Military

BRITAIN: "Doubts About Kostunica"

The lead editorial in the conservative Daily Telegraph held (10/10): "The EU's initial moves to bring Serbia in from the cold are nicely calibrated with the removal of obstacles to the full exercise of presidential powers by Mr. Kostunica. The task now for the EU and the United States is to ensure that the two continue in step. The West has intervened in the disintegration of Tito's Yugoslavia to uphold the principle of self-determination. The same principle should be applied in judging Mr. Kostunica's approach to the territories that Milosevic tried to incorporate into greater Serbia. Kosovo may lie close to any Serbian nationalist's heart, but there is no hope of ethnic Albanian agreement to union unless attitudes in Belgrade change radically. Montenegro, which was edging out of the Yugoslav federation, remains suspicious of Serbian intentions.... These doubts about the new Yugoslav leader are warranted. He is a much more consistent nationalist than Milosevic.... And he challenges the right of The Hague tribunal to try Serbs indicted for war crimes. That issue has been put on the back burner by the Western powers. They will be watching first to see how Mr. Kostunica deals with Serbian MPs and Milosevic henchmen still occupying top civilian and military posts. But it remains the ultimate test of the new president's willingness to reintegrate his country in to Europe."

"Revolution, Act 2: Milosevic's Henchmen Get The Chop"

In its lead editorial, the liberal Guardian judged (10/10): "Yugoslavia entered the second stage of its revolution yesterday as Vojislav Kostunica, the people power's president, took a chainsaw to the dead wood of Slobodan Milosevic's regime.... The Serbian parliament also agreed to hold early elections. A political novice he may be, but Mr. Kostunica appears to have a sure instinct for power.... By this determined attempt to purge the body politic, Mr. Kostunica further undermines sad, bad Milosevic's deluded hopes of a comeback and increases the chances that he will soon face justice at home, if not in The Hague. The EU's rightly unconditional decision to relax sanctions and pledge $2 billion in aid will help Mr. Kostunica further consolidate his position. If the EU ever delivers the cash, it will reward ordinary Serbs for their courage in backing him. But he should keep his chainsaw in hand, for he is not out of the woods yet."

FRANCE: "Europe's Dilemma"

Michel Schiffres opined in right-of-center Le Figaro (10/10): "The main sanctions against Serbia are lifted. That is fine. Yet, everything is not over. Because this country, no longer a diplomatic outcast, remains economically damned.... This country, in addition to the political uncertainties it holds, will need years to recover from communism, from Milosevic and from war. This also means that everything is beginning for Europe. We will not be picky concerning the arrival of democracy in Serbia; we will applaud the end of its isolation, we will rejoice over the fact that the European community unites to assist it. The veil has been definitely lifted from this part of Europe."

"The Last Stronghold Of Former Regime Blows Up In Belgrade"

Marc Semo filed from Belgrade in left-of-center Liberation (10/10): "The Serbia parliament surrendered in accepting anticipated elections for December 19.... The page is turned."

"The Test Of Coexistence"

Pascal Aubert held in centrist La Tribune (10/10): "The page is turned, the sanctions lifted and Serbia is on its way to re-enter the European family--[but] based on one enormous condition: that Slobodan Milosevic's opponent knows how to avoid the nationalistic ways of his predecessor. The nature of the relationship that President Kostunica will...have with his partners and neighbors within the Yugoslav federation will be a decisive test of Belgrade's will to coexist in good regional understanding."

GERMANY: "Transition Sped Up In Belgrade"

Berthold Kohler noted in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (10/10): "Slobodan Milosevic's henchman...did not put up the resistance some feared they would. But Kostunica's team has to remove other hurdles. The most difficult will be the establishment of a new constitutional relationship with Montenegro. After witnessing Serbia's instinct for domination, the tiny neighbor is only prepared to remain in the Yugoslav federation if it enjoys absolute equality.... The revolution in Belgrade must be a revolution of values not just personnel. That is why it would be wrong to abandon attempts to bring Milosevic before the war crimes tribunal in The Hague in the name of stabilizing Serbian democracy. Then Kostunica would be right if he argued that the tribunal is 'not a legal, but a political construct.'"

"Rapprochement Toward Serbia"

Right-of-center, business-oriented Financial Times Deutschland of Hamburg maintained (10/10): "Serbia had hardly shaken off its dictator, when the EU...welcomed the country 'with open arms.' Only four days after the ouster of the regime, the EU foreign ministers lifted the oil and flight embargo and promised financial assistance. For the time being, this quick reaction is the only right one. But it can only be a first step.... In addition to the billions which the EU wants to channel to Serbia and Montenegro through the Stability Pact, important preconditions for investments are lacking. Democratic beginnings in Yugoslavia are still fragile.... The international community enthusiastically welcomed Vojislav Kostunica as new president. But he is considered a nationalist who will try to maintain Serbia's influence over Montenegro and Kosovo."

