In connection with the victory of the Democratic Opposition of Serbia in the 24 September elections, the Crown advisory bodies - the Crown Council and the Privy Council - have today issued the following statement:
 

Yugoslavia has a new President.  The Crown Council and the Privy Council of the Crown congratulate the people of Serbia and Montenegro on their electoral victory and welcome the election of Dr. Vojislav Kostunica as President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.  This is a first -  but significant -  step towards the conquest of freedom and democracy.

Those who have been the recipients of the people’s confidence, and have been entrusted by the people with the task of leading them towards their destiny in the coming period, bear tremendous responsibility.  First of all, the responsibility of protecting and defending the expressed will of the people.   We are all faced with the impudence of those who know no shame and no limits, as well as with the regime’s well-tested practice of electoral fraud.

The unity of democratic forces must be maintained.   Now even more than in the run up to the elections.   This unity facilitated the victory of the will of the people, and this unity is the people’s mandate which must be treated with respect and trust.  No one is empowered to hand over people’s victory to the usurper.

A new era is upon us, an era in which the interest of the people must be the highest goal, with common sense, honesty and honour becoming the basic tools of government.  This presupposes the right and justice for all, rules out any revenge, and offers opportunities to everyone.
 
 

THE CROWN COUNCIL AND THE PRIVY COUNCIL
 

In Belgrade and London, 27 September 2000