03.02.1997

OHR Local News Issues, 03 February 1997

John Kornblum, who chaired the Federation Forum meeting in Sarajevo, told journalists late in the afternoon that an agreement has been reached on all key questions which had been discussed: implementation of the cantonal police power, accommodation of the federal officials in Sarajevo and Mostar, refugee return on the Federation territory, replacement of the municipalities’ borders and very urgent implementation of the Protocol on the organization of Sarajevo. Agreements have been repeatedly signed, but their carrying out failed, a presenter said. Although this agreement doesn’t consist of a guarantee for its implementation, let us hope that we shall feel their results soon. (A final report was not ready at this point of time).
1’30”

Alija Izetbegovic, the BiH Presidency President received Malaysian Defense Minister, Hamid Al Bar and exchanged thoughts with him relating to the co-operation of the 2 countries. The Malaysian Minister was also received by the Federation Prime Minister, Edhem Bicakcic. The accent in their talk was on the education of Federal Army and continuing of the “equip and train”project
1’30”

In a tense fight of nerves between the Serbian President Slobodan Milosevis and demonstrators in Belgrade, Milosevic has lost his nerves. His police openly attacked demonstrators with an epilogue of over 60 injured. The most belligerent threw bottles and stones at the policemen. They grabbed some of them, beat them up, threw them into cars and drove them to the police station. This did not discourage demonstrators and they announced a further stand off.
2’30”

Haris Silajdzic, CoM Co-Chair addressed journalists relating to the events in Serbia, which are not without reflection on BiH. The International Community has chosen this regime to be a stabilization factor for the Balkans. In a world in which the war crime indicted walk freely and even more, they stir up a war, we cannot expect peace, Silajdzic said. He added that Karadzic’s threats concerning a Brcko solution is a slap to the International Community which it deserves because they let him and other war criminals move around freely for such a long time after the war is over.
2’30”

John Kornblum hailed all agreements which were made at the Federation Forum meeting today, after which a Statement was issued. (The integral text, point by point was read). US have played an important role in the establishing of the BiH Federation, John Kornblum said after the meeting. We shall continue this work along with the HR Carl Bildt since we have an interest in its success. He talked also of Radovan Karadzic’s interview and the violation of the Dayton Accord by him and all those who do not condemn such attitude.
2’00”

Karadzic’s public announcement and his threats that a new war will start because of Brcko, Carl Bildt’s Spokesman, Colum Murphy, estimated as very alarming. He pointed out that such an attitude can only bring Karadzic nearer to the Hague. Karadzic made a cardinal error and unprecedented provocation, which confirms that his arrest is an urgent problem. There will not be a new war, Murphy said.
1’30”

The Congress Council of the Bosniak intellectuals and Tuzla canton officials issued statements relating to Brcko.

An agreement about the Serb police entry in Jusici has been reached.

In the framework of an education of the Federal Army, the 167 mountain brigade was the first one to finish this education in BiH. At today’s inspection of the brigade in Ilijas, General Rasim Delic and representatives of MPRI praised this brigade officers and soldiers for their wel work done.
2’00”


Summary SRT News

Pale – Krajisnik met US embassy chief administrator Michael Parmley and talked about implementation of the joint institutions, the OHR QSP, the Central Bank and the national currency. They also discussed Karadzic’s interview given to the Greek media and Krajisnik denied its authenticity. “The false interview reported by Greek media was made for the purpose of equalising Karadzic’s war position with the position of the RS authority. I must say that was a big trick. Some forces wish to undermine the Brcko arbitration process while we are giving our best to co-operate and implement it peacefully. Denouncing this interview, I would also like to reiterate our position which is very clear – implementation of the DPA, solution of the Brcko problem by arbitration. We want a solution which will not cause any conflict. This interview was written for the purpose of causing a panic and chaos in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I appeal to our people not to be fooled by propaganda and to denounce calculations which cannot be understood by using common sense. We are thankful to Mr. Parmley for pointing out the false interview and that we succeeded to solve all misunderstandings.”
3:00

RS Ministry of Information press release – A made-up interview with Radovan Karadzic inexplicably appeared in the Greek papers Elefteros Tipos, stating the claims absolutely opposite to the RS position regarding war and peace, the DPA, and the Arbitration itself. Since he transferred all his duties on June 30 to Biljana Plavsic, Radovan Karadzic did not give any public statements nor authorise anyone to convey his positions to the public, not to mention positions which oppose the official RS position.
2:00

Washington – the RS delegation headed by vice-president Mirjanic held meetings with the US administration and members of the Government regarding the Brcko arbitration.
2:00

Mahala – ‘The RS police won a great victory although they did not enter Jusici yesterday.’ They showed professionalism and strong determination to implement the Zvornik Agreement in the areas which Muslims violently entered. The RS police request for controlling the RS ZOS will be confirmed tomorrow without conditions made by international forces. “It was a legitimate plan, and it complied with RS law and with the international standards… we arrived here today to execute that plan, but we did not gain the co-operation of the people from the Federation side. They (RS police) will be allowed tomorrow to do everything in their power to convince the people of Jusici that they have two choices: one, co-operate with the RS law through the Agreement and allow the introduction of the legitimate police forces to come to Jusici, or they can leave the town.”, US troops commander Colonel Michael Thompson said.
3:00

Banja Luka – The VRS HQ commander Gen. Colic held a meeting with representatives of Ministry of Interior, Banja Luka municipality, and RS assembly MPs analysing the combat readiness of the army and bringing it to the level required by RS people. The assembly will discuss the financial situation of the army (which is very bad) at its first next session.
2:00

Pale – CoM Co-chair Bosic met the head of UN in BiH and discussed the UN role in the DPA implementation and implementation of the joint institutions, as well as the conditions for holding the Donors conference in March. Bosic also met the Swedish ambassador to BiH. The ambassador announced a visit of the Swedish prime minister to BiH on Feb. 25.
2:00