"Revolution After The Revolt"

Christoph von Marschall concluded in centrist Der Tagesspiegel of Berlin (10/10): "Now the old government stepped down and new elections will be held in Serbia in December. In view of the current mood, they are likely to strengthen democratic forces. In Luxembourg, Europe has now demonstratively opened its arms for the new Yugoslavia. This wind of change must turn into a dominating force. The revolt last Thursday was not yet the final decision. It only removed some obstacles. The revolution will be irreversible only if its own momentum is reaching such a degree that the old guard will be unable to stop it."

"Bloodletting Will Not Heal People"

Stefan Ulrich held in centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (10/10): "The lifting of the oil and trade embargo is overdue, because they should not have been imposed at all, although the West again and again said that the sanctions were not directed against the people, but against Milosevic. These sanctions, however, did not hit Milosevic. It was not him who froze in winter, it was not him who lost his job due to the embargo. The losers were the Serbs. This fatal diagnosis does not mean that all sanctions are unsuitable, but they must be clearly targeted to avoid hitting the wrong people. U.S. political scientists speak of smart sanctions. They include some punitive measures which the EU for good reason kept intact on Monday: The accounts of the Milosevic clan remain blocked, investments in companies that supported the regime are lost, and 600 supporters of the Milosevic regime will still be refused entry to the EU. And the UN continues to maintain its arms embargo. Such clearly targeted weapons, finance, and travel restrictions could be the sanctions of the future. They do not hit the people but the regime by isolating its representatives and take away the fruits of their rule. This means in concrete terms: They will lose their privileged pensions on Swiss accounts and elsewhere. They are no longer allowed to send their children to elite schools abroad, and their wives to shopping sprees to the Champs Elysees. And they must expect to be put on trial once they travel abroad."

"West Should Beware Of Giving Away All Means Of Pressure"

Centrist Suedkurier of Konstanz concluded (10/10): "It is only logical that the EU is now lifting its sanctions on Yugoslavia. This is an important signal for the downtrodden population, since their courageous moves have paid off. In addition, the Europeans have made clear that the sanctions did not aim at the Serbian people but solely at their criminal leadership. Nevertheless, the EU partner must show caution. The power relations in Belgrade are far from clear. The ousted despot still sits undisturbed in the backroom and plans to pull the strings again. In addition, his successor, Vojislav Kostunica, also gives reason for doubt: His inaugural speech did not sound better than his nationalistically-biased election campaign slogans. That is why the West should beware of giving up all means of pressure. It may be possible that they are still be needed."

ITALY: "Noose Around Milosevic's Neck"

Massimo Nava filed from Belgrade in centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera (10/10): "The Serbs renew their tradition of regicide. With more polite methods, of course: politics, computers and laws.... What is tightening around the necks of Milosevic and his supporters is a political, economic and legal noose.... Yesterday was another important day for democracy in Serbia. The Parliament adapted itself to the new course and December 17 was decided as the date for the [Serbian] presidential elections."

"Kosovo's Independence Further Away, Reconciliation A Dream"

Alberto Negri commented in leading, business Il Sole-24 Ore (10/8): "It is very difficult to imagine that the Albanians in Kosovo may accept returning under Belgrade's protective wing, albeit with a large degree of autonomy. Leaving aside the fact that Kostunica's real power--as well as his approach to Kosovo--is still to be verified, the Kosovar people have already shown...that they cannot stand any kind of external influence. The only pressure accepted by them is from Washington which, by ridding them of their submission to the Serbs, has made them feel for the first time that history is on their side."

"Europe, NATO Unable To Hide Behind Milosevic Alibi Any More"

A front-page analysis by prominent commentator Sergio Romano in centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera read (10/7): "If Kostunica succeeds in conquering power firmly, he will not govern like Milosevic and he will certainly have more respect for the civil rights of his fellow citizens. But he will also re-propose, with pride and stubbornness, a few old Serbian problems that need to be dealt with. At that point, unable to hide behind the Milosevic alibi any more, we will have to decide what to do in Bosnia, in Kosovo, in Montenegro. While the Serbs close one era, Europe and NATO should take the occasion to ask themselves whether they have not partially contributed to the negative events of that era and prepare themselves to finally define their policy toward the former Yugoslavia."

