Belgrade, July 12 - "Over DM4m has been donated by the Italian government for children's homes, old people's homes and schools for mentally disabled children," Gordana Matkovic, Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, told the press conference at the Serbian Government building.

66 institutions have received the donation, which comprises medicines and equipment for occupational therapy, physical rehabilitation, medical equipment, washing-machines, freezers, refrigerators, knitting machines, tile stoves. Matkovic added that drug supplies had been provided for the next 8 months by this donation. She said that information on the activities of the Ministry of Social Affairs and of her special team for social welfare could be found on the following site: www.msoc.sr.gov.yu

Ministry of Social Affairs Secretary Dragan Srebek pointed out that the total amount of the Italian Government donation (including food donation) was DM4m. The delivery of the medicines and equipment will be carried out over the next four weeks. Giovanni Caracciolo di Vietri, Ambassador of Italy to Belgrade, pointed out that the cooperation between the two governments and the appropriate ministries was exemplary for its speed and transparency in the use of donation. He emphasised that Italy was looking forward to the future cooperation not only on humanitarian issues but also on developmental projects.