Updated

Serbia says it will deploy joint army and police patrols on the borders with Bulgaria and Macedonia to curb illegal entry of migrants and people smuggling.

Serbia's move comes days after EU member Hungary started applying harsher border control rules that include sending migrants back across the border to Serbia.

Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said Saturday that "Serbia cannot be a parking ground for people from Afghanistan or Pakistan whom no one else in Europe wishes to accept."

Vucic adds that "Serbia must protect its national interests," but that refugees who apply for asylum in Serbia will be granted help.