US SENATORS BRIEFED ON DIFFICULT SITUATION OF SERBS IN KOSOVO AND METOHIJA

BELGRADE, OCTOBER 13 /SRNA/ - Representatives of the Serb List today briefed US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin on the difficult situation of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, with particular emphasis on institutional practices that undermine Serbs' civil and political rights.

At a meeting held at the US Embassy in Priština, attended by Serb List President Zlatan Elek and the head of the list's parliamentary group in the Priština Parliament Igor Simić, it was pointed out that Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija were exposed to institutional pressure and discrimination. Representatives of the Serb List said that Serbs feared for their own safety and that of their families and expected stronger protection from the international community. They stressed the need to ensure full respect for the rights of the Serbian community and prevent all forms of institutional pressure and discrimination, according to a statement issued by the Serb List. They also drew the US senators' attention to the continued failure to implement agreements already reached, primarily with regard to the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities and the representation of Serbs in institutions. The Serb List said it would continue to draw international representatives' attention to the problems faced by Serbs and insist on respect for their rights, security and continued presence in Kosovo and Metohija.