The new Foreign Affairs Law will provide that professional rather than political criteria be prevalent in diplomacy, stated Serbian Foreign Minister Ivan Mrkic. The draft Law on foreign affairs should ensure, among other things, that in diplomatic appointments - professionalism, experience and knowledge of foreign languages have priority over politics.

More strict criteria will also apply to future diplomatic appointments.

According to Mrkic, an effort has been made to reduce the influence of politics in human resource policy, organizational scheme, transfers abroad and appointment of ambassadors.

"We cannot take someone experienced in another profession, but who has not read a single cable, and appoint him ambassador, out of the blue. Imagine me being appointed chief conductor at the Music Academy; would I be able to perform?" – asked Minister Mrkic.

According to RTS, the question arises as to whether the draft Law would diminish Serbia's chances of having prominent personalities from the cultural life appointed as ambassadors.

Mrkic recalled that Ivo Andric started as desk officer like he did himself "searching through dusty archives, going through traineeship and learning how to write cables".

"So, there is plenty of work here for many people like Andric, but based on this procedure. You must first be a professional and only then become a renowned writer, etc. If your talent is so great that it radiates, no one will stop you," said Mrkic.

This legal act should soon be adopted summarily by the National Assembly.