Serbia issues new biometric passports

08/08/2008

BELGRADE, Serbia -- Authorities started issuing new biometric passports to citizens on Thursday (August 7th). Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Delic said the first batch will be issued to those who applied by July 7th. He added the interior ministry is scheduled to introduce new personal identification cards and other documents in accordance with European standards by year's end, part of Serbia's efforts to meet its commitments on the road to EU membership. The old passports will be valid until the end of 2009; current personal identification cards will be valid until the end of 2011. (FoNet, B92, Beta, RTS - 07/08/08)