Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Jovan Krkobabic, Commissioner for Refugees Vladimir Cucic and representatives of the international community presented to representatives of 30 municipalities letters of support and decisions concerning the transfer of funds for refugee and internally displaced persons integration programmes.

The funds were distributed as part of the implementation of the Serbian government’s strategies and action plans for the integration of internally displaced persons and refugees. Funds were provided to municipalities which have achieved the most success in the implementation of the government’s strategies and action plans.

The project aims to find solutions at a national level for supporting cities and municipalities in their efforts to create conditions for refugee integration.

Municipalities began work on refugee integration with financial help provided by the Commissariat for Refugees, in cooperation with the UNHCR and an institution support project by the EU being implemented by the International Organization for Migration.

Krkobabic said that the main objective this year is completing the project “1000 Homes for 1000 Families”, adding that this will be a difficult task because of the global financial crisis.

He said that despite this he hopes that coordinated efforts by the state, local self-governments and the international community all problems will be overcome.

He said that UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres will visit Serbia this year.