Cover
story Kostunica, allies struggle to restore stability, economy
By JONATHAN LUXMOORE
When 2 million people massed in
Belgrade Oct. 5 and seized control of parliament, a new era began in
Yugoslavia. A day later, the countrys Constitutional Tribunal confirmed
Vojislav Kostunicas victory, leaving Slobodan Milosevic to accept defeat
in a surprise state TV broadcast.
Tensions, however, are still high, and the future is uncertain.
Western governments say Milosevic must be handed over to face war
crimes charges once the situation is under control. Kostunica is reluctant to
do this, and the ex-presidents whereabouts are unclear.
Though Kostunica pledged to cooperate with all parties in building
the countrys future, he may not be given the chance. On Oct. 9 the
Democratic Opposition Party made a deal with pro-regime parties to dissolve
parliament and call fresh December elections. But by mid-week there were signs
the pro-regime parties were backtracking. Socialist Party parliamentarians said
they wouldnt recognize Kostunica until Democratic Opposition stopped its
rape and lawlessness. Milosevic loyalists claimed that last
weeks Serbian revolution was just a Western-backed coup
detat.
In a speech, Kostunica undertook to safeguard Serbias
sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. But
theres resistance to that as well. In strife-torn Kosovo, ethnic Albanian
leaders have warned theyll restart last years conflict if the
Yugoslav army attempts to return. Meanwhile, restiveness continues in the
sister-republic of Montenegro. Yugoslavias federal constitution requires
a Montenegrin premier if the president is a Serb. But there are no local
candidates for the post.
Kostunicas credibility will also depend on steps to salvage
his countrys shattered sanctions-bound economy.
Conditions were already severe before NATOs March-June 1999
bombing campaign ploughed up roads, bridges, power stations and industrial
installations. Gross national production had fallen by half in the previous
decade, amid a heady mix of isolation and rampant corruption. Today, with
unemployment running to 50 percent, economic life is dominated by gray
zone activities.
On Monday, European Union foreign ministers shelved their oil and
investment embargo. But the country desperately needs direct help in rebuilding
its infrastructure, as well as in re-establishing a stable currency.
On the positive side is the important role played by the Orthodox
church, to which most of Serbias 10 million citizens nominally belong.
A decade ago, when Milosevic set about consolidating power,
Orthodox bishops welcomed his pledges to bring freedom and security
to the church, as well as his military backing for Serb populations in Croatia
and Bosnia.
This began to change after the 1995 Dayton accord brought peace to
war-torn Bosnia. And when Milosevics repressive policies plunged Kosovo
into war two years ago, the breach became irreparable.
It reached a head in June 1999, when the churchs synod
called for Milosevics resignation. Support for Kostunica has been the
logical outcome.
Observers say last weeks peaceful uprising owed something to
Serbian Orthodox leaders, who recognized Kostunicas victory within three
days of the election.
In an Oct. 6 letter, Patriarch Pavle urged Yugoslavias chief
of staff, Lt. Gen. Nebojsa Pavkovic, a close Milosevic ally, to ensure that the
armed forces respect the peoples will and stand with its
people.
He followed this up with a service the same day at Belgrades
St. Sava Church, during which he gave Kostunica his personal blessing.
Meanwhile, Pavle was consulted last weekend by the visiting
Russian foreign minister, Igor Ivanov. Pavle briefed European Union chairman
Romano Prodi on his countrys aid needs during an Oct. 11 meeting in
Austria arranged by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna.
There are worries as to what this budding alliance of throne and
altar portends -- not least among Catholics, who make up just 5 percent of
Serbias population. Under Milosevic, the Catholic church suffered legal
restrictions and a hostile atmosphere.
National Catholic Reporter, October 20,
2000
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