Please also consult the OHR's chronology for:

2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 and 1995

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Summary

Already at the beginning of the year, it was clear that several events would take place in 2002 that would be very important for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future. The country was scheduled to join the Council of Europe early in the year, organize the first locally-run elections later in the year, and, most importantly, implement the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituent status of all BiH peoples and citizens on the whole territory of BiH (herein "the Constitutional Court ruling on the constituency of peoples").

Not surprisingly, the dominant topic in the month of January was therefore the debate over the constitutional changes, i.e. the amendment of the Entity constitutions in line with the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituency of peoples. The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, urged local authorities to implement the historic ruling by mid-March (see HR’s interview with Dnevni Avaz - January 12, 2002), so there would be enough time to complete the Election Law and elect all bodies in October under this Law. (The Election Law states that the Entity Presidents and delegates to the Federation House of Peoples will be elected under the 1998 Rules and Regulations of the Provisional Election Commission if the Constitutional Court’s decision is not implemented and the Election Law not completed in time.) This triggered a vigorous discussion among the political parties in BiH, and also among citizens.

On January 25, the leaders of eight major political parties from the Federation and the RS gathered at Mrakovica near Prijedor to discuss constitutional reform in the Entities. Although this meeting, which was the first in a series of meetings to be held on this issue, did not immediately produce a solution, the International Community welcomed it. It was the first time since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement that political leaders had come together without mediation by the International Community in order to discuss an issue that is of crucial importance for the future of BiH.

However, the meeting revealed the seemingly irreconcilable attitudes of parties from the Federation on the one hand and the Republika Srpska on the other. While Federation parties unanimously insist on introducing far-reaching changes to the Entity constitutions, in particular the RS Constitution, almost all RS politicians argue that the RS Constitution does not need to undergo any "spectacular changes". Federation parties generally say that the only way to ensure the equality of all peoples and citizens across BiH is to have symmetrical solutions in both Entities, and they advocate Houses of Peoples as guardians of the vital national interests of the peoples in both Entities. All Federation parties also uphold the idea that the 1991 population census should be used as a basis for the distribution of the executive, and part of the judicial, power in the RS. RS parties strongly object to both, claiming that Constitutional Commissions, as they already exist, adequately protect the interests of the peoples. The vast majority of RS parties also dismiss the possibility of using the 1991 population census as a base for the ethnic composition of the governments and higher courts, claiming that this would not be in touch with the reality on the ground. The High Representative consistently urged the political leaders to find a solution, arguing that it was time BiH’s political class showed political maturity and a willingness to compromise.

On January 22, the Council of Europe’s (CoE) Parliamentary Assembly voted in favor of BiH’s accession to the this oldest European human rights body. The final decision will be made by the CoE Committee of Ministers, and is expected in April or May. BiH’s accession to the CoE is seen as a concrete step taking BiH closer to its ultimate goal of joining the European mainstream. In the coming months and years, the BiH authorities will have to meet close to 100 post-accession requirements, which come as a part of the accession package.

Yet another important test for local authorities in 2002 will be the organization of the general elections, which are scheduled for October. These elections will be the first since Dayton to be organized fully by domestic authorities. To that end, the BiH Election Commission announced in January that the estimated cost of the elections could be as high as 11 million KM. The head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Robert Beecroft, promised that the International Community would assist the BiH authorities in securing these funds, but he stressed that as much money as possible must be secured within BiH.

An event which also attracted considerable media attention in January was the decision of the BiH Council of Ministers to hand over to the United States six Algerians charged with planning terrorist attacks against US targets in BiH. The Federation Supreme Court ordered their release from detention due to the lack of evidence, and the BiH Human Rights Chamber requested the BiH and Federation authorities to take all necessary steps to prevent four of them being taken out of BiH by force (the two others were not included in this order for procedural reasons). Nonetheless, early on the morning of January 18, the so-called Algerian group was handed over to the United States and later transported to the US detention centre in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. This provoked vigorous reactions ranging from complete agreement with the BiH and Federation governments’ moves to total rejection amid accusations that the government had acted against Islam.

At the end of the month, Paddy Ashdown, the former leader of the British Liberal Democrats and most likely successor to Wolfgang Petritsch as the High Representative in BiH, visited Sarajevo and met with Petritsch and some of his senior staff, as well as heads of the other international organizations to discuss the present situation in BiH.

Chronology

January 3

• The Euro, introduced in twelve EU member states on January 1, replaces the Deutsche Mark as the currency against which the Convertible Mark (KM), Bosnia and Herzegovina’s currency, is pegged.
• Commenting, on RTRS, on the ongoing debate about the substance of constitutional changes to the Entity constitutions, RS Prime Minister Mladen Ivanic stresses that the division of power in the RS should be based on the results of the latest elections, rather then on the 1991 population census. Ivanic adds that the final compromise on this issue should be reached by the main political parties in the RS and BiH. For his part, the RS president, Mirko Sarovic, notes that constitutional changes will not bring about anything spectacular or dramatic in the RS system.
• Speaking about the main priorities of BiH in 2002, the Chairman of the BiH Parliament’s House of Peoples, Zeljko Mirjanic, says that the two crucial tasks for the country in the coming year will be to hold the general elections scheduled for October, and to fulfil the remaining conditions of the EU Road Map. Mirjanic stresses that the best indicator of the improvement in the work of BiH state institutions is the fact that the High Representative did not impose a single law at the State level in 2001.

January 4

• In an interview with Banja Luka’s Glas Srpski, the RS President, Mirko Sarovic, says that the creation of the Republika Srpska was a ‘historical inevitability’ and dismisses, once again, the proposal to base the distribution of power in this Eentity on the 1991 population census. "If the 1991 population census is used as a basis of proportional representation, the system in the RS would become absurd," Sarovic concludes.

January 5

• In an interview with Slobodna Dalmacija, HDZ (Croat Democratic Union) representative and a deputy chairman of the BiH Parliament’s House of Peoples, Mariofil Ljubic, argues that the option of introducing a commission for the protection of vital national interests in the RS, while keeping the House of Peoples in the Federation, would be highly detrimental to the return process in the smaller BiH entity.
• Commenting on an earlier statement by the director of the ICG (International Crisis Group), Mark Wheeler, that the internal structure of the Eentities will change as the central government becomes stronger, Serb Democratic Party (SDS) says in a statement for the press that this and other parties in the ruling coalition will never accept the centralization as a way of creating a more functional BiH state.

January 7

• Sarajevo dailies report that the small but influential Bosnian Patriotic Party (BPS) has made its further participation in the Alliance for Change conditional on its president, Sefer Halilovic, reassuming the post of Federation Minister of Refugees and DPs. Halilovic has been indicted for war crimes and granted temporary release from Scheveningen Prison in The Hague until the start of his trial. Although the BiH Constitution (Article IX, paragraph 1) bans only persons serving a sentence imposed by the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia as well as persons who are under indictment by the Tribunal and have failed to comply with an order to appear before the Tribunal from holding public office, international and local officials in BiH, including the High Representative, agree that it would be unwise to allow Halilovic to perform his previous function. OHR spokesman Oleg Milisic stresses that the Federation authorities should think carefully before they make a final decision on this matter. "A person indicted for war crimes can hardly enjoy the trust of people he is supposed to represent," says Milisic.
• The Federation Government asks the BiH Human Rights Chamber to review its December decision granting the right to repossess socially owned apartments to former JNA (Yugoslav National Army) officers, including those who remained in the active military service of any armed forces outside the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina after 14 December 1995. Although the Government acknowledges that decisions of the Chamber are final and binding, the Federation’s representative before the Chamber, Seada Palavric, says there have been a number of irregularities in the final ruling and expresses the hope that this institution will revisit the decision.

January 8

• Speaking at a ceremony marking tomorrow’s "RS Statehood Day," RS President Mirko Sarovic stresses that there will be no changes to the internal structure of BiH without the consent of the RS. Referring to increasingly loud calls for a change of the Entity’s status and the eventual abolition of the RS, Sarovic says such statements are "nothing but a fresh call for disaster and opening of old wounds."
• OHR spokesman Oleg Milisic announces that the RS government has finally paid out the remaining 50,000 KM in compensation to the wife of the missing BiH Armija Colonel, Avdo Palic, thereby complying with the January 2001 Human Rights Chamber ruling in this case. Milisic terms this move by the RS government as a positive, albeit delayed, sign that the RS is beginning to fulfil its legal obligations. However, Milisic stresses that the Human Rights Chamber has also ordered the RS authorities to investigate the 1995 disappearance of Col. Abdic, which they have not done so far in a satisfactory manner.
• Complying with the earlier decision by the Federation government, two separate public railway companies in the Federation, "Railway Herzeg-Bosna Mostar" and "BiH Railways Sarajevo" merge into a single company – the "Federation Railways".
• The BiH edition of Zagreb’s Vecernji List announces that its journalists have selected the High Representative for the Media Press Award as the person with the most extensive media coverage in 2001.

January 9

• At their regular weekly meeting, the Principals of the five main international organizations in BiH - Wolfgang Petritsch, the High Representative, General John Sylvester, the SFOR Commander, Jacques Paul Klein, the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General and the Co-ordinator of U.N. Operations in BiH, Robert Beecroft, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Werner Blatter, Chief of the UNHCR Mission to BiH - agreed that it would be advisable for Sefer Halilovic not to re-assume his former position as Minister for Social Affairs, Refugees and Displaced Persons in the Federation Government, before his trial in the Hague takes place and his role in the 1992-1995 war in BiH is clarified. (Press Release: International Principals advise against Halilovic's re-assuming ministerial post – January 10, 2002)
• The Republic of Croatia’s Ministry of Traffic and Communications decides to ban the road transport of oil and oil products across its territory and redirect it to rail and maritime traffic. Although Croatian authorities cite environmental concerns for the measure, media and officials the neighboring BiH and Slovenia argue that Croatia is trying to prevent Slovenia from delivering oil to BiH, thus protecting the interest of its state-owned INA company.
• Official celebration of the "RS Statehood Day", the 10^th anniversary of the RS, at Banski Dvor in Banja Luka is boycotted by most international and Federation officials. In an interview published on January 12 in Dnevni Avaz, the High Representative calls the date "questionable", explaining that the RS came into existence on December 14, 1995, when the Dayton Peace Agreement was officially signed in Paris. "What they celebrate has never been recognised by anyone," he says. "The celebration of that date is not useful. It is not conductive to reconciliation, nor is it constructive."

January 10

• In an interview with Dnevni Avaz, the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Robert Beecroft, stresses that the general elections scheduled for this year – to be held on October 5, under the Election Law - are a legal and constitutional requirement as the Presidency has to be elected every four years. He estimates their costs at 11 million KM and says that foreign donors will help provide this sum.
• At a session in Mostar, the Federation government adopts a draft law on Intelligence and Security Service, under which the two existing services in the Federation – Bosniak Agency for Research and Development (AID) and the Croat National Security Service (SNS) – will merge into one Federation intelligence agency. According to the draft law, which was forwarded to the Federation Parliament, the two existing services are to cease operating 90 days after the law takes effect.
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, and the Principals of the four main international organisations operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina - General John Sylvester, the SFOR Commander, Jacques Paul Klein, the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General and Co-ordinator of U.N. Operations in BiH, Robert Beecroft, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Werner Blatter, Chief of the UNHCR Mission to BiH - express their strong disappointment over the failure of the BiH House of Representatives to pass the Law on De-Mining, at its 28 December session. This law is essential for the security and safety of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The High Representative and the Principals of the agencies of the International Community call upon the members of the House of Representatives to pass this law -- as a matter of the highest priority -- at their next session. (Press Release: International Community calls for urgent passage of De-Mining Law – January 10, 2002)
• The PLIP Agencies (OHR, OSCE, UNHCR, UNMIBH, CRPC) issue the November statistics for property law implementation. 39% of all property claims have resulted in actual repossessions, and 63% of all claims have been resolved in writing. (Press Release: PLIP November statistics - January 10, 2002)

January 11

• At a long-awaited meeting of the Alliance for Change Co-ordination Board, representatives of the 12 ruling political parties promise the BPS (Bosnian Patriotic Party) posts on the management boards of several large companies in Sarajevo Canton, thereby precluding the possibility of this party leaving the coalition. The only BPS demand that is not met is the BPS’ request that its president, indicted war criminal Sefer Halilovic, be re-instated as the Federation Minister for Refugees and DPs. Most Alliance parties agree that, although there are no legal obstacles to Halilovic’s return to the post, this move could be potentially offensive to Croats living in the Federation.
• The president of the HNZ (Croat National Community), Miljenko Brkic, proposes the creation of the Croat democratic block of parties before the October General Elections. This proposal is taken seriously by nearly all parties with Croat prefix They agree to meet in February near Sarajevo to discuss this proposal in more concrete terms.
• BiH State Commission for Refugees and Displaced Persons, comprised of relevant authorities from both entities and the OHR, adopts its program and financial plan for the six-month period, according to which, some 50% of those displaced should return to their pre-war places of residence within that time frame.
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, meets in Sarajevo with Mirko Pejanovic, President of the Serb Civic Council (SCC). The discussion focuses on the implementation of the BiH Constitutional Court's decision on the constituency of BiH's peoples, return, and the recent threats against members of the SCC and their families. The High Representative expresses his full support and solidarity, on behalf of the whole International Community, to Professor Pejanovic and the SCC, following the threats received by members of the Serb community in the Federation in recent days and calles for a full investigation by the authorities stating that "this kind of extremism has no place in a democratic, multi-ethnic society ruled by law". (Press Release: High Representative meets SCC President – January 12, 2002)

January 12

• On the first day of his first official visit to Great Britain, the chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Zlatko Lagumdzija, meets with the former leader of the British Liberal Democratic Party and the most likely new High Representative in BiH, Paddy Ashdown. Oslobodjenje notes that the two discussed the present situation in BiH and the future of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
• In a statement for Dnevni Avaz, OHR spokesman Oleg Milisic stresses that Federation authorities must implement the Human Rights Chamber Decision on Military Apartments (under January 7) and dismisses any possibility that the OHR could influence the work of this institution. Earlier in the week, the Federation government suggested that the OHR ask the Chamber to consider the possibility of review, calling its ruling discriminatory.
• In an interview with Dnevni Avaz, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, says that he is not opposed to the introduction of a House of Peoples in the RS, and notes that this issue needs to be agreed upon by the people and political parties in BIH. (HR Interview – Dnevni Avaz)

January 13

• Commenting on the recent interview by the High Representative (see January 12), the RS Prime Minister, Mladen Ivanic, argues that the International Community does not have a mandate to decide on constitutional changes in the Entities. Ivanic stresses that the ultimate solution must be agreed upon by political parties, however he dismisses the possibility of reaching symmetrical solutions in both the RS and the Federation.

January 14

• In an interview with SRNA news agency, the RS Prime Minister, Mladen Ivanic, complains that in the debate on constitutional changes in entities, the International Community has assumed a role of a judge, instead of a mediator trying to secure a compromise. Moreover, Ivanic argues that the thus far engagement of international officials in BiH simply strengthens the position of one side, namely the Federation, and stresses that he will insist that constitutional changes in the RS are made exclusively by members of the RS National Assembly. "Only those changes will be considered legal and be implemented," stresses Ivanic.

January 15

• Nezavisne Novine quote OHR spokesperson Alexandra Stiglmayer as saying that the OHR expects local authorities fully and completely to implement the Constitutional Court ruling on the constituent status of all peoples in BiH. Stiglmayer notes, however, that if the parties fail to reach an agreement on this historic ruling, it is not excluded that the High Representative will impose a Decision, although this would be a less favorable option.
• OHR spokesperson Alexandra Stiglmayer confirms for Dnevni Avaz that the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, will leave his post and BiH in May or early June, so as to enable his successor to familiarise himself with the situation in BiH ahead of the elections scheduled for October. Stiglmayer notes that the most likely new High Representative will be the former leader of British Liberal Democrats, Paddy Ashdown, but adds that he first has to be officially appointed by the Peace Implementation Council and endorsed by the UN Security Council.
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, removes Ivan Mandic from his position as Head of the Mostar Municipality Southwest and bars him from holding any official, elective or appointive public office or party office. The OHR notes that the main reason for Mandic’s removal was his continued obstruction of implementation of the property laws. (Press Release: High Representative removes the Mayor of Municipality Mostar South West – January 15, 2002)
• PLIP agencies launch an information campaign explaining the December 4 amendments to the property laws to the public. (Press Releases: Information campaign to raise awareness of key amendments to the property laws - 15 January 2002)

January 16

• At the NATO headquarters in Brussels, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, addresses the North Atlantic Council and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, briefing them on the situation in BiH. He also meets NATO Secretary General George Robertson. In talks with Robertson and his address to the NAC, Petritsch states with regard to suggested cuts of the troop strength in BiH that "in the end, capability is what is important, not numbers. SFOR’s capacity to maintain a secure environment while the remaining peace implementation tasks are completed will determine the degree of success of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s post-war recovery." Robertson and Petritsch once again stress the importance of bringing indicted war criminals at large Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic to justice. The HR also meets with the newly appointed Stability Pact Co-ordinator Erhard Busek and EU Commissioner for External Relations Chris Patten. " (Press Release: High Representative addresses NAC / HR's Speech to the North Atlantic Council / HR's Speech to the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council – January 16, 2002 and Press Release: High Representative holds holds high-level meetings in Brussels – January 16, 2002)
• In an interview with Dnevni Avaz, the Provisional Administrator of Hercegovacka Banka, Toby Robinson, says that the investigation into records of the bank is still ongoing and that first criminal charges will be filed in the coming weeks. Robinson notes that many dubious transactions are connected with the HDZ leadership, and stresses that, although there is no direct link between Ante Jelavic and the bank, it is evident that the dismissed HDZ president is one of the key persons obstructing the investigation and repayment of loans.
• Croatian Foreign Minister, Tonino Picula, informs the Croatian Parliament – Sabor – that Croatia will not watch indifferently the constitutional reforms in BiH as it is its constitutional and Dayton obligation to "care for the interests" of BiH Croats. Picula stresses that the ongoing debate about constitutional changes in BiH is a good opportunity to advance democratic processes and establish a symmetry of institutions in the country’s two Entities.

