and Austria in particular, fought many wars against the Ottoman Empire, relying on the help of the Serbs that
lived under Ottoman rule. After a peace treaty was signed in Požarevac, the Ottomans lost all its possessions in the
Danube basin, as well as northern Serbia and northern Bosnia, parts of Dalmatia and the Peloponnesos. The last Austrian-
Ottoman war was the so-called Dubica War (1788–91), when the Austrians urged the Christians in Bosnia to rebel. No
wars were fought afterwards until the 20th century that marked the fall of both mighty empires. Serbia gained its autonomy
from the Ottoman Empire in two uprisings in 1804 (led by Đorđe Petrović - Karađorđe) and 1815 (led by Miloš
Obrenović), although Turkish troops continued to garrison the capital, Belgrade, until 1867. Resulting from the uprisings
and subsequent wars against the Ottoman Empire, the independent Principality of Serbia was formed and granted
international recognition in 1878. Serbia was a principality or kneževina (knjaževina), between 1817 and 1882, and a
kingdom between 1882 and 1918, during which time the internal politics revolved largely around dynastic rivalry between
the Obrenović and Karađorđević families. In the second half of 19th century, Serbia was integrated into the constellation
of European states and the first political parties were founded thus giving new momentum to political life. The coup d'état
in 1903, bringing Karađorđe's grandson to the throne with the title of King Petar I opened the way for parliamentary
democracy in Serbia. Having received a European education, this liberal king translated "On Liberty" by John Stuart Mill
and gave his country a democratic constitution. The June 28, 1914 assassination of Austrian Crown Prince Franz
Ferdinand in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, served as a pretext for the Austrian declaration of war on Serbia, marking the
beginning of World War I, despite Serbia's acceptance (on July 25) of nearly all of Austria-Hungary's demands. A
successful Allied offensive in September 1918 secured first Bulgaria's surrender and then the liberation of the occupied
Serbian territories (November 1918). On November 25, the Assembly of Serbs, Bunjevci, and other nations of
Vojvodina in Novi Sad voted to join the region to Serbia. Also, on November 29 the National Assembly of Montenegro
voted for union with Serbia, and two days later an assembly of leaders of Austria–Hungary's southern Slav regions voted
to join the new State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs. With the end of World War I and the collapse of both the Austro-
Hungarian and Ottoman Empires the conditions were met for proclaiming the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes in
December of 1918. At the beginning of the 1940s, Yugoslavia found itself surrounded by hostile countries. Except for
Greece, all other neighboring countries had signed agreements with either Germany or Italy. Hitler was strongly pressuring
Yugoslavia to join the Axis powers. The government was even prepared to reach a compromise with him, but the spirit in
the country was completely different. Public demonstrations against Nazism prompted a brutal reaction. In April of 1941,
the Luftwaffe bombed Belgrade and other major cities. Ground forces from Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria
invaded Yugoslavia. After a brief war, Yugoslavia surrendered unconditionally. In Serbia, the German occupation
authorities organized several concentration camps for Jews and members of the partisan resistance movement. The
ruthless attitude of the German occupation forces and the genocidal policy of the Croatian Ustaša regime, aimed at Serbs,
Jews, Gypsies and anti-Ustaša Croats, created a strong anti-fascist resistance in the NDH. While the war was still raging,
in 1943, a revolutionary change of the social and state system was proclaimed with the abolition of monarchy in favor of
the republic. Josip Broz Tito became the first president of the new — socialist — Yugoslavia. The 1974 constitution
produced a significantly less centralized federation, increasing the autonomy of Yugoslavia's republics as well as the
autonomous provinces of Serbia. When Tito died in 1980, he was succeeded by a rotating presidency that led to a further
weakening of ties between the republics. The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia broke up in 1991/1992 following
the independence of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia. Two remaining republics of Yugoslavia,
Serbia and Montenegro, formed in 1992 a new federation named Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (In 2003 this state was
transformed into the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro). Between 1998 and 1999, continued reported clashes in
Kosovo between Serbian/Yugoslav security forces and the K.L.A in most of the western media led to NATO aerial
bombardment, which would last for 78 days. Following Montenegro's vote for full independence in the plebiscite of May
21, 2006, Montenegro declared independence on June 3, 2006. This was followed on June 5, 2006 by Serbia's
declaration of independence, marking the final dissolution of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, and the re-
emergence of Serbia as an independent state, under its own name, for the first time since 1918. A new Serbian
constitution was approved in October 2006 and adopted the following month. After 15 months of inconclusive
negotiations mediated by the UN and four months of further inconclusive negotiations mediated by the US, EU, and
Russia, on 17 February 2008, the UNMIK-administered province of Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia. The
declaration was officially recognized by the U.S., Austria, Great Britain, Germany, France, Turkey and dozen other
countries. Serbia, Russia, China, Spain, India, Brazil, Greece, Romania and other countries oppose this declaration and
consider it illegal. In July of 2010, the United Nations International Court of Justice deemed the separation of Kosovo
legal, and Kosovo officials plan a 2011 application to the UN.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Serbia
point was at Stari Vlah in Serbia. The first recorded Serb princes were Višeslav, Radoslav, Prosigoj, and Vlastimir. By
that time, the country had entirely accepted Christianity. In Zeta, today's Montenegro, King Mihailo was crowned by the
Pope in 1077. At this time, Serbs were Catholics as well as Orthodox. Serbs have not been united since the Middle
Ages. The nation was split into several states, which were at times independent but at other times united. The names of
those states were Duklja (Zeta), Zahumlje (today's Hercegovina, with the city Dubrovnik), Travunija (Trebinje, part of
today's Bosnia and Croatia), Pagania (today's eastern Dalmatia with the Islands), Bosna (Bosnia) and Rascia (today's
Sandžak). Eventually Rascia emerged as the strongest and took the name Serbia instead. The first Serb-organized state
emerged under Časlav Klonimirović in the mid-10th century in Rascia. The first half of the 11th century saw the rise of the
Vojislavljević family in Zeta. Marked by disintegration and crises, it lasted until the end of 12th century. Medieval Serbia
enjoyed a high political, economic, and cultural reputation in Europe. It was one of the few states that did not practice the
feudal order. Medieval Serbia reached its apex in the mid-14th century, during the rule of Tsar Stefan Dušan. This is the
period of the Dušanov Zakonik (Dušan's Code, 1349), a juridical achievement unique among the European states of the
time. Unfortunately, he died in December 1355 at the age 47. Modern abduction of the emperor's body revealed that he
was poisoned. He was succeeded by his son Uroš, called the Weak, a term that might also apply to the state of the
kingdom slowly sliding into feudal anarchy. This was a period marked by the rise of a new threat: the Ottoman Turk
sultanate which, gradually spread from Asia to Europe conquering Byzantium first and then the remaining Balkans states.
