On Nov. 24, the Serbian parliament began a discussion of the bill on establishing the jurisdiction of the province of Vojvodina.

Expounding on the bill, Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic said it brought the jurisdiction of Vojvodina in line with constitutional provisions a and consistently implemented decentralization and the concept of provincial autonomy without elements of statehood.

Cvetkovic went on to say that three fundamental principles had been the starting point in preparation of the legislation -- the need to expand the existing jurisdiction of Vojvodina, the need for all proposed solutions to be in accordance with the constitution and the need for consistent decentralization and autonomy without statehood.

The prime minister stated that Vojvodina's jurisdictions could be divided into two groups -- original and entrusted.

He added that the proposed solutions were for Vojvodina's jurisdiction in issues of provincial importance, while matters of property and jurisdiction financing would be regulated with separate legislation.

The bill gives Vojvodina jurisdiction in 20 areas, including regional development, agriculture, tourism, industry, transport, health care, economy and privatization and mining and energy.

MPs from the ruling majority and opposition's Liberal Democratic Party announced their support to the bill on establishing Vojvodina's jurisdiction, while the majority of the opposition severely criticized the proposed solutions.