The rise in the number of people suffering from different types of cancer in Serbia is to a great extent a consequence of NATO bombardment, participants at the scientific forum “Consequences on NATO bombardment of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,” said, Serbian media reported.

However, in order to prove this, an expertise, a legal and financial support to the researchers are needed.

Eurasian Security Forum Director, Mitar Kovac assessed at the forum organized by the Institute for International Policy and Economy in Belgrade, it is important for Serbia to clearly take stance on NATO aggression before international institutions.

“The data indicate a significant rise of mortal rate and the number of those suffering from cancer both children and elderly population. We should go before international institutions with these figures, same as Italy and Germany did it, and it was related to their soldiers who have served as part of KFOR,” Kovac said.

He added, experts expect that proving consequences of a bombardment should be a state priority, since if means for research are provided, it is possible to prove a clear connection between the use of depleted uranium and disease, as well as to financially help those suffering from different types of carcinoma.

Participants in the form also said the increased number of those affected by cancer could be expected in forthcoming years in areas where the most intensive bombardment took place, Serbian media reported.

Speaking about decontamination of the soil, partisans noted the state does not have sufficient funds to clear up the complete soil, therefore it is needed to establish an international fund that would collect funds for this purpose.