Military

DATE=10/22/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-268287

TITLE=SERBIA/GOVERNMENT

BYLINE=STEFEN BOS

DATELINE=BUDAPEST

CONTENT=

INTRO: Allies of new Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica are threatening street demonstrations unless the party of former-leader Slobodan Milosevic accepts changes in a transitional government for Serbia. Stefan Bos reports from Budapest that the political crisis follows postponement of a session of the 250-member Serbian Parliament.

TEXT: Although a revolution toppled Yugoslavia's President Slobodan Milosevic, pro-democracy activists warn that his ruling Socialist Party is causing a serious political crisis.

A close aid of Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica told reporters that the Socialists refuse to accept the composition of a transitional cabinet to govern Serbia until the December 23rd parliamentary elections.

Forming a government in Serbia has been a priority for Mr. Kostunica because the republic comprises about 90-percent of Yugoslavia's population.

Mr. Kostunica's ally, and appointed Serbian deputy Prime Minister, Nebojsa Covic says mass protests will be held unless immediate agreement is reached about the formation of a new Serbian government.

But the Socialists accuse Mr. Kostunica's allies of demanding personnel changes that violate an agreement reached last week. Under the deal the Socialist Party would keep the post of Serbian Prime Minister and Serbian President Milan Milutinovic, who has been indicted for alleged war crimes by the U-N tribunal, would keep that post until his term expires in 2002.

Certain key ministries such as police, information, justice, and finance were expected to be run jointly by the Socialists, Mr. Kostunica's alliance, and another opposition party.

But Saturday, Mr. Kostunica's party demanded the replacement of Milosevic appointed officials whose jobs were not included in the original agreement. They included a judge of Serbia's Supreme Court who also served as the head of Serbia's electoral commission, a state prosecutor, and the chief of state security.

The dispute forced a postponement Saturday of a Serbian parliament meeting that was to have approved the transitional-government agreement.

Although a new session is scheduled for Monday, the latest tension threatens to further complicate the volatile political climate in Yugoslavia. (SIGNED)

NEB/SB/RAE