YUGOSLAVIA : Reformists Claim Montenegro Victory

Supporters of Montenegro’s reformist Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic claimed that he was ahead in the race for the republic’s presidency with just under 90% of the votes counted. They said unofficial returns from Sunday’s poll gave him a lead of 7,500 votes over current President Momir Bulatovic, who was the candidate of Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. Bulatovic’s headquarters had not conceded defeat and claimed he was maintaining his slim lead from the first round two weeks ago. But its figures were based on a much lower count from the 70% turnout. Djukanovic’s victory, if confirmed, would be a fresh blow for Milosevic after his ruling Socialist party failed to win Serbia’s presidency and suffered losses in parliamentary elections. The 35-year-old prime minister has led Montenegro’s drive to liberalize its economy and seek friends in the United States and Western Europe.