Vojislav Kostunica, the former Yugoslav president who came to power after helping oust Slobodan Milosevic, became Serbia’s prime minister-designate Friday after turning to the indicted war criminal’s party for support.
Milosevic was replaced by reformist leaders who promised to bring democracy and prosperity to the Balkan republic.
In an early sign of their intentions, the reformist leaders sent Milosevic to the United Nations war crimes tribunal in 2001. But they soon turned against each other, and their strife hampered efforts to improve living standards and bring stability.
Few in Serbia-Montenegro appeared to be shaken by Kostunica’s pact with the Socialist Party, which is still officially led by Milosevic from his jail cell at the court in The Hague.
The Socialists faded after Milosevic’s fall. But they now control 22 seats in the 250-seat assembly.
Kostunica defended the deal Friday, calling the Socialists “valid partners” and saying the party was no longer the danger it was when it backed the wars in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo.
“The new government will help restore stability and it will bring us closer to Europe,” he said.