January 17

• The Federation Supreme Court decides to release from detention six Arabs - five Algerians and one Yemeni/Algerian - who have been detained since October on suspicion of planning attacks against US targets across BiH and of being linked with Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda network. The court cites insufficient evidence in this case.
• BiH Human Rights Chamber issues a decision ordering BiH and Federation authorities to take all necessary measures and prevent forcible extradition of four of the six Algerians. According to later reports, the decision was not forwarded to BiH and Federation institutions until early January 18.
• The High Representative welcomes the entry into force of the Law on Associations and Foundations, which gives NGOs the possibility to register at the State level, thus being able to operate BiH-wide and represent the country in contacts with international partners. (Press Releases: High Representative welcomes Law on Associations and Foundations - January 17, 2002)

January 18

• Despite protests by Islamic organisations and an outcry from some local human rights groups, BiH authorities hand over six suspected al-Qaeda members to the United States. The BiH Council of Ministers states it has to "meet its international obligations pertaining to the global fight against terrorism." This move triggers a vigorous debate within BiH, as some local and international circles (including Amnesty International, the BiH Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, the UNHCHR in BiH and the BiH Human Rights Ombudsman) condemn the hand-over, claiming that it violated the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and the BiH Criminal Code. Most international and BiH officials and organisations conclude in the end that the hand-over was inevitable, but stress that it could have been conducted in a more transparent fashion and in full compliance with the law.
• After several failed attempts to resolve the inter-state dispute caused by Croatia’s ban on the road transportation of oil, BiH Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Azra Hadziahmetovic announces that BiH has decided to issue a countermeasure by which it will block road imports of oil from Croatia. According to Hadziahmetovic, if Croatia fails to withdraw the original ban within seven days, BiH will put a ban on all oil imports from Croatia. While this countermeasure takes Croatian authorities by surprise, local media welcome the move, stressing that BiH finally showed "muscle and proved that it is a genuine and respectable state, instead of a mere geographical territory."
• At an extraordinary session, members of the BiH Presidency agree on the proposed State budget, but disagree as to whether the proposal should include a provision on financing the representative in the law suit against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia before the International Court of Justice.

January 19

• Posters featuring the most widely known indicted war criminals, Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, appear across BiH in a new US promotion of the $5 million reward for information leading to their capture. The US embassy says in a statement that the posters are part of the campaign to bring the two to The Hague Tribunal.
• The First Municipal Court in Belgrade announces that its authorities have two days earlier apprehended the former BIH Interior Minister, Alija Delimustafic, on charges of criminal forgery. BiH authorities had earlier issued an INTERPOL warrant for the arrest of Delimustafic on charges of embezzlement.

January 20

• In an interview with Oslobodjenje, Ivo Komsic, the vice-president of the SDP (Social-Democratic Party) stresses that his party will insist on introducing symmetric solutions which would protect vital national interests of constituent peoples and others in the Eentity constitutions. In other words, Komsic says, the SDP will advocate the establishment of the House of Peoples in the RS – similar to that in the Federation.
• SFOR peacekeeping troops helicopter crashes into the Adriatic sea killing one French soldier and injuring two others.

January 21

• Serb member of the BiH Presidency, Zivko Radisic, decides to veto the proposed 2002 state budget because of the provision by which the BiH state is to finance the BiH representative in the law suit against Yugoslavia before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Radisic explains that his veto proposal will be forwarded to the RS National Assembly for further review.

January 22

• A large majority - 105 in favor, one against and six abstentious - of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly votes in favor of BIH’s accession to the Council of Europe. The final decision on the full-fledge membership in this oldest European human rights institution is to be made by the CoE Committee of Ministers in early May. The Assembly’s decision is labeled as the most important political event since moderate political forces assumed power in BiH.
• In Strasbourg, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, welcomes the vote of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (CoE), recommending to the CoE's Committee of Ministers that Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for CoE membership be approved. "Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the Council will establish a new international partnership in sharing the values - fundamental human rights, the rule of law, the centrality of individual freedoms - for which the Council of Europe stands. It will also take Bosnia and Herzegovina's integration in the family of European states a significant step forward," the High Representative says. (Press Release: High Representative welcomes  vote of Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly – January 22, 2002 and Speech by the HR to the COE PA – January 22, 2002)
• At an OHR-organized conference on the future of education in BiH, the Principal Deputy High Representative, Donald Hays, calls for education reform as a matter of urgency, in order to promote economic recovery and competitiveness. In his speech, Hays urges local authorities to devote their time and energy to this important task and devise a joint strategy for the development of this field. (Press Release: PDHR Donald Hays calls for urgent education reform – January 22, 2002 and PDHR Donald Hays Speech – January 22, 2002)
• Together with China, Malaysia, Venezuela and Peru, BiH Council of Ministers’ Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) is admitted to the World’s Association of Governmental Investment Promotion Agency (WAGIPE) as a 121^st member.

January 23

• A senior NATO delegation arrives in BiH on a two-day visit to Sarajevo and Banja Luka for talks with Entity leaders about the prospects for BiH accession to NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme. During his meetings with officials from the Federation and the Republika Srpska, NATO’s Director for the Balkans, Robert Serry, reiterates that some of the main pre-accession conditions for PfP include the creation of a military command structure at the State level, a common defence policy and democratic, civilian control of the armed forces.

January 24

• In an interview with several news agencies and newspapers from both Federation and the RS, the US Ambassador, Clifford Bond, dismisses allegations that BiH authorities were pressured by the US Administration to hand-over the six Algerians suspected of planning terrorist attacks against several US targets in BiH and he explains that the US simply "offered to take over the group as it still presented a danger." Bond also confirms speculations that the six were transferred to the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
• In an interview with Reuters news agency, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, says he detected a new determination among major powers to bring Serb war-time leader, Radovan Karadzic to justice in The Hague. Petritsch stresses that the arrest of Karadzic is a key part of the process of drawing a line under the war and moving toward normality. "The longer I am here, the more I am convinced – unless Karadzic ends up in The Hague, people will not be able to turn the page and look towards the future," Petritsch says. (Interviews: Bosnia envoy sees new will – 24 February, 2002 )
• In response to an application lodged with the High Representative by three members of the RS Constitutional Commission, who invoked vital national interest to veto the proposed 2002 RS budget, Wolfgang Petritsch issues a Decision requiring Ministers in both Entities to notify the BiH Minister for Human Rights and Refugees on the use of funds allocated to refugee return. In addition, the Decision requires the Republika Srpska authorities to examine whether the funds allocated in the draft budget for refugee return are sufficient for the RS to carry out its obligations under the Dayton Peace Agreement. (Press Release: High Representative issues decision – January 25, 2002)
• After protests by its neighbors Slovenia and BiH, threatening to retaliate by banning Croatian transits, Croatian government decides to lift the disputed ban on the road transport of oil and oil derivatives through its territory. Zagreb now decides to change the regulation by allowing those oil transports along specific routes in and out of the country and also imposing stricter customs control of road tankers.

January 25

• The leaders of eight major political parties from the Federation and Republika Srpska meet at Mrakovica near Prijedor to discuss all aspects of constitutional reform in the two Entities. This is the first in a series of meetings planned to be held on this topic. At the international press conference in Sarajevo on January 29, Alexandra Stiglmayer, Head of the OHR Press Office, states that the High Representative fully supports these meetings. "Last week's meeting in Mrakovica may have been the first time since Dayton at which the top leaders from both Entities and all three constituent peoples have come together without mediation by the international community in order to solve a question that is crucial for the further development of Bosnia and Herzegovina," she says, urging BiH’s political leaders to find a solution to the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituency of peoples. "Its implementation is not an option, but a necessity to guarantee the rule of law in the year in which BiH is likely to accede to the Council of Europe. There is no time for further delay, and no possibility for failure. The ruling must be implemented by mid-March in order to allow for the timely completion of the Election Law and the holding of elections under this Law in October."
• Principle Deputy High Representative, Donald Hays, and the Senior Deputy High Representative, Matthias Sonn, visit Mostar where they meet with the city’s mayor, Neven Tomic, and his deputy, Hamdija Jahic. At a press conference, Ambassador Hays stresses that the OHR would like to help Mostar leaders to successfully implement a plan they have presented containing provision on return of refugees, judicial reform, modernization and integration of education system, as well as economic improvement of the city’s infrastructure.

January 26

• After returning from the Mrakovica meeting, the leaders of BiH’s main political parties engage in a vigorous debate about the proposals put forth during the meeting. While most parties from the Federation advocate symmetric solutions in both Entities, namely the introduction of a House of Peoples in the RS, as well as the ethnic composition of the RS Government in line with the 1991 census, RS leaders unanimously argue that the Government should be created solely on the basis of election results and stress that the national interests of all peoples in the RS could adequately be protected through Constitutional Commissions.
• In today’s issue, the Economist notes that the Office of the High Representative in BiH could be a model for the future international engagement in post-conflict countries, such as Afghanistan. "Yet an Office of the High Representative for Afghanistan, modeled on the international agency that has been overseeing Bosnia since the Dayton conference in 1995, with considerable thought not unqualified success, would have much to recommend it," the magazine notes in an editorial.

January 27

• Responding to speculation that if political parties fail to reach a compromise on constitutional change by the end of March, the High Representative might impose adequate solutions, the RS Prime Minister, Mladen Ivanic, stresses that constitutional changes can be legitimate only if decided upon by a two-thirds majority in the RS National Assembly.
• Commenting on the earlier discussion in Mrakovica, the RS National Assembly Speaker, Dragan Kalinic, stresses that it is not necessary to reach symmetrical solutions in the entity constitutions, because the "essence of the national interest problem could be tackled by current constitutional provisions and amendments."

January 28

• In an interview with Zagreb’s Vecernji List, the RS Prime Minister, Mladen Ivanic, reiterates that the International Community does not have a mandate to impose constitutional solutions in BIH. "This would be no more than a protectorate….If seven years after the Dayton peace Agreement, the High Representative tries to impose such a decision – to introduce a House of Peoples in the RS – a very negative message would be sent which would even question the very existence of BIH," he says.
• In an interview with Radio Deutsche Welle, the ICTY Prosecutor’s spokesperson, Florence Hartmann, says that the two most widely-known indicted war criminals from BiH - former Serb army commander Ratko Mladic and former Serb political leader Radovan Karadzic -- are in Belgrade (Mladic) and a known location in the RS (Karadzic), respectively. Hartmann stresses that there are no obstacles to their arrest and points out that international warrants for their arrest were issued more then six years ago, implying that it is high time for action by the local authorities or by SFOR in this regard.

January 29

• OHR spokesperson Alexandra Stiglmayer confirms for the press that the former leader of the British Liberal Democrats, Paddy Ashdown, has arrived in Sarajevo for a short visit to BiH following an invitation by the High Representative. In the course of his visit, Ashdown has met with Wolfgang Petritsch and some of his senior staff, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to BiH, Jacques Paul Klein, the Head of the OSCE mission to BiH, Robert Beecroft, and SFOR commander General John Sylvester to discuss the present political situation in BiH. Ashdown is the most likely successor to Wolfgang Petritsch as the High Representative.
• At a session in Sarajevo, the Presidency of SDA (Party of Democratic Action) decides to remove all members and officials who have abused public office to advance their personal interests. Many speculate that this move will mark the beginning of a genuine transformation of SDA into a more democratic and open political party which will not be associated with corrupt individuals.
• Over thirty officials representing various Federation institutions and the OHR’s Anti-Fraud Department gather in Sarajevo for the Second Anti-Corruption Conference. The goal of the conference is to assess the status of, and further, the investigations into 74 cases of corruption committed in the Federation and a number of its Cantons in 2000, which were identified by OHR and OSCE-led audits in 2001. (Press Release: OHR hosts the Second Federation Anti-Corruption Conference – January 29, 2002)

January 30

• At the end of the two-day meeting, members of the BIH Election Commission urge responsible local authorities to secure necessary financial resources for holding the elections scheduled for October 2002 by February 8. If the funds are not garnered by that date, Commission warns, holding of the elections may be brought into question.
• At a conference presenting a country study by the United Nations Development Agency (UNDP), organization’s resident representative, Henrik Kolstrup, warns that, six years after the end of the war, BiH spends more of its resources on military then any other country in the region and urges local authorities to, instead, focus on economic development and the creation of a Western-style market economy.
• During his visit to BiH Capital, Slovenian Foreign Minister, Dimitrij Rupel, meets with the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, members of the BiH Presidency, Zivko Radisic, Jozo Krizanovic and Beriz Belkic, and the chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Zlatko Lagumdzija, to discuss the current situation in BiH and the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituent status of all peoples in BiH. (Press Release: High Representative holds talks with Slovenian Foreign Minister Rupel - January 30, 2002)

January 31

• BiH and Croatia continue to exchange shots in the oil transport battle, as BiH decides to lift its two-week ban on road import of oil from Croatia, but restricts the trucks entrance points to three border crossings. The move infuriates the Croatian government.
• With a two-thirds majority, the RS National Assembly confirms the reception of the statement by the Serb member in the BiH Presidency on placing the veto on the 2002 proposed state Budget and notes this initiative is in accordance with previous RS National Assembly decisions.

Economic Statistics

BiH Economic Update

BiH Economic Data January-November 2001

Source: FBiH and RS Statistical Offices

Return Statistics

See link to the UNHCR Mission to BiH web page at www.unhcr.ba or see the latest statistics for December on the pdf file.

Summary

February was dominated by efforts jointly made by the representatives of the eight leading political parties in BiH (SDP BiH, Party for BiH, SDA BiH, HDZ BiH, NHI BiH, PDP RS, SDS RS and SNSD RS) and the International Community headed by the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, to agree the optimum method for the full and consistent implementation of the BiH Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituency of peoples. At two meetings without the High Representative (1 and 20 February) and another two with his participation (13 and 26 February), the BiH political leaders sought to reach a compromise on the most hotly disputed issues including the definition of vital national interests, the mechanisms to protect them and the representation of the constituent peoples in the institutions in both Entities. Although a final solution was not immediately found, the initially quite opposite positions of the different political parties on these issues were brought closer paving the way for a more constructive continuation of the talks. Both at the meetings and in his public comments, the High Representative reiterated that a domestic solution, with the support of the International Community, had to be found and that local politicians had to take responsibility for the issue.

The constitutional changes were also a topic at a meeting of the Consultative Partnership Forum on 14 February. The participants concluded that the constitutional reforms had to be implemented by around 15 March. "The BiH Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituency of peoples must be implemented by the domestic institutions," BiH Council of Ministers Chairman Zlatko Lagumdzija told journalists following the meeting, thereby supporting the position previously expressed by the High Representative. The Forum also discussed preparations for the general elections scheduled for 5 October, the status of implementation of the Citizens’ Identification Protection System (CIPS) and the need to speed up activities to establish the BiH Court.

The High Representative’s standpoint that the BiH authorities must find a final solution for the implementation of constitutional reform was also strongly supported by the Peace Implementation Council’s Steering Board, which, on 28 February met in Brussels at the level of Political Directors. "The Steering Board is encouraged by the recent re-enforced efforts by BiH political leaders to find agreement among themselves in the implementation of the 'Constituent Peoples' Decision," read the Steering Board Communique. "However, time to achieve a solution that will permit the elections to proceed as scheduled is fast running out. The Steering Board therefore strongly urges the political leadership in the country to focus on achievable solutions and to reach a final agreement on this matter, and welcomes the recognition by the BiH political leaders that this must be done by mid-March 2002. Failure to demonstrate 'ownership' on this issue would have serious negative consequences and would retard BiH's integration into European structures. On the other hand a domestic resolution would not only allow for the proper conduct of the October 2002 General Elections but would also serve as proof that BiH is indeed ready for forthcoming admittance to the Council of Europe."

At the meeting, the Steering Board also endorsed the refined Task Force Model as presented by the High Representative. "This model will facilitate the development of a still more effective international presence, thus strengthening the role of the High Representative. It includes Rule of Law, Institution Building, Economic, and Return & Reconstruction Task Forces, a Cabinet of lead agencies chaired by the High Representative, and a Situation Group. The Steering Board welcomes this framework and the appropriate integration of BiH authorities into these structures. It also endorses the presented measures aimed at achieving closer and more efficient co-ordination in the field and at reducing IC field presence by 30% by the end of 2003," the Communique read.

The Steering Board also endorsed the reinvigorated strategy for judicial reform in 2002/03 in order to strengthen Rule of Law efforts, as proposed by the High Representative. In this context, it recognises the importance of the creation of a High Judicial Council for BiH as well as the reform of key procedural laws. The Steering Board welcomed the work of the BiH Election Commission in preparing the first general elections under local responsibility, to be held on 5 October this year. It underlined the responsibility of BiH political leaders and institutions to ensure that citizens are able to exercise their democratic rights. The Steering Board noted with regret High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch´s announcement that he would stand down as High Representative at the end of May 2002. It warmly congratulated High Representative Petritsch for his extraordinary commitment to the development of BiH and to the peace process. The Board emphasised that there has been considerable progress during his tenure over the last two and a half years in many key areas, and noted that as a result of the High Representative’s efforts BiH is substantially more stable and democratic, and closer to Europe than when he assumed office. The Steering Board designated Lord Paddy Ashdown as the new High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to the nomination put forward by the EU, and asked the United Nations Security Council to endorse his appointment.

On 18 February in Brussels, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, addressed the foreign ministers of the European Union, at the EU's General Affairs Council. The High Representative highlighted the fact that BiH has moved forward in the past three years and a basic - yet solid - foundation has been put in place on which to build a viable and stable state capable of meeting its responsibilities to its citizens as well as its international obligations. He called upon the EU Foreign Ministers to engage BiH and provide it with a clear and achievable perspective as a supportive yet demanding partner. At their meeting, the EU Foreign Ministers agreed on the establishment of an approximately 500-member EU police mission in BiH, which will replace the current IPTF after its mandate expires at the end of December 2002.

Apart from his endeavours related to the constitutional reforms and his meetings in Brussels with the EU Foreign Ministers and PIC Steering Board members, in the course of the month the High Representative visited Mostar (1 February) where he held the fourth Civic Forum, focusing on the unsatisfactory state of BiH's ethnically segregated education system, which is particularly evident in Mostar with its two universities. The High Representative also visited London (6 February) where he met with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and other top Foreign Office and British parliamentary officials, briefing them on the political, economic and social situation in BiH, and he went to Travnik (12 Febuary) to meet with Canton Six officials and open a new OHR Office.

On 24 and 25 February, the High Representative visited Belgrade, meeting with FRY President Vojislav Kostunica and Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic, and Serbia’s Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic. Discussions focused on implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and on the increasingly positive state-to-state relations between BiH and the FRY. During these meetings, the High Representative briefed his interlocutors on issues such as the process of constitutional reform currently underway in BiH’s Entities. He also again highlighted the need for cooperation with the Hague Tribunal, stressing that the FRY as a signatory of the Dayton Peace Agreement is obliged to ensure that those indicted of war crimes face justice.

BiH-FRY relations were further strengthened during the month of February thanks to a meeting of the BiH/FRY Inter-State Council in Belgrade, during which BiH Foreign Minister, Zlatko Lagumdzija, and his Yugoslav counterpart, Goran Svilanovic, agreed that BiH and FRY will, in the next few months, sign a series of bilateral agreements, resolve the outstanding issue of dual citizenship, and have the Free Trade Agreement ratified. In addition, a BiH parliamentary delegation visited Belgrade.

