Friday March 30 1:54 PM ET
Powell Says Taking Belgrade Actions Into Account

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Friday he would take all Belgrade's actions into account in deciding whether to certify Yugoslavia fit for U.S. funding after March 31.

He was speaking to reporters amid speculation in Belgrade that authorities might be about to arrest former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic after a police van, an ambulance and several unmarked vehicles were seen parked close to his home.

Congress has passed a law saying no non-humanitarian U.S. funds should go to Belgrade after March 31 unless it is certified as passing a series of democracy tests, including cooperating with a tribunal in The Hague that wants to try Milosevic for alleged war crimes.

Asked if Milosevic's arrest would seal a decision to continue funding, Powell replied, ``The certification that I will be making over the next two days will reflect all actions that have been taken by the government in response to the requirements of the legislation.''

He added, ``So we'll see what happens over the next two days and I'll take it all into account as I make my judgement as to whether or not I can certify in accordance with the law.''

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