The ITTF issued a statement saying the championships would be relocated and rescheduled. The ruling body will discuss a new date and venue over the next few days.

``The ITTF executive committee sincerely appreciates the efforts made by the Yugoslav organising committee in preparing for the 45th World Championships,'' the statement said.

``However, in the light of the situation in Yugoslavia and to ensure a successful staging of the world championships the executive committee has unanimously decided to relocate and reschedule the event.''

The decision was made via a worldwide telephone conference and the same method will be used to decide the new date and venue.

The United States, Germany and Sweden had already withdrawn from the tournament scheduled from April 26 to May 9 because of security fears.

The biennialworld championships traditionally alternates between Europe and Asia but China, Malaysia and India have all been tipped as possible replacements for Belgrade.

Three European championship qualifiers were postponed and a Davis Cup tie between Yugoslavia and Morocco switched to Morocco yesterday because of the military action in Yugoslavia.