Text of speech by new Serbian President Milan Milutinovic broadcast live by Serbian radio:

Esteemed chairman, people's deputies, ladies and gentlemen, on the occasion of accepting the post of Serbian President I address you in the conviction that the time ahead will be marked by progress in Serbia, as this serves the interest and satisfies the demands and the need of all well-meaning people in Serbia.

Progress is our answer to all the consequences of the times behind us, and to the needs of the times ahead. This is a comprehensive project of social revival, based on reforms in the state, in the economy, education, in the health service, information and culture, as well as in everything else that makes up the framework and basis of a modern democratic society and more.

It means the revival and promotion of lasting advantages, such as labour, expertise, decency, responsibility, solidarity, humanity, patriotism and national dignity. The basis for this development lies in our resources in agriculture, energy-production capacities, traffic and tourism potential, and our industry, and above all in the educated young generation and the hard work and skilfulness of our people.

Progress and reforms make sense only if they are just and humane, and they will be if most, if not all of the citizens can benefit from the economy, technology, the health service, education and culture.

We need prosperity that will imply more jobs, a higher employment rate, a more humane health service, a more effective education system, better care for children and the elderly and for people in need of social assistance. In short, we need better living conditions for all.

The projects of development and reforms should be based on the latest world achievements in science, technology, culture and politics. By using them we will catch up with the developed world, join scientific, cultural and primarily economic integration processes in Europe and the world.

As for the arrangement of basic social relations, and in respect of our specific situation, there is no need for us to be more imaginative. We just have to be bolder in using what in similar societies has proven to be good, useful and effective.

Of course, this process will not be possible if we fail to keep two basic conditions in mind: the first is life in peace, freedom and independence, and the strengthening and promotion of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as a state of equal citizens and republics of Serbia and Montenegro.

The second condition is to gather all those who can and want to contribute to a stable and strong Serbia. We are rich in ethnic, religious and political differences. They can be an advantage if everyone, regardless of ethnic, religious and practical affiliation, contributes to progress and reforms.

As for the minimum national programme and basic social values, we need accord for a peaceful, developed and democratic Serbia, which is an aim, I believe, shared by the vast majority of our citizens and political parties.

Only thus can we provide the citizens of Serbia with greater security, a higher standard of living and a better life. The state bodies, the national institutions and the political parties have to respect this will.

That is the only way we can overcome the destructive forces that are present in various forms through pressure by those that do not wish for such a Serbia, through crime and illegal behaviour, through attempts to destroy the national awareness by abusing culture and systems of information.

That is the only way we can discourage those that wish to harm our national interests, our freedom, and territorial integrity.

I swear that, within my constitutional authority and while I hold this position, I will do everything I can for the peaceful and stable development of Serbia, with the wish that this assembly, as the supreme legislative authority, and the government of national unity and all the other relevant national institutions and all the political parties join in, with the sincere belief that the citizens of Serbia expect us to do so, I greet you all, and wish you the very best for the New Year and the coming holidays, that the years ahead are marked with progress in Serbia in the interests of all its citizens [sentence as heard]. Thank you.

Source: Serbian Radio, Belgrade, in Serbo-Croat 1000 gmt 29 Dec 97

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