RUSSIA: "Revolution Ten Years Late"

Andrei Kolesnikov mused in reformist Izvestiya (10/10): "Yugoslavia's velvet revolution is 10 years late. So it was not until now that the Yugoslavs had a nationalist democratic leader.... A nationalist democratic regime will gradually give way to a democratic one. The Yugoslavs are having a hard time.... Their country will remain a sick man of Europe if...their hurt national pride prevails over the middle European's common sense, and if their communist policies are too slow to yield to pragmatism and rationalism in the economy. While solving only one, fundamental, problem, the belated velvet revolution has produced thousands of others."

"How Good Is Tightening Screws?"

Aleksandr Ivanitsky said in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (10/10): "At first sight, the West is doing the wrong thing by tightening the screws so hard. Demanding the extradition of Milosevic binds Kostunica's hands at home (with most Serbs against it) and abroad (with a refusal to comply pushing him into Russia's arms). But with persistence, the West can finally make Kostunica into an European, leading him past the point of no return with regard to the idea of greater Serbia and Slav brotherhood."

"NATO's Agents Of Influence Topple Regime"

Nationalist, opposition Sovetskaya Rossiya (10/10) front-paged this by Vasily Safronchuk: "History knows of many revolutions and popular uprisings...but what happened in Yugoslavia is without precedent. Never before had a country been under such strong pressure from outside during presidential elections. The makeshift coalition of so-called democratic parties was a group of agents of influence of the West and NATO who did not like Yugoslavia pursuing independent policies. The United States, for one, unabashedly interfered in Yugoslavia's internal affairs and offered financial assistance to the opposition."

BELGIUM: "Now Is the Time To Help Serbia"

Christophe Lamfalussy editorialized in conservative Catholic La Libre Belgique (10/10): "To stabilize the Balkans, it is urgent to help Serbia make a peaceful transition to a genuine democracy, and, in the short term, get out of its economic stagnation.... Europe should thus not hesitate and grant its 2.3 billion euro funds for Serbia until 2007."

BULGARIA: "Balkans Doubt The West's Integrity"

Center-left Novinar held (10/10): "Unfortunately, the euphoria from the democratic changes in Yugoslavia...is slowly being replaced by suspicions that now Belgrade will become the number one priority for the rich West, while the rest of the Balkan countries, including Bulgaria and Romania, will be ignored.... These suspicions are made stronger by the fact that so far everything connected with the Stability Pact boils down to pompous conferences and, at least until now, no serious projects have in fact been launched or completed. What most likely will happen in the foreseeable future is that the West will deal predominantly with Yugoslavia.... Such [an emphasis] by the EU will lead only to greater disillusionment and loss of confidence in the West on the part of the Balkans countries."

"Serbia Is Again A Desired Partner For U.S. And Europe"

Center-right Standart commented (10/10): "The changes in Serbia were yet another 'democratic' event, enforced by 'the will ' of the people. They were over fast and almost everyone will be happy by what was achieved.... At the end of the day, we witnessed the replacement of one criminal dictator with many future corrupt officials.... We are left with the comfort and the hope that this was at least the last revolutionary change in Eastern Europe, and the events that we observed in the last couple of days will turn out to be the long awaited epilogue of a ten year-long cycle."

FINLAND: "End Of Last Dictatorship In Eastern Europe"

Left-Alliance Kansan Uutiset editorialized (10/10): "Finally, a sufficiently large number of Serbs understood that the country has no future under Milosevic's leadership. Milosevic's end also marks the end of the last dictatorship in eastern Europe. The international community was so anxious to see Milosevic overthrown that it is willing to support--even with closed eyes--the entry of Yugoslavia into the community of democratic nations."

"As If Hitler Had Not Died In His Bunker"

Liberal Hufvudstadsbladet opined (10/10): "If the anti-Milosevic movement had been strong enough to overthrow his entire power basis, the outcome would have been more positive than it appears right now. The key word here is 'appear' as it is still possible that the movement has enough strength. But if it is not strong enough, it could transpire that Milosevic and his party continue on to sabotage the building of a new and democratic Yugoslavia. It is as if Hitler had not died in his bunker but instead remained to negotiate peace and participate in the reconstruction of post-war Germany as the leader of a liberal Nazi opposition party."

HUNGARY: "The Fearless Vampire Killers"

Foreign policy editor Gabor Stier brooded in pro-government, right-of-center Magyar Nemzet (10/10): "Old problems linger in Yugoslavia: lack of resolution to the situation of Serb refugees in Croatia, the unpredictability of Bosnian Serbs, the issue of war crimes. All of these, of course, diminish in comparison with the unresolved status of Kosovo. In spite of achieving a commendable unity, victory cannot cover the inside problems of the united [Serbian] opposition.... Opinion regarding Kostunica himself raises a lot of questions.... In addition to the already apparent reservations of [Yugoslavia's] neighbor countries, the joy of the United States, having worked for many years on defeating Milosevic, is also overshadowed by the successor's anti-Americanism."

