The Socialists -- linked to war crimes and other major violations of human rights in the Balkan conflicts -- faded dramatically following Milosevic's fall from the Yugoslav presidency. But they control 22 seats in the 250-seat assembly following a December election and could exert significant influence over the new Cabinet.

Kostunica defended the deal, calling the Socialists "valid partners" and saying the party was no longer the danger it was when it backed the war campaigns in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo.

"The Socialists have changed," Kostunica said. "Their rhetoric has changed.

"The new government will help restore stability and it will bring us closer to Europe," Kostunica said.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 28, 2004
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