Belgrade, Serbia — April 11, 2008 — On Friday, April 11, U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Cameron Munter, USAID Mission Director Michael Harvey, and the Director of Serbian Youth Center ("Dom Omladine") Mr. Milan Lučić visited the construction site to see the progress and tour the facility. A project made possible by the City of Belgrade in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy, IRD began construction in January 2008.

“Belgrade Youth Center is an important place in the cultural life of Serbia, and certainly, the most important place for Belgrade youth," said IRD Chief of Party Sandra Jelesijevic. "This project is the link with the future of Belgrade, more so than almost any other project before.”

The project began officially in January 2007, when the U.S. Embassy officially announced that Dom Omladine had been selected through the short message service (SMS) / Internet voting competition in Serbia to receive $1 million in U.S. assistance for reconstruction.

Reconstruction priorities were set in mid-2007 in consultation with representatives of the Youth Center. These priorities include the reconstruction of the multi-purpose “Pogon” hall - which is the heart of the Youth Center - and will include the reconstruction of the stage, the snack buffet area, a VIP gallery, and the installation of air conditioning and noise isolation material. The remainder of the funds will be used for the reconstruction of the front facades (corner of Makedonska and Decanska streets), the summer terrace and the main entrance area (“Public Square”).

Ambassador Munter also noted that he is looking forward to visiting the Center again in September, when the renovated multi-purpose hall will open its doors to all visitors after the summer-break, as a modern facility which will continue to serve the cultural needs of the youth of Serbia. The expected completion date of the works is July 2008.