1. It is with deep and firm indignation that the Portuguese Communist Party learnt of the forced handover/extradition of the former President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milosevic, to the ad hoc "International Criminal Court" at the Hague.

2. This handover/extradition is the result of a long, sophisticated and violent process of imperialist meddling and blackmail on Yugoslavia, following NATO's illegal and criminal aggression on this sovereign country, and which continues under different forms. The fact that the handover took place under US ultimatum, on the eve of the "Donors' Conference" with the blackmail of "economic aid", is a clear example of the indignity and cynicism which characterizes the authors of such an action.

3. Affronting the Constitution of the FRY, the competencies of its Parliament, the decision of its Constitutional Court, the opposition of President Kostunica himself, the handover/extradition of Slobodan Milosevic constitutes a shameful and particularly serious example of the denial of the most elementary democratic rights, freedoms and guarantees and the trampling of the dignity of a sovereign people and State. It simultaneously shows the true nature of the "International Criminal Court", as an instrument of political vengeance and the imposition of the winners' "justice".

4. The PCP draws attention to the fact that such an action, at all counts illegal and illegitimate, can only contribute to worsen the situation in Yugoslavia and dangerously destabilize the whole Balkan region. The offensive of the KLA bands in Macedonia, under the cover and support of the USA and KFOR forces, can lead to a tragedy of huge proportions.

5. The PCP considers that it is the elementary duty of the Portuguese government and State to take a stand against such flagrant attacks on international legality. It also considers that this is a new reason to put an end to the presence of the Portuguese troops in the Balkans and Portugal's involvement in NATO's aggressive policy and the process of EU's militarization. It is particularly important that the Portuguese, through all means at their disposal, express their protest and indignation.