Serbia celebrates Statehood Day from Feb 14 to 16

Belgrade, Feb 12, 2004 - A central celebration of the 200th anniversary of the First Serbian Uprising and the creation of the modern Serbian state will be held on Feb 14, 15 and 16 in Belgrade and Orasac, and will include gala concerts, film and theatre premiers, exhibitions and many other events. The celebration of this significant jubilee will be continued throughout the year.

Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Zivkovic told a press conference today that the preparations for the celebration had been carried our in the best way possible, and that this is the first time in the past few decades that a significant national event will be celebrated without any political and ideological elements.

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Zarko Korac said that the Serbian government had planned to set aside 111 million dinars for all manifestations that will be held, but since the budget for 2004 has still not been adopted, the sum was reduced by 30 percent.