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Djukanovic, left, has accelerated democratization in Montenegro since taking office in 1998

April 2, 1999
Web posted at: 10:04 p.m. EST (0304 GMT)

PODGORICA, Montenegro (CNN) -- In the tense capital of the Yugoslav republic of Montenegro, police in combat gear guard government buildings and a special unit stands ready with bazookas outside Montenegro Television.

They are on hand to defend their republic not from NATO bombs and missiles, but from the Yugoslav army, which many fear could receive orders to attack Montenegro's reformist government.

Though it is formally a part of the Yugoslav federation, Montenegro has distanced itself from Belgrade. Its government has openly criticized Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's policies and refused to declare a state of war following NATO airstrikes.

"We consider (the Yugoslav) government an illegitimate, illegal government ... a reserve government of Slobodan Milosevic. That's the reason we do not recognize all decisions of this so-called government," Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic said in an interview with CNN.

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Djukanovic, a Milosevic opponent who took office in January 1998, has accelerated changes in Montenegro, opening a border with Croatia and abolishing visa requirements. The republic also has used a legal loophole to enable Montenegrin men to avoid serving in the federal army.

But the NATO attacks have complicated Djukanovic's efforts. His government has begged NATO to stop its bombing campaign for fear the "flames of war" could engulf Montenegro.

In what many see as an ominous sign, Milosevic removed a Montenegrin general as head of Yugoslavia's 2nd Army and replaced him with a tough nationalist and ally, Gen. Milorad Obradovic.

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That gives Obradovic command of 10,000-12,000 troops and 3,000-4,000 reservists in the small republic.

Britain called the change in command a prelude to an attempt to overthrow the Montenegrin government.

"We have evidence to show (Milosevic) is preparing a coup against Montenegro to replace Djukanovic," said British Defense Ministry spokesman Edgar Buckley.

The United States warned Milosevic to leave Montenegro alone.

"The U.S. support for the Djukanovic government is strong and unwavering," U.S. State Department spokesman James Rubin said Friday.

"If they do try something, there will be very strong opposition of all armed forces, police and others, to fight for democracy here," said Montenegrin Foreign Minister Branko Perovic.

Whether or not a crackdown is imminent, the foreign minister said, worsening relations make it clear that further change is inevitable within the fast-fraying Yugoslav Federation.

"Everything that is going on now is making the possibility of separating from Yugoslavia higher every day," he said. "Milosevic is driving us out."

Correspondent Mike Hanna and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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