Two of the most powerful barons in the Serbian Empire, Mrnjavčević brothers, gathered a great army to fight and push
back the Turks. They marched into Turkish territory in 1371 to attack the enemy but they were too confident in
themselves. They built an overnight camp near the river Maritsa at Chermen in today's Bulgaria, and started celebrating
and getting drunk. During the night, a detachment of Turkish forces attacked the drunken Serbian knights and drove them
back to the river. Most of the Serbs were either drowned or killed, thereby annihilating the Serbian army that was
gathered from southern states. The event eventually become known as Battle of Maritsa. Serbs heavily defeated Turks in
Battle of Plocnik in 1386.The most famous Serbian knight Milos Obilic was wounded by arrow in battle. The Battle of
Kosovo was a turning point in the war. Vassal troops commanded by Prince Lazar, the strongest regional ruler in Serbia
at the time, killed Turkish sultan Murad I but suffered a defeat, due to the legendary "sudden departure" of Vuk
Branković's troops. The Battle of Kosovo defined the fate of Serbia, because after it no force capable of standing up to
the Turks existed. The Turks continued their conquest until they finally seized the entire northern Serbian territory in 1459
when Smederevo fell into their hands. Only free Serbian territories were parts of Bosnia and Zeta, but they lasted only
until 1496. The present-day Serbian territory would be ruled by the Ottoman Empire for the next four centuries. European
powers, and Austria in particular, fought many wars against the Ottoman Empire, relying on the help of the Serbs that
lived under Ottoman rule. After a peace treaty was signed in Požarevac, the Ottomans lost all its possessions in the
Danube basin, as well as northern Serbia and northern Bosnia, parts of Dalmatia and the Peloponnesos. The last Austrian-
Ottoman war was the so-called Dubica War (1788–91), when the Austrians urged the Christians in Bosnia to rebel. No
wars were fought afterwards until the 20th century that marked the fall of both mighty empires. Serbia gained its autonomy
from the Ottoman Empire in two uprisings in 1804 (led by Đorđe Petrović - Karađorđe) and 1815 (led by Miloš
Obrenović), although Turkish troops continued to garrison the capital, Belgrade, until 1867. Resulting from the uprisings
and subsequent wars against the Ottoman Empire, the independent Principality of Serbia was formed and granted
international recognition in 1878. Serbia was a principality or kneževina (knjaževina), between 1817 and 1882, and a
kingdom between 1882 and 1918, during which time the internal politics revolved largely around dynastic rivalry between
the Obrenović and Karađorđević families. In the second half of 19th century, Serbia was integrated into the constellation
of European states and the first political parties were founded thus giving new momentum to political life. The coup d'état
in 1903, bringing Karađorđe's grandson to the throne with the title of King Petar I opened the way for parliamentary
democracy in Serbia. Having received a European education, this liberal king translated "On Liberty" by John Stuart Mill
and gave his country a democratic constitution. The June 28, 1914 assassination of Austrian Crown Prince Franz
Ferdinand in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, served as a pretext for the Austrian declaration of war on Serbia, marking the
beginning of World War I, despite Serbia's acceptance (on July 25) of nearly all of Austria-Hungary's demands. A
successful Allied offensive in September 1918 secured first Bulgaria's surrender and then the liberation of the occupied
Serbian territories (November 1918). On November 25, the Assembly of Serbs, Bunjevci, and other nations of
Vojvodina in Novi Sad voted to join the region to Serbia. Also, on November 29 the National Assembly of Montenegro
voted for union with Serbia, and two days later an assembly of leaders of Austria–Hungary's southern Slav regions voted
to join the new State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs. With the end of World War I and the collapse of both the Austro-
Hungarian and Ottoman Empires the conditions were met for proclaiming the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes in
December of 1918. At the beginning of the 1940s, Yugoslavia found itself surrounded by hostile countries. Except for
Greece, all other neighboring countries had signed agreements with either Germany or Italy. Hitler was strongly pressuring
Yugoslavia to join the Axis powers. The government was even prepared to reach a compromise with him, but the spirit in
the country was completely different. Public demonstrations against Nazism prompted a brutal reaction. In April of 1941,
the Luftwaffe bombed Belgrade and other major cities. Ground forces from Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria
invaded Yugoslavia. After a brief war, Yugoslavia surrendered unconditionally. In Serbia, the German occupation
authorities organized several concentration camps for Jews and members of the partisan resistance movement. The
ruthless attitude of the German occupation forces and the genocidal policy of the Croatian Ustaša regime, aimed at Serbs,
Jews, Gypsies and anti-Ustaša Croats, created a strong anti-fascist resistance in the NDH. While the war was still raging,
in 1943, a revolutionary change of the social and state system was proclaimed with the abolition of monarchy in favor of
the republic. Josip Broz Tito became the first president of the new — socialist — Yugoslavia. The 1974 constitution
produced a significantly less centralized federation, increasing the autonomy of Yugoslavia's republics as well as the
autonomous provinces of Serbia. When Tito died in 1980, he was succeeded by a rotating presidency that led to a further
weakening of ties between the republics. The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia broke up in 1991/1992 following
the independence of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia. Two remaining republics of Yugoslavia,
Serbia and Montenegro, formed in 1992 a new federation named Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (In 2003 this state was
transformed into the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro). Between 1998 and 1999, continued reported clashes in
Kosovo between Serbian/Yugoslav security forces and the K.L.A in most of the western media led to NATO aerial
bombardment, which would last for 78 days. Following Montenegro's vote for full independence in the plebiscite of May
21, 2006, Montenegro declared independence on June 3, 2006. This was followed on June 5, 2006 by Serbia's
declaration of independence, marking the final dissolution of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, and the re-
emergence of Serbia as an independent state, under its own name, for the first time since 1918. A new Serbian
constitution was approved in October 2006 and adopted the following month. After 15 months of inconclusive
negotiations mediated by the UN and four months of further inconclusive negotiations mediated by the US, EU, and
Russia, on 17 February 2008, the UNMIK-administered province of Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia. The
declaration was officially recognized by the U.S., Austria, Great Britain, Germany, France, Turkey and dozen other
countries. Serbia, Russia, China, Spain, India, Brazil, Greece, Romania and other countries oppose this declaration and
consider it illegal. In July of 2010, the United Nations International Court of Justice deemed the separation of Kosovo
legal, and Kosovo officials plan a 2011 application to the UN.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Serbia
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended period of international economic sanctions, and the
damage to Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the NATO airstrikes in 1999 left the economy only half the size
it was in 1990. After the ousting of former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC in September 2000, the Democratic
Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition government implemented stabilization measures and embarked on a market reform
program. After renewing its membership in the IMF in December 2000, Yugoslavia continued to reintegrate into the
international community by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD). Belgrade has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise restructuring and privatization,
including telecommunications and small- and medium-size firms. It has made some progress towards EU membership,
signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Brussels in May 2008, and with full implementation of the Interim
Trade Agreement with the EU in February 2010. Serbia is also pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization.
Reforms needed to ensure the country's long-term viability have largely stalled since the onset of the global financial crisis.
Serbia is grappling with fallout from crisis, which has led to a sharp drop in exports to Western Europe and a decline in
manufacturing output. Unemployment and limited export earnings remain ongoing political and economic problems. Serbia
signed an augmented $4 billion Stand By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2009. IMF conditions on Serbia constrain
the use of stimulus efforts to revive the economy, while Serbia's concerns about inflation and exchange rate stability
preclude the use of expansionary monetary policy. Nevertheless, the IMF projects that Serbia's economy will grow by
1.5% in 2010 after a 3% contraction in 2009 as a recovery in Western Europe takes hold.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Serbia)
damage to Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the NATO airstrikes in 1999 left the economy only half the size
it was in 1990. After the ousting of former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC in September 2000, the Democratic
Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition government implemented stabilization measures and embarked on a market reform
program. After renewing its membership in the IMF in December 2000, Yugoslavia continued to reintegrate into the
international community by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD). Belgrade has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise restructuring and privatization,
including telecommunications and small- and medium-size firms. It has made some progress towards EU membership,
signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Brussels in May 2008, and with full implementation of the Interim
Trade Agreement with the EU in February 2010. Serbia is also pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization.
Reforms needed to ensure the country's long-term viability have largely stalled since the onset of the global financial crisis.
Serbia is grappling with fallout from crisis, which has led to a sharp drop in exports to Western Europe and a decline in
manufacturing output. Unemployment and limited export earnings remain ongoing political and economic problems. Serbia
signed an augmented $4 billion Stand By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2009. IMF conditions on Serbia constrain
the use of stimulus efforts to revive the economy, while Serbia's concerns about inflation and exchange rate stability
preclude the use of expansionary monetary policy. Nevertheless, the IMF projects that Serbia's economy will grow by
1.5% in 2010 after a 3% contraction in 2009 as a recovery in Western Europe takes hold.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Serbia)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The current President of Serbia is Boris Tadić, leader of the center-left Democratic Party (DS). He was reelected with
50.5% of the vote in the second round of the Serbian presidential election held on 4 February 2008.
Serbia held parliamentary elections on 21 May 2008. The coalition For a European Serbia led by DS claimed victory, but
significantly short of an absolute majority. Following the negotiations with the leftist coalition centered around Socialist
Party of Serbia (SPS) and parties of national minorities (those of Hungarians, Bosniaks and Albanians) an agreement was
reached to make-up a new government, headed by Mirko Cvetković.
Present-day Serbian politics are fractious and extremely divided between nationalist and liberal European Union
advocating parties. Issues include proposals to restore the Serbian monarchy whose family members have stated that they
are interested in forming a constitutional monarchy in Serbia. However, none of the larger parties actively support
restoration.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Serbia
50.5% of the vote in the second round of the Serbian presidential election held on 4 February 2008.
Serbia held parliamentary elections on 21 May 2008. The coalition For a European Serbia led by DS claimed victory, but
significantly short of an absolute majority. Following the negotiations with the leftist coalition centered around Socialist
Party of Serbia (SPS) and parties of national minorities (those of Hungarians, Bosniaks and Albanians) an agreement was
reached to make-up a new government, headed by Mirko Cvetković.
