DATE=10/06/00
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=BRITAIN - EUROPE - YUGO (L)
NUMBER=2-267562
BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN
DATELINE=LONDON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: British Prime Minister Tony Blair says it is time to help integrate a democratic Yugoslavia into Europe. Correspondent Laurie Kassman reports from London that British officials expect the European Union to lift sanctions against Yugoslavia by Monday.
TEXT: European governments have been quick to congratulate Vojislav Kostunica as Yugoslavia's new leader and offer their help for the transition to democracy.
Prime Minister Blair stresses that the West never had a quarrel with the Serb people, only with former Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic.
///BLAIR ACT///
Whatever our quarrel with the oppressive and odious regime of Milosevic, there was never a quarrel with the Serbian people. And we want to make sure that as Serbia reaches for democracy, we are there giving them a helping hand.
///END ACT///
One offer of help long awaited by the Serb people is a lifting of crippling economic and diplomatic sanctions. The European Union's top official for foreign relations, Javier Solana expects E-U foreign ministers to approve lifting E-U sanctions on Monday.
The European Union already has invited Yugoslavia's new leader Vojislav Kostunica to participate in its November summit with other Balkan leaders.
/// OPT /// Russia's foreign minister personally congratulated Mr. Kostunica in Belgrade before meeting with former Yugoslav leader Milosevic to discuss his future. /// END OPT ///
Most world leaders have rejected granting immunity to Mr. Milosevic an indicted war criminal in exchange for his removal from power.
British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook says it would undermine the credibility of international war crimes laws.
///COOK ACT///
I don't see how the War Crimes Tribunal could continue its work against lesser figures if some kind of immunity is given to Milosevic.
///END ACT///
British newspapers reflect the widespread satisfaction in Europe that Mr. Milosevic has been ousted from power. The popular Daily Mail newspaper identifys the uprising that ousted him as the people's revolution. Another newspaper (The Mirror) agrees that people power has changed the course of history.
Still, the Financial Times urges Western governments to be cautious in their approach to Yugoslavia's new leader. The newspaper notes that Mr. Kostunica has not triumphed by being pro-West but by emphasizing his nationalist credentials. (Signed)
NEB/LMK/PLM
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