Situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

October 4, 2000

In the afternoon of October 4, Mr. Kazuhiko Togo, Director-General of the European and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, summoned Dr. Radoslav Bulajic, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) to Japan, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and expressed concern at the statement of the Government of the Republic of Serbia that it would block the protest of democratic opposition, including general strikes, by using "special measures". Mr. Togo also strongly urged the authorities to show restraint. Ambassador Bulajic replied that he would immediately convey the request to his country, while asking Director-General Togo to make the same request to the Yugoslav opposition forces. The contents of the request are as follows:

Japan is deeply concerned about the announcement made by the Government of Serbia on October 3 concerning the election held on September 24 which said that it would block the peaceful protest, including general strikes, of democratic opposition by using "special measures". Democratic opposition had accused the authorities of fraud in the election and had demanded that President Milosevic should respect the will of the people and to step down.
Japan continues to assert that President Milosevic should seriously accept the will of the people based on the understanding that the strong public support for the democratic opposition in the Yugoslav election on September 24 was a major progress for democratization in the country.
Japan strongly urges President Milosevic and the authorities to exercise self-restraint and refrain from actions including military means or saber rattling to block the peaceful protest of the democratic opposition.
Japan, as the presidency of the G8, will continue to closely observe the actions of President Milosevic and the FRY authorities, while keeping in close contact with the international community.

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