Yugoslav Army Reservists Protest Over Unpaid Wages in Serbia

Strategic Insights -

Hundreds of angry Yugoslav army reservists blocked central squares in two Serbian cities, demanding long-overdue pay for their service in Kosovo during NATO airstrikes. The protests, which have been ongoing for several weeks, have deepened tensions in the already unstable country. The reservists, who were sent to Kosovo to fight against ethnic Albanian rebels, are seeking payment for their service, which they claim has been denied due to the country's economic crisis. The protests have added to the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic's regime, which is already facing opposition from various groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protests by Yugoslav army reservists have been ongoing for several weeks, with hundreds of reservists in two Serbian cities demanding unpaid wages for their service in Kosovo.
  • The reservists, who were sent to Kosovo to fight against ethnic Albanian rebels, claim that they have not received payment for their service due to the country's economic crisis.
  • The protests have added to the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic's regime, which is already facing opposition from various groups.
  • The opposition parties remain fragmented against Milosevic, but the protests by soldiers could trigger mutiny within the army.
  • The United Nations is working to establish a U.N.-run police force in Kosovo, but the process is being hindered by ethnic tensions.
  • The demonstrations by reservists have been peaceful so far, but the situation remains volatile and could escalate further.

Statistics:

  • The protesters are demanding back pay totaling about $100 million.
  • The protests have been ongoing for several weeks, with hundreds of reservists in two Serbian cities participating.
  • 10,000 demonstrators carried anti-Milosevic banners in a rally in the central Serbian town of Kraljevo.
  • The protests have added to the pressure on President Slobodan Milosevic's regime, which is already facing opposition from various groups.

Sources:

  • Associated Press. (Date not specified). Yugoslav Army Reservists Protest Over Unpaid Wages in Serbia.