[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[November 18, 2000]
[Pages 2557-2558]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Establishing Formal Diplomatic Relations With the




Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
November 18, 2000

    On November 17 the United States joined France, Germany, and the 
United Kingdom in establishing formal diplomatic relations with the 
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY).
    We take this action in response to the remarkable changes in 
Yugoslavia following the democratic election of President Vojislav 
Kostunica and the ouster of Slobodan 
Milosevic. We and our allies are 
committed to supporting this historic democratic transition. As a first 
step, the United States will provide about $45 million in emergency food 
aid to help the people of Serbia through the winter. We are also 
consulting with Congress on how to utilize the $100 million in 
assistance appropriated for Serbia, as well as $89 million appropriated 
for assistance to the people of Montenegro.
    President Kostunica and his 
government have already made dramatic progress in reversing the brutal 
policies of the old regime. And by taking membership in the United 
Nations and other international organizations on an equal status with 
other successor states of the former Yugoslavia, President Kostunica has 
signaled that his

[[Page 2558]]

country is ready to play a constructive and stabilizing role in the 
region.
    The democratic transition in the FRY, however, is far from over. The 
new government is faced with an economy destroyed by years of 
mismanagement. Members of Milosevic's 
regime are still in positions of power. Indicted war criminals continue 
to escape justice for their heinous crimes. But President 
Kostunica and leaders of the democratic 
forces have clearly put their country on a new path, one that includes a 
commitment to the rule of law and peaceful relations with its neighbors. 
By establishing diplomatic relations and ending the FRY's isolation, the 
United States and other Western countries are demonstrating our 
commitment to supporting the new leaders of the FRY on this journey.