President Slobodan Milosevic of Yugoslavia appeared before western journalists for the first time since the NATO bombings began, when he greeted the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko.

A Reuter's correspondent said the Yugoslav leader looked calm and showed no signs of stress.

An explosion was heard along with air raid sirens as the two leaders began their talks.

President Lukashenko, who opposes the NATO bombings, said he'd come to Belgrade to discuss peace moves initiated by Russia.

But he denied being a peacemaker. The visit comes two days after the Yugoslav Parliament voted to join the recent union between Belarus and Russia.

The Russians say they're considering the Yugoslav decision.

Belarus along with Russia is sending humanitarian aid to Belgrade.