Belgrade, 7 March 1997 (RFE/RL) - Belgrade University Rector Dragutin Velickovic resigned today, meeting a demand by students who ended their 106-day protest against him and the government of President Slobodan Milosevic earlier in the day.
Earlier this week, Velickovic had promised to step down if the students returned to their classes. He told state media today that since his request has been met, he is tendering his resignation.
The students demanded the ouster of Velickovic after he failed to condemn brutal police attacks on demonstrators opposed to the Milosevic government. The demonstrators were demanding the confirmation of opposition wins in November local elections. Milosevic's regime had annulled their victories, but under international and internal pressure finally conceded defeat last month.
Earlier this week, Velickovic had promised to step down if the students returned to their classes. He told state media today that since his request has been met, he is tendering his resignation.
The students demanded the ouster of Velickovic after he failed to condemn brutal police attacks on demonstrators opposed to the Milosevic government. The demonstrators were demanding the confirmation of opposition wins in November local elections. Milosevic's regime had annulled their victories, but under international and internal pressure finally conceded defeat last month.