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OSCE Chairmain-in-Office issues statement on latest developments in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
COPENHAGEN 5 February 1997
COPENHAGEN, 5 February 1997 - After the decision by President Milosevic to recognize the results of the local elections in accordance with the conclusions in the Gonzalez report, the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Danish Foreign Minister Niels Helveg Petersen, issued the following statement:
The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE notes the decision of the authorities in Belgrade to move towards an implementation of the recommendations made by the OSCE concerning the local elections. This decision is hopefully a first step towards positive democratic development in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The installation in office of the elected candidates is expected without delay and will be proof of the willingness to accept the outcome of the elections in full.
The Chairman-in-Office reiterates that the only way ahead is early democratic reform in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. A constructive dialogue on this issue between the Government and opposition is needed. The international community expects that full respect be shown for the rights of the people of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Chairman-in-Office recalls the OSCE's readiness to support a dialogue on future democratic reforms.
The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE notes the decision of the authorities in Belgrade to move towards an implementation of the recommendations made by the OSCE concerning the local elections. This decision is hopefully a first step towards positive democratic development in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The installation in office of the elected candidates is expected without delay and will be proof of the willingness to accept the outcome of the elections in full.
The Chairman-in-Office reiterates that the only way ahead is early democratic reform in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. A constructive dialogue on this issue between the Government and opposition is needed. The international community expects that full respect be shown for the rights of the people of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Chairman-in-Office recalls the OSCE's readiness to support a dialogue on future democratic reforms.