Country's economic stability not at risk

Belgrade, March 13, 2003 - Serbian Minister of Finance and Economy Bozidar Djelic said that the country's economy is not at risk; that budgetary inflow is normal, banks are functioning as usual and the market is stable. He stressed that reforms will keep pace with the rhythm envisioned by the late Prime Minister, Zoran Djindjic.

"This team will stay together and is more than ever determined to finish what was started. We have pictured an ideal Serbia, which will be reality within a few years. We shared those ideals with Prime Minister Djindjic, and now that he is gone, we have the moral obligation to persevere for him, the citizens of Serbia and our children - and we shall persevere," Djelic said.

The Finance Minister said that all credit arrangements will go on as planned and added that "the international community and donors will be with us, and their support will be even stronger."

The process of privatisation shall thus go on, and as of Monday new auctions of socially-owned companies will take place. Nis's tobacco industry shall be privatised this year, as was planned among other privatisations.

Djelic said that the Serbian government is equally resolved in passing a series of laws that would undergo adoption in the Parliament. "Laws on concessions, telecommunications, employment, pensions, will be adopted. […] [Djindjic's] vision and the idea of Serbia are something we will pursue. This is another reason for us to persevere on the road to reforms," Djelic said.