Vucic: Prosecutor's Office investigating possible oversights

KRUPANJ - Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday said that he is satisfied with the government's reaction in defending the country from the recent catastrophic floods, but added that the Prosecutor's Office has already filed a request for information to be collected on potential criminal responsibility of those who at the time failed to act according to the law.

Visiting the village of Krzava near Krupanj, western Serbia, Vucic told reporters that he is satisfied, first and foremost, with the commitment shown by all government members in the fight against the deluge.

He said that all ministers "gave their best" and worked on the ground around the clock, adding that Minister of Youth and Sport Vanja Udovicic on Tuesday brought a hundred young men and women to Krupanj, where they will work as volunteers.

Vucic said that he is grateful to all those who fought the floods - soldiers, police officers and citizens who worked around the clock - but that it will be investigated whether anyone is responsible for any offences committed during the state of emergency.

"The prosecutor has already filed a request with authorities for information to be collected on potential criminal responsibility of those who at the time did not act according to the law," he said.

Asked by reporters if he was referring to local authorities, Vucic responded that the greatest responsibility rests with them.
"Under Serbian regulations, (flood) damage is assessed according to a law from 1987, which shows how well we all did in the past period," the prime minister said.