DATE=10/05/00
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=BRITAIN / YUGOSLAVIA (L)
NUMBER=2-267512
BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN
DATELINE=LONDON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Britain, along with other European countries and the United States, is calling on Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to step down to prevent more violence as anti-Milosevic demonstrations spread. V-O-A Correspondent Laurie Kassman reports from London.
TEXT: British Prime Minister Tony Blair says it is time for Slobodan Milosevic to go.
/// BLAIR ACT ///
The verdict from the elections was clear. The verdict from the streets is clear. The message for Milosevic is clear. Go. Go now. Go before any more lives are lost, before there is any more destruction.
/// END ACT ///
Addressing his comments to the Serb people, Mr. Blair says the hand of friendship and partnership is there for those who, in his words, are reaching for democracy.
Foreign Secretary Robin Cook has repeated European commitments to end sanctions against Yugoslavia once Mr. Milosevic leaves power and a democratically elected president takes over.
Mr. Cook says it is time for the Yugoslav leader to respect the will of the people.
/// COOK ACT ///
Today's demonstration is a powerful convincing statement of the wish of the Serb people to be rid of Milosevic. Everyone else in Serbia knows that Milosevic has lost any right to be in office. If Milosevic dares go to his window today, he will see for himself that Serbia wants him out.
/// END ACT ///
The European Union issued a statement denouncing Yugoslavia's constitutional court ruling that annuls the presidential election. U-S Secretary of State Madeline Albright says the court decision is just another attempt to thwart the will of the Serb people.
The U-S and European governments have voiced their full support for opposition candidate Vojislav Kostunica who insists he has won the presidential election with more than 50 percent of the vote. (Signed)
NEB/LMK/KL/JWH
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