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.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
