Croatia, Serbia on Cooperation in Fighting Crime

Addressing reporters after the meeting, the two announced that the final agreement on the issue would be signed once the necessary conditions are met and once Croatia has amended its constitution."We will strive to ensure that all persons who have been convicted of a sentence in one country, and are located in another, serve out the sentence and do not escape justice," Malovic said.Serbia's Malovic also signed the Memorandum of Understanding in the fight against corruption, by which the country joined the Anti-Corruption Initiative of Southeast Europe.The regional anti-corruption initiative stems from the Stability Pact; the Memorandum was signed in 2007 by Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Romania, Moldova, and later by Macedonia, while Kosovo is present as an observer.The Serbian justice minister said that Serbia has taken significant steps to combat corruption, noting that her country has taken action "not only due to European integration, but because of fundamental changes in the country."She added that the two countries should cooperate to provide their citizens with easier remedies for everyday problems, such as civil proceedings, divorces, and recognition of judicial decisions.When asked whether the agreement would allow the extradition of persons who have committed war crimes, Croatia's Simonovic said it was too early to talk about it, but noted that talks were heading in that direction.