PRESIDENT KUCAN ABOUT THE SITUATION IN THE FRY

Ljubljana, 9 October 2000


The President of the Republic, Milan Kucan, extended his congratulations to Dr Vojislav Kostunica today upon his taking office as the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In his letter of felicitations President Kucan stressed his belief that, with such decisive support from the citizens expressed at the elections and thereafter, President Kostunica will lead his country down the road that is common to all members of the European democratic community of states and nations with success.

“I am aware of the complex situation in which you are bearing a heavy burden. As a result of past policy the country is divided, impoverished and isolated. However, I am convinced that it has enormous energy in store, as was confirmed by the elections. It therefore has a future, as well as every opportunity to meet the expected requirements for membership in all international organisations, which will accept your country with open arms at that point in time.” President Kucan wrote in his letter, adding that Slovenia will offer its support and is prepared to cooperate with the new leadership to the benefit of both countries.

President Kucan discussed the post-election situation and events in the FRY over the telephone with the President of the Republic of Croatia, Stjepan Mesic, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Ivica Racan, the President of the Republic of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, the EU high representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Dr Javier Solana, and the President of the Republic of Poland, Aleksander Kwasniewski, whom he also congratulated on his winning the presidential elections in Poland.