United Nations

 NEW YORK, 6 October (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on events in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was issued today by his Spokesman:

 I continue to follow events in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia with intense interest.  It is clear to me that, with the collapse of the Milosevic regime, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is on the verge of a new era, which offers hope of a better future for all its people.

 I warmly welcome this momentous change, and in particular the wide recognition of Mr. Vojislav Kostunica as the choice of the people and the duly elected President.  I call on the people of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to rally behind Mr. Kostunica, and on the international community to support him, as he proceeds to form a democratic government.

 I appeal for calm during this critical period of transition.  I also wish to stress that the United Nations is ready and eager to work with Mr. Kostunica, and to help the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia achieve full reintegration into the international community, with all the rights and responsibilities that that entails.