February 1

• At the invitation of the chairman of the BiH Social Democratic Party (SDP BiH), Zlatko Lagumdzija, representatives of the eight strongest political parties from both Entities meet in Sarajevo to continue discussions about constitutional changes. The leaders of the SDP, Party for BiH, NHI, SDA, HDZ, SDS, PDP and SNSD decide to meet again soon.
• At a session in Sarajevo, members of the Federation Constitutional Commission agree on a final version of the proposed changes to the Entity Constitution, which will be sent to the Federation Government for consideration and adoption and then on to the Federation Parliament.
• On the second day of his two-day visit to Mostar, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, holds the fourth session of the Civic Forum in Mostar. Much of the three-hour discussion revolves around problems in the field of education. The participants - eleven representatives of civic society - express dissatisfaction with the ethnically divided condition of the BiH education system, which is particularly evident in Mostar with its two universities, low education standards and lack of public funds for education. The High Representative also pays a visit to the Jewish Community of Mostar and meets with students from both universities. (Press Release: HR visits Mostar and holds fourth Civic Forum - February 2, 2002)
• In Mostar, the High Representative dismisses, once again, the idea of a third Entity in BiH, which is put forth by representatives of the so-called "Croat National Assembly" (HNS). "The attempt to create parallel structures is destined to failure," Petritsch tells journalists. "The removal of Ante Jelavic (from the post of HDZ President) is the best warning that such projects - self-rule and/or a third Entity - will not succeed." The High Representative adds that he personally will ensure that the equality of the Croat people in BiH continues to be secured in the upcoming process of constitutional reform. "Croats are not a national minority, but a constituent people and will have the same rights as the other peoples in BiH," Petritsch says. He also pays a visit to the Jewish Community of Mostar, and meets with students from both universities.
• In Belgrade, the BiH Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Azra Hadziahmetovic, and her Yugoslav counterpart, Miroljub Labus, sign a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries in the version that was initialled by the members of an inter-state experts’ group on 13 December in the FRY capital.
• At a meeting in Sarajevo, the Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Zlatko Lagumdzija, BiH Treasury Minister Ante Domazet and BiH Minister of Civil Affairs and Communications Svetozar Mihajlovic on behalf of the BiH Council of Ministers meet with ambassadors, representatives of the OHR and the OSCE mission to BiH to discuss the organization of the October general elections. It is agreed that the International Community will help the BiH authorities finance the October general elections. Domazet explains that BiH needs a total of 11.4 million KM to organise the upcoming elections. He says both BiH Entities will earmark some funds from their respective budgets, while the BiH State will provide 1.2 million KM.

February 4

• During a visit to Banja Luka, the Principal Deputy High Representative, Donald Hays, meets separately with RS President Mirko Sarovic and RS National Assembly Speaker Dragan Kalinic. They discuss the pending constitutional changes, the financing of the armed forces in the RS and Federation, and reform of the educational system and the judiciary. Hays tells journalists that the elected leadership in both Entities must reach an agreement on the constitutional changes, adding that the OHR would be very disappointed if there were no compromise on this issue. "Constitutional reforms are fundamental reforms in the case of BiH," emphasises Hays. Regarding the defence budgets, a press release from the cabinet of the RS President states that, "It was jointly concluded that the financing of the army has to be in accordance with economic capabilities, which requires a reduction in the number of soldiers in the RS Army as well as in the Federation."

February 5

• At the regular press conference in Sarajevo, OHR spokesperson Mario Brkic says that the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, expects the State-level Law on De-mining to be adopted at the next session of the BiH House of Representatives, scheduled for 12 February. "The proposed State-level legislation will, for the first time, put de-mining in BiH under a formal legal framework, creating the necessary government structure to administer, manage and control de-mining activities in BiH under the Ministry of Civil Affairs and Communication's De-mining Commission and the BiH Mine Action Centre," says Brkic. (Press Release: HR for urgent passage of DE-mining Law - 5 February 2002)
• At a session in Sarajevo, the members of the BiH Presidency agree not to modify the proposed 2002 State budget, which has already been submitted to the BiH Parliament for discussion and adoption. The proposed budget will thus contain the provision financing BiH’s legal representative in BiH’s lawsuit against Yugoslavia before the International Court of Justice. After reviewing OHR’s legal opinion on this matter, the members of the Presidency agreed that there is no legal basis for vetoing the proposal.

February 6

• During a visit to London, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, meets with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and other top Foreign Office and British parliamentary officials, briefing them on the political, economic and social situation in BiH. The High Representative emphasises the importance of the constitutional reform process, stressing the need for compromise and ownership of the process by BiH's political leadership. (Press Release: HR holds talks with British Foreign Secretary - 6 February 2002)
• The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Walter Schwimmer, meets with representatives of both chambers of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly in Sarajevo and reminds them that BiH will still have to meet 91 post-accession requirements after its accession to the Council. The Chairman of the BiH House of Representatives, Zeljko Mirjanic, informs Schwimmer that the High Representative has not imposed a single State-level law since the formation of the new Parliament. Mirjanic’s colleague from the House of Peoples, Sejfudin Tokic, stresses that the post-accession obligations also include fundamental constitutional reform, which will ensure the full protection of the vital national interests of all peoples and citizens in both Entities.
• At a session in Sarajevo, the BiH Council of Ministers concludes that the BiH and Federation authorities acted in accordance with the law and relevant international conventions when, on 18 January, they handed over to US authorities six individuals suspected of planning terrorist actions against US targets in BiH. The Council also decides to push the investigation into the circumstances under which 750 naturalised BiH citizens received BiH citizenship.

February 7

• Following a meeting with the High Representative, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Walter Schwimmer, tells journalists that BiH’s accession to the Council could be brought into question if the BiH authorities fail to organise the general elections scheduled for October.

February 8

• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, issues two Decisions that will support and simplify the reconstruction of National Monuments identified by the "Commission to Preserve National Monuments," which is envisaged in Annex 8 of the Dayton Peace Agreement. (Press Release: HR imposes Entity laws on National Monuments - 9 February 2002) 
• At a press conference in Banja Luka, UN/IPTF spokesman Alun Roberts announces that the trials of 16 persons suspected of active involvement in the violent riots in Banja Luka on 7 May last year, which prevented the laying of the cornerstone for the reconstruction of the Ferhadija mosque, are expected to start early in March this year. He says the police investigation into the case has been completed, and that all the documentation has been forwarded to the responsible prosecution.
• The Enforcement Panel of the Communications Regulatory Agency (CRA) finds that RTRS breached the Broadcasting Code of Practice by airing the program "10 years of Republika Srpska," which violated the requirement for "fair and impartial programming," and by broadcasting two movies for which it had not obtained the copyrights. The Panel sets a fine of 5,000 KM and decides to bring this issue to the attention of the High Representative as the OHR is currently restructuring the public broadcasting system in BiH, of which RTRS is part.

February 9

• Addressing an international conference in Sarajevo on lessons that can be learned from the international intervention in BiH, organised by the Soros Foundation’s Open Society Fund, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, urges BiH politicians to reach agreement quickly on proposals to make the Entity Constitutions conform to the BiH Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituency of peoples across the territory of BiH. "The leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina are working against the clock. I believe that collectively they now possess the skill and the vision to find a workable and durable solution. The very fact that they are meeting without international mediation in an attempt to solve a question that is crucial to the future of the country, is a positive sign," says the High Representative. (Press Releases: HR calls on BiH politicians to show statesmanship and breadth of vision - February 9, 2002)  
• In Sarajevo, representatives of the Congress of Bosniak Intellectuals (VKBI), the Serb Civic Council (SGV), the Croat National Council (HNV) and Circle 99, discussing amendments to the Entity Constitutions, conclude that the introduction of a House of Peoples in the RS would be the best mechanism to ensure the rights of all three peoples.
• In an interview with the Serb news agency (SRNA), the High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch says he believes the 1991 census is an "acceptable mechanism" to be used as a basis for the ethnic composition of the RS Government.

February 10

• In an article published in Oslobodjenje, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, explains his views of current developments in BiH. "In the two and a half years since I became High Representative, I have found myself repeating the phrases ‘institution building’ and ‘rule of law’ again and again - not because they have some sort of mantra-like power, but because they are shorthand for the body of legislation and practice which a modern democracy needs in order to function," Petritsch writes. "They sum up the mechanics of government. For six years, the mechanics of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been built around the Dayton Peace Agreement. We have learned on the job, and we have witnessed the remarkable capacity of the Dayton settlement to accommodate changing circumstances. Now, the Europeanisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken centre stage. Alongside the implementation of Dayton, current political debate is addressing the best way of securing a place for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the prosperous European mainstream."

February 12

• The trial of former FRY President Slobodan Milosevic opens before the ICTY in The Hague. He is charged with genocide during the 1992-95 war in BiH and crimes against humanity during the wars in Croatia (1991-92) and Kosovo (1999).
• At a press conference in Sarajevo, OHR Spokesman Oleg Milisic says the trial of Slobodan Milosevic is a historic opportunity to identify those responsible for the tragedy that people in this region endured during the 1990s. "The High Representative has complete confidence in the objectivity of the Hague Tribunal and its capacity to fulfil its responsibility to the people of the former Yugoslavia," he says. "The Tribunal's proceedings are also in the interest of the Serb people, who are pursuing a path towards a new future, impossible until a clear line has been drawn above the past and this is true in Bosnia and Herzegovina, perhaps more than anywhere. The High Representative reiterates the fact that open indictments remain against Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, who are still at large, as are several others," Milisic says.
• The BiH House of Representatives passes the Law on De-mining, thereby completing the necessary parliamentary procedure for adoption of the Law. A day later, the High Representative expresses his satisfaction that the BiH Law on De-Mining has been successfully adopted by the BiH Parliamentary Assembly. This Law establishes the legal foundation for the development of joint structures and standards that will be applied in de-mining activities throughout BiH, enhancing transparency and efficiency. (Press Releases: HR welcomes passage of De-Mining Law - February 13, 2002)
• At a press conference after a meeting of BiH political parties with a Croat prefix in Sarajevo, the President of the Croat People’s Alliance (HNZ), Milenko Brkic, announces that the HDZ has agreed to fill its seats in the Federation House of Peoples. The participants of the meeting - including Ante Jelavic (HDZ), Ilija Simic (HSS), Mile Ivancic (Union of Croat Christian Democrats - HKDU), Petar Milic (Croat Christian Democrats), Anto Paponja (HKDP), Stjepan Kljujic (not in his capacity as President the Republican Party, but privately) and Mariofil Ljubic (HDZ, Deputy Speaker of the BiH House of Representatives) - also agree that Houses of Peoples as mechanisms to protect vital national interests should exist in both Entities. The NHI was also represented at the meeting, but only as an observer.
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, visits Travnik, where he opens the new OHR office in the town and holds talks with Canton 6 officials. The topics include the return process and the Canton’s difficult budget situation. (Press Release: HR visits Travnik - February 12, 2002)
• In a statement for Dnevni Avaz, the BiH Federation Minister of Urban Planning, Ramiz Mehmedagic, welcomes the High Representative’s Decision on National Monuments, saying it will ensure their restoration without complicated procedures. He also says that the Commission for the Preservation of National Monuments, established in accordance with Annex 8 of the Dayton Peace Agreement, is expected to process approximately 800 requests this year and decide which facilities are of national importance.
• At a press conference in Sarajevo, the BiH Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Azra Hadziahmetovic, says that BiH is launching a country-wide campaign against poverty by first combating corruption, which has produced revenue losses of more than two billion KMs so far.

February 13

• At a meeting organised by the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, in Sarajevo, the leaders of the eight leading political parties in BiH continue their discussions on the crucial issue of amendments to the Entity Constitutions in accordance with the BiH Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituency of peoples. The High Representative urges the party leaders to intensify their efforts and present a solution as soon as possible. He reiterates that time is running short, especially with regard to the upcoming elections and the necessity of filling the gaps in the Election Law. The meeting at the OHR building in Sarajevo is attended by Zlatko Lagumdzija (SDP), Safet Halilovic (Party for BiH), Kresimir Zubak (NHI), Sulejman Tihic (SDA), Mariofil Ljubic (HDZ), Mladen Ivanic (PDP), Dragan Kalinic (SDS), and Milorad Dodik (SNSD). (Press Release: HR met with political parties - February 14, 2002)
• At a joint press conference in Sarajevo, the agencies engaged in the Property Law Implementation Plan (PLIP) present the 2001 results achieved through the property repossession process, welcoming sustained progress. As of the end of last year, 102,609 property claims in BiH had resulted in repossession (41% of all submitted claims). This amounts to 64,257 repossessions in the Federation (49% of the claims in that Entity); 35,649 repossessions in the RS (31% of the claims) and 2,703 repossessions in Brcko (39% of the claims). The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Robert Beecroft, the Chief of the UNHCR Mission to BiH, Werner Blatter, CRPC Chief Executive Steven Segal and the Head of UNMIBH’s Civil Affairs, Jacque Grinberg, make the point that property law implementation is of crucial importance for the return of refugees and displaced persons, for foreign investment and for BiH’s integration in Europe . (Press Release: PLIP PL implementation rate - February 13, 2002) 
• At a session in Banja Luka, the Government of the RS increases pressure on ICTY fugitives to surrender. The cabinet decides to set a 30-day deadline for indictees to give themselves up if they want any government guarantees, such as those securing them a provisional release pending trial. The countdown to the deadline will start eight days after the decision is published in the RS Official Gazette.

February 14

• At a meeting in Sarajevo, the members of the Consultative Partnership Forum conclude that the constitutional reforms have to be implemented in a month, which means around 15 March. "The BiH Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituency of peoples must be implemented by the domestic institutions, with the assistance of the International Community," Zlatko Lagumdzija, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, tells journalists after the meeting. The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, again expressed his confidence that the Entities Constitutions will be harmonized with the BiH Constitution. Apart from the constitutional reforms, the Forum members also discuss preparations for the elections scheduled for 5 October, details of the implementation of the Citizens’ Identification Protection System (CIPS) and the establishment of the BiH Court. The session is attended by all ministers of the Council of Ministers: BiH Minister of Civil Affairs and Communications Svetozar Mihajlovic, BiH Treasury Minister Ante Domazet, BiH Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Minister Azra Hadziahmetovic, BiH Minister for European Integration Dragan Mikerevic and BiH Minister for Human Rights and Refugees Kresimir Zubak. 
• Under the eight-month rotation rule, the Bosniak member of the BiH Presidency, Beriz Belkic, assumes the duties of the Chairman of the BiH Presidency, succeeding his Croat colleague Jozo Krizanovic. The hand-over ceremony is attended by top international officials in BiH, including the High Representative, and representatives of BiH’s State institutions headed by the Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Zlatko Lagumdzija.

February 15

• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, meets with the Dutch Foreign Minister, Jozias van Aartsen. The High Representative informs Minister van Aarsten about current developments in BiH. However, he notes that the country is facing serious challenges, especially with regard to the implementation of the Constitutional Court's Decision on the constituency of peoples, and the upcoming elections. The High Representative reiterates that time for making the necessary amendments to the Entity Constitutions is running short as the gaps left in the Election Law must be filled in time for all the elections scheduled for October to be held under the Election Law. (Press Release: HR meets with Dutch Foreign Minister - 15 February 2002) 
• During a visit to Banja Luka, the Chief Prosecutor of the ICTY, Carla Del Ponte, meets with RS authorities and expresses her dissatisfaction with the level of the Entity's co-operation with The Hague. "I am very frustrated with this, and I came to see why there is no full co-operation with the Tribunal, in particular with regard to the arrest of those who are at large," Del Ponte tells journalists after a meeting with the RS Prime Minister, Mladen Ivanic. Del Ponte informs the press that the ICTY has submitted to the RS Ministry of Justice warrants for the arrest of 16 indicted war criminals who are still at large.

February 16

• Representatives of Croat parties from BiH visit Zagreb and hold talks with the Croatian Prime Minister, Ivica Racan. Following the meeting, Racan tells journalists that the purpose of this gathering was to "contribute maximally to the stability of neighbouring BiH." He says that this is the reason for the Croatian government’s interest in the constituent status and equality of all three peoples in BiH. The delegation of BiH Croat parties includes leaders of the NHI (New Croat Initiative), HSS (Croat Peasant Party), HDZ, HNZ (Croat Peoples Union), Republicans, HSP (Croat Party of Rights), HKDU (Croat Christian Democratic Union), and the People’s Party "Working for Prosperity". On the Croatian side, the meeting is also attended by the Croatian Foreign Minister, Tonino Picula, Deputy Prime Minster Goran Granic and the President of the Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee, Zdravko Tomac. The meeting provokes numerous reactions in BiH. Although there is a general agreement among the Alliance parties that there is nothing wrong with consultations such as this with a neighbouring country, there is lingering scepticism stemming from the period in which BiH’s neighbours did not want to let the country resolve its internal problems on its own.

February 18

• During a meeting of the EU’s General Affairs Council in Brussels, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, addresses the EU foreign ministers, updating them on the peace process in BiH. Describing progress in the fields of return, economic reform and consolidation of State institutions, the High Representative highlights the fact that BiH has significantly moved forward in the past three years. He says a basic - yet solid - foundation has been put in place on which it is possible to build a viable and stable state capable of meeting its responsibilities to its citizens as well as its international obligations. He calls upon the EU to engage with BiH and, as a supportive yet demanding partner, provide it with a clear and achievable perspective. In the course of his visit to Brussels, the High Representative also meets with Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula, and the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact, Erhard Busek. (Press Release: HR addresses EU GAC - February 19, 2002 and Speech)
• At their meeting in Brussels, the EU Foreign Ministers agree to take on the police follow-on mission in BiH, which will replace the current IPTF after its mandate expires at the end of December 2002. The mission will cost around 38 million Euros per year and will last until around 2005. "It’s the first time we have taken a decision of this sort putting into practice the common security and defence policy to which the 15 member-states committed themselves a decade ago," Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Pique says at a news briefing following the session. Pique, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, adds that the EU Police force will comprise 466 officers, plus 67 expatriate civilians and 289 local staff. 
• During the meeting with Croatia’s Foreign Minister Tonino Picula, the High Representative discusses the ongoing constitutional changes in BiH. According to a communiqué issued by the Croatian Mission to the EU afterwards, the two officials agreed that solutions that are acceptable to all the peoples must be found in the spirit of compromise and democracy. Picula also informed the High Representative about his recent meeting with representatives of Croat parties in BiH. According to the communiqué, he said that Croatia did not want to remain passive in the ongoing debate about constitutional changes in BiH. Picula stressed that Croatia’s authorities were ready to discuss this issue with representatives of all other parties in BiH. In a statement for Dnevni Avaz, the High Representative says he informed Picula that the process of constitutional change must be agreed within BiH. He said he told Picula that "this must be a BiH solution, and the main actors are the three constituent peoples in BiH."

