The President’s statement notes:
“Russia is deeply concerned by the developments in Yugoslavia. The rise in tension following the elections of September 24 could escalate into direct conflict in society, which would be fraught with unpredictable consequences. Such a turn of events would not be in the interests of the peoples of Yugoslavia or of stability in the Balkans and in Europe in general.
As a true friend of Yugoslavia, Russia cannot stand idly by in such a serious moment. Acting in the spirit of friendship and closeness between our peoples, I, as President of Russia, am ready to receive in Moscow both candidates who have gone through to the second round of the election – President of the Republic of Yugoslavia Slobodan Milosevic and leader of the Serbian democratic opposition Vojislav Kostunica – to discuss ways to resolve the current situation”.