PM: Reception center for migrants to be built in Belgrade

PM: Reception center for migrants to be built in Belgrade

The Serbian prime minister spoke with the migrants today, asking about their needs, and telling them: "We will do everything for you, so you are safe like in your own house, and you're always welcome in our country."

Tanjug is reporting that Vucic "asked the migrants if everything was alright, and they responded affirmatively."

He said that Serbia "offered hospitality and warmth to migrants from Syria and Afghanistan that they had not encountered anywhere else" - and added, "bearing in mind that cold days are coming, a temporary reception center will be built for them - most likely behind the Nacional Hotel, near the highway."

"When people speak about refugees from Syria and Afghanistan they speak (about them) as a great problem. We welcomed them in Serbia. We know how our people suffered 20 years ago. I am proud that Serbia is their best refuge and the safest place, on their way to the EU," said the prime minister.

He added that "Serbia will help as much as possible" and stressed that state institutions have acted "in an organized and good manner on the issue of refugees." Vucic thanked also those citizens and organizations who helped them, and noted, "we wish them all to find their happiness."

Red Cross crews that accompanied the prime minister today distributed packages to the migrants containing baby diapers, fruit and fruit juices, while Vucic inquired what other needs they had, and announced that more blankets will be provided in the park, along with portable toilets.

Vucic was today accompanied also by Labor Minister Aleksandar Vulin, Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic, and Belgrade Mayor Sinisa Mali.

Parks near Belgrade's main railway and bus stations are one of the stops for the migrants on their way toward a better life. Between 500 and 700 people are found each day in these parks.

Since January 1, 2015, 90,000 migrants have passed through Serbia, with about 2,000 entering the country each day. A majority also leave "right away," the Interior Ministry (MUP) announced several days ago.