Any attempt at abusing Schengen regime will be punished

Belgrade, March 04, 2010 (Serbia Today) – Deputy Prime Minister for EU integration Bozidar Djelic announced on Monday punishments and the firm implementation of the Readmission Agreement for all those who abuse or attempt to abuse the liberal Belgian law regarding political asylum. Appearing in the Kaziprst show on RTV B92, Djelic stressed that anyone who abuses the Schengen regime jeopardizes the freedom of all Serbian citizens, warning that those who are repatriated on the basis of the Readmission Agreement will face even more difficulties with every future attempt to enter the Schengen countries. He stated that according to current data, around 300 persons made an organized attempt to abuse the liberal Belgian law regarding political asylum. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the visa-free regime for Serbian citizens will not be jeopardized because of Belgium’s objections regarding an increased number of asylum seekers from southern Serbia, reiterating that all of them will be repatriated. Speaking on this week’s visit of French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, Djelic said that they discussed Serbia's EU integration, economic cooperation as well as employment visas for Serbian citizens in EU countries. Djelic reiterated that Serbia is an important unit of stability in the Western Balkans and has powerful arguments in defending its own integrity. Djelic also added that Serbia’s arguments for finding a compromised solution for the southern province are becoming stronger.