Present-day Serbian politics are fractious and extremely divided between nationalist and liberal European Union
advocating parties. Issues include proposals to restore the Serbian monarchy whose family members have stated that they
are interested in forming a constitutional monarchy in Serbia. However, none of the larger parties actively support
restoration.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Serbia
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Serbia with several other states protest the U.S. and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself as a sovereign
and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final
status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers under UNMIK authority
continue to keep the peace within Kosovo between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in Kosovo;
Serbia delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in
dispute
and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final
status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers under UNMIK authority
continue to keep the peace within Kosovo between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in Kosovo;
Serbia delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in
dispute
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
Refugees (country of origin): 71,111 (Croatia); 27,414 (Bosnia and Herzegovina); 206,000 (Kosovo), note - mostly
ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999 (2007)
ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999 (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin moving to Western Europe on the Balkan route; economy vulnerable to
money laundering
money laundering
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Serbia
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of Serbia is a parliamentary democracy with approximately 7.5 million inhabitants. Boris Tadic was reelected
president in February 2008. In May 2008 voters elected a new parliament in which some minority ethnic parties won seats.
Observers considered both elections to be mostly in line with international standards. Civilian authorities generally maintained
effective control of the security forces.
The following human rights problems were reported:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The Republic of Serbia is a parliamentary democracy with approximately 7.5 million inhabitants. Boris Tadic was reelected
president in February 2008. In May 2008 voters elected a new parliament in which some minority ethnic parties won seats.
Observers considered both elections to be mostly in line with international standards. Civilian authorities generally maintained
effective control of the security forces.
The following human rights problems were reported:
- physical mistreatment of detainees by police;
- police corruption;
- inefficient and lengthy trials;
- harassment of journalists, human rights advocates, and others critical of the government;
- limitations on freedom of speech and religion;
- large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs);
- corruption in legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government;
- government failure to apprehend the two remaining fugitive war crimes suspects under indictment of the International
Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); - societal violence against women and children;
- societal intolerance and discrimination against minorities, particularly Roma and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
(LGBT) population; - trafficking in persons.
11 June 2010
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Fifty-fourth session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 12 (1) OF THE OPTIONAL
PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD ON THE SALE OF CHILDREN, CHILD
PROSTITUTION AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child:
Republic of Serbia
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s initial report and the replies to its list of issues
(CRC/C/OPSC/SRB/Q/1/). The Committee nevertheless regrets that the State party’s report did not follow the guidelines for
reporting under the Optional Protocol.
3. The Committee reminds the State party that these concluding observations should be read in conjunction with its previous
concluding observations on the State party’s initial report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (“the Convention”)
(CRC/C/SRB/CO/1 adopted on 6 June 2008) and the concluding observations on the State party’s initial report under the Optional
Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict (CRC/C/OPAC/SRB/CO/1 adopted on 11 June 2010) .
I. General Observations
A. Positive aspects
4. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of the following legislative and other measures:
(a) The Law on Juvenile Offenders and Criminal Justice Protection of Juveniles (2005);
(b) The amendments to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code (2009);
II. Data
7. While noting the further improvements in the area of data collection especially through DevInfo and that some research on
the areas covered by the Protocol has been undertaken, the Committee remains concerned at the lack of a systematic and
centralized mechanism to collect data disaggregated inter alia by age, sex, ethnic or social origin and urban/rural areas.
8. The Committee recommends that the State party centralize and further develop its mechanism for systematic data
collection, in order to effectively analyse, monitor and assess the impact of laws, policies and programmes for all the areas covered
by the Optional Protocol. This would include data on both perpetrators and victims of sale of children, child prostitution and child
pornography. Data should be disaggregated, inter alia, by the nature of the offence and by age, sex, ethnic or social origin,
urban/rural areas and by paying particular attention to children who are especially vulnerable to becoming victims of the offences
covered by the Optional Protocol. The Committee also recommends that the State party undertake further research on the areas
covered by the Optional Protocol to identify the root causes and extent of sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Fifty-fourth session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 12 (1) OF THE OPTIONAL
PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD ON THE SALE OF CHILDREN, CHILD
PROSTITUTION AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child:
Republic of Serbia
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s initial report and the replies to its list of issues
(CRC/C/OPSC/SRB/Q/1/). The Committee nevertheless regrets that the State party’s report did not follow the guidelines for
reporting under the Optional Protocol.
3. The Committee reminds the State party that these concluding observations should be read in conjunction with its previous
concluding observations on the State party’s initial report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (“the Convention”)
(CRC/C/SRB/CO/1 adopted on 6 June 2008) and the concluding observations on the State party’s initial report under the Optional
Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict (CRC/C/OPAC/SRB/CO/1 adopted on 11 June 2010) .
I. General Observations
A. Positive aspects
4. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of the following legislative and other measures:
(a) The Law on Juvenile Offenders and Criminal Justice Protection of Juveniles (2005);
(b) The amendments to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code (2009);
II. Data
7. While noting the further improvements in the area of data collection especially through DevInfo and that some research on
the areas covered by the Protocol has been undertaken, the Committee remains concerned at the lack of a systematic and
centralized mechanism to collect data disaggregated inter alia by age, sex, ethnic or social origin and urban/rural areas.
8. The Committee recommends that the State party centralize and further develop its mechanism for systematic data
collection, in order to effectively analyse, monitor and assess the impact of laws, policies and programmes for all the areas covered
by the Optional Protocol. This would include data on both perpetrators and victims of sale of children, child prostitution and child
pornography. Data should be disaggregated, inter alia, by the nature of the offence and by age, sex, ethnic or social origin,
urban/rural areas and by paying particular attention to children who are especially vulnerable to becoming victims of the offences
covered by the Optional Protocol. The Committee also recommends that the State party undertake further research on the areas
covered by the Optional Protocol to identify the root causes and extent of sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD 2010 REPORT
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Explanatory Note
The ratings through 2002 are for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, of which Serbia was a part, and those from 2003
through 2005 are for the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. Kosovo is examined in a separate report.
