Zoran Sokolovic, the Serbian Interior Minister

Year and place of birth: 1938, Lepene village, near Knjazevac.

Education: Graduated from the Belgrade University School of Agriculture.

When and how did he enter politics: From the post of Director of the Vucje Agricultural Combine in 1964 (League of Communists member since 1960). He became a member of the Central Committee after years of sociopolitical work in local community posts. The 8th session saw him in the post of President of the intercouncil conference of the Serbian League of Communists. He became a storm trooper of the antibureaucracy revolution following the session (especially at a rally in Novi Sad). He later became Speaker of the singleparty republican assembly and after the first multiparty elections, head of the Socialist Party of Serbia parliamentary group.

How did he become police minister: Following the demonstrations on March 9, 1991, he replaced Radmilo Bogdanovic who had to resign.

What did he say then: ``I always went on to new jobs... It's a kind of challenge for me.''

When was his tenure first disputed: At the same assembly session which chose him, on May 30, 1991. The minutes of that session showed he didn't win the needed votes to become a government member. When the taped minutes were played back the lost votes were found and Sokolovic's election was confirmed.

What is he noted for: His most noted characteristic is his accent (typical of southern Serbia) and his empty speech. He doesn't care for grammar and never fails to put ancient bureaucratic phrases into his speeches. Typical examples: ``The brazenness, brutality and callousness of criminals, street vendors and others who are inclined towards deviant behavior are coming to an end. There is no reason for a psychosis of fear, disturbance and feelings of endangerment among the citizens'' (on Security Forces Day this year) and ``Also I should say that numerous informations say that with certain parts of Croatia it is almost impossible to establish telephone links since telephone and other lines are cut. (June 1991, after the first serious armed incidents in Glina and Borovo Selo). He is also noted for being the member of government least likely to interfere with his ministry, he's satisfied just to be there by chance and allow his predecessor Bogdanovic to take all the important decisions.

Maybe that's why he's been sitting in the same armchair for three years while the Serbian Government traded in four Prime Ministers.

Why did the opposition demand his resignation: The first time in December 1991 because he addressed Zoran Horvat from the Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO) who was trying to find out how much the Serbian President is paid, with the words: ``What're you saying, idiot!.''

The second time because the republican police took over the federal police building in October 1992.

The third time over the arrests and beatings of Vuk and Danica Draskovic in June 1993.

The fourth time in October that same year when his policemen beat actress Nadezda Bulatovic in self defence while she was queueing to buy flour.

Finally, last week, after a group of strong young men helped Radical Party deputies out of the assembly hall.

When did Sokolovic write his resignation: Late in 1992, when Milan Panic stood at elections for the Serbian Presidency, just in case Milosevic lost.

How does he react to criticism: ``I have a heart and a soul and it's hard to listen to these accusations and insinuations (during a debate on the law on internal affairs); ``Not overnight, it was done in the morning'' (in response to a question on the takeover of the federal police building); He apologized publicly to Nadezda Bulatovic ``in the name of the service and as a fellow citizen,'' and gave his ``word of honor that neither I nor members of the police will try to hide the truth.'' Despite all that, the disciplinary commission decided that the policemen who beat Bulatovic did not exceed their authority.

Is it true that Sokolovic said recently: ``I'll stay, while I'm alive, Interior Minister and a member of the Service''? Not true. Radmilo Bogdanovic said that last week in the Belgrade daily ``Politika ekspres.''