Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to join the EU in expressing our strong concern over certain aspects of Serbia’s electoral legislation. Last Sunday’s second round of Serbian Presidential elections did not meet the required threshold of a voter turnout of 50%, as you noted, and this seems to have invalidated the election itself. It is our understanding that new elections must be called no later than October 22, and that new elections must be held by December 5.

Mr. Chairman, the United States is concerned that if the current electoral legislation is not changed before the new elections, the citizens of Serbia may be confronted yet again by a similar result. This would undercut public faith in Serbia’s democratic process and institutions.

We therefore support fully the urgent call by ODIHR issued October 14, on the Serbian Parliament to act immediately to amend the Republic’s electoral legislation in line with the ODIHR recommendations, and specifically to repeal that requirement of a 50% voter turnout. We would also like to add our voice to that call. These changes should be made before new elections are called.

We hope Serbian Prime Minister Djindjic and other authorities in Serbia will support our urgent request, and work with the Serbian parliament to effect those changes immediately. We look forward to seeing Serbia’s electoral legislation reformed and brought fully into conformity with international standards, and we very much hope to see Presidential elections conducted successfully in the near future.

Thank you very much.