February 19

• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, appoints Paul Martin from Canada Deputy High Representative and Head of the OHR Banja Luka Office. (Press Release: HR appoints new Head of OHR Banja Luka) 
• Representatives of the OSCE Mission to BiH and the BiH Treasury Ministry chair a meeting on financing the general elections scheduled for October. OSCE spokesperson Urdur Gunnarsdottir tells the ONASA news agency that more than 30 ambassadors and representatives of international organisations were invited to the meeting. Earlier, the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Robert Beecroft, and the BiH Treasury Minister, Ante Domazet, said that BiH will need support in order to finance the upcoming elections, which will cost around 11 million KM. Domazet stressed that BiH authorities have already secured one third of the necessary funds and urged the International Community to provide the additional 7.6 million. 
• At a meeting of the BiH/FRY Inter-State Council in Belgrade, the BiH Foreign Minister, Zlatko Lagumdzija, and his Yugoslav counterpart, Goran Svilanovic, agree that BiH and FRY will, in the next few months, sign a series of bilateral agreements, resolve the outstanding issue of dual citizenship and have the Free Trade Agreement ratified. The two officials conclude that relations between BiH and FRY are on the upswing.

February 20

• In Sarajevo, the leaders of the eight main parties in the Federation and Republika Srpska meet for the third time amongst themselves to discuss the necessary constitutional changes in the Entities in an attempt to reach a compromise that would be acceptable to all sides. Although no final agreement on the issues under discussion is reached, the participants express the hope that further progress will be made in resolving the outstanding issues by Monday, 25 February, when they are to meet with the High Representative. Today’s meeting is attended by Zlatko Lagumdzija and Ivo Komsic (SDP), Safet Halilovic (Party for BiH), Sulejman Tihic (SDA), Kresimir Zubak (NHI), Niko Lozancic and Mariofil Ljubic (HDZ), Mladen Ivanic (PDP), Dragan Kalinic (SDS) and Nebojsa Radmanovic (SNSD).

February 21

• In his speech to an economic conference in Sarajevo organised by Britain’s "Economist" newspaper the Principal Deputy High Representative, Donald Hays, calls for a renewed show of political will on the part of the leaders of BiH in order to establish the conditions for economic lift-off and deliver real benefits to citizens. Ambassador Hays acknowledges that there has been a positive change in BiH politics since the Alliance for Change came to power and placed economic development at the top of the political agenda. He says that establishing the necessary framework for sustainable development has been an incremental process, but has accelerated over the past year. He adds that a successful outcome of the constitutional discussions aimed at implementing the Constitutional Court’s decision on the constituency of peoples, and the introduction of a four-year electoral cycle after the next elections will help normalise BiH politics. (Press Release: PDHR Hays addresses The Economist conference - February 21, 2002)
• At a session in Sarajevo, the BiH Council of Ministers adopts an action plan to remove barriers to investment. The plan has the agreement of foreign experts and investors as well as Entity institutions. After the meeting, BiH Minister of Civil Affairs and Communications Svetozar Mihajlovic tells journalists that this action plan provides for measures to be taken by both BiH Entities and the BiH Council of Ministers in the fields of business legislation, foreign investment, the legal and administrative system, labour legislation, the tax system and customs administration in order to create a more propitious environment for foreign investment. Mihajlovic explains that the adoption of this action plan was one of the prerequisites for obtaining a new loan from the World Bank, intended for the improvement of the business environment. 
• At a press conference in Sarajevo, the BiH Minister of Civil Affairs and Communications, Svetozar Mihajlovic, says that the issuance of new ID cards for BiH citizens could start on 15 June 2002. He says in 2002 it will be necessary to appropriate 15 million KM under the State budget to implement the CIPS project, including purchase of the required printing equipment. Mihajlovic explains that this substantial budget appropriation should be covered by expected proceeds from the sale of the ID cards. 
• At a session in Banja Luka, the Republika Srpska Government adopts and forwards to the RS National Assembly a draft Law on RTRS which is not in accordance with the draft produced by a joint working group comprising representatives of the OHR, the RTRS Board of Governors and the RS Government.

February 22

• The two-day economic conference organised by Britain’s "Economist" newspaper ends in Sarajevo. On the second day of the conference, the participants are addressed by BiH Central Bank Governor Peter Nicholl and RS representatives: President Mirko Sarovic, Prime Minister Mladen Ivanic and Finance Minister Milenko Vracar. "The RS has so far not been interesting to foreign investors because it provokes associations with the war, corruption and crime." Ivanic is reported as saying. "I can understand that. But the RS has been changed now, and we are entering an important period during which all kinds of investment will be encouraged."

February 23

• In an interview with the German news magazine "Der Spiegel," Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic signals his unwillingness to hunt down Ratko Mladic, the wartime commander of the RS Army and one of the most wanted war crimes suspects, saying it could result in civil war. Djindjic says that over the last five years troops from the 50,000-strong NATO peacekeeping contingent in BiH and the full resources of the West's intelligence services have failed to secure Mladic's capture. "Am I now to risk the lives of our police so that Mladic and his 100-strong personal guard can be served up at the table in The Hague? What if it caused civil war to break out? We have over 200,000 refugees from Bosnia, many of them armed. The price is too high," Djindjic says.

February 24

• At the start of a two-day visit to Belgrade, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, meets with the Yugoslav Foreign Minister, Goran Svilanovic. Petritsch asks Svilanovic to support the return of Serb refugees to BiH, having in mind that the largest number of BiH refugees abroad are the ones temporarily living in the FRY. "The High Representative emphasised that the statistics show that the year of 2001 was positive when it comes to the return of refugees," OHR spokesman Oleg Milisic tells Dnevni Avaz from Belgrade. "However, much still has to be done. He suggested that Yugoslavia and its administration explore ways in which they might contribute to the resolution of this issue, through the establishment of a returns commission or through financial support to the returnees." In the course of the day, the High Representative also meets with Serbia’s Vice Prime Minister Zarko Korac. The two officials discuss the implementation of the Dayton Agreement and the further development of bilateral relations between BiH and the FRY.
• At the third party congress held in Banja Vrucica near Teslic, the Socialist Party of the RS (SPRS) elects Petar Djokic the new party president. Djokic wins 231 votes in the second round, while the current chairman Zivko Radisic wins 190 votes.

February 25

• On the second day of his two-day visit to Belgrade, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, meets with FRY President Vojislav Kostunica and Serbia’s Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic. Their discussions focus on the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement in BiH and the increasingly positive state-to-state relations between BiH and the FRY. (Press Release: HR’s Belgrade Visit - February 25, 2002)
• At the same time, a BiH parliamentary delegation is visiting Belgrade. "Political, economic and cultural relations between the FRY and BiH are being improved in an accelerated way, which can serve as an example of the successful development of good neighbourly relations in the region," the Speaker of the FRY House of Citizens, Dragoljub Micunovic, tells journalists in Belgrade following a meeting with the BiH parliamentary delegation headed by Zeljko Mirjanic, the Chairman of the BiH House of Representatives, and Sejfudin Tokic, the Speaker of the BiH House of Peoples. This is the first official visit of BiH parliamentarians to Yugoslavia. 
• In Sarajevo, the BiH Presidency meets with officials of the Sarajevo ICTY office, representatives of the BiH judiciary and the public prosecutor’s office, and BiH officers for liaison with ICTY. The topic of the meeting is an initiative launched by ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte to set up a court in BiH to process war crimes. The Presidency decides to establish a three-member team of experts tasked with speeding up the takeover of the processing of war crime cases from the Hague tribunal in line with Del Ponte’s initiative. The team comprising Slobodan Radulj, Kasim Trnka and Davor Bogdanic is also charged with organising a meeting with ICTY representatives in BiH, the OHR and the UNMIBH in order to secure expert and financial support for future activities.

February 26

• At a second meeting held in the OHR building in Sarajevo at the initiative of the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, the leaders of the eight leading political parties in BiH continue their talks on the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s decision on constituent peoples. SDA President Sulejman Tihic tells journalists afterwards that the meeting did not result in any concrete agreement apart from the expression of good will for further talks. At the meeting, the High Representative reiterated that the International Community expects the domestic authorities to resolve the issue. Zlatko Lagumdzija (SDP), Safet Halilovic (Party for BiH), Dragan Kalinic (SDS), Milorad Dodik (SNSD), Kresimir Zubak (NHI), Petar Kunic (PDP) and Mariofil Ljubic (HDZ BiH) also attend the meeting.
• In a letter sent to the Speaker of the RS National Assembly, Dragan Kalinic, the High Representative expresses his concern about the draft Law on RTRS, which the RS Government has forwarded to the RS National Assembly in a version that differs from the one drafted and agreed by a joint working group made up of representatives of the RS Government, RTRS and the OHR. The High Representative therefore asks the RSNA to postpone discussion of the Draft Law, which is scheduled for tomorrow. The draft presented by the RS Government contains several disputable areas that need to be addressed. (Press Releases: OHR on RS Media Law - February 27, 2002)
• At a ceremony in Sarajevo, international and domestic authorities sign a protocol on mutual co-operation in planning and implementing activities related to the return of refugees and displaced persons in 2002. (The signatories include members of the BiH Commission for Refugees and Displaced Persons, BiH Minister for Human Rights and Refugees Kresimir Zubak, Deputy High Representative and Head of RRTF Peter Bas-Backer, Chief of the UNHCR Mission to BiH Werner Blatter, RS Minister for Refugees Mico Micic, Federation Deputy Minister for Refugees Mijat Tuka, and Head of the Brcko District Refugee Department Ivo Andjelovic sign.) "Together, we agreed to determine 16,000 houses as priorities for reconstruction in the Entities, and at the next meetings we will make projects for their implementation," Zubak tells journalists following the meeting.
• At a press conference in Sarajevo, the Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Zlatko Lagumdzija, says that establishing the rule of law is one of the most important pre-conditions for economic reform and recovery. After meeting with a US delegation headed by Ambassador William Taylor, co-ordinator of US assistance to Europe and Asia, Lagumdzija remarks that the judicial system, the backbone of the rule of law, cannot be reformed by the Council of Ministers or the Entity Governments. "The parliament, too, has limited capacities in this area," Lagumdzija says. "The executive authorities must not interfere in the judiciary. The reform of the judicial system is therefore the competence of the International Community and the Office of the High Representative."

February 27

• At a session in Sarajevo, the Federation Government adopts draft amendments to the Federation Constitution and forwards them to both houses of the Federal Parliament for further procedure. The document is based on solutions identified by the Federation Constitutional Commission and includes further amendments prepared by the Federation Ministry of Justice on the basis of proposals and suggestions from earlier sessions of the Entity Government.

• Participants at a seminar organized in Sarajevo by OHR’s Anti-Fraud Department (AFD) adopt an action plan aimed at strengthening the mechanisms currently used in BiH to combat money laundering. Seminar participants included Peter Nicholl, Governor of the Central Bank of BiH, Mirsad Bajraktarevic, Chief of the Sarajevo Department at the FBiH Finance Police, Jovan Spaic, RS Deputy Public Prosecutor, and representatives of BiH judicial and law enforcement authorities, as well as representatives of international organizations, BiH banks, and the banking agencies of both Entities. (Press Release: OHR Seminar Adopts Action Plan Combat Money Laundering - February 27, 2002)

February 28

• SFOR members block off a village in eastern RS believed to harbour ex-leader of the BiH Serbs and war crimes indictee Radovan Karadzic. A heavy contingent of SFOR soldiers cuts off all routes leading to the village of Celebici. However, in the course of the day, SFOR says it failed to find Karadzic but that the operation showed its determination to track him down. According to the SFOR press release, three weapons caches were found and seized during the operation. 
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, welcomes SFOR’s demonstration of resolve in apprehending indicted war criminals, by force if necessary. The High Representative notes that robust measures to apprehend persons indicted for war crimes (PIFWCs) are necessary elements in peace implementation. (Press Release: HR comments on Karadzic arrest attempt - February 28, 2002)
• The RS Prime Minister Mladen Ivanic slams SFOR over the way they tried to arrest fugitive war crimes suspect Radovan Karadzic, saying that his government should have been told about the operation first. "It is really unacceptable that such activity is going on and that no RS institution knows anything about it," Ivanic tells reporters in Banja Luka. 
• The PIC Steering Board meets at the level of political directors with the High Representative in Brussels. "The political directors expressed their unanimous support for the High Representative and his efforts aimed at ensuring urgent implementation of constitutional reforms in BiH," OHR Spokesman Patrik Volf tells SENSE news agency after the first part of the session. "The Steering Board fully agrees with the High Representative’s assessment that the political leaders in BiH are responsible for making constitutional changes. They have to reach an agreement on how the BiH Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituency of the peoples should be implemented," Volf adds. Concerning efforts to streamline the engagement of the international community in BiH, the Steering Board endorsed the refined Task Force Model presented by the High Representative. This will facilitate the development of a still more effective international presence, thus strengthening the role of the High Representative. The new structure includes Rule of Law, Institution Building, Economic, and Reconstruction & Return Task Forces, a Cabinet of lead agencies chaired by the High Representative, and a Situation Group. The PIC Steering Board welcomed and accepted the offer made by the EU General Affairs Council on 18/19 February to provide an EU Police Mission (EUPM), from 1 January 2003, to take over from the UN/IPTF at the end of its mandate. This would ensure the continuing professional development of the police forces in BiH for a period of three years. The Steering Board took note of the EU's intention to appoint the next High Representative as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in BiH, with the understanding that the role of the EUSR would not in any way prejudge the mandate of the High Representative. The Steering Board endorsed the reinvigorated strategy for judicial reform in 2002/03 in order to strengthen the Rule of Law efforts as proposed by the High Representative. The Steering Board welcomed the work of the BiH Election Commission in preparing the first general elections under local responsibility, to be held on 5 October this year. It underlined the responsibility of the Bosnian political leaders and institutions to ensure that the Bosnian people are able to exercise their democratic right. The Steering Board noted with regret High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch´s announcement that he would stand down as High Representative at the end of May 2002. The Steering Board warmly congratulated High Representative Petritsch for his extraordinary commitment to the development of BiH and to the peace process. The Board emphasised that there has been considerable progress during his tenure over the last two and a half years in many key areas. The Steering Board designated Lord Paddy Ashdown as the new High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to the nomination put forward by the EU, and asked the United Nations Security Council to endorse his appointment. 
• At a session in Sarajevo, the BiH Presidency appoints the BiH Minister for European Integration, Dragan Mikerevic, as the new Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers. The Presidency expresses its hope that the appointment will be confirmed by the BiH House of Representatives at its next session scheduled for 15 March.

ECONOMIC STATISTICS

BiH Economic Update

BiH Economic Data January 2001 – January 2002

Source: FBiH and RS Statistical Offices

Indicator	Federation of BiH	Republika Srpska	BIH (OHR estimate)
GDP nominal 2000 GDP nominal 1999 Nominal increase 1999-2000 Real increase 1999-2000 (minus inflation)	6,698 billion KM 6,141 billion KM + 9,0% +7,8%	2,463 billion KM 2,180 billion KM + 13,0% -0,6%	9,161 billion KM 8,321 billion KM +10,0% +5,5%
Index of Industrial Production 2001 compared to 2000 12/01 compared to 12/00	+12,2% +7,4%	-12,9 % -25,4%	+3,8% -3,53%
Retail Price Index 2001 compared to 2000 12/01 compared to 12/00	+1,7% + 0,3%	+6,5% +2,2%	N/A N/A
Average Net Salary 12/01 2001 compared to 2000 (averages)	457,68 KM +7,3%	332 KM +12,7%	412,5 KM +9,24%
Number of Employed 12/01 Number of Registered Unemployed 12/01 (RS 09/01)	405.689 persons 269.004 persons	227.740 persons 153.231persons	633.429 422.235
Number of pensioners in 10/01 (RS 09/01) Average pension in 10/01	279.359 persons 170 KM	179.835 persons 105 KM	459.194 persons 145 KM
Imports 2001 Exports 2001 Trade deficit 2001 Import/Export coverage	5,113 billion KM 1,746 billion KM 3,367 billion KM 34,1%	1,697 billion KM 0,599 billion KM 1,098 billion KM 35,3%	6,810 billion KM 2,345 billion KM 4,465 billion KM 34,4%

RETURN STATISTICS

See link to the UNHCR Mission to BiH web page at www.unhcr.ba or see the latest statistics for January on the pdf file .

March

Summary

March will be remembered as the month in which the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina's eight ruling parties succeeded in reaching a compromise on one of the most important issues for the future of BiH - the implementation of the BiH Constitutional Court's decision on the constituent status of all peoples on the entire territory of BiH. On March 27, after more than 90 hours of exhaustive negotiations under the auspices of the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, politicians representing the SDP (Social Democratic Party), the Party for BiH, and the NHI (New Croat Initiative), signed the Agreement on the Implementation of the Constitutional Court’s Decision, also known as the “Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement”, in full, and the SDS (Serb Democratic Party), the PDP (Party for Progress), the SNSD (Alliance of Independent Social Democrats) and the SPRS (RS Socialist Party) signed it with two reservations related to two specific provisions.

The Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement spelled out directions for the new constitutional set-up in the Federation and the Republika Srpska, turning the two Entities into multiethnic communities which guarantee the full representation of BiH’s peoples and citizens at all levels of government and public administration, and provide them with far-reaching rights in the decision-making process.

The International Community wholeheartedly welcomed the Agreement, saying that it turned a page in the short history of modern BiH. The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, commended the BiH leaders for their “far-sightedness and courage”, noting that this Agreement will turn BiH into a truly multiethnic country. The Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement was also hailed by the Peace Implementation Council’s Steering Board, the OSCE, the EU General Affairs Council, the US and French Embassies, and the Croatian and Yugoslav governments as a decisive step forward in BiH’s democratic development.

While most parties in the Federation, with the exception of the HDZ and the SDA who both did not sign, also welcomed the signing of the Agreement, representatives of the political parties in the RS were somewhat more reserved, saying that the signed document represented a good basis for amendments to the RS Constitution, which would be agreed upon by the RS National Assembly. However, the OHR stressed that nothing short of the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement will be acceptable. The proposed constitutional amendments based on the principles set forth in the Agreement were to be discussed by the Entity parliaments by April 18, when the BiH Election Commission was scheduled to announce the date for the upcoming general election in BiH in line with the new Election Law, which should reflect the changes to the Entity Constitutions.

March will be significant for BiH for yet another reason. On March 20, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers decided to invite BiH to join the Council of Europe as the 44^th member-state. The accession ceremony was to take place on April 24, when BiH would officially become a full-fledged member of this oldest European human-rights organization.

On March 5, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, made his sixth report to the UN Security Council in New York, summing up the progress that has been made in BiH since his arrival. In his address, Petritsch also informed the Council about a reinvigorated program of judicial reform in BiH, which is to restructure the country’s court system over the next two years, depoliticize the appointments procedure by introducing a High Judicial Council, and reform the civil and criminal procedures. The process of judicial reform in BiH is strongly supported by the ruling parties in the Federation and the RS, as well as the Council of Ministers, who argue that only a thoroughly reformed judiciary could effectively uproot crime and corruption in the country.

