February 2 , 2007
Embassy of the United States of America
Belgrade

Ambassador Polt visits Central Serbia

In January, Ambassador Polt, Mayor of Bujanovac Nagip Arifi, and GOS Coordination Body Representatives and inaugurated the "Miratovac-Lucane Corridor" which connects central Serbia to the Macedonian border. It extends from Miratovac (Presevo) to Lucane (Bujanovac), is 33.15 km long, and links seven villages in a significant part of the valley that were previously connected only by a small dirt road. The completion of the Corridor, valued at a total of $6.4 million, is a joint success of the Government of Serbia, local communities, and the U.S. Government. It was initiated through USAID's Community Revitalization through Democratic Action (CRDA-E) program, and includes $2.9 million from the U.S. Government, a Serbian government Coordination Body contribution of $2.8 million, and local community contribution of $700,000.

Because of this road, citizens now have better access to locally available services such as medical care, local government, educational institutions, and businesses. Even at this point, a significant investment of local resources has already begun along the Corridor, and some of the burgeoning business opportunities were showcased at an exhibit for Ambassador Polt. In public remarks commemorating the event, the Ambassador said the road is a tangible product of U.S. investment and partnership among the international community, local partners and Serbia. There were several enthusiastic receptions (and signs thanking the U.S.) by local residents for the Ambassador and Mayor Arifi during their tour of the Corridor.

The Ambassador also met with the Presevo Valley Albanians who were running for parliament in the January 21 Serbian parliamentary elections. In a public meeting with the ten candidates including Riza Halimi (PVD), Skender Destani (DUD) and Nagip Arifi (PVD), the Ambassador expressed strong U.S. support for Presevo Valley Albanians to vote in Serbia's parliamentary elections in Serbia and take part in the creation of the country's and the region's future.

Ambassador Polt talks to girls using the internet facilities at the American Window in Bujanovac

Ambassador Polt tours an exhibit of US-supported business ventures through the CRDA-E at an expo in Lucane, Bujanovac

The village of Letovica, along the Miratovac-Lucane agricultural corridor, welcomes Ambassador Polt

Ambassador Polt meets with leaders of the Coalition of the Presevo Valley Albanians (from the left: Dr. Skender Destani, Ambassador Polt, Riza Halimi, Nagip Arifi)

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