Milosevic's wife returns home

Ms Markovic was greeted by daughter-in-law Milica Gajic (left) at Belgrade airport

By Geraldine Coughlan in The Hague

Mira Markovic, the wife of the former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic, has returned to Belgrade by private plane after a three-day visit to the Netherlands.

Ms Markovic was in The Hague to spend time with her husband, who is being held in the detention unit of the International War Crimes Tribunal, as he awaits trial for crimes against humanity.

The Dutch authorities are now considering whether other members of Mr Milosevic's family will be allowed to visit him.

During her stay in The Hague, Mira Markovic's movements were strictly controlled.

Glass wall

Her lawyer said that inside the detention unit she was separated from her husband by a glass wall and that the couple had to communicate by telephone, monitored by a UN guard.

Ms Markovic is to request a visa for unlimited stay in the Netherlands

But they did not discuss Mr Milosevic's case before the tribunal.

It is the first time the former president has seen his wife since he was sent to The Hague three weeks ago.

Ms Markovic was granted a special three-day visa by the Dutch Government, after the EU waived an entry ban on close associates of Mr Milosevic as part of remaining sanctions against the Milosevic regime.

Estate agents

Mira Markovic's lawyer has been asking estate agents about family apartments for rent in The Hague.

He said that next week Mrs Markovic will request an unlimited visa to be able to come to the Netherlands to be near her husband.

A Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman said Mira Markovic's visit here is being assessed as a trial trip which will determine whether Mr Milosevic's other family members, including his grandson, will be permitted to come to see him as well.