OSCE Secretary General supports Serbia's steady reforms, underscores continued OSCE support

BELGRADE, 16 December 2009 - The OSCE Secretary General, Ambassador Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, praised Serbia's determined reform course and underlined the Organization's commitment to further assist the country in fulfilling its democratic commitments during a visit to the Serbian capital today.

"The Serbian Government's steady European course created a favourable environment for the achievement of an important milestone - the visa free regime with the Schengen zone countries," de Brichambaut said. "The OSCE will continue supporting Serbia as it undertakes key reforms in line with international standards in the fields of rule of law, human rights, law enforcement, democratization and the media."

In talks with the Serbian leadership, civil society and political parties' representatives de Brichambaut discussed Serbia's potential to play a leading role in ensuring stability and prosperity not only in the Western Balkans but in South-Eastern Europe as a whole.

He welcomed the Government's efforts to further strengthen the rule of law, achieve full co-operation with the ICTY, comply with the highest standards for free media, address the needs of minority communities and improve the situation with refugees in the region.

Tomorrow, de Brichambaut will visit Bujanovac in southern Serbia where he will meet the mayors of Bujanovac, Presevo and Medvedja.