"Burning Thursday"

Leading Hungarian Balkans expert Jozsef Juhasz stated in independent Nepszava (10/10): "Obviously, the position of the new Belgrade government is not going to lack Serbian national considerations. They regard Kosovo and Montenegro as parts of Yugoslavia, they do not support Hungarian or Muslim autonomy. But they do seem to accept as a basis for negotiation any democratic options."

IRELAND: "EU Must Help Rebuild A Shattered Yugoslavia"

The centrist Irish Examiner underscored (10/7): "Politically, the difficulty will be to paper over the differences of 18 opposition parties briefly united under one flag with the aim of toppling the tyrannical Milosevic. Having achieved that objective, Kostunica will have to build on the newfound mood of cooperation among the Serbian splinter groups to maintain peace between the factions and neighboring Montenegro. The EU has a major role to play in laying down the foundations of reconciliation with the Yugoslav people.... No time should be lost in lifting sanctions on oil and other products urgently needed to restore normal life there. This will involve putting in place a multi-billion aid program to help rebuild Yugoslavia."

LITHUANIA: "Dealing Out The Cards Of Milosevic's Destiny"

Grazina Asembergiene wrote in second-leading Respublika (10/9): "The world is now waiting with outstretched ears to see what cards Milosevic's fate will deal out to Serbia.... The fate of Milosevic will inescapably become the largest test for Kostunica and all of Serbia. It seems unlikely, however, that the West will be successful in forcing the Serbian leadership to condemn Milosevic for all of the atrocities that the Balkan nations experienced. Milosevic will most likely remain without a sentence.... Nothing changes under the sun--the most awful crimes of humanity remain unpunished."

THE NETHERLANDS: "Kostunica's First Task: Big Cleanup"

Left-of-center Trouw's editorial declared (10/9): "Creating order and undertaking a big cleanup will be top priority for...Vojislav Kostunica.... This [cleanup] not only refers to the Parliament building, which took the brunt of the popular uprising...but also to the fact that there are still representatives of the Milosevic regime in all kinds of high government posts."

NORWAY: "The Old Are Rolled Out"

Independent Dagbladet commented (10/10): "It is an obvious matter that especially those countries that bombed Yugoslavia a little more than one year ago must now open up their wallets. Not only to pay for the damages the country was caused, but because stability in Europe is dependent upon a Serbia and Yugoslavia with political liberty and economic growth. It has been hinted that there should be made conditions to the aid, that Milosevic and other war criminals should be delivered to the court in The Hague. We believe very strongly that Milosevic should be brought to court in The Hague, and we believe that this will happen. But at the same time we believe that it is unwise to require this now. It will only split the large coalition that last week won a revolution."

POLAND: "Communism Died In Different Ways"

Leopold Unger wrote in liberal Gazeta Wyborcza (10/7-8): "What to do with Milosevic? Try him in The Hague or in Belgrade? Neither is likely because few people are interested in the truth about his rule.... There are some in the West...for whom Milosevic's silent disappearance is an appealing scenario. Yugoslavia could then peacefully leave the Russian zone of influence, give up its vision of an (anti-American) alliance of interests with the Middle East, and NATO could peacefully proceed to the process of integration of the entire Balkans.... It all sounds nice but it smells. If Serbia really wants to build a just and free society and a state of law, it will have to confront its own past. Milosevic was not alone in Srebrenica, in Bosnia, or in Kosovo. He should not be the only one to pay the entire cost."

PORTUGAL: "Milosevic's Destiny"

Editor-in-chief José Manuel Fernandes opined in respected, moderate-left Público (10/7): "The epoch of Slobodan Milosevic is behind us--and what is most impressive is how the 'butcher of the Balkans' managed to hold on for so long. It's certain that this baby-faced former 'apparatchik' had an almost indestructible sense of survival.... But all his abilities would have been insufficient if Milosevic had not for many years been able to count on the complacency of Western diplomats.... It was only last year, only after Kosovo, that Milosevic really became a pariah.... Contrary to what was predicted by those who opposed NATO's intervention in Kosovo, the opposition had not ceased to exist. Contrary to what would be said by those who piously demanded the end of sanctions while Milosevic was still in power, the possibility of having sanctions lifted if he left power...ended up giving a boost to the opposition. The credit for the revolution in Belgrade belongs entirely to the Serbian people.... But the firmness of Europe and the United States, the isolation to which they condemned Milosevic, ended up creating the victory."

ROMANIA: "Will This Victory Be Enough?"

