Serbian President Boris Tadic wished the Serbian citizens a Happy New Year 2011, adding that only by working harder will Serbia create conditions for the improvement of the standard of living and a better future for the country.

"We are leaving another difficult year behind us, hit by the global recession, floods and earthquake. We cannot find comfort even in the fact that the economic crisis hit the whole world and that much more developed countries are facing great social turmoil and economic temptations," Tadic's message reads.

Tadic said that in such circumstances, Serbia must respond the challenges of the global economic crisis and find solutions to the problems and difficulties on its own, with the aim to achieve prosperity for the citizens. He stressed that Serbia's economy did not exit the crisis, but that Serbia has, despite everything and unlike many other countries, achieved certain progress.

The president pointed out that the country's economic growth is not enough for any substantial unemployment reduction or for it to be felt in the citizens' household budgets, noting, however, that it represents a foundation for better results in the years to come.

"I must tell you that 2011 will not be easy either, but if we work harder and more efficiently we will create conditions for the improvement of the standard of living and a more secure future of our children. That is the only way to permanently recover from the crisis and ensure better prospects for Serbia. I wish you a peaceful and diligent 2011," Tadic said in his message.

Tadic stressed that the citizens of Kraljevo, the town in central Serbia which was hit by earthquake, that the state is making huge efforts to provide housing for the most affected families. "We are quickly repairing the damages caused by the earthquake, but the full success will take time, solidarity and more funds," Tadic underscored.