Serbia reform aid Gypsy living standards

BELGRADE, Serbia, April 7 (UPI) -- Serbia-Montenegro officials say they are making improvements in the living conditions of ethnic Gypsies a priority.

To mark Saturday's World Day of Romany people, the Human and Minority Rights Ministry said it drafted a strategy for integration of Gypsies, including plans for improvement in education, employment, medical care and living conditions.

Programs aimed at advancing Gypsies' living conditions were put into operation earlier this year, Serbian radio-television reported.

According to an official assessment, there are about 500,000 Gypsies in Serbia-Montenegro. The Gypsies are six times poorer than average citizens and 10 percent of Gypsies live in extreme poverty.