Intl. conference on refugees held in Belgrade

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres on Monday addressed the Ministerial Review Conference on Resolving the Refugee Situation in the W. Balkans. Guterres stated the governments of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro had shown "great courage and wisdom" in deciding to jointly resolve the problems of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Intl. conference on refugees held in Belgrade He lauded the joint efforts by the four countries' governments, stressing that the declaration that was to be adopted Monday was a huge step forward in resolving the issue. The joint approach by the four governments shows that great courage and wisdom has been invested in resolving the complicated and delicate issue, Guterres said. He pointed out that the solely humanitarian approach to the problem was not enough, stressing the need for political and economic support to make things possible. Guterres said that he would do all he can to ensure the international community financed the joint regional project of the Western Balkan countries. "We will be fully committed to supporting the governments, the success of the donor conference and the implementation of joint regional projects," Guterres said. Besides the four countries' foreign ministers, the conference was also attended by European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule and officials of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Antonio Guterres addresses the conference (Tanjug) Declaration signed The ministerial conference concluded on Monday with the adoption of a joint declaration on ending displacement and finding durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons. At the Palace of Serbia, the declaration was signed by the foreign minister of Serbia Vuk Jeremic, Croatia Gordan Jandrokovic, Bosnia-Herzegovina Sven Alkalaj and Montenegro Milan Rocen. The four FMs expressed belief that comprehensive solutions to the problems of refugees will make an essential contribution to good neighborly relations and stability in the region. "We once again affirm the obligation of our governments to provide all necessary political, material, legal, social and all other kinds of support needed for ending displacement and allowing refugees to live as equal citizens, without discrimination in any form," reads the declaration. To this end, the four governments have drafted a regional plan of work and activities aimed at overcoming obstacles and arriving at durable solutions. “In addition, our governments have reached an agreement on a joint regional program that will last several years and whose goals is to reach durable solutions. The joint regional program is part of the joint declaration and will be presented at the donors’ conference in early 2012 in order to secure support," says the declaration. The declaration guarantees that all refugees living in group homes will be provided with adequate housing. This includes former property rights holders. It also promises streamlined procedures for issuing personal documents to returnees and displaced persons. "We express our deep respect for the active role the international community has played in recent years, especially for its continual efforts and support in searching for durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons in the region," reads the declaration.

Intl. conference on refugees held in Belgrade

He lauded the joint efforts by the four countries' governments, stressing that the declaration that was to be adopted Monday was a huge step forward in resolving the issue.

The joint approach by the four governments shows that great courage and wisdom has been invested in resolving the complicated and delicate issue, Guterres said.

He pointed out that the solely humanitarian approach to the problem was not enough, stressing the need for political and economic support to make things possible.

Guterres said that he would do all he can to ensure the international community financed the joint regional project of the Western Balkan countries.

"We will be fully committed to supporting the governments, the success of the donor conference and the implementation of joint regional projects," Guterres said.

Besides the four countries' foreign ministers, the conference was also attended by European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule and officials of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Declaration signed

The ministerial conference concluded on Monday with the adoption of a joint declaration on ending displacement and finding durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons.

At the Palace of Serbia, the declaration was signed by the foreign minister of Serbia Vuk Jeremić, Croatia Gordan Jandroković, Bosnia-Herzegovina Sven Alkalaj and Montenegro Milan Roćen.

The four FMs expressed belief that comprehensive solutions to the problems of refugees will make an essential contribution to good neighborly relations and stability in the region.

"We once again affirm the obligation of our governments to provide all necessary political, material, legal, social and all other kinds of support needed for ending displacement and allowing refugees to live as equal citizens, without discrimination in any form," reads the declaration.

To this end, the four governments have drafted a regional plan of work and activities aimed at overcoming obstacles and arriving at durable solutions.

“In addition, our governments have reached an agreement on a joint regional program that will last several years and whose goals is to reach durable solutions. The joint regional program is part of the joint declaration and will be presented at the donors’ conference in early 2012 in order to secure support," says the declaration.

The declaration guarantees that all refugees living in group homes will be provided with adequate housing. This includes former property rights holders.

It also promises streamlined procedures for issuing personal documents to returnees and displaced persons.

"We express our deep respect for the active role the international community has played in recent years, especially for its continual efforts and support in searching for durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons in the region," reads the declaration.