Ratings Change
Serbia’s political rights rating improved from 3 to 2 due to the consolidation of a stable multiparty system after several
rounds of elections in the post-Milosevic period.
Overview
The parliament in November approved a new statute regulating the autonomy of the northern province of Vojvodina, ending a long
political debate over the issue and demonstrating the effectiveness of the Democratic Party–led government elected in 2008. The
country also made progress in its relations with the European Union, securing visa-free travel rights and the implementation of a
trade agreement in December. However, press freedom groups criticized a media law adopted in August, and tensions involving the
ethnic Albanian population in the Presevo Valley remained a problem.
The new government, led by Mirko Cvetkovic, was the first since 2000 to include the SPS, which was trying to reinvent itself as a
mainstream center-left party. The election outcome also marked the first time since 2000 that a single party, in this case the DS,
controlled the presidency, the premiership, and a working majority in parliament. In another sign of political normalization, hard-
liners in the SRS were further isolated when the moderate wing of the party broke off to form the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS)
in September.
The government successfully passed a number of important laws in 2009, including a long-awaited statute that defined and
expanded Vojvodina’s autonomy in November, and legislation to improveconditions for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in
July. The country also made progress in improving relations with the United States and the EU. It received praise for its
cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and in December the EU eliminated visa
requirements for Serbians and cleared the way for implementation of a 2008 trade agreement. Later that month, Serbia formally
submitted its application for EU membership.
Meanwhile, Serbia continued to challenge Kosovo’s secession through legal and diplomatic means, most importantly by bringing a
suit before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The court began hearings on the case in December 2009.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Explanatory Note
The ratings through 2002 are for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, of which Serbia was a part, and those from 2003
through 2005 are for the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. Kosovo is examined in a separate report.
Ratings Change
Serbia’s political rights rating improved from 3 to 2 due to the consolidation of a stable multiparty system after several
rounds of elections in the post-Milosevic period.
Overview
The parliament in November approved a new statute regulating the autonomy of the northern province of Vojvodina, ending a long
political debate over the issue and demonstrating the effectiveness of the Democratic Party–led government elected in 2008. The
country also made progress in its relations with the European Union, securing visa-free travel rights and the implementation of a
trade agreement in December. However, press freedom groups criticized a media law adopted in August, and tensions involving the
ethnic Albanian population in the Presevo Valley remained a problem.
The new government, led by Mirko Cvetkovic, was the first since 2000 to include the SPS, which was trying to reinvent itself as a
mainstream center-left party. The election outcome also marked the first time since 2000 that a single party, in this case the DS,
controlled the presidency, the premiership, and a working majority in parliament. In another sign of political normalization, hard-
liners in the SRS were further isolated when the moderate wing of the party broke off to form the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS)
in September.
The government successfully passed a number of important laws in 2009, including a long-awaited statute that defined and
expanded Vojvodina’s autonomy in November, and legislation to improveconditions for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in
July. The country also made progress in improving relations with the United States and the EU. It received praise for its
cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and in December the EU eliminated visa
requirements for Serbians and cleared the way for implementation of a 2008 trade agreement. Later that month, Serbia formally
submitted its application for EU membership.
Meanwhile, Serbia continued to challenge Kosovo’s secession through legal and diplomatic means, most importantly by bringing a
suit before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The court began hearings on the case in December 2009.
Click here to read more »
Serbian Roma families facing forced eviction
3 August 2010
Amnesty International has urged the Belgrade authorities to halt plans to destroy a Roma settlement amid fears that an eviction
could be imminent.
At least 70 families living in an informal settlement in the Vidikovac area of the Serbian capital, many of whom fled there after being
forcibly evicted from other sites, could be left homeless again if the demolition goes ahead.
"The authorities have yet to find a long-term solution for Roma who, after seeing their homes repeatedly destroyed, live in constant
fear of being evicted at any time without warning," said Sian Jones, Amnesty International's expert on Serbia.
Under international law, evictions can only be carried out as a last resort, once all other alternatives have been exhausted.
The Belgrade authorities have not offered the families any alternative accommodation or compensation. They have failed to consult
the community, instead issuing them with two eviction notices in April and mid-June, the latter threatening the settlement with
eviction from early July.
"The city authorities have no respect for the Roma people's dignity and human rights, we have been suffering discrimination in this
society for far too long," a Roma activist, who wants to remain anonymous due to fear of eviction, told Amnesty International after
her visit to Vidikovac on 30 July.
"The youngest of the Vidikovac residents are the most vulnerable to forced evictions. We are talking about kids with no chance to
live normally. They can't learn like other children, their health is at risk."
Thirty-five of the families at risk of eviction joined the Vidikovac settlement in April 2010, when their homes on the other side of
the street were destroyed by the Belgrade authorities. They were offered no alternative accommodation, assistance or compensation.
Another 20 families arrived at site after being evicted from a nearby area without prior notice, leaving them unable to rescue
anything but the few belongings they could carry. Promises of food and assistance from the authorities failed to materialize.
"This vicious circle of forced evictions can only be broken through the development of a sustainable resettlement plan, which
ensures the right to adequate housing for all affected communities," said Sian Jones.
Many of the Roma families living in Vidikovac were forcibly returned to Serbia from several EU states between 2006 and 2008.
Click here to read more »
3 August 2010
Amnesty International has urged the Belgrade authorities to halt plans to destroy a Roma settlement amid fears that an eviction
could be imminent.
At least 70 families living in an informal settlement in the Vidikovac area of the Serbian capital, many of whom fled there after being
forcibly evicted from other sites, could be left homeless again if the demolition goes ahead.
"The authorities have yet to find a long-term solution for Roma who, after seeing their homes repeatedly destroyed, live in constant
fear of being evicted at any time without warning," said Sian Jones, Amnesty International's expert on Serbia.