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a Resolution on Bosnia and Herzegovina, welcoming the EU’s decision to run a police mission in BiH as of January 1 of next year, endorsing Lord Paddy Ashdown as the next High Representative for BiH, and expresses its appreciation to Wolfgang Petritsch for his achievements as the High Representative. During the ensuing discussion, representatives of the Council member-states commend Petritsch for  the progress made in the past three years in BiH, as well as his “dedication and extraordinary commitment” and noted that BiH is substantially more stable as a result of his work. A few days later, Ashdown visited Sarajevo to discuss the present political situation in this country with the current High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch and BiH politicians. Lord Ashdown is officially to take up this post by the end of May.

Finally, on March 24, Bosnia and Herzegovina won its first Oscar, which means a lot to the citizens of this country. On that night, the film “No-man’s Land” by director Danis Tanovic was awarded the Oscar for the best foreign language film. “This is for my country, for Bosnia,” Tanovic said as he held aloft the golden Oscar statuette.  

Chronology   

March 1

·         NATO-led SFOR troops in BiH launch a second operation around the eastern town of Foca to capture Radovan Karadzic. The operation takes place only a day after the first failed attempt to arrest one of the most wanted war crimes suspects presumed hiding somewhere in eastern BiH. After announcing that the second search also did not succeed, NATO Secretary-General George Robertson warns that Karadzic and all other suspects will eventually be captured, and he calls on fugitives to turn themselves in: “Time is running out. Surrender!”

·         In an exclusive article published in Dnevni Avaz, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana notes that the decision of the EU to launch a comprehensive police mission in BiH, which will continue the work of the International Police Task Force (IPTF), is a clear sign of the European Union’s commitment to BiH. “The European perspective that we offer is the best and the swiftest way for your country to get away from conflict and approach a stable and prosperous future,” Solana writes in the article .

·         Media report that the chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Zlatko Lagumdzija, has called for urgent and thorough judicial reform in BiH in order to enable the new Alliance authority to uproot crime and corruption. Lagumdzija said he expects full and decisive measures to be taken to tackle problems in the judiciary, and he promised his full support in this process, which is to be undertaken in full partnership with the International Community. Other BiH and Entity officials, including the speaker of the BiH Parliament’s House of Peoples, Sejfudin Tokic, and Entity prime ministers, Alija Behmen and Mladen Ivanic, join Lagumdzija’s appeal. 

·         Some 8,000 war veterans and families of fallen soldiers stage demonstrations in Sarajevo protesting against the new draft law on veterans’ rights in the Federation and the general status of this vulnerable social category. The protests are peaceful, although there is an atmosphere of hostility in the group, in particular towards BiH and Federation officials who try to address the crowd. The media and a number of political leaders accuse the main Bosniak party, the SDA (Party of Democratic Action), of manipulating the veterans and politicizing the gathering.

March 2

·         In an interview with SENSE news agency, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, stresses that the decision on constitutional change in the Entities and the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s decision on the constituent status of BiH’s peoples and citizens on the whole territory of BiH must be reached on a local level, that is, by BiH’s political leaders. “It would be unacceptable that this issue turns into one more task for the High Representative,” warns Petritsch.

March 3

·         A meeting on constitutional change among leaders of eight ruling political parties (the SDP, the Party for BiH, the NHI, the SDA, the HDZ, the SDS, the PDP and the SNSD) fails to produce any concrete results as participants reach a consensus on minor problems but clash over several crucial issues, such as the mechanism for protecting vital national interests in the Entities, and ethnic representation in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of authority. While most parties in the Federation continue to insist on identical solutions in the two Entities and the introduction of a House of Peoples in the RS, RS political parties argue that some form of special council should be sufficient to guard the vital national interests of peoples.

March 4

·         In an annual US State Department country report on human rights, BiH receives a mixed grade. The report notes that the level of respect for human rights is significantly varies in different parts of BiH and that religious discrimination still poses a serious problem in Serb and Croat-dominated areas. The State Department also reports that the political leadership in the RS continues to obstruct minority returns, does not demonstrate an adequate level of cooperation with the ICTY and fails to secure media freedom and protect the most vulnerable segments of the population. Click here for the full report.

March 5

·         In his sixth report since he took up the post of High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch addresses the UN Security Council in New York and describes the progress that has been made in BiH since his arrival. Petritsch also informs the Council of a reinvigorated program of judicial reform, which will restructure the BiH court system over the next two years, de-politicise the appointments procedure through the introduction of a High Judicial Council, and the reform of the civil and criminal procedure codes. Commenting on the ongoing talks on constitutional change in the Entities, the High Representative stresses that “this is a moment when the country must establish internal equilibrium founded on a constructive interdependence of all groups.” He also says that political parties in BiH must be given an opportunity to produce a ‘home-grown solution’ for the benefit of all BiH citizens. (Press Release: High Representative addresses UN SC – March 8, 2002 and High Representative’s Speech – March 8, 2002)

·         The UN Security Council unanimously adopts a resolution on Bosnia and Herzegovina welcoming the European Union’s decision to take over the UN’s police training and monitoring duties, from 1 January 2003, and endorsing Paddy Ashdown as the next High Representative. The Council also expresses its unanimous appreciation for the achievements of the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, during his mandate in BiH. During the ensuing discussion, representatives of the Council member-states commend Petritsch for  the progress made in the past three years in BiH, as well as his “dedication and extraordinary commitment” and note that BiH is substantially more stable as a result of his. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan pays tribute to the High Representative by noting that his “effective leadership helped secure the gains made by the International Community” in BiH in recent years. Security Council members express satisfaction with the current measures being taken to streamline the operations of the International Community in BiH and call on political leaders in BiH to reach a compromise agreement on the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituency of peoples. (Press Release: UN Security Council Debate on BiH – March 6, 2002 and also link to UN Security Council Resolutions on BiH.

·         FRY Minister of Foreign Affairs, Goran Svilanovic, arrives in Banja Luka for talks on constitutional change with the RS leadership comprising RS President Mirko Sarovic, Vice-President Dragan Cavic, Prime Minister Mladen Ivanic, RS National Assembly Speaker Dragan Kalinic and Serb member of the BiH Presidency Zivko Radisic. Svilanovic stresses that constitutional change must be the result of agreement reached by all three peoples. “We have no ambitions to play anyone’s older brother, since we respect the political maturity of the people of BiH and see them capable of agreeing on how to arrange their own state,” Svilanovic says. 

·         In an interview with AFP, the RS Prime Minister, Mladen Ivanic, dismisses criticism by the High Representative of a lack of willingness by the RS to take an active role in arresting indicted war criminals, stressing that his government remains ready to cooperate with the ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia). Ivanic says he is convinced that the majority of police, ministers and principal members of his government are committed to supporting the arrest of war-crimes suspects, including the wartime Serb leader Radovan Karadzic.

·         Several hundred Serb refugees in Bijeljina, demanding an end to evictions of Serb families from this town, stage protests carrying photographs of the most wanted war-crimes suspects Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic vowing not to turn over the two wartime Serb leaders to The Hague Tribunal. At the same time, media report that posters supporting Radovan Karadzic have appeared across the eastern RS town of Foca, whose nearby villages are presumed to be the hiding place of the most high profile war criminal in BiH. The two events come four days after the failed attempt by SFOR troops to capture Karadzic in eastern Bosnia.

·         Under OHR auspices, RS Education Minister Gojko Savanovic and Federation Education Ministers Mujo Demirovic sign in Banja Luka an Interim Agreement on the education rights and needs of returnee children throughout BiH. The agreement, which is characterised by the OHR as a major step forward in resolving education issues affecting numerous families in BiH, stipulates that parents of returnee children can choose which curriculum their children want to follow in the “national group of subjects” such as language, literature, history and geography. (Press Release: Entity Education Ministers sign Interim Agreement – March 7, 2002)

March 6

·         The BiH Council of Ministers presents an action plan on the fight against corruption, which was drafted as a joint effort by the Council, the World Bank and the OHR. BiH Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Azra Hadziahmetovic says that for the first time in history BiH has a plan for fighting corruption, which represents the greatest obstacle to foreign investment in BiH. The head of the OHR’s Anti-Corruption Department, Manfred Dauster, stresses that comprehensive reform of the judiciary and adoption of the law on money laundering would be a good basis for the fight against corruption.

March 7

·         The BiH Council of Ministers adopts a report on CIPS (Citizens Identity Protection System) prepared by a special working group. The report envisages the signing of a contract with the German company Siemens on the delivery of the system which will realise the project. The Council also announces that the estimated cost of the project, which is designed to introduce order to the administrative chaos of identity documents in BiH, will be initially around 33 million KM.

·         In an interview with OBN Television, RS President Mirko Sarovic says that he does not believe that the idea of introducing a House of Peoples in the RS will pass because not enough political parties would support this. Sarovic stresses that a form of Council for the protection of the vital interests of peoples in the RS would adequately protect the national interests of all peoples living in the RS. 

·         High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch visits the “Zene za Zene” workshop in Sarajevo to mark the International Women’s Day (which falls on March 8). Petritsch expresses his concern about increased reports of domestic violence, and he encourages women to take a leading role in the future of BiH. (Press Release: High Representative marks the International Women’s Day – March 7, 2002)

·         Paddy Ashdown arrives in Sarajevo in his first visit to the BiH capital since being formally endorsed as the next High Representative. During his short stay, he meets with Council of Ministers Chairman Zlatko Lagumdzija and discusses the current situation in BiH. Lord Ashdown is officially to assume the post of High Representative at the end of May.

·         The Economist publishes a piece on the Balkans, stating that “the Balkans have recently been doing remarkably well” and, on the part of the International Community, are run by “a dream team.”  “Wolfgang Petritsch, an Austrian with useful Slovene roots, has done well as ‘high representative’ in Bosnia. And Paddy Ashdown - a peer who once led Britain's Liberal Democrats and who, it was formally announced last week, takes over from Mr Petritsch in May - has good credentials for pushing Bosnia further in the right direction,” reads the article .

March 8

·         At a first eight-hour session of serious negotiations under the auspices of the High Representative, aimed at producing political agreement on the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s “Constituent Peoples Decision, representatives of the eight most important parties in the two Entities outline their positions. Commenting on the talks, Petritsch notes that some progress has been made towards the final resolution of this crucial issue. Party leaders, including the SNSD’s (Independent Social Democrats) Milorad Dodik and the leader of the Party for BiH, Safet Halilovic, express the hope that the political leaders will be able to reach a final agreement.

·         The Brcko District marks the second anniversary of its establishment as a single administrative unit beyond the control of the Entities and under the sovereignty of BiH. The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, expresses his satisfaction with recent progress in the District and commends its achievements in the past two years. (Press Release: Second Anniversary of Brcko District – March 8, 2002)

·         The future High Representative for BiH, Paddy Ashdown, visits Belgrade and meets with FRY President Vojislav Kostunica to discuss the present situation in the Balkans and relations between Yugoslavia and BiH. “Construction of a stable and functional BiH, in line with the Dayton Peace Agreement, respected and intact borders, the rule of law and the eradication of all forms of crime and corruption will be Mr. Ashdown’s priorities,” the FRY government notes in a press statement after the meeting.

·         Media in the Federation report that BiH authorities are to shut down three Islamic charities active in the country after an investigation showed they were engaged in suspicious financial dealings. US-based charities Benovalence International Foundation (BIF) and Global Release Foundation (GRF), as well as Saudi-based Alharamain, are to be banned, as BiH officials say possible links with a terrorist network cannot been excluded.

March 9

·         At a press conference in Sarajevo, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDS) appeals to the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, to use his powers and impose amendments to the Entity constitutions that would be in line with the BiH Constitutional Court ruling on the constituent status of peoples in BiH. “It would be a great gesture of honour…Do no miss this opportunity,” says Nedim Serija, the general secretary of the LDS.

March 11

·         At a session in Sarajevo, the Federation government adopts the draft law on the Federation Intelligence Security Service (FOSS). The draft law envisages that the two existing intelligence agencies (Bosniak AID and Croat SNS) will cease operating within two months from the date the law takes effect.

March 12

·         The European Union Presidency strongly urges the political leadership in BiH to ensure the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s decision on the constituency of peoples in BiH within the next two weeks. In a statement for the press, the EU says it is convinced that now is the time for the authorities in BiH to show that the country is ready for membership of the Council of Europe and that it remains committed to future integration in other European structures. (EU Presidency Press Statement – March 12, 2002)

·         The OSCE Chairman in Office and Portuguese Foreign Minister, Jaime Gama, arrives in Sarajevo on his first visit to BiH. During his stay, Gama meets with a number of leading local and international officials to discuss the situation in the country and address the prospects of BiH’s integration in European structures. Gama notes that BiH has decided to move forwards towards becoming a “self-propelled rather then assisted country.” “The situation in BiH is more secure, institutions are working better and there is room for a reduced level of international engagement,” Gama stresses at a press conference in Sarajevo visit. During a meeting with the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, Gama expresses support for the High Representative’s position that BiH political leaders must reach a “home-grown” decision on constitutional change in the Entities. “It is very important that constitutional reform can come about through agreement, through dialogue among political parties on a local level,” says Gama in Sarajevo (Press Release: OSCE supports OHR – March 12, 2002)

·         At an annual strategic conference in Paris, focusing on “Humanitarian Intervention and Crisis Management: the lessons of the Balkan experience,” the Senior Deputy High Representative, Matthias Sonn, sums up these lessons in regard to BiH. (Speech by the SDHR Matthias Sonn – March 12, 2002 and Press Release: SDHR Matthias Sonn highlights the Primacy of Dayton – March 12, 2002)

·         A BiH State delegation headed by Chairman of the Presidency Beriz Belkic arrives in Brussels for talks with NATO leaders on the prospects for BiH’s integration in Euro-Atlantic structures, including NATO’s Partnership for Peace program. The delegation includes the other two members of the Presidency, Zivko Radisic and Jozo Krizanovic, the Entity Defence Ministers, armed forces commanders and their military advisors.

·         The OHR, the OSCE and the European Commission announce the re-launch of the Free Media Help Line – a confidential telephone service which provides assistance to journalists and media outlets in the event of threats, intimidation or interference. (Press Release: Re-launch of the Free Media Help Line – March 12, 2002)

March 13

·         At the invitation by the High Representative, the leaders and representatives of the eight leading political parties in BiH resume talks on constitutional change in the Entities, at the OHR building in Sarajevo. After this second, eight-hour session, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, says that the talks are moving, albeit slowly, in the right direction, and he expresses the hope that BiH leaders will reach a good compromise solution. “You must be aware that they (political leaders in BiH) have never been confronted with such a monumental task,” the High Representative tells the press.

·         During a meeting in Brussels with a BiH delegation headed by Chairman of the Presidency Beriz Belkic, NATO Secretary-General George Robertson urges BiH leaders to end the country’s dependence on external assistance through state-building and through the closing of ethnic divisions. “The clear message was that BiH had to take ownership of its own future to break the cycle of dependence…and to take its place in the European family of nations,” Robertson stresses.

·         After a closed session of the Croatian Parliament’s Board on Foreign Policy, Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Zdravko Tomac stresses that Croatia will insist on the establishment of a House of Peoples in the RS as the only remedy for peoples living in the Entity which is “a result of crime and ethnic cleansing.” RS politicians, including RS National Assembly Speaker Dragan Kalinic, strongly condemn Tomac’s statement saying this is the “most perfidious way of interfering in internal issues of three peoples and two Entities in BiH.”

·         In a statement for Dnevni Avaz, the president of the NHI, Kresimir Zubak, expresses doubt that BiH political leaders will succeed in reaching an agreement on constitutional change in the RS and asks the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, to impose amendments to the RS Constitution strictly following the principles set out in the Constitutional Court ruling on the constituent status of all peoples in BiH.

March 14

·         Leaders of the eight leading political parties in BiH and the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, continue talks at the OHR in Sarajevo on constitutional change in the Entities. Commenting to the press on the progress of the talks, which this time lasted three hours, the High Representative notes that the participants have managed to come closer to agreeing on basic issues. He urges political leaders to use the days over the weekend to “narrow the gaps between issues not yet resolved.” “The leaders of this country must prove that they are mature enough to find common ground to agree on solutions,” Petritsch stresses. Other participants, including the SDA’s Sulejman Tihic and the Party for BiH’s Safet Halilovic, concur with the High Representative, saying that the positions of parties taking part in the talks are moving closer to each other.

·         The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, chairs the first meeting of the Cabinet, which is composed of the heads of international organisations and missions in BiH. The Cabinet and four new inter-agency task forces - dealing with economic reform, return and reconstruction, institution building and the rule of law – are the core elements of the new streamlined international engagement in BiH. These elements were endorsed by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council. (Press Release: First meeting of the cabinet – March 15, 2002 and PIC SB Communiqué – February 28, 2002)

·         Serbia and Montenegro sign a deal to reshape the Yugoslav federation (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) in what international analysts see as a way of reducing Montenegrin demands for independence and preventing a new and potentially violent conflict in the Balkans. FRY President Vojislav Kostunica, Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic, and EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana sign the agreement envisaging a reorganised state called “Serbia and Montenegro” which will remain in existence for at least three years, after which either Serbia or Montenegro could seek independence. The agreement has to be ratified by the parliaments of Serbia, Montenegro and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia before a commission can be set up to draft a constitution for the new state.

March 15

·         The BiH Parliament’s House of Representatives confirms the appointment of Dragan Mikerevic, the Minister for European Integration, to the post of Chairman of the Council of Ministers as part of the regular rotation in the Council. Mikerevic is to replace Zlatko Lagumdzija, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who had been in this post for the past eight months.

·         The Serb Radical Party (SRS) announces it will nominate Nikola Poplasen, former RS President and unrecognised SRS President, for the President’s Office in the general elections scheduled for October. Poplasen was removed from the post of RS President in March 1999 by a Decision of the former High Representative, Carlos Westendorp, for obstructing the Dayton Peace Agreement. Subsequently, the Provisional Election Commission denied the SRS certification for both the municipal and general elections in 2000.

March 16

·         The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, meets with the founder and the honorary president of the SDA, Alija Izetbegovic, to discuss the ongoing talks on constitutional change in the Entities. During the meeting, Petritsch stresses that constitutional solutions in the RS and the Federation must be symmetric in essence and in principle, but not necessarily identical. Explaining Petritsch’s position, Head of the OHR Press Office Alexandra Stiglmayer tells Nezavisne Novine says: “Symmetry implies that solutions have to have the same effect, not that they be identical.” She adds that the centralised structure of the RS and the decentralised, Cantonalised structure of the Federation, where many issues were under the authority of the Cantons, prevented identical solutions.

March 17

·         During a meeting with representatives of the HDZ in Mostar, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, calls on members of this Croat party in BiH to take a more active role and be more constructive in the talks on constitutional change in the Entities. However, Petritsch also says at a short press conference after the meeting that, regardless of their engagement in the talks, he will ensure that the rights and vital interests of the Croat people in BiH will be adequately protected be they in the RS or the Federation.

