INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS: Milosevic refuses to concede defeat

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Although Milosevic's Socialist Party members have reluctantly recognized six opposition victories, they still claim Belgrade and seven other communities won by the opposition.

Over the last few days, police have intervened in the protests, clubbing demonstrators and injuring at least 26 protesters. Milosevic has taken control of towns won by the opposition, using force when necessary. On Monday, a Belgrade district court overturned an electoral commission ruling that the opposition won the capital. It is believed that the Serbian courts are controlled by Milosevic.

U.S. State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns has called the court ruling on Belgrade a "step in the wrong direction." Burns also said the U.S. Embassy has lodged a protest with the Serbian government against the court's decision and the use of force against demonstrators.

Source: USA Today Online, Jan. 28.

This item appeared in the News section of the January 31, 1997 issue.

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