Under international law, evictions can only be carried out as a last resort, once all other alternatives have been exhausted.
The Belgrade authorities have not offered the families any alternative accommodation or compensation. They have failed to consult
the community, instead issuing them with two eviction notices in April and mid-June, the latter threatening the settlement with
eviction from early July.
"The city authorities have no respect for the Roma people's dignity and human rights, we have been suffering discrimination in this
society for far too long," a Roma activist, who wants to remain anonymous due to fear of eviction, told Amnesty International after
her visit to Vidikovac on 30 July.
"The youngest of the Vidikovac residents are the most vulnerable to forced evictions. We are talking about kids with no chance to
live normally. They can't learn like other children, their health is at risk."
Thirty-five of the families at risk of eviction joined the Vidikovac settlement in April 2010, when their homes on the other side of
the street were destroyed by the Belgrade authorities. They were offered no alternative accommodation, assistance or compensation.
Another 20 families arrived at site after being evicted from a nearby area without prior notice, leaving them unable to rescue
anything but the few belongings they could carry. Promises of food and assistance from the authorities failed to materialize.
"This vicious circle of forced evictions can only be broken through the development of a sustainable resettlement plan, which
ensures the right to adequate housing for all affected communities," said Sian Jones.
Many of the Roma families living in Vidikovac were forcibly returned to Serbia from several EU states between 2006 and 2008.
Click here to read more »
EU: Remain Firm on Mladic
Keep Full Cooperation With War Crimes Tribunal as Condition for Closer Ties With Serbia
June 11, 2010
(Brussels) - The European Union (EU) should demonstrate its commitment to justice by requiring Serbia to arrest the Bosnian
Serb's wartime military leader, Ratko Mladic, before allowing Serbia to establish closer ties with the EU, Human Rights Watch said
in a letter to EU foreign affairs ministers today. On June 14, 2010, the EU Foreign Affairs Council will consider starting the
ratification process for a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Serbia, a key step toward possible EU membership.
A failure by the EU to insist on full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY),
including Mladic's surrender, would significantly diminish chances of full accountability for the genocide in Srebrenica. More than
7,000 men and boys were massacred after the fall of the enclave in July 1995.
"The passage of 15 years has not diminished the survivors' desire for justice," said Geraldine Mattioli Zeltner, advocacy director of
the International Justice Program at Human Rights Watch. "Serbia's desire for closer ties to the EU offers the best hope that Mladic
may one day face trial."
A recently amended indictment by the tribunal charges Mladic with 11 counts of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war
crimes in relation to the genocide at Srebrenica, ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, the siege of Sarajevo, and the taking of UN personnel as
hostages. He has been wanted by the tribunal since July 1995.
On June 10, seven former high-ranking Bosnian Serb military and police officers were convicted of crimes in relation to the fall of
Srebrenica and Zena in 1995. However, Mladic, as the most senior officer of the Bosnian Serb army during the war, is widely
believed to be the architect of the massacre at Srebrenica and without his trial, many victims will feel that justice has not been
completely served.
The EU has repeatedly indicated that full cooperation with the tribunal is necessary for Serbia's progress toward accession. Serbia's
previous lack of cooperation with the tribunal, including the failure to arrest Mladic, led to the suspension of negotiations toward a
Stabilization Association Agreement (SAA) in May 2006. Despite the failure to arrest Mladic, the EU signed an SAA with Serbia in
April 2008. At the June 14 meeting, EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will discuss whether to begin the ratification process for the
agreement.
All 27 EU member states must ratify the agreement for it to enter into force. So far, only the Netherlands and Belgium have publicly
said they would not ratify the agreement because of Serbia's outstanding obligations with respect to the tribunal. The EU's
insistence on full cooperation with the tribunal has previously led to the arrests of high-level fugitives, including Radovan Karadzic,
the Bosnian Serb's wartime leader who is currently on trial for the Srebrenica killings, and the Croatian general Ante Gotovina. It
has also resulted in improved sharing of information with the tribunal.
"The EU has often stated its commitment to battling impunity for the most serious crimes," Mattioli Zeltner said. "Now it needs to
put words into action and show that it will follow through with its principles at home."
Click here to read more »
Keep Full Cooperation With War Crimes Tribunal as Condition for Closer Ties With Serbia
June 11, 2010
(Brussels) - The European Union (EU) should demonstrate its commitment to justice by requiring Serbia to arrest the Bosnian
Serb's wartime military leader, Ratko Mladic, before allowing Serbia to establish closer ties with the EU, Human Rights Watch said
in a letter to EU foreign affairs ministers today. On June 14, 2010, the EU Foreign Affairs Council will consider starting the
ratification process for a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Serbia, a key step toward possible EU membership.
A failure by the EU to insist on full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY),
including Mladic's surrender, would significantly diminish chances of full accountability for the genocide in Srebrenica. More than
7,000 men and boys were massacred after the fall of the enclave in July 1995.
"The passage of 15 years has not diminished the survivors' desire for justice," said Geraldine Mattioli Zeltner, advocacy director of
the International Justice Program at Human Rights Watch. "Serbia's desire for closer ties to the EU offers the best hope that Mladic
may one day face trial."
A recently amended indictment by the tribunal charges Mladic with 11 counts of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war
crimes in relation to the genocide at Srebrenica, ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, the siege of Sarajevo, and the taking of UN personnel as
hostages. He has been wanted by the tribunal since July 1995.
On June 10, seven former high-ranking Bosnian Serb military and police officers were convicted of crimes in relation to the fall of
Srebrenica and Zena in 1995. However, Mladic, as the most senior officer of the Bosnian Serb army during the war, is widely
believed to be the architect of the massacre at Srebrenica and without his trial, many victims will feel that justice has not been
completely served.
