Yugoslavia
NATO General Secretary, Javier Solana, announced: “I can announce today that Milosevic has complied with the five conditions of the International Community and therefore a few moments ago I have instructed Gen. Clark to suspend NATO air operation against Yugoslavia”. The Yugoslav President, Slobodan Milosevic, said: ” We have shown that we have invincible will and the best army in the world”. This was followed by a statement of the US Special Envoy, Robert Gelbard, who said: “And with the spotlight of the International Community, now focused on this entire region, it will be very easy for the International Community to loose patience with the lack of performance in BiH.”
After 72 days, NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia have been suspended after the confirmation on withdrawal of the Yugoslav Army from Kosovo. According to the agreement reached between the Yugoslav Army and NATO in Kumanovo yesterday, the Yugoslav Army and Police will withdraw within 11 days.
Belgrade
In Belgrade, the agreement from Kumanovo brought a relief. Most of the opposition parties welcomed the agreement and Slobodan Milosevic has addressed to the nation. OBN reporter from Belgrade, Natasa Narancic, reported on that.
New York
During the evening, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for a peace solution of the Kosovo crisis. Fourteen members of the Council voted for the resolution. The US President said that NATO has achieved its goals. Also, he said that air strikes were suspended, not cancelled, and could be continued if the Serbian forces would not comply with a decision on complete withdrawal from Kosovo.
Koln
Foreign ministers of the G8 countries signed a Pact of Stability in Koln today. Twenty countries of the South East Europe and European Union have signed the Pact. The aim of the document is democratic and economic reconstruction of the region. The Federal Republic Yugoslavia was not invited to participate in the project. The BiH representative at this meeting was the Foreign Minister, Jadranko Prlic, who in a telephone call for OBN said that this was a great day for Europe.
Sarajevo
The US Special Envoy for the Balkans, Robert Gelbard, met with the leading BiH and BiH Federation politicians in Sarajevo. He explained to the BiH Presidency members what the Pact of Stability offered and that the International Community was not satisfied with results achieved on the ground.
This was followed by a report from the BiH Council of Ministers session held today in Sarajevo. If BiH do not fulfil conditions of the International Monetary Fund, $150 million from the stand-by deal and so called IDA funds of the World Bank could be under a question. Deadline is expiring by the end of the month and the Council discussed the issue.
Tomorrow in Zagreb, a meeting between the Croatian and BiH Federation delegations about annexes of the special relations’ agreement begins. The BiH Federation delegation did not agree five annexes before their trip to Zagreb.
Vienna
Head of the OSCE Mission in BiH, Robert Barry, said for OBN in a telephone call from Vienna that the Provisional Election Commission will reach a final decision on prolonging the municipality elections in BiH. Today, he presented reasons for prolonging the elections scheduled for September in front of the Permanent Council of OSCE in Vienna. PEC will reach the decision on June 24th.
Tuzla
Three Bosniaks from Srebrenica have been released from custody today upon an agreement reached between the BiH Federation Ministry of Justice and the RS authorities, supported by the Office of the High Representative.
Travnik
HDZ Cantonal Board in the Srednja-Bosna Canton held a press conference today in order to present an initiative for the authorities’ structure of the Canton. Although the suggestion is similar to the Mostar structure, HDZ representatives said that this would not mean ethnical division of the Srednja-Bosna Canton capital.
World
Beginning of the elections for the European Parliament in the UK, Netherlands and Denmark. This was followed by a report on elections in Indonesia, clashes in the South of Lebanon between Israeli troops and pro Iranian Army and scandal on dioxin found in meat from Belgium.
This was followed by a piece on dioxin found in food from Belgium. This issue was discussed at the BiH Council of Ministers session held today in Sarajevo. A report on this came from the RS and ways of preventing import of the poisoned meat.
Trnovo
A report on de-mining of the Trnovo area. Last year, the Solovenian Government established a fund for cleaning of mines and help to mine victims. Biggest donator is the USA with $28 million pledged.
Banja Luka
A piece on dwelling problems in the town where citizens have problems due to arrival of refugees.
Sarajevo
A report on signing of an agreement between the Dayton and Sarajevo University. Both have pledged to support implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Sport
A piece on problems with Play Off football matches in BiH was followed by international football qualification matches for the European Championship and NBA.