Kofi Annan welcomes "momentous" change in Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
6 October -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan and other top United Nations officials today welcomed the political transition that has taken place in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and expressed their readiness to help the new government solidify democracy.
With the collapse of the Milosevic regime, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is clearly "on the verge of a new era, which offers hope of a better future for all its people," the Secretary-General said in a statement released today at UN Headquarters in New York.
Mr. Annan warmly welcomed the wide recognition of Dr. Vojislav Kostunica as the duly elected President and called on the country's people -- and the international community -- to support him as he proceeds to form a democratic government.
The Secretary-General also appealed for calm during the critical transition period and stressed that the UN is "ready and eager" to work with Dr. Kostunica, and to help the country achieve full reintegration into the international community, "with all the rights and responsibilities that that entails."
In other reactions, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Balkans, Carl Bildt, expressed "profound happiness" that the collapse of the Milosevic regime had come about peacefully. He said the key to the emergence of a truly democratic Yugoslavia would be a new relationship between Serbia and Montenegro, and said he expected President-elect Kostunica to initiate talks with President Milo Djukanovic of Montenegro on this issue.
"We are ready to start talks immediately with the new authorities on the humanitarian needs that must be addressed during the next few months," Mr. Bildt said. Noting his expectation that the remaining sanctions against the country would be lifted imminently, Mr. Bildt expressed his hope that all parties would seek to create the necessary conditions for the "speedy and full integration of new Yugoslavia into the international community."
The United Nations High Commissioner for >Human Rights, Mary Robinson, said she was "delighted" at the recent turn of events in Yugoslavia, and praised the country's people for having "bravely demonstrated their commitment to human rights and democracy." She noted in particular the role played by the country's security forces during the essentially non-violent transition.
"The task of the new government will be to rebuild a new society based upon adherence to fundamental standards of human rights, democracy and rule of law," Mrs. Robinson said, stressing that this also involves accountability for those responsible for human rights violations.
Noting that her office has a branch in Belgrade, the High Commissioner said she stood ready to work with the new government as soon as possible in the area of human rights capacity building.
The Secretary-General's Special Representative for Kosovo, Bernard Kouchner, welcomed the news of change in Belgrade with great joy and relief, but reminded the world that many challenges remain ahead for the people of Kosovo. Dr. Kouchner said he intended to start a "meaningful dialogue" with the new government to resolve crucial issues facing Kosovo.
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