France responds to Serbia's call for assistance

France responds to Serbia's call for assistance

Deniau said he was impressed by the solidarity of the citizens of Belgrade and Serbia. "I congratulate B92 on this initiative. Again you show that you are a medium that knows how to react in emergency situations and has a sense of solidarity. I'm impressed because I saw at REX dozens of volunteers who gathered to distribute the collected aid," he said.

The French government immediately on Friday responded to a call for assistance of the government of Serbia, the ambassador added, and announced that 40 specialists for rescue operations with two transport barges would arrive here, along with pumps for removing water and other equipment used in these situations:

"Therefore, the reaction in France was immediate and we have put at Serbia's disposal almost half of our total capacities specialized to fight against floods."

Deniau added that for four years now members of the civil defense in Serbia have been cooperating with similar organizations in France and have repeatedly worked together. "They know each other well, and that is important."

Deniau also expressed his regret over the losses suffered by the people in areas affected by the floods. "Unfortunately, Serbia is often affected. Three years ago you had an earthquake in Kraljevo, today this disaster where there are casualties and huge economic losses. I hope that rescuers will save lives and that later, assistance of the international community will arrive in Serbia when the time for reconstruction comes," said the French ambassador.

The B92 Fund's campaign has also been joined by representatives of a small French community of Belgrade.

The campaign continues at 16 Jevrejska Street in Belgrade, where the doors of the REX center remain open every day from 10:00 until 20:00 CET for all those who want to help the victims of the floods.