Balkans: December 28, 2001

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On December 26 Serbian President Vojislav Kostunica announced a reorganization of the Yugoslav Army. The proposed reorganization would make the Yugoslav military a single force and shrink the size of the army. On the same day, the Serb parliament reduced the length of compulsory military service from 12 months to nine months. One report said up to 50 current flag officers would lose their positions. This is also a means of getting rid of high-ranking supporters of former Serb dictator Slobodan Milosevic. On December 27, however, President Kostunica refused the resignation of Army Chief of Staff General Nebojsa Pavkovic, who has strong connections to Milosevic. (Pavkovic also commanded the Yugoslav Third Army in Kosovo during the Kosovo War.) Subsequent reports (December 28) said the Kostunica ordered the retirement of 21 Yugoslav generals. Thats not 50, but its a huge cut at the highest echelons of Yugoslav Army leadership. 16 other flag officers (including admirals) and nine colonels will be reassigned to other duties.


 

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