BELGRADE - Serb Opposition leader Vojislav Kostunica is seen as a moderate nationalist with an independent approach to relations with the West.
Yesterday, as he was proclaiming himself President, he also reiterated his criticism of the United Nations war crimes tribunal in The Hague, which last year indicted President Slobodan Milosevic. He made it clear he would not cooperate with the tribunal in handing over Milosevic, saying the Yugoslav constitution did not allow extraditions and denouncing it as an "American court."
Kostunica also said there would be no revenge against Milosevic's supporters. "Tomorrow we have to start getting used to living next to each other with all political differences which are deep."
Kostunica rode a tide of discontent against Milosevic to reach the brink of power. He mounted his challenge in the previous months by reconciling the seemingly irreconcilable - Serb nationalism with a generally pro-European democratic stance, and each of Serbia's squabbling Opposition leaders with the others.
He had managed to avoid stepping on anyone's toes during 10 years of political infighting. Kostunica's campaign was strengthened by his reputation for never having done private political deals with Milosevic nor dabbled in the dubious business interests common among Yugoslav politicians.
Belgrade-born Kostunica, aged 56, and married with no children, keeps a low private profile. He and his wife Zorica hold doctorates in law sciences. A former assistant law professor, he is an expert in constitutional law.
Kostunica has promised to create a state in which all citizens enjoy equal status and civil rights. His nationalism is seen as moderate and unthreatening to other nations in the region. His devotion to democracy is beyond serious doubt.
- REUTERS
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