OSCE Mission, European Commission Delegation, Council of Europe's Office express regret that the 2009 Belgrade Pride Parade has been cancelled

BELGRADE, 21 September 2009 - The OSCE Mission to Serbia, the European Commission Delegation and the Council of Europe's Office issued the following statement today:

"The three institutions stress that everyone has the fundamental right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression as well as protection from discrimination of any kind. The state authorities have a direct responsibility to guarantee the effective exercise of these human rights. Unfortunately, this weekend threats, intimidation and intolerance dominated over dignity, tolerance and pride.

All three institutions welcomed in March 2009 the adoption of the anti-discrimination law by the Serbian Parliament. In this respect, they point to the need for this crucial legal act to be fully and thoroughly implemented.

Further, it is our genuine hope that the cancellation of the March opens the door to a much needed dialogue on the extremist attitudes voiced by some that has had the effect of silencing others.

We strongly encourage State Institutions and civil society to work together to ensure that Serbia continues to work toward principles of equality and non-discrimination."