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Interview with Miroljub Labus, G17 Plus leader |
Belgrade, April 25, 2003 - 'The state of emergency in Serbia was necessary, however, it is important that it has been suspended on time. Results of Serbian Government's policy are positive and the Police did their job well', Miroljub Labus, G17 Plus leader said in his interview with 'Blic' daily.
Q: Was there any dealing with political opponents during state of emergency?
A: 'Fight against organized crime was dominant. However, about ten days before suspension of extraordinary measures there appeared impatience. Some were leading successful investigation and some were leading political campaign. These two things mixed at the end and threatened to discredit the state of emergency'.
Q: What is your comment on confronted statements by some members of the Government regarding connections with Zemun gang?
A: 'It is not on me to comment what two Serbian Deputy premiers are saying about one another. However, result of that debate will be an indicator whether we are going to have elections soon or not. If that debate within DOS continues, I don't see any other solution but sooner elections'.
Q: According to your opinion who is responsible for assassination of premier Zoran Djindjic?
A: 'That is very serious question and we still don't have a definite reply. I don't believe in conspiracy and I don't see conspiracy behind this tragic event either. Nevertheless that is possible. There were so many surprises during these 42 days that I would not exclude any possibility. It seems to me, judging by the available information, that there was a parallel structure of power that felt so strong and thought it was stronger than the regular power. This means that at the same time the state institutions in Serbia were weak. Vojislav Seselj for example had some information before Serbian Prime Minister. These were information leaking from BIA. Surely there was political background behind Djindjic's assassination. I think the matter has to be solved to the very detail. I am for establishment of individual guilt and responsibility and not for ban of political parties.
Q: When do you expect parliamentary elections in Serbia?
A: 'It is difficult to say. There are three possible dates, before the summer, in the autumn this year and in the autumn next year. G17 Plus will be ready for each of them'.
Q: Many analysts say that G17 Plus could be a needle on the scale between DOS and DSS. Is G17 Plus closer to DOS or DSS?
A: 'We together made the program for ousting Milosevic. The Government accepted that program and is implementing it. All parties implementing that program are closer to G17 Plus'.
Q: According to unofficial information, G17 Plus has been already divided between DOS and DSS. There are rumors that Mladjan Dinkic supports cooperation with DSS and you with DS?
A: 'There is no division. We work and define our policy together. Both Dinkic and I know that after first elections we cannot be a party that will get 5l per cent of votes and that we have to enter program coalitions'.
Q: Do you expect that the question of Dinkic's stay on the position of Serbia National Bank's Governor is set again?
A: 'For G17 Plus that will be a test showing how the ruling coalition is treating our party. That will also be a test for future cooperation. If an institution is functioning well, then there is no need for changes. Many would like to see Dinkic leaving. If that happens, that would be a message contrary to what Serbian Government is currently saying about continuation of fight against financial crime'.
Q: So if Dinkic is recalled, there will be no coalition with DOS?
A: 'My message is if you recall Dinkic, the job was in vein'.
Q: Are you still thinking about candidacy for the President of Serbia?
A: 'That topic will be actual only after passing of new constitution of Serbia'.
Q: According to some proposals the Parliament should elect president?
A: 'G17 Plus is of the opinion that current competencies of the President of the Republic should be kept, including direct elections'.
Q: Do you expect that new Serbian constitution is passed until the autumn?
A: 'We have to do so'.
Q: Are you still a pessimist about survival of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro?
A: 'Yeas, I am but I don't want to lead public campaign against the state union and speak that the union has no chance to survive'.
Q: There is much talk about the money of Zemun gang. What do you think where is that money?
A: 'I don't have a faintest idea, nor had I investigated that. Obviously it was a large sum. The only sure thing is that the money is not in the country. That money has not been earned legally so it is subject to confiscation'.
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