Reformers take up Yugoslav positions

BELGRADE - Yugoslavia's Parliament has appointed a new Government backing reformist President Vojislav Kostunica, bringing the curtain down on decades of Socialist-dominated Administrations.

The formation of the new Government was a key element in reformers' efforts to cement their position in power after the mass uprising last month which forced Kostunica's predecessor, Slobodan Milosevic, to admit defeat in presidential elections.

Zoran Zizic, the new Prime Minister, pledged his Government would rejoin the international community after years of isolation under Milosevic, who was ostracised by the West for his role in four Balkan wars over the past decade.

"We have very difficult and hard work ahead of us," said Zizic, who also promised to introduce pro-market reforms and bring Yugoslav legislation into line with European Union legislation with a view to eventually joining the bloc.

He also struck several notes likely to be less well received in the West, criticising the work of Nato and the United Nations in Kosovo and stating that co-operation with the international war crimes tribunal was not a priority.

The pro-reform alliance backing Kostunica defeated Milosevic's Socialists in federal Parliament elections and is the senior partner in the new Government.

But the Government also includes members of the Socialist People's Party of Montenegro, until recently allies of Milosevic, including Zizic. Montenegro and much larger Serbia are the two republics remaining in the Yugoslav federation.

"The federal Government will pursue a policy of opening our country to the world and actively resolve disputes and outstanding issues that burden Yugoslavia's international position," Zizic told Parliament.

Mending ties between Serbia and Montenegro, stretched to breaking point under Milosevic, was also a priority.

Zizic said a UN Security Council resolution stating Kosovo is part of Yugoslavia should be strictly observed. The province has been under international control since last year's Nato bombing to end repression of its ethnic Albanian majority.

The federal Administration has relatively little power compared with the Governments of the two republics but does have a leading role in fostering international relations.

Goran Svilanovic, a leader of the Democratic Opposition of Serbia alliance backing Kostunica, becomes Foreign Minister.

Miroljob Labus, a prominent economist who has worked in the United States will be another key player in the new Administration as Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for international economic relations.

- REUTERS

Herald Online feature: Revolution in Yugoslavia
International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia

Serbian Ministry of Information

Serbian Radio - Free B92

Otpor: Serbian Student Resistance Movement