The Serbian delegation, lead by Suzana Grubjesic, Head of the Standing Delegation, comprised Gordana Comic, Meho Omerovic, Gordana Pop Lazic and Radojko Obradovic.

The session focused on counter-terrorism, the financial crisis in Europe and the judiciary and prisons. The presentation of Eugenia Tymoshenko, daughter of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, on the conditions of her mother’s prison sentence attracted particular attention. In addition, a special debate was held on “The Future of Conventional Arms Control in the OSCE Area”.

In the debate on the position of women, delegation member Gordana Comic said that the effects of the economic crisis will have a particular impact on the budget allocations directed toward the female population such as social benefits for pregnant women and new mothers, protection of children etc. Even though they are much less responsible for the economic crisis as they are proportionally less represented in the political and economic elite, women will bear the brunt of the economic crisis and their hard won social rights will probably be rescinded under the excuse of diminished funds. Gordana Comic urged the members of the Parliamentary Assembly to take the additional effort to avoid this scenario.

At the close of the meeting, a presidential statement on the death of two journalists in Syria was approved by acclamation. "As President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I deeply regret the violence and loss of life in Syria. As OSCE participating States and partners for co-operation have expressed their concern about the current situation, I call for a full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country. I salute the journalists who have paid such a heavy price to keep the world informed."