The EU has repeatedly indicated that full cooperation with the tribunal is necessary for Serbia's progress toward accession. Serbia's
previous lack of cooperation with the tribunal, including the failure to arrest Mladic, led to the suspension of negotiations toward a
Stabilization Association Agreement (SAA) in May 2006. Despite the failure to arrest Mladic, the EU signed an SAA with Serbia in
April 2008. At the June 14 meeting, EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will discuss whether to begin the ratification process for the
agreement.
All 27 EU member states must ratify the agreement for it to enter into force. So far, only the Netherlands and Belgium have publicly
said they would not ratify the agreement because of Serbia's outstanding obligations with respect to the tribunal. The EU's
insistence on full cooperation with the tribunal has previously led to the arrests of high-level fugitives, including Radovan Karadzic,
the Bosnian Serb's wartime leader who is currently on trial for the Srebrenica killings, and the Croatian general Ante Gotovina. It
has also resulted in improved sharing of information with the tribunal.
"The EU has often stated its commitment to battling impunity for the most serious crimes," Mattioli Zeltner said. "Now it needs to
put words into action and show that it will follow through with its principles at home."
Click here to read more »
S T A T E M E N T by H.E. MR. VUK JEREMIĆ,
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
New York, 3 August 2010
Time and again, this Government of Serbia has demonstrated its capacity to engage with our partners in overcoming lingering
prejudices and points of disagreement. Even on the most challenging issues, we have found ways to work together.
Our sustained efforts have made the Western Balkans more stable and secure, with key bilateral relationships in our part of the
world showing visible signs of improvement. These achievements have taken place in the midst of a renewed impetus to complete
the process of full reconciliation. Serbia’s compelling track record of good-will has helped to advance common strategic priorities
and to building up the regional level of trust to an all-time high.
We remain deeply committed to EU membership—this will continue to be our central strategic priority. Serbia believes its
achievement is the surest way to complete the democratic transformation of the Balkans.
Undoubtedly, this will require leadership and imagination, as well as the courage to reach beyond present divisions.
There are those who still mistakenly insist that we be defined by our differences. Serbia is adamant in maintaining that we be
defined by the shared destiny of all European nations, and by the values we should all embrace.
Amongst the most basic of these is the renunciation of unilateralism as a means of resolving conflicts in Europe. The project to
bind in peace and consent the states of the Old Continent has brought to an end centuries of wars and destruction. On the way
towards achieving this, many creative solutions were found for bridging the seemingly unbridgeable divides.
What all those had in common was the fact that they were built on the basis of the consensus principle. The challenge before us
cannot be resolved differently.
We should therefore brace ourselves to a bold course of action, and so bear ourselves that by working together in good faith we
make sure that Kosovo is removed from the list of world’s problems—once and for all.
Click here to read more »
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
New York, 3 August 2010
Time and again, this Government of Serbia has demonstrated its capacity to engage with our partners in overcoming lingering
prejudices and points of disagreement. Even on the most challenging issues, we have found ways to work together.
Our sustained efforts have made the Western Balkans more stable and secure, with key bilateral relationships in our part of the
world showing visible signs of improvement. These achievements have taken place in the midst of a renewed impetus to complete
the process of full reconciliation. Serbia’s compelling track record of good-will has helped to advance common strategic priorities
and to building up the regional level of trust to an all-time high.
We remain deeply committed to EU membership—this will continue to be our central strategic priority. Serbia believes its
achievement is the surest way to complete the democratic transformation of the Balkans.
Undoubtedly, this will require leadership and imagination, as well as the courage to reach beyond present divisions.
There are those who still mistakenly insist that we be defined by our differences. Serbia is adamant in maintaining that we be
defined by the shared destiny of all European nations, and by the values we should all embrace.
Amongst the most basic of these is the renunciation of unilateralism as a means of resolving conflicts in Europe. The project to
bind in peace and consent the states of the Old Continent has brought to an end centuries of wars and destruction. On the way
towards achieving this, many creative solutions were found for bridging the seemingly unbridgeable divides.
What all those had in common was the fact that they were built on the basis of the consensus principle. The challenge before us
cannot be resolved differently.
We should therefore brace ourselves to a bold course of action, and so bear ourselves that by working together in good faith we
make sure that Kosovo is removed from the list of world’s problems—once and for all.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SERBIAN BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Press Ombudsman: The High Judicial Council is not in a position to appreciate the decision of the Ombudsman on the
legality and regularity of VSS
Thursday, 05 August 2010 12:46
Announcement of the High Judicial Council that the "belated reaction of the Ombudsman, redundant and unnecessary," is
characterized by a serious lack of constructiveness and constructive, at least you might expect from the authorities because of the
failure of whose reform of the judiciary has become a problem rather than solution.
The High Judicial Council (VSS) should understand that it is not in a position to appreciate the decision of the Ombudsman on the
legality and regularity of VSS by the Ombudsman complaints brought by citizens within its jurisdiction, but to show responsibility
and a lot prilježnije joined the correction determined by omission. That and the fact that citizens as taxpayers and after the expiration
of the law established the deadline of six months, based on the conclusion of the Serbian government to pay salaries and
contributions removed and the former non-elected judges and will make it until you remove the shadow from the proceedings that
led VSS.
Press VSS reflects the same attitude that is very likely and led to numerous failures in the performance of the first great task of the
newly formed body and very bad if some members of that body have not noticed unsustainability of this approach can work in the
period in which the state function does not mean power but responsibility.