Mara Bocuris' editorial in business-oriented Ziarul Financiar read (10/10): "The Serbs showed the world that miracles do exist.... They accomplished what the West was unable to do in the several months of NATO bombings. But will this victory be enough? Because Milosevic's defeat does not solve the problems that exist in the area.... The principal responsibilities now lay with the new Belgrade authorities and, to an even greater extent, with the international community--the same West that has failed to date in almost every attempt to deal with the situation in the Balkans.... On the future of the Stability Pact...which failed to materialize into nothing but reunions, working tables and countless financial promises...the money, when it arrives, will largely go to Serbia and Montenegro, but some will go to those countries most effected by the conflict, Romania and Bulgaria. It is hard to predict how this change will impact foreign investment in the area, and therefore in Romania."

"Post-Milosevic Europe"

Pro-government Romania Libera's Bazil Stefan held (10/9): "The victory of democracy in Belgrade represents the latest crowning achievement of the revolutionary Eastern Europe of 1989...and a major step forward for the continent. Concretely, it means the following: the lifting, as soon as possible, of U.S. and EU sanctions; the immediate implementation of the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe...where the most important thing is re-establishing the navigation on the Danube; acknowledging the eligibility of all Balkan states to be part of the EU; launching an intense political dialogue with the new government in Belgrade; starting negotiations for signing the European accords of the association of Balkan countries; and so forth.... But the new Serbia needs time, understanding, and goodwill."

"West's Mess"

Ion Cristoiu wrote in opposition Azi (10/9): "We are very curious to see how the West will get out of the mess it got itself into, driven by the power of hatred against the only one who dared to defy it: Slobodan Milosevic. If the new president of Yugoslavia puts into practice his nationalist speech from the electoral campaign, what will the West do? Will they start calling him a 'dictator' and 'executioner of the Balkans,' after have called him 'the real democrat,' and the 'man who will integrate Serbia into Europe?' We will have the answer to all these questions in the near future."

SPAIN: "Yugoslavs Need Help"

Conservative ABC wrote (10/10): "The EU should lift the restrictions on business with Belgrade and organize a system of aid to make this winter easier on the citizens of Yugoslavia.... The EU has fought hard for Kostunica, both before and after the elections, they are now obliged to back him up and immediately support the new situation."

"Invest In The Balkans"

Independent El Mundo opined (10/10): "Even though the United States supports leaving aside the difficult question of the bringing Milosevic before the international tribunal, the failure of President Kostunica to do so is going to cool the enthusiasm with which his arrival has been met by the EU.... In the long run, the aspiration of all Balkan countries, and the best way to achieve peace in Europe, is integration into the EU."

EGYPT: "Campaign Against Palestinians No Different From Milosevic's Campaign"

Abdel Atti Mohamed held in pro-government Al Ahram (10/10): "There is not much difference between former Yugoslav ruler Milosevic and Israeli Prime Ministers Barak and Netanyahu. However, the United States intervened strongly, under the slogan of democracy, to overthrow Milosevic, but refused to make any true effort to get rid of Israel's rulers who are igniting fire in the region, and are openly violating international legitimacy about which Washington is making a huge fuss.... The cleansing campaign against Palestinians is not much different from Milosevic's ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, Herzegovina and Kosovo. Washington is turning a blind eye on the expansionist ambitions of Barak and Netanyahu--and certainly Sharon--but punished Milosevic for his open wish to establish greater Serbia.... Why is Washington adopting this double standard with the Balkans and the Middle East?... The Balkans region is not more important to the United States than the Middle East. Truly it threatens the entirety Europe...but the Middle East threatens the stability of the entire world and hits at American interests. Truly there were factors that eased the fall of Milosevic, such as a strong opposition democratic movement and Russia's abandoning of him. Although Israel's domestic situation is much better...democratic mechanisms are used to serve the political leadership...[and] to eliminate the legitimate rights of the original owners of the land, Palestinians. The reasons for a united American and Israeli position in general does not need proof. However, if the matter shows the U.S.' blind bias toward Israel, this harms U.S. credibility with the Arab region."

"Last Fortress Of Enmity To West, America Has Fallen"

Salama Ahmed Salama wrote in pro-government Al Ahram (10/10): "With the fall of Serbia's dictator Milosevic, the last fortress of enmity to the West and American has fallen, and Moscow has lost the last center of its influence in central Europe.... The fall of Milosevic coincides with the collapse of the peace process in the Middle East and setting Israel free to deal with Palestinian and Arab opposition by imposing unjust peace terms.... While violent demonstrations overwhelmed Belgrade and the Serbian man on the street rose against his leader, all international media focused on the end of dictatorship and victory of democracy in Yugoslavia, leaving the Israeli war machine to terrorize the Palestinian people with all possible brutality, hoping the Palestinian National Authority would resign to the demands of Israeli imperialism. The situation in Belgrade can be seen as a case study of American hegemony's...moral and economic pressure, which can be used to break the will of any nation or leader in order to force them to succumb to the new world order. At first, Milosevic was used as a tool to re-arrange the situation in the Balkans and cleanse it of Russian influence. Then he was overthrown when he refused to succumb to the West. Probably, there is a deal with Russia to maintain his life and not to present him to the war crimes tribunal, at least during the interim period of Kostunica's rule."

