16.10.2015.
Meeting with the UN representative in Serbia
Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic met today with newly appointed representative of the UN Secretary General in Serbia and Head of the UN Office in Belgrade Simona-Mirela Miculescu with whom he exchanged opinions on the political and security situation in the region and other important issues of mutual interest.
They agreed that the migrant issue is a challenge for the whole region and that a solution must be sought at the level of the entire European Union. Defence Minister thanked for the aid of the United Nations of 8.5 million euros donated to help solve the migrant issue in Serbia.Bearing in mind the forthcoming winter and increasingly difficult conditions that the migrants will face, Gasic said he expected that the EU would take into account the past efforts, constructive approach and humanity of Serbia and will provide significant financial support in solving the migrant issue. He informed Miculescu that so far in Serbia 180,000 refugees have been registered, of whom about 600 have applied for asylum.
Defence Minister said at the meeting that Serbia strongly opposes the membership of so-called Kosovo in UNESCO and that those that have been destroying Serbian cultural heritage cannot possibly talk about its protection. Gasic reiterated that it is essential that KFOR troops retain the impartial status in Kosovo and Metohija as long as necessary to preserve stability and security.
Gasic and Miculescu estimated that the participation of the Serbian Armed Forces in UN missions significantly contributes to preserving international peace and security.
Defence Minister wished the UN representative in Serbia much success in her new duty.
VIDEOGALLERY- The reception [FLV]
