• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

DATE=10-6-2000

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-267573

TITLE=U.S.-Yugo React (L)

BYLINE=David Gollust

DATELINE=White House

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Here in Washington, the Clinton administration is welcoming Russia's recognition of Vojislav Kostunica as Yugoslavia's President-elect after its longtime support for ousted President Slobodan Milosevic. But it is also making clear it would oppose efforts by Russia or any other intermediary to secure Mr. Milosevic a continuing role in Belgrade politics. VOA's David Gollust reports from the White House.

TEXT: Officials here are celebrating Moscow's acceptance of Mr. Kostunica as President-elect, saying it eliminates any hope Mr. Milosevic may have had of clinging to full power. But they are also concerned by suggestions made after Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov's meeting with Mr. Milosevic that the ousted leader might be seeking to retain some political authority, perhaps as leader of his Socialist party.

Briefing reporters here, White House spokesman Jake Siewert said the United States opposes any continued political role for Mr. Milosevic, whom it blames for fomenting a decade of violence in the Balkans. Mr. Siewert acknowledged there may be elements in the Yugoslav security forces or elsewhere who still support the ousted leader, and said they should accept the judgement of the people rendered in last month's election:

///Siewert actuality///

It's becoming increasingly clear that the Serbian people in the military, the security forces, in the church are united against Milosevic. But there are pockets of resistance, I'm sure, to change in Yugoslavia. And we're going to continue to urge restraint on behalf of the security forces there, on behalf of the army. They've shown an admirable restraint so far and there's been relatively little bloodshed. And we'll continue to urge restraint and urge all parties to accept the verdict of the Serbian people.

///end act///

Spokesman Siewert said the United States wants to see Mr. Milosevic face war crimes charges in the Hague where an indictment is pending against him, but that the first priority for the administration is seeing him removed from power.

As to the notion he might be negotiating a departure for exile abroad, the spokesman said the United States would neither endorse or support any such arrangement.

Mr. Siewert reiterated the administration's intention to move quickly to end sanctions against Yugoslavia once the democratic transition is complete. But he noted there are some measures including travel restrictions and freezing of assets that are aimed specifically at Mr. Milosevic and close associates that should remain in force.

Discussion on lifting sanctions some of which have been in place since the start of the Bosnian conflict are already underway between the United States and its European allies. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/PLM