BELGRADE Reformers backing Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica sat down Monday with allies of ousted strongman Slobodan Milosevic to discuss setting up a new government for Serbia, AFP reported.
The fresh round of talks came after a weekend of intense activity which resulted in a breakthrough for Kostunica's Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) when Serbian President Milan Milutinovic confirmed early elections would be held.
Milutinovic, a close Milosevic ally, said a poll for a new assembly in the powerful Serbian Parliament would be held on December 24, rather than next year when the term is due to end.
DOS leader Zoran Djindjic said the Parliament, still dominated by Milosevic allies, would be dissolved on October 24 after the agreement for early elections.
He added that DOS's patience was wearing thin on forming a cross-party interim government in Serbia to act as a caretaker until the new polls are held.
The Socialist Party (SPS) headed by Milosevic has said it wants to merely reshuffle the present Serbian government it dominates thanks to an opposition boycott of the 1997 elections.
But the opposition insists on a government which reflects the changed political landscape following the presidential win of their candidate Kostunica.