JAPAN: "First Step Toward Becoming An Ordinary Nation"

Liberal Asahi editorialized (10/9): "With Yugoslav dictator-President Milosevic's resignation, opposition leader Kostunica took his oath of office and began leading Yugoslavia out of a decade of war and turmoil and into a welcoming international community. We hail the transition of power from Milosevic to Kostunica without bloodshed. In reality, however, Kostunica will have to clear many difficult hurdles to 'repair' political, economic and judicial systems, distorted by the decade-long Milosevic dictatorship, and bring full democratization to the nation. To bring peace and stability to the Yugoslav people, Kostunica will have to improve relations between Serbia and Croatia, both of which are showing signs of stability. Yugoslavia will have to overcome many difficulties in order to become an ordinary nation."

AUSTRALIA: "Serbia Must Call Milosevic To Account"

Geoffrey Barker had this op-ed in the business-oriented Australian Financial Review (10/9): "These are times for optimism about the future of the Balkans--provided Milosevic is dealt with adequately, provided the groups in the new government can avoid paralyzing splits and provided that there is a genuine process of reconciliation across the region. Kostunica may be a nationalist, but he is also a cautious academic, a constitutional lawyer, an apparently decent man who appears incapable of plunging his nation into the sort of devastating wars launched by Milosevic. He may yet draw Serbia into European civilization at last."

HONG KONG: "Embattled Leader"

The independent South China Morning Post judged (10/6): "Kostunica...can stoke the fires of Serbian nationalism even more effectively than Milosevic. He is a hardliner whose popularity grew through his vehement denunciations of NATO during the Kosovo war. He has a reputation as a man of integrity, but he is no friend of the United States and has already called the war crimes tribunal a violation of Serbian autonomy and declared he would not be prepared to hand over any of those indicted, Milosevic included. If he does win power, it could mean a different set of problems for the West."

SOUTH KOREA: "Kostunica, Yugoslavia And The West"

Conservative Segye Ilbo editorialized (10/9): "Kostunica's rise to the Yugoslav presidency is a historic event, comparable to the breakdown of communism in East Europe and the collapse of the Berlin Wall. While the world is congratulating the Yugoslavs over their success in throwing Milosevic out, it is clear that they do not have a moment to waste. They face an even greater challenge of overcoming the racial conflict that gripped their nation, and of resuscitating their much troubled economy.... It will be in the newly born country's interest to work closely with the West, which wants to help it with a new version of the Marshall Plan. For its part, the West should refrain from excessively intervening in the nation's matters. The issue of putting Milosevic on trial for war crimes will remain a source of conflict between Yugoslavia and the West."

VIETNAM: "New President Versus Old Problems In Yugoslavia"

Tuong Van wrote in Sai Gon Giai Phong, mouthpiece of the Ho Chi Minh City's Communist Party (10/10): "The separatist movements in Kosovo and Montenegro, which have put Mr. Milosevic in a...difficult position in recent years, will now in turn burden the new president.... The West has said that they will lift all the sanctions against Yugoslavia once Mr. Milosevic was ousted. Now, whether that lifting of the sanctions is going smoothly or not is still an open question. So far, all remain just promises and commitments.... It was Mr. Kostunica who said during the election campaign that he wouldn't deliver Mr. Milosevic to The Hague tribunal, regarded as a tool for the United States. How will the newly-elected president deal with this issue when he receives strong pressure from outside? Anyway, there is still one advantage for Mr. Kostunica: The Yugoslav people are placing their strong faith in him. We hope that the new president will bring new achievements."

INDIA: "Trial Standards"

An editorial in the centrist Times of India held (10/10): "Hopefully, at this stage, wisdom will prevail and self-righteous Western leaders will not make Kostunica's job more difficult. It is being argued that if Milosevic is allowed to escape trial it will send a wrong message to future leaders contemplating such genocidal actions. However, this argument flies in the face of the fact of that many such criminals...are living as honored citizens in the United States and other countries.... Without in any way minimizing the culpability of the Khmer Rouge, Milosevic and others like them, it must be pointed out that the current move smacks of double standards. Those who argue that the use of nuclear weapons is legitimate have no locus standi to talk about war crimes as nuclear weapons are bound to inflict indiscriminate mass casualties. "

