Serbia's Opposition Leader Calls for Change Amid Threats of Prosecution

Strategic Insights -

Zoran Djindjic, head of Serbia's second largest opposition Democratic Party, returned to Belgrade from Montenegro after a two-month absence, facing threats of prosecution by military and civilian authorities. Djindjic emphasized the need for a change of government to achieve free and fair elections, democratic reforms, and Yugoslavia's integration into Europe. He stated that conditions must be created for people in the Balkans to live together without wars and violence and to achieve progress, calling for a break with demagoguery and the country's present disaster. Djindjic announced that the Alliance for Change, a Serbian coalition of his Democratic Party and other opposition parties, would continue its drive to win public support with mass rallies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zoran Djindjic, leader of Serbia's Democratic Party, returned to Belgrade after a two-month absence, facing threats of prosecution from military and civilian authorities.
  • Djindjic called for a change of government to achieve free and fair elections, democratic reforms, and Yugoslavia's integration into Europe.
  • The Alliance for Change, a coalition of his party and 30 other opposition parties, will continue its drive to win public support with mass rallies, including those in Uzice and Prokuplje.
  • The Alliance's first rally in Cacak was attended by 10,000 people, with police blocking approach roads to prevent participants and media from reaching the town.
  • Djindjic denied charges of allegedly escaping military service during the NATO bombing campaign, stating he spent the first six weeks in Belgrade and then left without being served call-up papers.
  • Djindjic may also face a charge for not registering a change of address, which could put him in prison for a month if found guilty.
  • The Democratic Party leader called for a break with demagoguery and the present disaster afflicting Serbia, emphasizing the need for a change in government without unrest or violence.
  • Djindjic supports Montenegro's demands for reconstituting the Yugoslav federation to give the republic full equality with Serbia, citing the current set-up as unworkable due to the significant size difference.
  • Podgorica officials have proposed granting Montenegro control over its armed forces, central bank, and possibly currency to address concerns over Belgrade's dominance.

Statistics:

  • 2 months: Zoran Djindjic's absence from Belgrade while in Montenegro.
  • 10,000: Number of people attending the Alliance for Change's first rally in Cacak.
  • 15,000: Strength of Montenegro's police force, outnumbered by the additional army troops sent from Belgrade.
  • 1 year: Timeframe for Montenegro's proposed referendum on international recognition as an independent state.
  • 15 times: Difference in size between Serbia and Montenegro.

Sources:

  • United Press International. (1999). Zoran Djindjic, head of Serbia's second largest opposition Democratic Party, returned to Belgrade from Montenegro after a two-month absence to face threats of prosecution by military and civilian authorities.
  • United Press International. (1999). While in Montenegro, Zoran Djindjic was in close touch with government officials in Podgorica, the capital, to coordinate policies and discuss their demands for a reconstitution of the Yugoslav federation to give Montenegro full equality with its 15 times larger partner, Serbia.