·         Ahead of a new meeting of the main political parties and the High Representative on constitutional change scheduled for Monday, RS President Mirko Sarovic and Prime Minister Mladen Ivanic announce on the RTRS that if the talks fail, the RS National Assembly will be called upon to adopt constitutional amendments proposed by the RS Constitutional Commission. The two RS leaders unanimously reject any possibility of the High Representative imposing a solution, stressing that RS authorities will not implement “any imposed changes to the RS Constitution.”  

·         In an interview with Jutarnje Novine, the SDP leader, Zlatko Lagumdzija, says he is confident that BiH politicians can agree on constitutional change in the Entities.

March 18

·         Today’s meeting at the OHR in Sarajevo among leaders of now nine main political parties (the Socialist Party of the RS has joined in) lasts a record 14 hours, from 10.00 in the morning until midnight, but they still does not produce a final agreement. Addressing the press during the talks, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, notes that the talks have entered a very substantive, if difficult, phase. He expresses confidence that BiH politicians will reach final agreement on this important issue. “This is a group of politicians that is forward-looking,” he stresses.

·         SNSD President, Milorad Dodik, decides to withdraw from the talks on constitutional change in the Entities saying that political parties from the Federation are too rigid in their positions and not open to any form of compromise. Dodik commends the efforts of the High Representative for “trying very hard to facilitate the agreement.” Only two days later, Dodik returns to the negotiations.

·         In an interview with CNN, the war-time BiH Foreign Minister and founder of the Party for BiH, Haris Silajdzic, warns political leaders and the International Community against reaching solutions that are not in the spirit of Dayton, and which foster further ethnic division. “Those who committed genocide cannot be rewarded by concessions with regard to the implementation of the Constitutional Court ruling on the constituent status of peoples in BiH,” says Silajdzic.

·         Representatives of four Croat political parties in BiH – the HDZ’s Ante Jelavic, the NHI’s Kresimir Zubak, the HSS’s (Croat Peasant Party) Ilija Simic, and the HNZ’s (Croat National Community) Miljenko Brkic, meet in Sarajevo with Catholic Cardinal Archbishop Vinko Puljic. They agree on a joint position on constitutional change, in particular the demand for bi-cameral parliaments in both Entities.

·         Evictions of illegal Croat tenants, refugees from other parties of BiH who resettled in Drvar, become a hot topic in all BiH media after a group of some 15 evicted families leave the town and move to Croatia. Croat parties and politicians voice concern that thousands more Croats may follow suit if forcible evictions aimed at making way for Serb returnees in Drvar are not halted. However, international organizations and the BiH Ministry for Refugees stress that the eviction process in Drvar cannot be stopped and add that all families who have been evicted from this town were double occupants, namely, persons whose pre-war homes had been reconstructed and who had no right to alternative accommodation. (Press Release: Returns process in Drvar – March 19, 2002)

March 19

·         During the fifth marathon meeting on constitutional change at the OHR, the leaders of nine political parties in BiH make substantial progress. The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, tells the press that the participants have agreed on some 80% of the issues, while the remaining 20% presents the most difficult part. “However, I am an optimist and I believe that everything will be done well. There has never been more readiness [to reach a solution] and trust among party leaders then now,” Petritsch notes.

·         In the evening, SDA President Sulejman Tihic decides to withdraw from talks, claiming there is a lack of symmetry between the solutions proposed for the two Entities, which is detrimental for the Bosniaks. He also says the SDA will not accept anything short of a House of Peoples in the RS as a guardian of national interests of all peoples.

·         In a letter to the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, four prominent NGOs bringing together intellectuals from all ethnic groups in BiH – the Serb Civic Council, the Croat National Council, the Congress of Bosniak Intellectuals and the Association of Independent Intellectuals “Circle 99” – stress that the full equality of all citizens in BiH can only be secured through a House of Peoples in the Entity parliaments. The four NGOs believe that vital national interests should relate to the protection and development of national identity, culture and cultural heritage, development and use of language, and freedom of religion.

·         In a working paper on constitutional reform in BiH, the European Stability Initiative (ESI) stresses that the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, should not impose constitutional solutions in the Entities if BiH party leaders fail to agree on this issue on their own, but have it solved after the elections scheduled for October. “The imposition would not transform BiH political life. Instead BiH should be enabled to transform itself from within,” notes the ESI paper.

March 20

·         The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers decides to invite BiH to join the Council of Europe as the organization’s 44^th member state. The accession ceremony is scheduled to take place in Strasbourg on April 24, when BiH will officially become a full-fledged member of this oldest European human rights organization. Media report that the decision on BiH’s accession to the CoE was made unanimously by 43 members of the Committee of Ministers.

·         The constitutional negotiations under the auspices of the High Representative resume. Today’s talks, which last more than ten hours, continue to be attended by representatives of all nine parties – both the SDA and SNSD send replacements for Dodik and Tihic. OHR Senior Spokesperson Alexandra Stiglmayer says following the session that the participants have agreed on the basic shape and form of the necessary bodies and the mechanisms for the protection of vital national interests, and that they are “inches away from a major political breakthrough.”

·         The Peace Implementation Council (PIC) Steering Board at the ambassadorial level meets to discuss the ongoing talks on constitutional change and notes that, in the past ten days, political parties have made genuine progress towards an agreement. The Steering Board stresses that it will insist on solutions that are symmetric in substance, that is, for solutions that will provide for the full empowerment of all three constituent peoples in BiH and both Entities. The ambassadors also urge political leaders to “seize this historic opportunity and take the responsibility and credit for negotiated solutions which will benefit all three constituent peoples and the Others in BiH.” (PIC SB Communiqué – March 20, 2002)

·         At a late-night session in Sarajevo, the Presidency of the SDA decides to fully and definitely withdraw from the talks on constitutional change in the Entities. “The SDA does not accept solutions that turn Bosniaks and Croats into national minorities in the RS, which legalizes ethnic cleansing, while Serbs in the Federation are granted a third of the power,” reads the SDA press release, adding that BiH could become “a Serb BiH.” The OHR strongly condemns the move by the SDA and criticizes Tihic for being “more interested in advancing his party’s narrow-minded interests than securing the rights of Bosniaks.” OHR spokespeople declare the move to be “a declaration of bankruptcy by the SDA.”

·         The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, attends in Sarajevo the first meeting of the De-mining Board of Donors since the adoption of the De-mining Law by the BiH Parliament in February. The State-level de-mining legislation has, for the first time, put de-mining in BiH into a formal legal framework, creating the necessary government structure to administer, manage and control de-mining activities in BiH under the Ministry of Civil Affairs and Communications.

March 21

·         Representatives of eight political parties – the SDA has withdrawn for good - gather again at the OHR to find a solution for the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s decision on the constituent status of BiH’s peoples in BiH’s two Entities. During the session, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, speaking live on Federation Television, says that progress continues to be made and that BiH’s political leaders now “have to find the courage to make the final compromise.” He explains that this does not mean a compromise on the Constitutional Court’s ruling, but on how to implement the ruling in the best way. “The International Community wants to see a home-grown solution,” Petritsch stresses. He strongly criticizes the SDA leadership for withdrawing from the talks, saying that this party is more interested in petty politics than the future of this country. Also commenting on the talks, the leader of the SDP, Zlatko Lagumdzija, notes that progress has been made. “We have agreed on some 80% of issues, however, the remaining 20% will require 80% of our energy in order to be resolved,” Lagumdzija says. Thursday’s session starts at 16.00 hours and lasts until 2.30 hours the next day.

·         The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, welcomes the decision by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers to admit BiH as its 44^th member. “BiH’s accession to the Council of Europe will cement the country’s European perspective, and this is where its future lies,” says OHR’s spokesperson Patrik Volf at a press conference in Sarajevo. He adds that membership of this European human rights organization will provide a “powerful stimulus” to BiH political leaders to “show real statesmanship and reach an agreement on constitutional change in the Entities.”

·         At a press conference, the President of the World Football Federation (FIFA), Joseph Blatter, announces that all football clubs and associations in BiH have agreed to play together in the forthcoming football season for the first time since the outbreak of the war in 1992. “All this is leading in the same direction, the direction of peace and reconciliation,” Blatter says.

·         The US Embassy offices in Sarajevo close for the public due to a credible security threat following the bombing of a church in Islamabad in which several US citizens died.

March 23

·         At separate press conferences, representatives of the Party for BiH, the SDP and the NHI stress that their positions on the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituent status of all peoples in BiH have not changed and that they will persist in seeking symmetric solutions for the two Entities. Parties from Republika Srpska also use the weekend to consolidate their position. RS President, Mirko Sarovic, his deputy, Dragan Cavic, and the SNSD president, Milorad Dodik, inform the press that they will not succumb to pressure from Bosniak and Croat parties from the Federation, and they stress that the RS will implement the Constitutional Court ruling in the best possible fashion, thereby protecting the rights of all constituent peoples, but also preserving the constitutional foundation of the RS.

March 24

·         The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, invites to his residence in Sarajevo representatives of the SDP (Zlatko Lagumdzija), the PDP (Mladen Ivanic), the Party for BiH (Dzemil Sabrihafizovic) and the NHI (Kresimir Zubak) to continue the constitutional reform talks. The 8.5-hour meeting is also attended by the US Ambassador to BiH, Clifford Bond, and his Spanish colleague, Rafael Valle Garagorri, and solves a significant number of outstanding questions.

·         As the talks on constitutional change in the Entities approach their crucial final phase, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, in a press release, urges political leaders in BiH to take “responsibility for the citizens they represent and restore dignity to the country by demonstrating that they can reach an agreement.” “These talks are the most significant negotiations on the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina since Dayton,” the statement reads. “Time is running out.” (Press Release: High Representative presses BiH’s leaders for a domestic solution – March 24, 2002)

·         Leaders of seven political parties from the RS issue a joint press release asking the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, to end the talks on constitutional change by March 25 in order to enable the Entity Parliaments to adopt constitutional amendments by the end of the month. The seven leaders reiterate that they are united in their view that there will be no bargaining with key issues relating to the position of the Serb people in BiH. The press release was signed by the presidents of the SDS, the PDP, the SNSD, the SPRS, the DSP (Democratic Socialist Party), the SNS (Serb Peoples Alliance), the DNS (Democratic Peoples Alliance) and the RS Party of Pensioners.

·         “No-Man’s Land”, a film by BiH director Danis Tanovic about the futility of the war in BiH is named best foreign language film at the 74^th Academy Awards ceremony – the Oscars. “This is for my country, for Bosnia,” Tanovic said as he holds aloft the golden Oscar statuette. The High Representative extends his congratulations to the young Sarajevo director. (Press Release: High Representative congratulates  Danis Tanovic - March 25, 2002)

March 25

·         The ninth round of constitutional reform talks resume at the OHR building in Sarajevo. OHR spokesman Patrik Volf says that the leaders of seven political parties are very close to a deal, as they have resolved a large number of disputed issues and only technical details remain open. The US and Spanish Ambassadors to BiH, Clifford Bond and Rafael Valle Garagorri, also attend the meeting.

·         In separate interviews with Dnevni Avaz, the British and French ambassadors to BiH, Ian Cliff and Bernard Bajolet, commend the efforts of the High Representative to facilitate a home-grown solution on constitutional change, and stress that BiH leaders are responsible to successfully conclude the talks. 

·         Sarajevo newspapers carry an open letter addressed to the High Representative and signed by seven BiH independent intellectuals, in which they warn Wolfgang Petritsch that he will bear the prime responsibility for the continuation of BiH’s agony if he carries on insisting on negotiations with “protagonists of ethnicism and nationalism”, the result of which can only be “a rotten compromise.”

·         “The law does not yet rule in BiH. What prevails instead are nationally defined politics, inconsistency in the application of law, corrupt and incompetent courts, a fragmented judicial space, half-baked or half-implemented reforms and sheer negligence. Bosnia is, in short, a land where respect for and confidence in the law and its defenders is weak,” the International Crisis Group (ICG) claims in its latest report on BiH, titled “The misrule of law in BiH.” Click here for the full report.

·         The governing boards of the Foundation for the Srebrenica/Potocari Memorial meet at the residence of the US Ambassador in Sarajevo to discuss the design and the layout of the land in Potocari selected for a memorial to thousands of victims of the massacre at Srebrenica. The meeting is also attended by the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch.

·         The US Embassy in Sarajevo opens to the public, five days after it registered a threat to the security of its staff. Embassy officials say the threat has passed, but that the security situation will continue to be monitored.

March 26

·         At 17.00 hours, the representatives of eight political parties come together at the OHR to continue their discussions aimed at finding agreement for the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s “Constituent Peoples Decision.” 

March 27

·         After more than 90 hours of intense negotiations under the auspices of the High Representative, which began on March 8, the leaders of eight political parties in BiH finally agree on the elements for the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s “Constituent Peoples Ruling.” The Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement spells out a new institutional set-up in the RS and the Federation, turning the two Entities into multiethnic communities. The leaders of the SDP (Zlatko Lagumdzija), the NHI (Kresimir Zubak), and the Party for BiH (Safet Halilovic) sign the Agreement fully, while the representatives of the RS parties – the SDS (Dragan Kalinic), the SNSD (Milorad Dodik), the PDP (Mladen Ivanic) and the SPRS (Petar Djokic) – sign the document with two reservations regarding the structure of the transitional government and the trigger mechanisms for the protection of vital national interests. The HDZ refuses to sign the Agreement, while the SDA withdrew from the talks at an earlier stage. Click here for the text of the Agreement and details.

·         The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, congratulates the BiH leaders on concluding the Agreement, which will “turn BiH into a truly multiethnic country, providing Bosniaks and Croats in the RS, and Serbs in the Federation with full representation and full protection of their rights.” “This is a truly historic moment in the short history of modern BiH. This Agreement is the product of far-sightedness and courage among the political leaders of this country. The people of BiH can be proud of their leaders today,” says Petritsch in a press release. He stresses that party representatives have developed and agreed on the mechanisms that will protect the vital interests of the constituent peoples in both Entities and ensure their full representation in the decision-making bodies. The Agreement and the way in which it has been reached, says Petritsch, changes the political landscape of BiH. (Press Release: High Representative congratulates Party Leaders – March 27, 2002)

·         The PIC Steering Board at the ambassadorial level welcomes the Agreement reached by BiH political parties, calling it a decisive step forward in BiH’s democratic development and commitment to the rule of law. Commending the “exhaustive efforts” made by the High Representative in this regard, the ambassadors urge the Entity Parliaments speedily to adopt the agreed constitutional amendments and the political leaders to implement them fully. (PIC SB Communiqué  -  March 27, 2002) Western embassies and other international organizations, the Croatian and Yugoslav governments, numerous civic organizations in BiH, as well as the leaders of the Alliance also hail the conclusion of the Agreement.

·         The Dutch peace group Inter-Church Peace Council (IKV) releases a new report addressing the responsibility of Dutch peacekeepers within UNPROFOR for the massacre of thousands of Bosniak civilians in Srebrenica in 1995. The report claims that the Dutch soldiers and politicians bore primary responsibility for failing to protect “up to 8,000 Bosniak men and boys murdered after Serb forces overran the UN ‘Safe area’ of Srebrenica.”

·         The Serbian government adopts a new decree on cooperation with the ICTY that paves the way for the extradition of war-crimes suspects. The decision comes ahead of a March 31 deadline set by the US Congress for Belgrade to meet conditions for receiving 40 million USD in aid. One of the necessary conditions was the extradition of indicted war criminals to The Hague Tribunal.

March 28

·         RS leaders, including the Entity Prime Minister, Mladen Ivanic, the President, Mirko Sarovic, and the National Assembly speaker, Dragan Kalinic, say they signed the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement with two serious reservations, but that it provides “a good basis for amendments to the RS Constitution.” However, OHR spokesman Oleg Milisic stresses that in these amendments nothing short of the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement is acceptable.

·         After ten minutes, the RS National Assembly adjourns the extraordinary session scheduled for today, during which the deputies were to discuss the Sarajevo-Mrakovica Agreement, stating that the RS Constitutional Commission has to review the document first and come up with its own version of amendments to the RS Constitution.  

·         The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, issues three Decisions amending the State and Entity legislation governing the eligibility of candidates to run for elected office in BiH, and the permissibility of parties to register in court and certify for participation in elections. The package includes a Decision amending the BiH Election Law by defining ineligibility of officials dismissed by the HR, the Provisional Election Commission (PEC) and the Election Appeals Sub-Commission (EASC) - for personal violations -, COMSFOR and the IPTF Commissioner, and barring those parties in which persons dismissed by the High Representative or the PEC or EASC for personal violations hold central party positions from certifying for participation in elections / a Decision Amending the RS Law on Political Organizations, barring parties whose statutory party officials have not been properly elected under the party statute as well as parties whose statutory officials have been dismissed by the HR from registering in court / and, to the same effect in the Federation, a Decision inserting an annex to the Federation Law on Procedure of Entry of Legal Entities into the Court Register. (Press Release: High Representative issue decisions – March 28, 2002)

March 29

·         During a meeting in Belgrade with the leadership of the Republika Srpska (RS president, Mirko Sarovic, RS Prime Minister, Mladen Ivanic, the Speaker of the RS National Assembly, Dragan Cavic), the FRY President, Vojislav Kostunica, terms positive the Mrakovica-Sarajevo agreement reached on March 27, adding that the RS political parties reserve the right to make minor corrections of this deal. Kostunica tells BETA news agency that the Agreement represents a “good basis for the amendments to the RS Constitution.”

March 30

·         Commenting on the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement at separate press conference, the SDA and the HDZ (Bosniak and Croat nationalist parties which did not sign the document) accuse the Alliance parties and the OHR of agreeing to preserve an ethnically clean RS and turn Bosniaks and Croats into national minorities in this Entity. However, in a statement for Dnevni Avaz, OHR Senior Spokesperson Alexandra Stiglmayer strongly rejects all the allegations, criticizing the HDZ and SDA for misinforming the public for purposes of advancing their own party interests.

March 31

·        The authorities in Belgrade fail to extradite any war crimes suspects to the Hague-based Tribunal, missing a midnight deadline set by the US to improve their country’s cooperation with the ICTY.

