BELGRADE, Aug 18 (Hina) - The decision of Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica's Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) to withdraw its representatives from the Serbian government, headed by Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, has caused a
political breach in the ruling DOS coalition with consequences which might go from the break-up of the government both on the state level and in Serbia to a crisis of the institutional system and possible reconciliation. The DSS said on Friday its decision to withdraw its ministers and other officials from the Serbian government because it did not want to take part "in deceiving the (Serbian) people" has caused a considerable concern of other leaders of the heterogeneous 18-party coalition as well as condemnation because the decision was made without any talks or consultations in the coalition. Politicians in Yugoslavia on Saturday speculated about options facing Serbia and Yugo
BELGRADE, Aug 18 (Hina) - The decision of Yugoslav President
Vojislav Kostunica's Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) to withdraw
its representatives from the Serbian government, headed by Prime
Minister Zoran Djindjic, has caused a political breach in the
ruling DOS coalition with consequences which might go from the
break-up of the government both on the state level and in Serbia to a
crisis of the institutional system and possible reconciliation.
The DSS said on Friday its decision to withdraw its ministers and
other officials from the Serbian government because it did not want
to take part "in deceiving the (Serbian) people" has caused a
considerable concern of other leaders of the heterogeneous 18-
party coalition as well as condemnation because the decision was
made without any talks or consultations in the coalition.
Politicians in Yugoslavia on Saturday speculated about options
facing Serbia and Yugoslavia after the radical move of Kostunica's
party. The current crisis, which was expected, has been caused by
the 'Gavrilovic scandal', which has been generating mutual
accusations of rival DSS and Djindjic's Democratic Party for the
last ten days.
Kostunica has not issued any statement regarding his party's stand
because he is on holiday and has cut it short on Friday only to meet
Macedonian Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva. It has not been made
known when he will return or when the next session of the DOS
presidency may be held. It is expected the session will be very
difficult and, as some speculate, it may be the last one in the
coalition's current composition.
Serbian Premier Djindjic on Friday gave numerous interviews and
statements to domestic and foreign media, expressing his
"surprise" and great concern and calling for the preservation of
political stability.
Other coalition leaders acted similarly, giving short statements
in which, despite considerable reservations, they nevertheless
condemned the DSS for making such a move without any prior talks in
the coalition.
Djindjic and other DOS leaders believe Serbia and Yugoslavia are
entering a period of serious institutional crisis. The Serbian
premier believes the crisis could jeopardise issues which are being
resolved, such as Serbia-Montenegro relations, Kosovo, southern
Serbia, economy, admission to international financial
institutions, debt-rescheduling and foreign investments.
"The crisis would open all of these issues in a dramatic way,
changes would be postponed and nobody would make investments. The
vote of no confidence in the government the DSS is urging would also
mean new elections," Djindjic said.
The DOS leaders who have slammed the DSS decision are wondering who
will be the partner the DSS will form an alliance with in the new
elections and giving the answer at the same time - Milosevic's
Socialists or Seselj's Radicals. This option is almost certain
because Kostunica's party can vote the replacement of the Serbian
government in parliament only if it is supported by the two
parties.
(hina) rml