Brussels, 05/10/2000 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the French Council Presidency issued the following declaration (unofficial translation):
"The European Union denounces the decision by the Constitutional Court on 5 October. The decision is solely aimed at denying Mr Kostunica's victory at the ballot on 24 September. A majority of the Serb people clearly expressed their desire for a democratic and peaceful change. After having attempted to mask the results of the election on 24 September and to hold a fraudulent second round, Milosevic is again seeking to steal Mr Kostunica's victory by continuing a rearguard battle. At this decisive moment in time, the European Union supports more than ever before the determination expressed by the Serb people. It pays tribute to their public-spiritedness and to Mr Kostunica's sense of responsibility and to that of the other opposition leaders".