Economic Statistics

BiH Economic Update

BiH Economic Data January 2001 – January 2002

Source: FBiH and RS Statistical Offices

Indicator	Federation of BiH	Republika Srpska	BIH (OHR estimate)
GDP nominal 2000 GDP nominal 1999 Nominal increase 1999-2000 Real increase 1999-2000 (minus inflation)	6,698 billion KM 6,141 billion KM + 9,0% +7,8%	2,463 billion KM 2,180 billion KM + 13,0% -0,6%	9,161 billion KM 8,321 billion KM +10,0% +5,5%
Index of Industrial Production 2001 compared to 2000 12/01  compared to 12/00	+12,2% +7,4%	-12,9 % -25,4%	+3,8% -3,53%
Retail Price Index 2001 compared to 2000 12/01 compared to 12/00	+1,7% + 0,3%	+6,5% +2,2%	N/A N/A
Average Net Salary 12/01 2001 compared to 2000 (averages)	457,68 KM +7,3%	332 KM +12,7%	412,5 KM +9,24%
Number of Employed 12/01 Number of Registered Unemployed 12/01 (RS 09/01)	405.689 persons 269.004 persons	227.740 persons 153.231persons	633.429 422.235
Number of pensioners in 10/01 (RS 09/01) Average pension in 10/01	279.359 persons   170 KM	179.835 persons   105 KM	459.194 persons   145 KM
Imports  2001 Exports 2001 Trade deficit 2001 Import/Export coverage	5,113 billion KM 1,746 billion KM  3,367 billion KM 34,1%	1,697 billion KM 0,599 billion KM 1,098 billion KM 35,3%	6,810 billion KM 2,345 billion KM 4,465 billion KM 34,4%

Return Statistics

See link to the UNHCR Mission to BiH web page at www.unhcr.ba or click here to see the latest statistics for February.

SUMMARY

The month of April was marked by three events crucial for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s democratic development and integration in Europe: the completion of the constitutional reform process in the Entities, BiH’s accession to the Council of Europe and the start of the implementation of the Citizens Identity Protection System (CIPS), which will provide the country’s citizens with new, secure and centrally administered personal documents.

On April 4, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska passed constitutional amendments that reflected, though not completely, the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement of March 27. Two weeks later, on April 18, the Federation House of Peoples succeeded in adopting amendments to the Federation Constitution in line with the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement, but the House of Representatives failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority to pass the amendments, due to negative votes by the SDA and HDZ. In order to overcome this resistance and close the remaining gaps, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, on April 19 issued three Decisions promulgating constitutional amendments in both Entities that are fully based on the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement and amending the BiH Election Law accordingly.

At a press conference, the High Representative stressed that his Decisions built on work done by the domestic leaders. “The international community and I myself are exercising our role as a partner for BiH and its leaders,” Petritsch said. “This time, the largest part of the job was done by the domestic authorities and I congratulate them for that . . . I am able to issue my Decisions today knowing that the leaders of BiH have taken this country a huge step forward towards a future based on modern European norms, which include consensus and sensible compromise. The Alliance leaders and the RS leadership have shown courage, strength, persistence and commitment. More than this, they have shown responsibility and statesmanship when faced with one of the most complex questions a democracy can confront itself with, and that is, of course, the constitution.”

At a ceremony in Strasbourg on April 24, Bosnia and Herzegovina officially became the 44^th member of the Council of Europe, an event that was welcomed by everybody in BiH and the entire International Community. Walter Schwimmer, the General Secretary of the Council, stressed that BiH's accession open new doors for the country in its efforts to forge closer ties with Europe. Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija hailed BiH’s admission as “a victory of democratic forces and a new beginning for the country,” thanking the High Representative, “who did not formally sign anything on Wednesday, but who did sign enough in the past,” for his contribution to securing BiH membership of the Council. The High Representative himself recalled that BiH was not yet a state in the real sense of the word when he came to BiH in 1999. “Now, at the end of my mandate, I am convinced that BiH is becoming a modern, democratic state with a lot of tolerance and a future in Europe," he said.

Lastly, on April 29, the BiH Council of Ministers approved a contract on the implementation of the Citizens’ Identity Protection System (CIPS) with Siemens and adopted a number of important decisions pertaining to the project. Among others, it set up an implementation task force and decided that the printing house for the new personal documents will be located in Banja Luka. After the session, BiH Deputy Minister for Civil Affairs and Communications Milan Lovric and Siemens signed the contract, worth Euro 16,857,099.

Under the project, the issuance of new and secure ID cards and driving licenses, as well as the single passports imposed by the High Representative in 2000, will be centrally managed by the State and there will be central registries for these documents as well as for residence and JMBG (centralised citizens’ registration) numbers. The Office of the High Representative welcomed the signing of the contract as a major breakthrough. “The project will provide the BiH authorities with important tools in the fight against international terrorism, organised crime, and illegal migration - each of which threatens BiH’s place in a secure and modern Europe,” OHR stated in a press release.

April 1

• During a meeting with the members of the BiH Presidency, the chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Dragan Mikerevic, stresses that it is necessary to adopt the State budget for 2002 as soon as possible in order to sign the contract for the implementation of the CIPS (Citizens Identity Protection System) project, worth more than 33 million KM.
• At a press conference in Sarajevo, the president of the BiH Election Commission, Lidija Korac, urges all the authorities to adopt constitutional amendments promptly so that the gaps in the BiH Election Law can be filled.
• Addressing BiH Croat officials in Mostar, the Croatian ambassador to BiH, Josip Vrbosic, calls on HDZ representatives to add their signatures to the agreement on constitutional changes reached on March 27 at the OHR. "This is certainly a painful compromise,” FENA quotes Vrbosic as saying. “Still, the agreement provides a good basis to gradually overcome all the antagonisms, and it opens a European perspective for BiH."
• SFOR troops arrest a former BiH Serb military officer indicted by ICTY for his role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. In a statement for the press, SFOR confirms that Momir Nikolic, accused of genocide, forcible transfer and inhumane acts as crimes against humanity and murder as a violation of the laws or customs of war was detained by SFOR soldiers that morning in Bratunac near Srebrenica.

April 2

• During a visit to the RS Police Academy, the RS President, Mirko Sarovic, reiterates that the RS is ready to implement constitutional changes that will not endanger its position under the Dayton Peace Agreement.
• In an interview with the RS magazine Patriot, RS Vice President Dragan Cavic declares the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the constituency of peoples to the most difficult test of the national and parliamentary maturity of the RS since Dayton.
• In a statement for the press, the main board of the PDP (Party for Democratic Progress) states that the March 27 agreement on constitutional change includes a number of solutions detrimental to the RS, but represents a good foundation for constitutional amendments. The PDP expresses its hope that the deputies in the RS National Assembly will give their maximum to identify the best solutions "respecting the spirit of the agreement."
• At a briefing for journalists informing them of the status of the investigation into Hercegovacka Bank, Johan Verheyden, the spokesperson of the Provisional Administration, and Mario Brkic, an OHR spokesperson, say many irregularities were revealed in the privatisation of the Bank, the issuance of loans by the Bank and the Bank’s balance sheet.

April 3

• The RS Constitutional Commission adopts draft amendments to the RS Constitution. While Krstan Simic, a Serb member of the Commission, complains to the press that the Serb members were outvoted on almost all issues, SDA President and Bosniak member of the Commission Sulejman Tihic says that he voted for the draft amendments because they go further than the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement.
• At a press conference in Banja Luka, RS National Assembly Speaker Dragan Kalinic says that the outvoting of the Serb side in the Constitutional Commission should serve as a warning of what could happen in the future in other bodies of the legislative and executive power in the RS.
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, issues a Decision enabling municipal elections in Zepce to be held on the same day as this year’s general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (PR: HR issues two decisions on Zepce municipality – April 3, 2002)
• The Principal Deputy High Representative, Donald Hays, and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Jacques Paul Klein, officially open the Bosniak Secondary School Annex in Zepce. (PR: PDHR Zepce speech – April 3, 2002)
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, emphasizes in talks with the Chairman of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, Antanas Valionis, that the post-accession requirements for BiH must be respected and that they must be met within the set deadlines. Petritsch says that BiH politicians must address these issues because they are not only important for BiH’s membership of the Council, but will bring BiH closer to the European Union.
• The Herecegovacka Banka Provisional Administrator, Toby Robinson, meets with BiH Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija, Federation Prime Minister Alija Behmen and his deputy, and Minister of Finance Nikola Grabovac. The aim of the meeting was to inform the BiH leaders about the ongoing investigation into Hercegovacka Banka, and likely future developments.

April 4

• At a session in Banja Luka, the RS National Assembly adopts 24 amendments to the RS Constitution, which were proposed by 68 Serb deputies earlier in the day. The amendments were supported by all the Serb deputies in the Assembly (68 votes in favour), while the representatives of the SDP, SDA, Party for BiH and NHI voted against the proposal (13 votes). The OHR refuses to comment, saying its experts need time to study the amendments.
• In a statement published in Dnevni Avaz, Senior OHR Spokesperson Alexandra Stiglmayer says the readiness of the RS to implement the March 27 Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement is one of the tests of its willingness to reform, alongside genuine co-operation with the ICTY, active support for the returns process and support for State institutions and State-level laws.
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, issues a Decision suspending all judicial and prosecutorial appointments in Bosnia and Herzegovina (except to the BiH and Entity Constitutional Courts, the BiH Human Rights Chamber, the Court of BiH and all the courts in the Brcko District), pending the restructuring of the judicial system. (PR: HR issues a Decision on Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments – April 4, 2002)
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, issues a Decision extending the mandate of the Provisional Administrator of Hercegovacka Banka with regard to blocking deposits and investments in Hercegovacka Banka, beyond the period of one year. This Decision was necessary in order to allow the Provisional Administrator to continue her audit without jeopardising the work she has accomplished so far. (PR: HR amends his Decision on Provisional Administration – April 5, 2002)
• At a session in Sarajevo, the Federation Government passes draft amendments to the Federation Constitution, forwarding these amendments to both houses of the Federation Parliament, the Constitutional Commission of the House of Representatives and the OHR. The Government declares that the draft amendments reflect the essence of the Constitutional Court’s ruling and are in line with the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement.
• At a session in Sarajevo, the Federation House of Representatives approves the dismissal of 10,000 soldiers of the Federation armed forces and promises that the soldiers will receive severance payments of 10,000 KM each, which will be financed through commercial loans to be taken by the Government.

April 5

• At a press conference in Mostar marking one year since the introduction of Provisional Administration at Hercegovacka Banka, Principal Deputy High Representative Donald Hays says the final goal of the founders of Hercegovacka Banka was to make Herzegovina an economically and financially autonomous region, i.e. to put it under HDZ control. Hays explained that Hercegovacka Banka was intended to act as a kind of treasury for this project. Although the bank was created as a commercial bank, it became an institution that met political goals and the financial needs of individuals, Hays says.
• BiH’s foreign debt on December 31, 2001 amounted to 4.3 billion KM, according to information received and discussed by the BiH Presidency at its session in Sarajevo today. Croat member of the Presidency Jozo Krizanovic tells journalists following the session that only in 2006 or 2007 will BiH be able to take out new foreign loans.
• On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the fatal shooting during peace demonstrations on Sarajevo’s Vrbanja Bridge, one of the tragic incidents that marked the beginning of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, issues a press release expressing his solidarity with the citizens of BiH as they remember the difficulties of the last decade and look forward with hope to the future. (PR: HR expresses solidarity with BiH citizens – April 5, 2002)
• At a ceremony in Srebrenica, the cornerstone for the construction of a mosque in Srebrenica is laid. The mosque will be constructed on the site of the former White Mosque. The peaceful ceremony is also attended by representatives of the municipal authorities.

April 6

• BiH marks the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the 1992-95 war. While only a few official events take place to commemorate April 6, 1992, the day when the European Community recognised BiH’s independence and which is widely seen as the point at which an already simmering conflict turned into war, the anniversary is on the minds of most citizens and is given broad media coverage. Sarajevo newspapers run special editions recalling the 43-month siege of the capital, during which more than 10,000 people were killed, and TV stations rebroadcast wartime footage.
• Romano Prodi, the President of the European Commission, who is visiting Sarajevo on the tenth anniversary of the recognition of BiH’s independence by the European Community, says Europe’s doors are open to BiH. Following his meeting with the BiH Presidency he tells journalists that BiH must adopt European standards in order to have access to the European market of 500 million people.  With the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, Prodi discusses ways to integrate BiH in Europe. “Europe and BiH should have common values, common rules and travel on a common road to the future,” Prodi tells the press after the meeting. “Thanks to Petritsch’s engagement, BiH is now on the right path toward European integration.” Petritsch points out the significance of the European Commission’s assistance to BiH, which has been increased in spite of the general decline in foreign aid to the country.

April 7

• Paddy Ashdown, the future High Representative of the International Community in BiH and the former leader of the British Liberal Democrats, says in an interview with the BBC that crime in BiH scares him more than nationalism. At the same time, he emphasises that great progress has been made in the country since the end of the war. Ashdown says that if as much progress had been made in Northern Ireland in the past 30 years as has been made in BiH in just six years, today we would not have the problems there that we have.

April 8

• During a visit to Stolac, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, tells journalists that his experts are still assessing the substance of the amendments to the Republika Srpska Constitution adopted by the RS National Assembly last week. “But let me repeat my general stance: nothing less than 100 percent of the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement will be accepted,” Petritsch emphasises.
• At their weekly meeting in Sarajevo, the Co-ordinating body of the governing Alliance for Change rejects the Constitutional amendment adopted by the RS National Assembly the previous week. The Co-ordination body says the amendments do not reflect the requirements of the Constitutional Court’s ruling or the spirit of the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement.
• In Stolac, the High Representative also meets with municipal officials. "There will be no investments and no revival of the economy in Stolac unless the principles of tolerance are re-established in the town," Petritsch tells the press. The High Representative also visits sites of reconstruction of religious facilities in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton.
• The members of the RS National Assembly’s Constitutional Commission representing the SDP, Party for BiH and NHI ask the High Representative to annul the amendments to the Entity Constitution as adopted by the RS National Assembly.
• A group of four foreign experts in the fields of war-crimes prosecutions and the judicial system in BiH arrive in Sarajevo to begin research for OHR’s Consultancy Project on the Future of War Crimes Prosecutions in BiH. They are expected to finish their report and recommendations by mid-May. Their report will address the possibilities for ensuring international professional standards for war-crimes prosecutions in BiH, referring ICTY cases to BiH, and using the Court of BiH to prosecute war crimes.
• Just 15 minutes after the beginning of a session of the Federation Government, the Party for BiH ministers leave the session, freezing their participation in the work of the Government until the “AM Sped case” is resolved. The Finance Minister Nikola Grabovac approved the return of a customs deposit of 1.7 million KM to the AM Sped Company from Orasje without the consent of his deputy Sefika Hafizovic.
• Vecernji List carries an interview with the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, in which he talks about the Hercegovacka Banka case, the March 27 agreement on constitutional change and the overall situation in the country. With regard to Hercegovacka Banka, the High Representative says that the investigation is more serious and complicated than he expected, which is why the Provisional Administrator and OHR’s Anti-Fraud Unit cannot yet reveal details or names of people involved in the illegal activities that took place.

April 9

• Following the adoption of constitutional amendments by the RS National Assembly on April 4, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, meets with the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council at the ambassadorial level in Sarajevo. In a press release issued after the meeting, the High Representative expresses serious concerns about the RS amendments, which “fall short of, and do not in full reflect, the 27 March Agreement.” The Steering Board declares its support for the High Representative’s “exhaustive efforts” aimed at ensuring that the amendments are fully in line with the March 27 Agreement. (PR: HR discusses constitutional amendments with the Steering Board – April 9, 2002)
• At a press conference in Sarajevo, OHR spokesman Kevin Sullivan criticises the RS for failing to investigate the disappearance of Colonel Avdo Palic, who disappeared while in the custody of Serb forces in 1995. The RS was ordered to conduct this investigation by the BiH Human Rights Chamber more than a year ago. Sullivan says that RS President Mirko Sarovic, Prime Minister Mladen Ivanic and Defense Minister Bilic bear collective responsibility for ensuring that a proper investigation of the Palic case is undertaken.

April 10

• "Humanitarian motivation and political ambition drove the Netherlands to undertake an ill-conceived and virtually impossible peace mission in Srebrenica in 1995," states a 7,000-page report by the Netherlands Institute for War Documentation (NIOD), which was commissioned by the Dutch government in 1996 and has been published today. NIOD claims that "Dutchbat", a battalion of lightly-armed Dutch peacekeepers, was sent to an ill-defined "safe area" with an unclear mandate, and lacked adequate training, resources and intelligence-gathering capacities.
• In Sarajevo, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, meets with representatives of the four main political parties in the RS (Mladen Ivanic from the PDP, Dragan Kalinic from the SDS, Krstan Simic from the SNSD and Dragutin Ilic from the SPRS), notifying them that while the constitutional amendments passed by the RS National Assembly last Thursday go in the right direction and represent a step forward, they do not fully reflect the Mrakovic-Sarajevo Agreement and must be further amended. Present at the meeting were also representatives of the Contact Group (France, Germany, Italy, Russia, UK, US).
• The SDP General Secretary, Miro Lazovic, tells a press conference in Sarajevo that the party’s main board has assessed that the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement is a major step forward, comparing what it envisages with the current situation. Lazovic says the SDP demands the full implementation of the Agreement, which means that the RS constitutional amendments must be corrected. He adds that nationalist political parties (such as the SDS, SDA, HDZ) are obviously against the Agreement because they are afraid of losing influence.
• At a meeting in Sarajevo, the PBS Founding Board, the FRTV Council, the RTRS Steering Board, a working group of the BiH Council of Ministers, and international representatives express their support of the draft Law on the Public Broadcasting Service. The draft Law provides the legal basis and details for the work of the Public Broadcasting System, which comprises three elements: two broadcasters at the Entity level (Federation RTV and RTRS) and one broadcaster at the State-level. Relations among the three broadcasters are to be based on co-operation and agreement. The participants at the meeting agree that the draft law be sent to the Council of Ministers for consideration and adoption. The PBS Founding Board announces that the first PBS evening news programme will be broadcast on May 7.

April 11

• During a visit to Sarajevo, the European Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten, meets with the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch and tells journalists afterwards that BiH could sign a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU as early as next year. However, he emphasises that for this to happen BiH must meet all 18 “EU Road Map” requirements in the next two to three months, so that a feasibility study can be conducted in the autumn. For his part, Petritsch positively assesses the increased EU presence in BiH. The EU will run a police mission in BiH from next year onward, and the next High Representative will also be the EU Special Representative in BiH.
• At a press conference in Banja Luka, the Chairman of the RS Constitutional Commission, Miroslav Mikes, says that the RS National Assembly will remove some technical and legal mistakes from the RS constitutional amendments, which the High Representative insists on. "Petritsch requested us to make some improvements and a harmonisation so that the amendments of the RS National Assembly fully correspond to the Sarajevo Agreement,” Mikes says. The High Representative explains his view on the issue in an interview with Dnevni Avaz.
• As property law implementation has begun to speed up following the recent legislative amendments imposed by the High Representatives, the PLIP agencies - OHR, OSCE, UNHCR, CRPC and UNMIBH - note that misunderstandings remain regarding the entitlement to alternative accommodation. In a press release, they stress that once a decision ordering a temporary occupant to vacate the property s/he occupies has been issued by the responsible housing authority, the temporary occupant has no right to remain in the property, regardless of whether s/he is entitled to alternative accommodation and has or has not been provided with the same. (PR: PLIP Agencies reiterate alternative accommodation criteria – April 11, 2002)

April 12

• The members of the BiH Presidency and of the collegia of both chambers of the BiH Parliament fail to agree on the State budget for 2002. The contentious issue is the provision under which the legal representative of BiH in its law-suit against the FRY before the International Court of Justice in The Hague will be financed from the State budget. Most Serb representatives object to this provision.
• After a main board session in Mostar, the HDZ (Croat Democratic Union) announces that the main board has rejected the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement. In a statement for the press, the HDZ calls on its delegates to the Federation Parliament to vote for constitutional amendments proposed by the HDZ.
• Croatia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Tonino Picula and Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Zdravko Tomac meet in Mostar with representatives of Croat parties in BiH. After the meeting, Picula notes that disagreement about the ongoing constitutional changes in BiH’s Entities is evident, as representatives of the NHI and the HSS (Croat Peasant party) - ie Alliance parties - insist on the implementation of the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement, while the parties gathered in the Croat National Assembly reject it.
• Austria’s President Thomas Klestil visits Sarajevo for one day, meeting with senior BiH and international officials including the High Representative. Klestil says that Austria, which “energetically lobbied for BiH’s admission to the Council of Europe,” will continue to support BiH in its efforts to join other European institutions. (PR: HR meets with Austrian President – April 12, 2002)
• In an interview with Dnevni Avaz, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, calls on the State and Federation authorities to pay their respective share of the money needed to finance this year’s general elections. While the RS has paid its share of a million KM, the State has so far only paid 100,000 KM out of 1.2 million KM it is due to pay, and the Federation still has to pay its allotted total of 1.6 million KM.
• The Sarajevo stock exchange officially opens.

