The new president of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, is seen by his supporters as a young reformer.

Born in the industrial town of Niksic, Djukanovic is the son of a high court judge who graduated in economics and speaks English and Russian.

Like most other politicians in the years before Yugoslavia's disintegration, Mr Djukanovic was involved in the Communist Party. He quickly rose to become a leading member of the party in Montenegro which, together with Serbia, now makes up Yugoslavia.

In 1989 he backed Slobodan Milosevic during the latter's rise to power and his ousting of the old regime in Serbia and Montenegro.

As a protege of Mr Milosevic, Mr Djukanovic became prime minister of Montenegro in 1991.

But last year he fell out with Mr Milosevic, backing protests against his rule. He accused his former mentor of being outdated and abusing Yugoslavia for his own benefit.

Momir Bulatovic: refused to accept his election defeat

In contrast to Belgrade, Mr Djukanovic advocated rapid economic reform and a more open economic and political outlook.

The break with Mr Milosevic set him against hardliners and Milosevic supporters in Montenegro, who rallied around Momir Bulatovic, his rival in October's presidential contest and a former friend and colleague.

Mr Djukanovic's western style and economic ideas have made him popular with the West, but his pro-Milosevic opponents, and the Milosevic-controlled Belgrade media, accuse him of leading Montenegro away from Serbia and towards secession from Yugoslavia, charges which he denies.
 

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