European reaction

PARIS, France -- The European Union hailed the results of parliamentary elections in Serbia and pledged support for new Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica whose pro-democracy alliance emerged as apparent victors.

"This victory confirms and consolidates the democratic process begun with the election of President Kostunica" said a statement issued in the name of the 15 EU members whose rotating presidency is in French hands until the end of the year.

"The victory will allow necessary political, economic and social reforms to be carried out in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY).

Kostunica's 18-party reformist coalition, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS), is expected to win 65 percent of the vote after early counting, effectively removing former president Slobodan Milosevic from any vestiges of power.

The statement added: "It will allow the FRY to pursue...its reconciliation with its neighbours and its tightening of links with the EU which will continue to support this policy," the statement said.

The Union added that it "confirmed its full support to President Kostunica to carry out this policy."

In a separate move Germany said the reformists landslide was a welcome "Christmas present."

Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer called the 18-party coalition's victory a triumph for democracy and Europe, while acknowledging that Yugoslavia still faced economic problems.

"It is a clear vote by the Serb population to continue on the path of democracy based on the rule of law and to return to the family of European nations."

Reuters contributed to this report.

Fehlermeldung
German Government
European Council

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