SOUTH AFRICA: "Shadow Of Milosevic Hangs On"

The liberal, independent Natal Witness opined (10/9): "Yugoslavia may have a new president, but the shadow of...Milosevic hangs heavily over the new administration. Kostunica claims to be a democrat and his supporters are desperate to see Yugoslavia returned to full membership in the international community after nearly a decade of isolation and sanctions. This powerful desire for a return to normality will have to be reconciled with the fact that a large number of the former regime's leaders remain indicted war criminals. Kostunica is obviously hoping that the lifting of sanctions, scheduled to happen almost immediately, will mean that the issue of war crimes can be placed on a back burner for the moment. If he believes they will be forgotten, however, he seriously misjudges the mood in the EU.... Milosevic and his henchmen will never be allowed to set foot outside their country without fear of arrest.... Let us hope that the new leadership...and the Serb people are able to rise above their victim complex and...acknowledge and deal with the horrible facts of their past behavior."

"The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same"

The liberal, independent Star maintained (10/9): "Judging from [Kostunica's] utterances, which still assert Serbian authority over the Albanian majority in that enclave, the hope [for peace] may be misplaced. Kostunica is as Serbian as Milosevic. He has made it clear that even the request for Milosevic's handover...will not happen. Cocking a snook to the demands for justice by the world may bring popularity at home, but it may be the wrong tactic. The country [Kostunica] is inheriting has been devastated by several wars, bombing campaign by NATO and economic sanctions. A serious injection of funds is therefore needed, and the only countries able to help would be the ones demanding that Kostunica hand over Milosevic."

CAMEROON: "Milosevic, It's Over"

Guy Zogo concluded in the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) Party's French/English-language weekly L'Action (10/10): "The president of Yugoslavia has been removed from power by a people fed up with his cocktail of social demagoguery and hypernationalism.... A real political earthquake has just shaken Yugoslavia.... Strangely mute at the beginning of the protests, Milosevic has admitted defeat at last."

"Message From Belgrade"

Columnist and diplomat Shanda Tonme expressed these views in opposition, French-language Le Messager (10/9): "Considering the geopolitical context and [Yugoslavia's] geostrategic importance, the United States employed all possible means to overthrow [Milosevic]. The inquiries of the international court of justice, the indictment of Milosevic, the repeated manipulation of the Security Council, the launching of the war in Kosovo, the adoption of economic sanctions as well as the embargo on oil products...contributed to creating a climate that traumatized the population. On the other hand, no energy was spared in secretly and even publicly providing help to the opposition. It should be noted that the crowds that attacked the symbols of power (in Yugoslavia) benefited from widespread and strong support. NATO had left them the only the choice between overthrowing Milosevic or being submitted to increasingly harsh economic sanctions.... War crimes and ethnic cleansing blamed on Milosevic are nothing compared to the actions of African monarchs."

ARGENTINA: "Nothing To Celebrate"

Claudio Uriarte, leftist Pagina 12's international analyst, opined (10/7): "The naive attitude of the United States and the Western media is boundless. If we were to believe what the White House is saying and what most of the Belgrade-based correspondents amplify, Slobodan Milosevic has no political future in Serbia, must be handed over to the international court in The Hague, is finished...surrounded by a few unconditional friends who lie to him, and that Russia and China are negotiating his asylum and he only has Iran and Libya to run to.... Also, along with these picturesque interpretations...Kostunica's victory...represents the triumph of democracy after the black night of ethnic intolerance. Truly comforting, isn't it? It is hard to tell whether this nonsense is the consequence of some people's intellectual jet lag or is some kind of wishful thinking... In analyzing Serbia's present situation, the West makes a similar mistake to that of the war in Kosovo. It seems that Milosevic is some kind of Yugoslav black demon and that, once he is exorcized, there will be nothing but sweetness and light in the old Federation. In truth, Kostunica is more nationalistic and more ethnically intolerant than [Milosevic].... In fact, Milosevic will not flee to Russia, China or North Korea for the simple reason that...he is still quite a popular politician in Serbia. Also, the nationalistic Kostunica will not turn him over to the international criminal court because he has no reason to do so."

BRAZIL: "Under EU And U.S. Pressure, Milosevic's Fall Inevitable"

Independent Jornal Da Tarde's editorial read (10/9): "Politically and economically strangled by EU sanctions and pressured by the United States through NATO, Milosevic's fall was a matter of time. With him, the last vestiges of the Communist Party's hegemony in the region also disappear. By fostering the dismantling of old bureaucratic structures and facilitating the emergence of moderate nationalists, Milosevic's fall paves the way for institutional reconstruction not only in Serbia, but also in Bosnia and Kosovo. If this is confirmed, Europe's least developed area, seized with corruption, unemployment, stagnation and ethnic conflicts, may now begin receiving from the EU and the United States the same type of assistance given to Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic."

