Serbia’s top security body said Thursday that rioting extremist groups have tried to create instability and unrest, but that the country remains stable.

The National Security Council urged a continued and determined fight against organized crime, saying in a statement that extremist organizations seek to “jeopardize the security of the state and the citizens.”

The council met Wednesday, in an apparent show of resolve after two riots in a week. Far-right groups on Sunday attacked police with firebombs, stones and stun grenades, in an attempt to disrupt Serbia’s first gay pride event in years; some 150 people were hurt and around 250 detained. On Tuesday, violent Serbian football fans rioted in Italy during a Euro 2012 qualifying match.

Officials have said that the attacks were designed to undermine the pro-Western government which is seeking to steer the country toward EU integration. The handling of the gay pride parade was considered a major test of Serbia’s ability to protect human rights.

The National Security Council, which is chaired by President Boris Tadic and includes top army, police and intelligence commanders, praised the “professional reaction” by police.

“Overall, the security situation in Serbia is stable despite attempts by those groups to create unrest and instability by the use of violence,” the council said.

The rise of extremism in Serbia is attributed to the economic crisis and a lack of jobs in the wake of the ethnic Balkan wars in the 1990s. Extremist groups are believed to be linked to nationalist political parties that advocate dropping Serbia’s EU bid in favor of closer ties with Russia.

By JOVANA GEC
Associated Press
October 14, 2010

• A Permanent Economic Emergency