Milosevic associates arrested in Belgrade

The authorities in Belgrade have arrested several close associates of the former Yugoslav president, Slobodan Milosevic, and his wife, Mira Markovic.

The men are being questioned on suspicion of abuse of power and fraud.

The detentions have prompted fresh speculation that the former president himself may soon be arrested.

But a BBC correspondent in Belgrade says the new authorities are moving cautiously, and detaining his associates in the hope of finding evidence that could link Mr Milosevic to economic and political crimes.

Mr Milosevic has also been indicted for war crimes by the United Nations tribunal in The Hague, but the authorities have indicated their first priority is to have him tried in Yugoslavia.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service