Chairperson of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Nataša Micic, and Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Nada Kolundžija, today at the National Assembly received the special envoy of the Council of Europe's secretary-general, Hans-Peter Furrer.

This meeting is a continuation of the talks and co-operation begun between representatives of the Assembly and the Council of Europe. This was also an occasion for the Assembly's Chairperson to acquaint her guest with intensive efforts on the preparation of a large number of key laws, as well as with their inclusion in the Assembly's procedure. She also thanked Mr Furrer for the Council of Europe's ongoing assistance and support.

The talks stressed that the harmonisation of our legislation with European Union regulations is a precondition for membership in the Council of Europe; co-operation would be intensified in the coming period in the same way as it was done when media and broadcasting legislation was being prepared. On the other hand, it is necessary to remove ambiguities regarding competencies of the Federation and the Republic, where each should shoulder their own responsibilities.

The Council of Europe representative expressed support for the Serbian Assembly's efforts and encouraged activities on legislative reform, saying that he would inform the Council on progress attained.