US visit ends Yugoslav isolation

Svilanovic's visit will rebuild bridges between Belgrade and Washington

By diplomatic correspondent Barnaby Mason

Yugoslav Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic is in Washington on a visit which American officials say marks the end of a long period of strained relations with Belgrade.

Mr Svilanovic is expected to meet Secretary of State Madeleine Albright as well as representatives of the incoming administration of George W Bush.

It is the first such visit since the ousting of Slobodan Milosevic last October and the election of Vojislav Kostunica as Yugoslav president.

Relations have improved since President Kostunica came to power

The atmosphere between Belgrade and Washington has been transformed since Mr Kostunica came to power.

But uncertainties remain, not least because of the transition to the Bush administration, which intends to review US policy on the Balkans.

Within three months, Mr Bush will have to certify that the Yugoslav authorities are consolidating democracy and observing the rule of law, in order to ensure the continuation of American aid.

War crimes tribunal

One requirement set by Congress is bringing Mr Milosevic to justice for alleged war crimes.

In principle, that means handing him over to the International Tribunal at The Hague, something Mr Kostunica is unwilling to do.

But American and British officials, speaking anonymously, say it might be acceptable to prosecute Mr Milosevic in Belgrade provided it was on a basis approved by the Tribunal.

Another issue being discussed by Mr Svilanovic in Washington is the recent armed operations by ethnic Albanian guerrillas along Kosovo's south-eastern border with Serbia proper.

Ongoing tension

Tensions continue despite efforts by Nato-led troops in Kosovo to tighten surveillance of the border and improve co-ordination with the Serbian security forces.

On the long-term status of Kosovo, Belgrade is believed to want American support in opening a dialogue with the moderate Albanian leader, Ibrahim Rugova.

However, British officials said that they believed there would be no negotiations until a recognised Kosovo leadership was chosen in general elections and that was some way off.

The fundamental disagreement over whether Kosovo should be part of Yugoslavia or become independent is unresolved.

Any discussions Mr Svilanovic may have with officials of the future Bush administration will be exploratory and preliminary.