Milosevic 'will stay in power'

Slobodan Milosevic: Staying put, says his prime minister

Amid mounting tension ahead of Sunday's elections in Yugoslavia, the country's prime minister has said President Milosevic will stay in power for the time being, whatever the outcome at the polls.

The comments from Momir Bulatovic follow a warning from the Yugoslav army to the West that it should not interfere in the elections.

Under the constitutional law, the mandate of the president cannot be shortened - it will last until mid-2001

Yugoslavia's Prime Minister

Mr Bulatovic said President Milosevic would remain in power because, under the country's constitution, his term of office ran until the middle of next year. Mr Milosevic would also nominate the new prime minister, he said.

The claim added a new twist to an already tense situation, which grew grimmer on Friday with the shooting of a Montenegrin policeman by a Yugoslav military policeman.

Mr Bulatovic's interpretation of the constitution suggests a power struggle could follow an opposition victory, as the law also requires the new president to be sworn in within 15 days of an election.

Opposition activists have been predicting that the ballot may be rigged. One completed ballot paper, with President Milosevic's name circled, has already been put on display by campaigners.

Thousands have attended opposition rallies

The BBC correspondent in Belgrade, Jacky Rowland, says fears are rising among ordinary people in Belgrade of possible unrest once the election results are announced.

As an indicted war criminal, Mr Milosevic is fighting for his freedom as well as political survival.

The comments from Prime Minister Bulatovic came during an interview on Montenegrin television channel Elmag.

Poll shock

"Under the constitutional law, the mandate of the president cannot be shortened," Mr Bulatovic said.

"It will last until its expiry, which will be until mid-2001."

He said Mr Milosevic would also nominate the country's new prime minister, who would then need the approval of parliament before taking up office.

The decision to call the election was taken by President Milosevic himself, but opinion polls have shown him trailing opposition rival Vojislav Kostunica.

The warning that the West should stay out of the elections was given on Thursday - the last day of campaigning - by the head of the army, General Nobojsa Pavkovic.

Polls put Mr Kostunica way ahead

General Pavkovic said the Yugoslav army knew of a plan for disturbances on Sunday "provoked by special units of foreign armed forces who would be infiltrated into Yugoslav territory".

"Threats are being addressed to our country at the moment, and as a serious army it is our duty to make all the preparations to prevent any surprises," he was quoted as saying.

He had earlier said the military would accept an opposition victory in the poll.

Nato presence

Military exercises are being held by the US and Nato countries in the region around Yugoslavia, but officials have denied that the operations have anything to do with the Yugoslav elections.

US marines will be taking part in exercises in Croatia

The US forces will join the Croatian navy for a joint amphibious military exercise off the Croatian coast from 25 to 29 September.

The warship USS Austin has already arrived in the port of Split to take part in the exercises, with 450 US marines on board.

In Romania, international military exercises are under way, involving thousands of troops, and aircraft from Romania and eight Nato states.

Another nine countries are also involved in the exercises, which began in early September.