Wednesday, July 14, 1999 Published at 20:28 GMT 21:28 UK
Talks focus on 'Yugoslav crisis'
Montenegro's police have remained loyal to President Djukanovic
Representatives of the two countries which make up Yugoslavia - Serbia and Montenegro - have begun exploratory discussions in Belgrade to redefine their relations.
Members of the two states' ruling parties met in the Yugoslav federal parliament building on Wednesday for an initial round of talks.
After the meeting, the head of the Montenegrin negotiating team, Zeljko Sturanovic, said: "It is our impression that representatives of political parties with whom we held talks today did not have any serious objections to the principles we are proposing."
One of the Serbian negotiators, Zivko Soklovacki, hinted at a continuation of the talks.
"As long as there is goodwill on both sides, an agreement can be reached," Mr Soklovacki told Yugoslavia's state news agency Tanjug.
Mr Soklovacki is head of the team of negotiators from the Yugoslav Left party led by the wife of Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.
However, BBC Belgrade Correspondent Jacky Rowland says Montenegro's tough demands in the areas of defence, economy and foreign affairs make conflict with Belgrade look inevitable.
Mr Djukanovic has warned that if Belgrade refuses to restructure and equalise relations, Montenegro could go ahead with a referendum on independence within the next six months.
Mr Djukanovic has also stated his intention to co-operate fully with the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague.
He did not mention the best-known suspect, President Milosevic, but his statement will have been interpreted as a threat.