Foreign Agencies on January 13th, 1997

Nis Commission Defies Order
By JOVANA GEC
Associated Press Writer
Monday, January 13, 1997 7:45 am EST

BELGRADE, Yugoslavia (AP)
...
Citing sources close to Milosevic's Socialists, the daily said Milosevic will offer some concessions to university students -- who have held protests separately from their opposition allies -- hoping they will end their demonstrations.

"Once the students are off the streets, the crushing of the opposition demonstrations would be much easier," Nasa Borba wrote.

Milosevic could fulfill one of the students' demands as soon as Monday and replace the head of Belgrade University, Dragutin Velickovic. A session of the main university board of governors is expected later Monday to discuss that replacement.

The students' protests have infused the pro-democracy demonstrations with much of their spirit. They planned a huge demonstration tonight, the Orthodox New Year's Eve.

Yugo Opposition Expects Force
By JULIJANA MOJSILOVIC
Associated Press Writer
Monday, January 13, 1997 6:29 pm EST

BELGRADE, Yugoslavia (AP)
...
Traffic jams formed more than five blocks from the square, and independent student radio appealed to demonstrators to walk -- not drive -- to the city center. Callers from several other towns spoke of pro-democracy rallies where they lived.

In Belgrade, many protesters blew the whistles that have characterized opposition protests. Others danced in costume to recorded rock music blaring from loudspeakers and the New Year was greeted by the sound of drums and firecrackers.

Unlike at previous demonstrations, no police were visible. Student protest leaders said police had given permission for the rally.
...

CNN
Half-million people fill streets in largest protest yet
January 13, 1997
Web posted at: 11:40 p.m. EST (1640 GMT)

BELGRADE, Yugoslavia (AP) -- A half-million people filled the streets in the largest protest yet against President Slobodan Milosevic, setting off flares and firecrackers in a defiant celebration of Orthodox New Year's Eve.
...
Serbians normally celebrate the Orthodox New Year's Eve at home, but 500,000 people gathered in central Republic Square and surrounding streets by midnight. Ralliers danced in costume to rock music, blew the whistles that have come to characterize the opposition protests, and set off fireworks.

Unlike previous demonstrations, no police were visible at the Belgrade rally. Student protest leaders said police had given permission for the rally.

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