Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Jozef Kasa

Coka, August 30, 2001 - Workers of the "Coka" meat factory promised Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Jozef Kasa, who delivered on his promise of four days before to appoint of provisional managing board, that they would stop the blockade of roads, it was announced on Thursday.

On the occasion of his second visit to "Coka," the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister decided on appointment of an acting director and managing board members who would run the company for as long as the interim measures of the Serbian government are in effect.

Economist Arpad Tot, president of the Executive Board of Coka City Municipality, was appointed new director, while vice-president of the City Assembly Caba Pinter will serve as president of the Managing Board. The remaining eight members of the Managing board were also named.

According to Kasa, the main task of the Managing board is to size up the situation in the factory and offer possible solutions within 25 days.

He announced financial support from the Serbian government, but also admitted the possibility of bankruptcy proceedings if there was no other choice, adding that the newly appointed Managing board would commence work tomorrow, while refrigerated trucks and vans were to be recalled from the roads.

Workers have accepted the proposal to call off the blockade and they would be back in the factory on Monday in order to prepare the plants for the resumption of production.