PEACE PRESERVATION PROJECTS IN SOUTH SERBIA

15. September 2009.

The implementation of two projects in South Serbia is to begin soon. The aim of both projects is to reduce tensions and risks of conflicts arising among interethnic communities living in this part of Serbia. The agreements on implementation of the projects „ Capacity Building for Inclusive Local Development in South Serbia“and „Promoting the Preservation of Peace in South Serbia“were yesterday signed on the premises of the Serbian government by Milan Markovic, Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government and President of the Coordination Body for the Municipalities of Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja, and William Infante, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia.

“7,920,000 US dollars were invested in the project, while it is going to be implemented in the territory of 13 cities and municipalities of the Pcinj and Jablanica districts. Those are just the places that need assistance the most, “Minister Markovic said.

He added that the projects would also be implemented in Vranje, Trgoviste, Bosilegrad, Vladicin Han, Surdulica, Bojnik, Medvedja, Leskovac, Lebane, Vlasotince, Crna Trava, Presevo and Bujanovac.

William Infante said he was convinced that the implementation of the two projects would contribute to strengthening peace in South Serbia. „We are going to work with local self-governments in South Serbia on making all institutions available to all the citizens, as well as on improving the institutions. That is how we are going to meet the conditions for economic development and improve the living conditions of the citizens, “Mr. Infante said.

The project entitled "Capacity Building for Inclusive Local Development in South Serbia“ is going to last three years, whereas the funds for the project, amounting to 5,420,000 US dollars, were provided by the Swedish Agency for International Development, the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency, the Norwegian government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The project entitled „Promoting the Preservation of Peace in South Serbia“is going to last two and a half years, while 2,5 million US dollars were provided for its implementation from the UN/Spain Millennium Development Goal Achievement Fund.

Donors from Switzerland, Sweden and Spain announced that they would continue providing Serbia with assistance in building the capacities of local self-governments and in making institutions more available to the citizens.