Serbia

President's "fortress on wheels" Mercedes "needs repairs"

BELGRADE -- It will cost RSD 12.2 million (some EUR 100,000) to repair President Tomislav Nikolic's official car, a Mercedes S, the daily Vecernje Novosti is reporting.

On his second visit to Belgrade since taking over as EU Enlargement Commissioner last autumn, Hahn is meeting President Tomislav Nikolic and Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic among other officials.

Ahead of his visit, Hahn said Serbia and the EU should start accession talks soon, and he was there to help Belgrade finish the reforms it had started.

Prime minister addresses treatment of ombudsman

BELGRADE -- "There is no pressure on Ombudsman Sasa Jankovic," Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic told a news conference in Belgrade late on Wednesday.

According to Vucic, Ombudsman is with his own behavior "saying a lot more about himself than about those whom he criticizes on a daily basis."

IMF "recognizes Serbia's good fiscal results"

BELGRADE -- Serbia's Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recognizes Serbia's good fiscal results.

FM: Opening of some chapter expected this year

LUXEMBOURG -- Serbia expects to open some chapter by the end of the year, as part of the efforts to achieve its main objective - EU membership, said Ivica Dacic,

The Serbian foreign minister made the comments while visiting Luxembourg on Wednesday.

VS members to take part in exercise in Germany

BELGRADE -- An infantry unit of the 3rd Brigade of the VS Ground Forces will take part in the Joint Determination exercise in Germany.

It will be held from May 9 to June 4, organized by the United States European Command, the Serbian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

Town to observe day of mourning for workers

PIROT -- The town of Pirot in southeastern Serbia will observe a day of mourning on May 7 for three workers of the Tigar Tyres company.

The website Juzne Vesti reported on Wednesday that the decision was made by the Municipal Council.

Dacic, military orchestra, to take part in Kiev events

BELGRADE -- The Military Orchestra Nis will perform at the Parade of Military Orchestras due to take place in Kiev, Ukraine on May 9.

The parade will be held as part of events marking Victory Day, the Serbian Defense Ministry said.

Serbians "will march with victors on Red Square"

BELGRADE -- President Tomislav Nikolic said on Wednesday that members of the Serbian Army (VS) will in Moscow "march in the Serbian marching step, with the victors."

Starting from June, same-sex marriages can take place in the British consulate in Montenegrin capital, Podgorica, local media reported on Tuesday.

Montenegro is on a list of 24 countries where the British Government allows same sex couples to marry in British Consulates.