Serbian radio carried a statement on 12 May by Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic which pays tribute to the security forces, "many" members of which have been killed in the conflict over Kosovo.

The statement is timed to coincide with the security forces' professional holiday, Security Day, on 13 May.

The text of the report follows: Slobodan Milosevic, president and supreme commander of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia , has sent greetings to the members of the security service in honour of 13th May, Security Day.

The greetings read as follows: I wish sincerely to greet and pay tribute to all members of the Interior Ministry and security forces for their contribution to the protection of the homeland's security, in honour of 13th May, Security Day.

You have had remarkable success in crushing the separatist movement and routing its terrorist gangs in Kosovo-Metohija - who were supported by the foreign forces who have carried out the criminal aggression against our country.

Many members of the Interior Ministry and security force have died in this struggle.

Their sacrifice is a glowing example of valour and devotion to their people and homeland.

With high patriotic awareness, courage and expert competence, you have prevented the activities of the enemy forces and thwarted their attempts to undermine our defence.

I greet you on this holiday and am convinced that in the future, you will continue honourably and professionally, in the spirit of the freedom-loving tradition of our people, to carry out all tasks in defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and the constitutional order of the FRY, reads the statement issued by the supreme commander's military office.

Source: BBC Monitoring Caversham 12 May 99