Brussels, 11/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - The Portuguese Presidency, on behalf of the EU, made the following declaration concerning the intensification of repression against democratic forces, civil society and independent media in Serbia:
"The European Union is deeply disturbed by the intensification of repression against democratic forces, civil society ad independent media in Serbia. The measures taken by the FYR authorities to prevent the lawful and democratic rally scheduled to take place in Pozarevac on 9 May, are one more demonstration of the denial of democracy and of the violation of the right to freedom of expression. The European Union praises the behaviour of the democratic forces, which avoided any violent incident despite deliberate provocation by the authorities. The EU further condemns the recent arbitrary arrests of politicians, journalists and students. The rearrest of two Otpor activists is particularly disturbing. The European Union reiterates its firm support for the righteous struggle of the Serbian people for freedom and democracy.