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Vladimir Putin: The situation is extremely serious. All people in Russia are closely following what I would call the tragic developments in the friendly Yugoslavia. The political confrontation has reached its peak, and violence has been unleashed. This should not be allowed to go on. In a democracy, conflicts must be settled by peaceful means in a way that is best for the people. Any other way hinders the solution of problems the country is facing. We appeal to all political forces in Yugoslavia to be guided by this idea.
Russia has always stood by Yugoslavia in times of severe trials, as it has also shared its joys. Today we are eager to contribute to helping it find a way out of the current crisis and put an end to its international isolation. The Yugoslavian people have overcome many hardships and obstacles, and defeated countless problems while they were united. Today, the solution is to be found on the road to consolidation again. Russia will make every effort to help resolve the crisis; we will lend a helping hand to the Yugoslavian people.
October 5, 2000, Moscow