Statement by the Chair of the Conference of the Speakers of  EU Parliaments (Rome, 22nd-24th September 2000)

The Chair of the Conference of the Speakers of EU Parliaments, convened in Rome, following the debate held on 22 September 2000 on the proposal by the President of the French National Assembly with respect to the forthcoming elections in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,

considering that democracy is a necessary pre-requisite for the advancement of society and the development of the personality of individuals;

recalling the fundamental principles of democracy such as the respect of human rights, the rule of law, the separation of powers, pluralism and free elections;

aware that the proper functioning of democracy requires that rulers, who exercise the power they derive from the people, respect the right of citizens;

expresses a strong protest for the decision of the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to deny access to the parliamentarians of EU countries who, as "Witnesses of Democracy", intended to go to Yugoslavia to monitor the conditions under which the elections of 24 September will take place;

notes that such decision raises serious concerns as to the guarantees of transparency and democracy of the ongoing election process;

reaffirms the firm belief that only a proper functioning of the democratic system can ensure the rule of law and the respect of fundamental freedoms and therefore the coexistence of different communities, deserving mutual respect regardless of their traditions, religions and customs.