CANADA: "Serb Uprising No Revolution Of Oppressed"

Editorial page editor emeritus Haroon Siddiqui wrote in the liberal Toronto Star (10/9): "Slobodan Milosevic is gone, thanks to a people's uprising. But let it not be said that what we have witnessed in Yugoslavia is a revolution of the oppressed. As much as the Serbs deserved to be freed of his tyranny, they have not borne the greater burden of his brutality. His chief victims are littered through the graveyards of Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo--more than 200,000 of them.... It is easy to place the blame of the last decade's horrors on Milosevic and celebrate his long overdue departure. But he was not alone in his evil ventures. There is a moral in the fact that Kostunica has filed criminal charges against Milosevic for trying to rig the election results, but has ruled out extraditing the indicted war criminal to the international criminal tribunal. Handing Milosevic over to the court in The Hague should be the first step in draining out the poisons of the Balkans. Lifting Western economic sanctions on Serbia will help start the arduous job of rebuilding the region; of reducing the hold of hegemonic Serbo-centrism; of healing old wounds; of ending the fiction of Kosovo as a constituent part of Yugoslavia; of also letting Montenegro go as an independent nation. Ending Serbia's isolation will begin the process of reintegrating it into the community of civilized nations. And with the dawn of democratization, already underway, will come a respect for pluralism and disdain for old hatreds, so that all minorities, including the Serb minorities in Bosnia and elsewhere, will feel safe once again."

"Despot"

The mid-market Ottawa Citizen (10/9) opined: "There are those who will call for the punishment of Milosevic at all costs. Not the least those who opposed him in Croatia and Kosovo. But they may have to settle for his banishment. The thought of Milosevic escaping justice is odious, but it may be the price of ending a decade of warfare in Yugoslavia which has left hundreds of thousands dead and devastated the lives of millions."

COLOMBIA: "OAS And UN--Without Moral Authority"

Professor Laura Gil wrote in leading El Tiempo (10/6): "The events in Peru and Yugoslavia show that some people still consider impunity an acceptable price for democracy.... Contrary to all expectations, both the United States and the United Kingdom have said they're against immunity for Milosevic.... Therefore, the position taken by UN special envoy for the former Yugoslavia in an interview with BBC--that 'immunity may not be an ethical solution but it's better than ignoring the interests of the Serbians'--is surprising. Along the same lines, OAS secretary General Cesar Gaviria proposed Peruvian Vladimiro Montesinos receiving asylum in Panama. The OAS' role in the Peruvian crisis has been irregular.... The request on behalf of Montesinos is disappointing, and the general secretary wasted an opportunity to become a credible mediator.... Despite both the OAS and the UN having turned their backs on human rights, Milosevic and Montesinos cannot escape the reach of international justice.... It's unfortunate these two international organizations are arguing exigencies of state, when they should be the world's conscience."

CUBA: "Playing With Fire"

Communist Youth Wing Juventud Rebelde featured this article by Eduardo Montes de Oca (10/6): "The Federal Republic [of Yugoslavia] is burning, thanks to an internal conflict encouraged from abroad.... The West, under the pretext of 'humanitarian' aid to [Kosovar Albanians], launched bombs mercilessly against Yugoslavia. The 'wise and noble' West that deals out missiles to the right and the left, without caring about the origin of the caravans they are attacking. 'Everything [to end] the ethnic cleansing that Milosevic was carried out.' [That was] demonization, since in the end, they discovered excesses committed by all sides in conflict."

GUATEMALA: "Lessons From The Milosevic Case"

Opposition El Periódico opined (10/9): "The Serbian people, due to the fraud perpetrated by the dictator Sloban Milosevic, massively took to the streets and without firing a shot, ended a dictatorial regime of 13 years. What neither NATO's bombings nor economic isolation could accomplish was fulfilled by a popular rebellion that simply overpowered the dictatorial regime and allowed Vojislav Kostunica, who had been elected, to come into power.... The story of Milosevic's regime was...bloody and racist, and launched war, destruction, concentration camps, and the torture of a great number of people in the former Yugoslavia.... The tyrant Milosevic was overthrown, as...Idi Amin Dada (in Uganda), Pol Pot (in Cambodia), Marcos (in the Phillippines), De Klerk (in South Africa)...were overthrown. However, it is imperative that the international community not be satisfied by Milosevic's ouster. It is necessary that he and his collaborators be judged and sentenced for the international crimes they committed, in the style of the Nuremburg tribunals, so that these crimes do not go unpunished and a clear message is sent to all dictators in the world...that their atrocities will not be forgiven or tolerated." ##