yugoslavias implosion

146
ChApter 2
ploy [by the West] because the overthrow of the Serb leadership with
Milošević at its head was always on Western minds.” According to
Kadijević, the object of that ploy was to “play the two main pillars
of Yugoslavia—the Serb people and the ypa—against each other.” 204
Aleksandar Vasiljević, head of the ypa Security Department, claims
that information gathered by the kos pointed to the contrary—that
is, a “state coup would be interpreted as a blow to democracy in
countries in which it had just taken root … [an] act with far-reaching
consequences for the development of democracy not only in
Yugoslavia but also in Europe.” 205
The republican leadership, the federal leadership, and the ypa all
insisted that Yugoslavia must be reformed, but each had its own idea
how this should be done. As minister of defense, Mamula wanted to
reform the ypa in order to preserve the federation; Kadijević, who
replaced Mamula in 1988 upon his retirement, worked in the same
direction. Military leaders identified Serbia and Milošević as the only
defenders of the sfry, and the ypa sided with Serbia and drew apart
from the other republics, especially from Slovenia and Croatia. After
Branko Mikulić resigned as federal prime minister in 1989, Kadijević
suggested that Milošević assume the post of prime minister because
“on account of the political authority he has already established, the
ability he has already demonstrated, especially the ability to provide
simple solutions to complex problems, and the backing of all who
are for Yugoslavia … he could bring about a reversal in the further
course of events.” 206
Kadijević’s suggestion was disregarded, and a few months later
he proposed the “immediate setting up of a team of experts to draw
up reform of the state with the explanation that nothing will come
of economic reform without a fundamental reform of the federal
204 Veljko Kadijević, Moje viđenje raspada, p . 88 .
205 NIN, 19 June 1992
206 Veljko Kadijević, Moje viđenje raspada, p . 89 .