Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja on the events in Yugoslavia

The events of the past few hours in Belgrade demonstrate clearly that peace and stability in Yugoslavia can be guaranteed by recognising the unambiguous desire of the people, displayed in an election, for a democratic change of government. The Yugoslav administration and Mr Slobodan Milosevic must now draw the right conclusions on their policies of the last fews years and particularly of the last few days after the elections.

It is my hope that violence can be avoided and Mr Vojislav Kostunica’s status as the democratically elected president of the country can be sanctioned. This will open the door for the return of Yugoslavia to the international community. A democratic Serbia will be welcomed with open arms.