The Yugoslav President, Slobodan Milosevic, has carried out an extensive reshuffle of senior military commanders.

Among those replaced are the head of the Pristina Corps of the Yugoslav army, based in the Serbian province of Kosovo.

The post is to be filled by General Vladimir Lazarevic.

One report says that the previous incumbent, General Nebojsa Pavkovic, has been promoted to become Commander of the Third Army, which includes Kosovo.The president has also appointed a new commander of the air force, General Spasoje Smiljanic.

Correspondents say the reshuffle is part of a purge by Mr Milosevic of officers believed to have disapproved of his policies.

The move follows the dismissal of the army-chief-of-staff, General Momcilo Perisic, in November..