Djuric: Real challenges to arise after water retreats

BELGRADE - Presidential Advisor Marko Djuric has said on Wednesday, referring to the floods that hit Serbia, that President Tomislav Nikolic will continue talks with representatives of the international community, noting that the real challenges will arise after water retreats.

“That very moment we will face challenges relating to the return of the people in practically devastated areas," Djuric said, noting that the damage caused by the flash floods is comparable to the one inflicted by a war.

In the coming days, Nikolic will meet French President Francois Hollande in Paris, and then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, with whom the talks will focus on the holding of an international conference aimed at assisting Serbia in relief efforts, Djuric confirmed.

Speaking about a donor conference, he said that preliminary contacts are being made in relation to that, and that together with countries in the region Serbia will consider the best ways to raise international donations.

"We are counting on the solidarity and humanity of numerous countries in the world, which we previously assisted in adverse situations," Djuric added.

Photo Tanjug/Z. Zestic