George Voinovich: “Today I extend my congratulations to President Vojislav Kostunica, Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic and the Government of…”

“Today I extend my congratulations to President Vojislav Kostunica, Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic and the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on their courageous actions this past weekend in arresting former Yugoslav dictator Slobodan Milosevic. This important and encouraging development underscores Belgrade's commitment to making real and significant progress on certification requirements as outlined in the fiscal year 2001 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. For Belgrade, arresting Milosevic was an important factor in their ability to achieve certification by the U.S. Therefore, I am pleased with the decision of President Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell to grant certification to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, FRY. I share their view that the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has met the requirements for certification outlined by Congress last year, and I fully believe they will continue to make progress in these areas well beyond March 31.”