Powell defers decision on freeze in Yugoslavia aid
US Secretary of State Colin Powell has withheld a decision on whether Yugoslavia has cooperated sufficiently with the war crimes tribunal and on other issues to avert a freeze in US aid.
S law would restrict aid after March 31 unless Mr Powell certifies that Yugoslavia has met requirements including delivery of suspects to the Netherlands-based tribunal.
‘‘Although Yugoslavia made significant progress with respect to the certification criteria, the secretary has determined that it would be premature to certify at this point,’’ State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said in a statement yesterday.
He said the administration has notified the Belgrade government of its desire to see further progress on problems standing in the way of certification.
1Mr Powell’s decision means no US assistance checks can be written for Yugoslavia until he certifies compliance with the legislation.
The United States has earmarked 120 million US dollars in aid for Yugoslavia in the current fiscal year. Of that, 40 million dollars reportedly has not been disbursed and must be withheld until compliance is certified.
Last week, Mr Powell praised the transfer of about 150 ethnic Albanian prisoners from Serbian jails to UN custody. But, he said, he also expects Belgrade to provide access to archives and other information regarding war criminals acquired under former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.
