"Democracy Witnesses" to Serbia Elections Cannot Get Visas
European Union
(Paris and Brussels, 22 September 2000)
DECLARATION BY THE PRESIDENCY ON BEHALF OF THE EUROPEAN UNION ON THE
SENDING OF EU "DEMOCRACY WITNESSES" TO THE FRY [FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
YUGOSLAVIA]
The General Affairs Council meeting on 18 September requested the
National Parliaments of the Member States of the EU to send "democracy
witnesses" to the FRY to evaluate the elections of 24 September on the
basis of internationally recognised standards.
The Parliaments of the Member States responded to the General Affairs
Council's request by designating a total of 25 "democracy witnesses".
Their role was to be:
- to provide to the European Union with the testimony of elected
representatives from our countries on the conditions under which the
elections in the FRY are to be held;
- to demonstrate to men and women who want democracy in the FRY, at a
key moment for the future of their country, the solidarity of
Europeans, in the spirit of the message to the Serbian people issued
by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on 18 September;
- to gather information from independent media, independent observers,
NGOs, opposition parties and their representatives on the polling
office committees which will count the votes.
It was understood that these "democracy witnesses" had to be in a
position to accomplish their mission in complete freedom and without
hindrance of any kind.
The Members of Parliament in question applied to the Yugoslav consular
services for visas. No visas have been issued.
With less than 48 hours to go before the elections, this absence of
response is evidence of Belgrade's refusal to enable these Members of
Parliament to fulfil their mandate in complete freedom and without
hindrance of any kind.
Consequently, their mission has no longer any point. The European
Union will draw the necessary conclusions.
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