Statement by DPM Pažin in relation to public statements by Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Nebojša Stefanović

I welcome the announcement by Mr Stefanović that Serbia is preparing strong repressive measures against all the perpetrators of criminal offenses in Montenegro who might attempt to escape justice by fleeing to Serbia.

I expect those activities in the Republic of Serbia to include also the arrest and extradition of Svetozar and Miloš Marović, who have been convicted in Montenegro and for whom Interpol international wanted notices have been issued at the request of Montenegro.

Given that, even after a year, we have not received any information about the actions taken by the relevant authorities of the Republic of Serbia based on the Interpol wanted notices in cases of Svetozar and Miloš Marović, the public statements by Deputy Prime Minister Stefanović offer this opportunity to express the expectation that the competent authorities of the Republic Serbia will arrest the Marovics, who according to the information available to the Montenegrin authorities are located on the Serbian territory, and make it possible for them to be sent to serve their prison sentences in Montenegro.

I assure the security and judicial bodies of the Republic of Serbia that, as always, in Montenegro they will have a reliable partner in the fight against all forms of crime, which unfortunately knows no borders.

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER