BRITAIN RECOGNIZES KOCTUNICA AND SOFTENS STANCE ON MILOSEVIC

UK recognizes Vojislav Kostunica as president of Yugoslavia, British foreign minister Robin Cook has said. If Kostunica “takes the post on the weekend,” sanctions against Yugoslavia could be lifted as soon as on Monday, he added. Mr. Cook congratulated Yugoslav people who, in his view, had shown “great courage” these days. Mr. Cook expressed hope that Great Britain would collaborate with a new Yugoslav government basing on the principles of “freedom, justice, and democracy.” “The policy of ethnic hatred which poisoned the atmosphere in the region, is rejected,” mentioned the minister. Meanshile, British commentators speak of Mr. Cook’s “softening stance” towards Slobodan Milosevic, since this time the minister does not insist on Mr. Milosevic’s extradition, but admits him being tried in Serbia.