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June 14, 2001

NEWS RELEASE

Embassy of the United States of America, Belgrade

Allegations of U.S. Involvement are Incorrect

We note the recently published stories in various Yugoslav newspapers suggesting the United States Government is behind the appearance of articles in the Zagreb weekly "Nacional" alleging the involvement of senior Serbian and Montenegrin leaders in cigarette smuggling.  The U.S. Government has had no contact with "Nacional" regarding those issues and any allegation that the U.S. Government was behind these articles is incorrect.

Reports published in the June 12 issue of "Dan" that the United States Government has directed Montenegrin President Djukanovic to arrest Serbian citizen Stanko Subotic Cane by June 15 are also incorrect.  The  U.S. Embassy has had no discussions with President Djukanovic about the issues raised by the "Nacional" articles.  The United States Government favors a democratic Montenegro within a democratic Yugoslavia.  We will support all those who seek to promote democracy and economic reform throughout Yugoslavia including Montenegro.