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Serbian opposition unite to block ultranationalists

Serbia's pro-democratic parties have reached a power-sharing deal to form a new government, the hardline parliamentary speaker said yesterday, confirming an agreement that averts the possibility of radical ultranationalists regaining power.

Tomislav Nikolic said that the deal was reached between pro-Western President Boris Tadic and caretaker Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica whose talks on a new Cabinet had been deadlocked for nearly four months.

Belgrade media said the power-sharing agreement includes an initiative to replace Nikolic as the speaker.

"I was informed [by Kostunica] that the agreement on the formation of the new government has been reached," Nikolic said. "I will call a session of parliament probably tomorrow to elect the new government."

The agreement was reached at an overnight meeting between the two leaders amid fears in the West that Serbia was heading back to the rule of right-wing nationalist allies of the late president Slobodan Milosevic, Belgrade's independent B-92 radio said.
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