31 August 2000
Text: U.S. Statement to OSCE on Serbian Elections, Stambolic Abduction
(Democratic opposition faces pressure, intimidation, Amb. Johnson says) (350) The August 25 abduction of former Serbian President Ivan Stambolic is "yet another example of the climate of fear and intimidation in the FRY" [Federal Republic of Yugoslavia], U.S. Ambassador David T. Johnson told the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. Following is the text of his statement, delivered August 31: (begin text) U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe August 31, 2000 STATEMENT ON SERBIAN ELECTIONS DELIVERED BY AMBASSADOR DAVID T. JOHNSON TO THE PERMANENT COUNCIL, VIENNA Thank you, Madame Chairperson, for your report on the plans that the Chairmanship has to monitor the electoral process in Serbia as best it can. Like you, we are all watching closely the political developments in Serbia, as the democratic opposition prepares for the forthcoming elections in the face of pressure and intimidation. We, too, were particularly concerned about the August 25 abduction of former Serbian President Ivan Stambolic. There is little doubt that his recent criticisms of Milosevic, and Milosevic's fears over the possibility of electoral loss, made Mr. Stambolic an easy target for an increasingly desperate regime. Mr. Stambolic's abduction is yet another example of the climate of fear and intimidation in the FRY, and serves as a chilling reminder that anyone who voices opposition -- even a former friend and mentor -- is fair game. Over the past two years, we have seen a pattern of unsolved killings, disappearances, and other similar incidents. This is another event in that long string. Madame Chairperson, we believe only democratic transformation can free Serbia from its criminal regime. We applaud and support the courage of those in the democratic opposition who -- in spite of threats and repression -- are working to make their voices heard and to bring about free, peaceful, democratic change.
