'Political fraud': Kostunica statement

Vojislav Kostunica heads a broad-based alliance

Text of statement by the main opposition candidate in the Yugoslav presidential elections, Vojislav Kostunica, rejecting official results for the first round of voting:

"The statement by the Secretary of the Federal Election Commission, Milisav Milenkovic, is so frivolous that it hardly deserves a serious commentary.

Election 'stolen'

"This is a political fraud and blatant stealing of an election, by which the Socialists are trying to bargain for a second round of voting for [President] Slobodan Milosevic.

"This is an offer which cannot be accepted and must be turned down, because it is insulting to all the citizens of this country who turned out in the elections, and particularly for the 2.5m voters who supported me and the political concept which the DOS and myself represent.

"Milosevic's regime is trying to buy time in order to confuse the citizens and cause disputes among the parties of the Serbian united opposition. Both the citizens and myself could see through the attempts, even if they were less transparent.

"There is no single reason - neither moral nor political - for which we would agree with such disrespect for the will of the citizens.

Non-violent methods

"We will not lose patience, nor will we make any irresponsible moves which would increase tension and provoke an unexpected reaction.

"The truth is obvious and we shall protect it by all non-violent means.

"The people reached a political verdict on Milosevic's policy. It is our duty to implement their decision."

Source: Serbian independent news agency FoNet

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