April 13

• The SDA announces that it will not vote for the constitutional amendments drafted by the Federation Government. “The adoption of these amendments would mean that the discriminatory amendments to the RS Constitution, which ensure Serb domination and reduce Bosniaks and Croats to national minorities, would automatically take effect,” SDA Vice-President Adnan Terzic tells a news conference in Sarajevo.

April 14

• In an interview with HRT (Croatian Radio-Television), Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula says that the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement represents a good solution for the Croats in BiH and could serve as the basis for amending the two Entity Constitutions.

April 15

• The EU General Affairs Council welcomes the Agreement on constitutional change in the Entities reached in Sarajevo on March 27, and urges political leaders in the RS and the Federation to adopt constitutional amendments in line with this Agreement. “By implementing the Agreement… BiH would take an important step towards its European future,” the Council notes in a communiqué.
• At a meeting with Contact Group ambassadors (Great Britain, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Russian Federation and Spain), the leadership of the SDA reiterates that it will not support the so-called Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement or the Federation government-proposed constitutional amendments. SDA President Sulejman Tihic explained that the Agreement is not acceptable to the party because it “does not ensure the equality of peoples and respect for human rights on the entire territory of BiH.” The meeting was also attended by SDA Vice President Adnan Terzic, and the party’s honorary leader, Alija Izetbegovic, according to an SDA press release. 
• The Federation prosecutor’s office files criminal charges against three persons charged with preparing acts of terrorism, espionage and abuse of office: Bakir Alispahic, the former director of AID (the Bosniak intelligence service) and a former interior minister, Irfan Ljevakovic, former AID adviser, and Enver Mujezinovic, former head of the Sarajevo AID section.
• The Dutch government resigns fllowing the release of a report by the Dutch Institute for War Documentation. The report assigns responsibility to senior Dutch officials in relation to the Srebrenica tragedy.
• In Sarajevo, the education ministers of BiH, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro sign an agreement on co-operation in the field of education. According to the ministers, this document will stimulate education reform in their countries in line with European standards as well as the exchange of knowledge, documents, experts and experience with the goal of modernising the education systems.

April 16

• The International Crisis Group (ICG) calls on the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, to impose constitutional change in the Entities if the RS National Assembly and the Federation Parliament fail to adopt amendments in line with the so-called Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement.
• The Contact Group Ambassadors (France, Germany, Italy, Russia, UK, US) meet with RS President Mirko Sarovic and RS Vice President Dragan Cavic. The UK Ambassador to BiH, Ian Cliff, states after the meeting that the March 27 Agreement has to be implemented in full.
• The same is re-iterated by the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, after his meeting with the chairman of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Rafael Estrella. The High Representative stresses the April 18 deadline, when elections have to be announced, adding that the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s ruling is a test for BiH politicians, and in particular the SDA and HDZ.  Chairman Estrella supported the view of the High Representative. “The adoption of the amendments presents the key symbol of political will and determination to take over the responsibility for BiH's future,” Estrella said after a meeting with Petritsch.
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Robert Beecroft, and the BiH Human Rights and Refugee Minister, Kresimir Zubak, review and sign the document titled “Human Rights in BiH - Priorities for 2002.” (PR: Human Rights Priorities for 2002 Endorsed – April 16, 2002)

April 17

• After meeting with the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, the EU High Representative for Common and Security Policy, Javier Solana, urges political leaders in BiH to demonstrate progressiveness and European orientation by adopting constitutional amendments in line with the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement.
• In a letter sent to RS Vice-President Dragan Cavic, who raised concerns about the status of BiH’s constituent peoples under the constitutions of the Federation Cantons, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, clarifies that "within nine months of the adoption of the amendments to the Constitution of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the principles which are contained in the Agreement shall be applied to the Cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.” (PR: HR answers letter by Vice-president Cavic – April 17, 2002)
• At a press conference in Sarajevo, the ICTY Chief Prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte, says she believes wartime Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, one of the world's most wanted men, will be brought to the court in The Hague before October 10 when the trial against former BiH Serb leaders Momcilo Krajisnik and Biljana Plavsic is scheduled to start. Del Ponte said she wants Karadzic to face trial together with Krajisnik and Plavsic, who were his close allies during the 1992-95 war. During her visit to BiH, Del Ponte meets with the High Representative, Head of the UN Mission to BiH Jacques Paul Klein and BiH Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija.
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, issues two Decisions lifting the 4 December 2001 freeze of apartment privatisations in the RS (PR: High Representative lifts suspension of RS apartment privatisation – April 17, 2002
• An OHR car carrying three German bodyguards employed by the “Internationale Bodyguard und Sicherheitsagentur” is involved in a fatal car crash near Visoko. The two occupants of the other car are killed. (PR: OHR vehicle involved in fatal accident – April 17, 2002)

April 18

• In a press release issued in the morning, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, reiterates that the deadline for the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s decision on the constituency of peoples in both Entities is expiring tonight as by the end of the day the general elections have to be announced based on an Election Law that is amended in line with the new constitutional provisions. (PR: HR reiterates deadline for full implementation of Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement – April 18, 2002)
• Visiting Sarajevo, the NATO Secretary General, George Robertson, meets with the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch. At a joint press conference following the meeting, Robertson urges the BiH parliamentarians to pass the constitutional amendments in line with the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement.
• In the afternoon, the Federation House of Peoples adopts the Federation Government-proposed constitutional amendments, which, according to the Government, reflect the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement. A simple majority in the House of Representatives also votes for the amendments, but the House of Representatives does not muster the required two-thirds majority because the SDA and HDZ deputies vote against the draft amendments. OHR Senior Spokesperson Alexandra Stiglmayer tells Oslobodjenje that the High Representative is disappointed with the behaviour of the SDA and HDZ.
• In an evening interview with RTRS, the RS Prime Minister, Mladen Ivanic, says that a harmonised version of amendments to the RS Constitution has been forwarded to the Office of the High Representative. “The High Representative will decide as to whether he finds this version acceptable or not, and will probably respond to it in the course of the night. I hope that this time there will be no objections,” Ivanic says. He adds that the RS has demonstrated that it is capable of handling such a difficult issue, and willing to implement the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement.
• Late at night, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, issues a Decision that amends the BiH Election Law reducing the statutory time period for announcing elections prior to their holding from 170 to 169 days. This Decision applies only to the October 2002 Elections. (PR: HR reduces election announcement period – April 19, 2002)

April 19

• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, completes the long process of constitutional change in the BiH’s Entities by issuing three Decisions building on the work done by BiH’s main political parties. He closes a small number of gaps in the constitutional amendments passed by the Entity Parliaments to harmonise them in full with the Mrakovica-Sarajevo Agreement, promulgates them in the Entities thus overcoming the resistance put forward by the SDA and HDZ, and amends the Election Law in accordance with the new Entity Constitutions. (PR: Process of constitutional change in BiH entities is completed – April 19, 2002)
• At a press conference, the High Representative stresses that he has issued these Decisions in partnership with the domestic authorities. “I am able to issue my Decisions today knowing that the leaders of BiH have taken this country a huge step forward towards a future based on modern European norms, which include consensus and a sensible compromise,” Petritsch says. “The international community and I myself are exercising our role as a partner for BiH and its leaders. The Alliance leaders and the RS leadership have shown courage, strength, persistence and commitment. More than this, they have shown responsibility and statesmanship when faced with one of the most complex questions a democracy can confront itself with, and that is, of course, the constitution.”
• The President of the BiH Election Commission, Lidija Korac, announces that the next general elections in BiH will be held on October 5 this year.
• The SDP holds a special press conference in Sarajevo to celebrate the completion of the constitutional reform process. “This is the day of victory of BiH,” says SDP President Zlatko Lagumdzija. “This is the day of victory of the citizens of this country and all three constituent peoples. This is the victory of law and order and European values in this country. This is also the day when nationalism has been defeated in BiH.”
• NATO Secretary General George Robertson tells the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of both BiH Entities that military reform in BiH is a top priority of the entire International Community, including NATO. "BiH will access the (Partnership for Peace) program only if the reforms are carried out," Robertson tells journalists in Sarajevo before leaving BiH.

April 20

• In Skopje, BiH Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Azra Hadziahmetovic and Macedonian Minister of Economy Besnik Fetai sign a free trade agreement.
• Upon their return from Macedonia, the members of BiH Presidency meet the High Representative at Sarajevo Airport. BiH Presidency Chairman Beriz Belkic tells journalists that the BiH Presidency welcomes the decisions related to constitutional reform, which were adopted by the legislative bodies and through the institution of the High Representative in BiH and form part of the constitutional and legal system of BiH.
• The Party for BiH believes that the High Representative’s Decisions on the implementation of the amendments to the Constitutions of the Entities represent a justified and responsible act, which at the very end preserved the credibility of democratic reform in BiH, The Party President, Safet Halilovic, says at a press conference in Sarajevo.
• "We are completely satisfied with the epilogue at the end of the process of constitutional reform, since the amendments fully reflect the agreement on constitutional change that we, too, signed," NHI President Kresimir Zubak said at a press conference in Sarajevo.
• At another press conference in Sarajevo, SDA President Sulejman Tihic says his party accepts the amendments proclaimed by the High Representative on Friday, adding it will even advocate their implementation, but that it will at the same time use constitutional means to try to change them.
• In Mostar, Josip Merdzo, the General Secretary of the HDZ, tells the press that the imposed constitutional amendments in BiH make it impossible for the Croats of BiH to elect their representatives in the executive bodies and that this will be done by Serbs in the RS and by Bosniaks in the BiH Federation.
• RS Prime Minister Mladen Ivanic is quoted by Glas Srpski as saying that the High Representative did not make substantial changes to the amendments of the RS National Assembly. "This tells us that the RS and the National Assembly acted smartly, which is more than I can say for the Federation, whose politicians shouted from the top of the roof that they would pass the amendments. In the end, they did nothing", said Ivanic.
• Milorad Dodik, Chairman of the RS Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), tells the press in Banja Luka that the party has no reason to be unhappy about the amendments to the RS Constitution that have been imposed by the High Representative.
• The BiH Serb Civic Council (SGV) - Movement for Equality describes the High Representative’s Decisions on the constitutional amendments as the biggest step forward in the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement in the area of the protection of civil, human and national rights. In a press release issued in Sarajevo, the NGO highlights Petritsch’s decisiveness and persistency.

April 21

• At a meeting in London, BiH Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija and future High Representative Paddy Ashdown, who is expected to take up his duties at the end of May, agree that the completion of the constitutional reform process in BiH by the current High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, represents an important step in building a new and different BiH and integrating it in Europe, according to the BiH Foreign Ministry.

April 22

• The Alliance for Change will draft a plan for the fast implementation of the High Representative’s Decisions related to constitutional change in the BiH Entities, the Chairman of the Co-ordination body of the Alliance of Change, Ilija Simic, says at a press conference in Sarajevo.
• At this session, the Alliance for Change also expresses its support for the draft law on the BiH Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and appeals to all delegates in the State institutions to pass this draft. According to the Co-ordination of the Alliance, PBS is a very important project that will legally integrate BiH’s information system.
• In an interview with Dnevni Avaz, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, says he expects the constitutional amendments to be fully implemented by the end of this year. The new bodies and mechanisms envisaged in the amendments will be set up after the elections in October.
• The Federation Government, at a session in Sarajevo, discusses the disputed pay-out of a 1.7 million KM customs deposit to the AM Sped Company in Orasje, and decides to initiate disciplinary procedures against two assistant finance ministers involved in the transaction.

April 23

• A two-day meeting at Leeds Castle in Kent, UK, begins. The meeting is organised by the incoming High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, and attended by the current High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, his Principal Deputy, Donald Hays, the heads of the main international organisations in BiH, the BiH Foreign Minister, Zlatko Lagumdzija, and Entity Prime Ministers Mladen Ivanic and Alija Behmen. The seminar is part of the preparations for a seamless and efficient hand-over, scheduled to take place on May 27. 
• In the morning in London, Paddy Ashdown meets UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
• The heads of the PLIP agencies (OHR, OSCE, UNHCR, UNMIBH and CRPC) condemn the politically motivated attempts of war veterans and similar groups to postpone legal evictions, which is undermining the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (PR: PLIP Principals condemn violation of the property laws by political pressure groups – April 23, 2002)

April 24

• BiH becomes the 44th member of the Council of Europe. The ceremony in Strasbourg is attended by the BiH Presidency, members of the Council of Ministers and the BiH Parliament, and the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch. “The admission of BiH to the Council of Europe is a victory of democratic forces and a new beginning for the country,” Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija says when he signs the European Convention on Human Rights and the Protocol on Admission. The High Representative says at a press conference in Strasbourg: "When I came to BiH in August 1999, the country was not a state in the real sense of that word. Now, at the end of my mandate, I am convinced that BiH is becoming a modern, democratic state with a lot of tolerance and a future in Europe." (PR: HR hails BiH accession to the Council of Europe – April 24, 2002)
• International organisations operating in BiH including the OHR, OSCE and UNMIBH and BiH’s neighbours Croatia and the FRY also welcome BiH’s accession to the Council of Europe as a step towards BiH’s integration in Europe.

April 25

• In an interview with Mostar Television Oscar-C, the Provisional Administrator of Hercegovacka Bank, Toby Robinson, discusses the future of the Bank, saying the most obvious way to save it is to award the mobile telephone operator Eronet the third GSM license in BiH. Hercegovacka Banka-owned companies hold 40 % of Eronet’s shares, which would go up in value if Eronet, currently operating on the basis of a regional license, became a countrywide operator.

April 27

• SFOR announces they have uncovered a huge stash of more than 4,000 mortars in a hidden part of a warehouse of a textile factory in Vrapcici near Mostar.

April 29

• The BiH Council of Ministers approves a contract on the implementation of the Citizens’ Identity Protection System (CIPS) with Siemens and adopts a number of decisions pertaining to the project. Among others, it sets up an implementation task force and decides that the printing house for the new personal documents will be located in Banja Luka. After the session, BiH Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs and Communications, Milan Lovric, and Siemens sign the contract, worth Euro 16,857,099. The Office of the High Representative welcomes the signing of the contract, stressing that the CIPS project represents a major breakthrough in administering residency registration and personal-identity documents in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under the project, the issuance of new and secure ID cards and driving licenses, as well as the single passports imposed by the High Representative in 2000, will be centrally managed by the State and there will be central registries for those documents as well as residence and JMBG(centralisedcitizens’ registrationnumbers. (PR: OHR welcomes signing of CIPS contract – April 30, 2002)
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, meets with a delegation from United World Colleges (UWC), a UK-based organisation that runs schools throughout the world. UWC is proposing to open an international and residential college in Sarajevo as a fully accredited member of the UWC movement. (PR: HR meets United World Colleges delegation – April 29, 2002
• During a meeting with Sarajevo Mayor Muhidin Hamamdzic, the High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, expresses his support for Sarajevo’s candidacy to host the Winter Olympic Games in 2010, saying that this initiative is uniting sport activists, politicians and intellectuals in BiH and helping focus on the future.

April 30

• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, the SFOR commander in BiH, General John B. Sylvester, and the UNHCR Chief of Mission, Werner Blatter, accompany some 20 ambassadors to BiH on a helicopter tour of return sites across the country. The purpose of this visit is to enable the ambassadors to see and hear first-hand how the return process is going, and to evaluate the needs of returnees in order to provide the most effective assistance.
• The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, issues a Decision prioritising the return of residential properties to returnee police officers in both Entities. (PR: HR prioritises return of properties to police officers – April 30, 2002) 

ECONOMIC STATISTICS

BiH Economic Update

Source: FBiH and RS Statistical Offices

Indicator	Federation of BiH	Republika Srpska	BIH (OHR estimate)
GDP nominal 2000   GDP nominal 1999 Nominal increase 1999-2000 Real increase 1999-2000 (minus inflation)	6,698 billion KM 6,141 billion KM + 9,0% +7,8%	2,463 billion KM   2,180 billion KM + 13,0% -0,6%	9,161 billion KM 8,321 billion KM +10,0% +5,5%
Index of Industrial Production 03/02 compared to 2001 03/02  compared to 03/01	+6,2% +5,6%	1,8 % -9,0%	+4,7% +0,7%
Retail Price Index 03/02 compared to 2001 03/02  compared to 03/01	+0,5% -0,2%	+2,5% +3,4%	N/A N/A
Average Net Salary 03/02 03/02 compared to 2001 (averages)	470,44 KM +6,1%	334 KM +6,7%	421,1 KM +9,24%
Number of Employed 02/02 (RS 12/01) Number of Registered Unemployed 02/02 (RS 09/01)	404.318 persons   271.822 persons	227.740 persons   153.231persons	632.058   425.053
Number of pensioners in 03/02 (RS 12/01) Average pension in 03/02 (RS 12/01)	287.840 persons   190 KM	182.258 persons   120,49 KM	459.194 persons 162,6 KM
Imports  Jan-Feb 02   Exports Jan-Feb 02 Trade deficit Jan-Feb 02 Import/Export coverage	0,691 billion KM 0,182 billion KM  0,509 billion KM 26,3%	0,282 billion KM   0,070 billion KM 0,212 billion KM 24,8%	0,973 billion KM 0,252 billion KM 0,721 billion KM 25,9%

RETURN STATISTICS

See link to the UNHCR Mission to BiH web page at www.unhcr.ba or see the latest statistics for March on the pdf file.

Please also consult the OHR's chronology for:

 2002 2001  2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 and 1995

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec