BELGRADE - Supporters of Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica consolidated their hold on power yesterday with a deal securing early elections and a role in government in Serbia, the country's dominant republic.
The reformers announced an accord that sets Serbian parliamentary elections for December 23.
It also provides for a transitional government sharing
power among Kostunica's allies and the Socialists of ousted President Slobodan Milosevic.
Although a mass uprising forced the authoritarian Milosevic to admit defeat in last month's presidential election, the Socialists and their backers remained dominant in the Serbian Government, the seat of real power in Yugoslavia.
But the Socialists recognised that the defeat of Milosevic - their absolute leader for more than a decade - meant that they could not continue to run Serbia on their own.
Supporters of Kostunica were anxious at least to neutralise the Serbian Government until the elections, when they aim to sweep the Socialists from power completely.
Under the terms of the power-sharing deal, the Socialists retain the post of Prime Minister but the new head of government has to take decisions by consensus with two Deputy Prime Ministers, one from each of the two main reformist forces.
Four ministries, including the vital Interior Ministry, with 85,000 police under its command, will be controlled jointly by the three groups in the deal - the Socialists, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia and the Serbian Renewal Movement.
"This agreement ensures that the new Government works in the interest of the citizens and their future," said Zoran Andjelkovic, the Socialists' general secretary.
Vuk Draskovic, the Renewal Movement leader, said the new Government would mark an end to violent rule under Milosevic.
"In a couple of days, the centres of state terrorism in Serbia will be stripped of authority," he said.
Parallel talks on forming a federal Yugoslav government stumbled yesterday when Milosevic allies from Serbia's tiny sister republic, Montenegro, demanded concessions from Kostunica.
Kostunica's supporters will meet the Montenegrin party in five days for fresh talks.
- 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
