OSCE Personal Representative concludes visit to Belgrade

BELGRADE, 21 December 1996 - A delegation of the OSCE, headed by Mr. Felipe Gonzalez, as Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, visited Belgrade on 20-21 December. Mr. Gonzalez issued the following statement at the conclusion of his visit:

The aim of this visit, according to the spirit of the OSCE, was to uphold such principles as democratic elections, free political speech and respect for human rights.

We share all these values with the citizens of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. To this effect, the delegation offered the OSCE's cooperation in achieving the return of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) to the International Community, to which it belongs by virtue of its geographical position, and its cultural and historical background.

During its stay in Belgrade, the OSCE delegation had meetings with the authorities of the FRY, with the main political forces from the Opposition and with representatives of relevant institutions, groups and media. From these meetings, the OSCE delegation obtained a wide range of information and documentation about the local elections held last November. Additionally, the OSCE delegation was informed about other issues that were set forth in the framework conditions of the visit. These included: the present situation of the media, electoral law, judicial proceedings, minorities, and possibilities for dialogue between the Government and Opposition.

The OSCE delegation is now ready to examine all the above-mentioned information and documentation, and the Personal Representative will present his pertinent conclusions and recommendations to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. These reports, taking into account all the comments of the OSCE delegation members, will be submitted under his responsibility and will be presented to the Chairman-in-Office before the end of December.