Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Jozef Kasa

Coka, August 28, 2001 - Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Jozef Kasa visited the "Coka" Meat industry factory in Coka, whose workers have been blocking access roads for six days now and in talks with representatives of two trade unions organising the blockade promised the Serbian government's help.

Kasa honored the workers' demand to be addressed by someone from the Serbian government who can stand behind his promises.

Kasa said that before his arrival at Coka, he had a meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic and other members of the Government. They agreed that the factory must be revived in the interest of all citizens of Coka, and that its break up must not be permitted.

- We are suggesting interim measures before privatisation takes place. Tomorrow at the session of the Serbian government I shall seek to name members of a team who would restore production in the factory. Necessary measures for the start of production must be completed in less than a month's time. The scale of production would depend on numerous aspects which need to be taken into account - said Kasa.

Coka factory workers present at the meeting applauded Kasa in approval of his proposal, but decided to continue their blokade of roads until the interim measures take effect and the team nominated to run the factory appointed. More than 800 workers at the "Coka" factory have not worked for four months and have been without any income for a full eight months now.