(31 Dec 1996) English/Nat
A key adviser to the main opposition leader in Belgrade has rejected claims that President Milosevic is ready to recognise the results of local elections.
Milan Bozic said on Tuesday that Milosevic was just buying time and urged the international community to increase its pressure on his government.
Earlier this morning, European Union diplomats hand-delivered a message to the Serbian government urging it to recognise election victories by opposition parties and respect democracy.
Immediately after the meeting, there was some suggestion that President Milosevic might be ready to accept the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe's report on recent local elections.
But Milan Bozic wasn't optimistic.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It was a strange meeting with foreign diplomats sited in Belgrade, a low-level meeting, and the assurances given (by Milosevic) that the government is going to do something about regulation of election results simply means buying time. As always, Milosevic is buying time."
SUPERCAPTION: Milan Bozic, Adviser to main opposition leader Vuk Draskovic
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"So, we strongly urge and this is a message to the Western world and governments to push Milosevic harder. He will be ready to give concessions only when he is pushed good and hard."
SUPERCAPTION: Milan Bozic, Adviser to main opposition leader Vuk Draskovic
Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic's iron grip on power has been rattled by six weeks of pro-democracy demonstrations and the E-U's move is generally seen as increasing pressure on him to make concessions.
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