Ombudsman agrees with the assessment that VSS only that his decision could make faster. Did not appreciate that, in a
constructive proposal from the VSS, using an agency the authority until the expected first decision of the Constitutional Court and
the patience - nedolivanjem oil on fire "after the affair with footage of conversations between people of whom one apparently
knows no other - to achieve better outcome for the complainant, but by using the control powers of the Ombudsman has the
authority to which the Constitution entrusts the protection of all citizens' rights and control over the legality and regularity of the
public authorities.
It turned out, unfortunately, that patience, constructive and balanced for now do not have the full resonance of the High Judicial
Council.
Ombudsman has found flaws VSS and gave recommendations on how they can be corrected and avoided in the future. VSS is a
legal obligation to the Ombudsman within a period of 2 months notice of implementation of recommendations.
Click here to read more »
Press Ombudsman: The High Judicial Council is not in a position to appreciate the decision of the Ombudsman on the
legality and regularity of VSS
Thursday, 05 August 2010 12:46
Announcement of the High Judicial Council that the "belated reaction of the Ombudsman, redundant and unnecessary," is
characterized by a serious lack of constructiveness and constructive, at least you might expect from the authorities because of the
failure of whose reform of the judiciary has become a problem rather than solution.
The High Judicial Council (VSS) should understand that it is not in a position to appreciate the decision of the Ombudsman on the
legality and regularity of VSS by the Ombudsman complaints brought by citizens within its jurisdiction, but to show responsibility
and a lot prilježnije joined the correction determined by omission. That and the fact that citizens as taxpayers and after the expiration
of the law established the deadline of six months, based on the conclusion of the Serbian government to pay salaries and
contributions removed and the former non-elected judges and will make it until you remove the shadow from the proceedings that
led VSS.
Press VSS reflects the same attitude that is very likely and led to numerous failures in the performance of the first great task of the
newly formed body and very bad if some members of that body have not noticed unsustainability of this approach can work in the
period in which the state function does not mean power but responsibility.
Ombudsman agrees with the assessment that VSS only that his decision could make faster. Did not appreciate that, in a
constructive proposal from the VSS, using an agency the authority until the expected first decision of the Constitutional Court and
the patience - nedolivanjem oil on fire "after the affair with footage of conversations between people of whom one apparently
knows no other - to achieve better outcome for the complainant, but by using the control powers of the Ombudsman has the
authority to which the Constitution entrusts the protection of all citizens' rights and control over the legality and regularity of the
public authorities.
It turned out, unfortunately, that patience, constructive and balanced for now do not have the full resonance of the High Judicial
Council.
Ombudsman has found flaws VSS and gave recommendations on how they can be corrected and avoided in the future. VSS is a
legal obligation to the Ombudsman within a period of 2 months notice of implementation of recommendations.
Click here to read more »
YUCOM worried about Mufti’s reaction to a photomontage in “Blic” neswspaper
(22.06.2010.)
The Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights (YUCOM) has expressed concerns today about “the atmosphere that is being created”
following Islamic community’s Mesihat’s reaction to a photomontage of the Mufti Muamer Zukorlić published in “Blic”.
“As YUCOM has always been an advocate for the freedom of expression and is now working on a series of cases regarding
violations of the right of expression before the European Court of Human Rights, it is hard for us to accept the argument and tone
of the Mesihat of the Islamic community in Serbia, which condemn the appearance of the photomontage on a page of the daily
newspaper “Blic” (translated from Serbian),” the statement quotes.
The photomontage, which portrays Mufti Zurkolić in an Orthodox priestly robe, was published in the humor section of “Blic”
newspaper last Saturday, with the title “Greater Catholic than the Pope.”
• Zurkolić has stated that he will sue “Blic” for 100 million Euros worth of compensatory damages and has also urged the President
of the Republic of Serbia, Boris Tadić, to express his views on the issue.
Veselin Simonović, editor in chief of the daily newspaper, has apologized to the Muslim community and stated that the newspaper
did not intend to hurt anyone’s religious beliefs.
Today, YUCOM said that “after the very violent events in the village of Jabuka… where violence perpetrated against the Roma
population and a small religious community lasted for a few days without adequate intervention on behalf of the State,” it is rightly
worried about “the possibility of opening conflicts and further deepening of differences.”
“Conciliatory tones and an open dialogue on religious differences may contribute to further understanding and respect for
differences, as well as to the establishment of a tolerant society,” the statement quotes.
Click here to read more »
(22.06.2010.)
The Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights (YUCOM) has expressed concerns today about “the atmosphere that is being created”
following Islamic community’s Mesihat’s reaction to a photomontage of the Mufti Muamer Zukorlić published in “Blic”.
“As YUCOM has always been an advocate for the freedom of expression and is now working on a series of cases regarding
violations of the right of expression before the European Court of Human Rights, it is hard for us to accept the argument and tone
of the Mesihat of the Islamic community in Serbia, which condemn the appearance of the photomontage on a page of the daily
newspaper “Blic” (translated from Serbian),” the statement quotes.
The photomontage, which portrays Mufti Zurkolić in an Orthodox priestly robe, was published in the humor section of “Blic”
newspaper last Saturday, with the title “Greater Catholic than the Pope.”
• Zurkolić has stated that he will sue “Blic” for 100 million Euros worth of compensatory damages and has also urged the President
of the Republic of Serbia, Boris Tadić, to express his views on the issue.
Veselin Simonović, editor in chief of the daily newspaper, has apologized to the Muslim community and stated that the newspaper
did not intend to hurt anyone’s religious beliefs.
Today, YUCOM said that “after the very violent events in the village of Jabuka… where violence perpetrated against the Roma
population and a small religious community lasted for a few days without adequate intervention on behalf of the State,” it is rightly
worried about “the possibility of opening conflicts and further deepening of differences.”
“Conciliatory tones and an open dialogue on religious differences may contribute to further understanding and respect for
differences, as well as to the establishment of a tolerant society,” the statement quotes.
Click here to read more »
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| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
