Statement by Richard Boucher, Spokesman
September 24, 2000
Results of the Yugoslav Elections
By voting today in Serbia, large numbers of the population -- more than 70% by authoritative estimates -- expressed their wishes in an election where the choice was clear: democracy and entry into the international community versus isolation and the politics of hatred and oppression. We congratulate the people of Yugoslavia on their commitment to democracy.
There were numerous, reliable accounts of irregularities in today's voting. This comes after several months in which the regime has arrested thousands of democratic activists, prepared for fraud in both the casting and counting of ballots, suppressed independent media and refused to allow any impartial election observers, domestic or international, in violation of basic electoral standards.
The world is watching these elections and the response of the authorities in Belgrade very closely. We will continue to consult with the European Union, the Russian Government, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the UN Mission in Kosovo as we watch developments in Yugoslavia.
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source: Department of State