RUSSIA: MOSCOW: DRASKOVIC - ELECTIONS TO BE HELD SOON

(25 Nov 1999) Serbo-Croat/Rus/Nat

Yugoslav opposition leader Vuk Draskovic has said elections could be held "very soon" in Yugoslavia resulting in the "victory of a democratic Serbia."

The leader of Serbia's Renewal Movement is currently pushing for a dialogue to discuss conditions where democratic elections could be held in Yugoslavia.

Draskovic's comments came during a visit to Russia where he is meeting former Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin.

The leader of Serbia's Renewal Movement Vuk Draskovic met former Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin in the Russian capital, Moscow on Thursday.

Chernomyrdin admitted that there were problems with Yugoslavian President Slobodan Milosevic's compliance to the agreements which led to the end of the war.

The former Russian premier played a key role in brokering the peace settlement in Kosovo which led to the end of NATO's campaign against Milosevic in Yugoslavia.

Chernomyrdin still holds the post of special presidential envoy.

Draskovic accused Milosevic of conducting a campaign of terror, ordering the killing of Serbian leaders, journalists and students.

He said that democratic elections were the only way to escape the possibility of civil war.

Speaking outside the offices of former Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, Draskovic said that Milosevic would be forced to accept the election conditions.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Today in Belgrade we are trying to start conversations, some kind of dialogue with representatives of the regime to try to approach a settlement about election conditions. In the case of approaching that settlement we will have elections very soon and the victory of democratic Serbia. If Milosevic rejects the election conditions, we will try in that case to organise demonstrations to force him to accept that. It means elections anyway and the end of Milosevic."
SUPER CAPTION: Vuk Draskovic, Leader of the Serbian Renewal Movement

Draskovic is one of Milosevic's main rivals, but has been reluctant to throw in his lot with other democratic opposition groups in Yugoslavia.

He has clearly decided that now is the best time to make a move.

Draskovic has threatened to call his thousands of supporters onto the streets of Belgrade if President Milosevic did not agree to hold democratic elections on all levels.

Chernomyrdin said Milosevic has not adhered to his statements about future elections.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"He (Milosevic) said many times that elections will be held, there will not be any restrictions. But, unfortunately, the situation is not as we discussed with him."
SUPER CAPTION: Viktor Chernomyrdin

SOUNDBITE: (Serbian)
"Under these conditions (of terror) elections cannot be carried out fairly. Government terrorism must be stopped and the media must be free. If these conditions are met, we will defeat Milosevic in the elections."
SUPER CAPTION: Vuk Draskovic, leader of the Serbian Renewal Movement

Draskovic said the elections would save the people of Yugoslavia from the worst evil of all.

SOUNDBITE: (Serbian)
"Concerning the democratic elections in Serbia; they are the one escape from the evil which we, thankfully, have not yet come to and that is a civil war."
SUPER CAPTION: Vuk Draskovic, leader of the Serbian Renewal Movement

Draskovic was in Moscow at the reported invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov.

The two men were said to have met earlier this month during the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (O-S-C-E) Summit in Istanbul.


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