ZAGREB, Sept 24 (Hina) - On Saturday evening, on the eve of the elections in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro), Croatia's Foreign Ministry stated it shared the hope of a great part of the international community
that the forthcoming elections, regardless of under which conditions they were called and organised, would offer a chance to citizens of the FRY to discard, entirely and in a peaceful manner, the undemocratic and authoritarian regime. That regime has caused a series of armed conflicts, which claimed numerous casualties, it has caused forcible migrations of a large number of people, violations of human rights and freedom, the poverty and hardship of many in Serbia and around it, read a statement released by the Foreign Ministry in Zagreb. The ballot which may lead to thorough democratic changes, would make it possible for the international community, including Croatia, to
ZAGREB, Sept 24 (Hina) - On Saturday evening, on the eve of the
elections in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(Serbia/Montenegro), Croatia's Foreign Ministry stated it shared
the hope of a great part of the international community that the
forthcoming elections, regardless of under which conditions they
were called and organised, would offer a chance to citizens of the
FRY to discard, entirely and in a peaceful manner, the undemocratic
and authoritarian regime.
That regime has caused a series of armed conflicts, which claimed
numerous casualties, it has caused forcible migrations of a large
number of people, violations of human rights and freedom, the
poverty and hardship of many in Serbia and around it, read a
statement released by the Foreign Ministry in Zagreb.
The ballot which may lead to thorough democratic changes, would
make it possible for the international community, including
Croatia, to call the FRY to join a community of democracies.
Elections can mark the beginning of real democratic changes, but
they do not complete a democracy as a system.
Croatian citizens know very well that the real transition into
democracy implies the fulfilment of many serious conditions.
We shall support the international community's efforts and offer
our assistance to Serbia to meet those conditions, read the
statement.
Croatia is resolute in its efforts to ensure peace and progress in
the region and in its decision to establish good relations with its
neighbours that share the same democratic values. We hope that
after Sunday's ballot the FRY will join us as a credible partner in
these endeavours, the Foreign Ministry's statement concluded.
(hina) ms