KOSTUNICA HOLDS FIRST CONSULTATIONS ON NEW GOVERNMENT

BELGRADE, July 2 (Hina) - Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica on Monday opened consultations about the setting up of the new federal government and the appointment of the new premier designate. Kostunica today held talks with ministers from Serbia's ruling DOS coalition who resigned and will tomorrow meet representatives of DOS' coalition partners from Montenegro - the Socialist People's Party (SNP) and the People's Party (NP). A statement issued by Kostunica's office after today's meeting says Kostunica believes the new premier designate, who, under the constitution, must be from Montenegro (since the president of Yugoslavia is from Serbia), should complete the drawing up of a platform for the constitutional regulation of relations between Serbia and Montenegro. Another, not less important task is "the further regulating of economic relations" with foreign countries as well as the continuation of reform processes. Yugoslav Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic, who participated in the talks, said he was optimistic regarding the new government and added he would have more information about it next week. (hina) rml