Dr Kouchner could then appoint additional people, including Serbs, who are boycotting the polls, to local councils.

ECONOMIST: The delicate Balkan balance | The

Serbia has a population of about 10 million whilst Montenegro has about 650, 000 inhabitants, including many ethnic Serbs.

BBC: Serbia votes to end Yugoslavia

Armed with a stellar line-up including Ivanovic and fellow former world No.1 Jelena Jankovic, the Serbs are hoping to deliver the biggest upset of the tournament to injury-hit Russia.

CNN: Fed Cup: Serbia makes history in first semifinal showdown

NATO's entry into Kosovo, Mr Steiner said that Kosovo's status could not be seriously addressed until several benchmarks are met, including the establishment of the rule of law, democratic institutions, the safe return of Serbs, freedom of movement for all inhabitants, and economic regeneration.

ECONOMIST: Kosovo