OBN News Review, 12 May 1999 - Office of the High Representative

Headlines

Russian Prime Minister Primakov dismissed
During the 50th day of NATO strikes targets on the whole territory of Yugoslavia hit
Anniversary of the RS Army in Banja Luka
In Zanica, continuation of invalids and dead soldiers families protest
Opening of food and drink show “Agrofood”

Russia

Russian President Yeltsin dismissed his Prime Minister Primakov appointed not so long ago. For an Acting Prime Minister, the Russian Interior Minister was appointed. OBN’s journalist, Mladen Maric, comments this political event. This was followed by the reactions from the world.

French President came today to the two day visit to Moscow. The main issue of the two presidents’ meeting will be Kosovo.

Yugoslavia

This was the 50th day of NATO strikes against Yugoslavia. In Kosovo, air campaign lasts for 30 hours without brake. Targets of the last night NATO strikes were communication systems, TV transmitters, fuel storages.

Turkey allowed NATO to use their territory for the air campaign against Yugoslavia, although it was not clear whether NATO planes would take off from the Turkish territory or whether it would be used only for the logistic support.

Military police officers asked for a journalist, Beba Marusic, in the premises of the independent weekly “Monitor” today. She is one of the OBN reporters from Montenegro. It was not clear why the military police would ask for her and the Director of “Monitor” said that this was an illegal act, for Beba Marusic can only be subjected to the civil authorities in Montenegro.

Macedonia

NATO Secretary General, Javier Solana, visited Macedonia today. OBN’s reporter from Skopje, Safet Bisevac, reported that the Secretary General said that the purpose of his visit is to give his support to the efforts Macedonia puts in solving of the Kosovo crisis.

Hague

Today is the third day of the International Hague Tribunal session. Tribunal is reviewing charges against ten member countries of NATO, pressed by the Federal Republic Yugoslavia.

Sarajevo

It was decided that the fifth and last donor conference for BiH would be held on May 20th and 21st in Brussels. The conference will be organized by the World Bank and European Union in co-operation with the BiH Government. Preparations for the conference was one of the issues addressed on a meeting between the BiH Foreign Minister, Jadranko Prlic and his associates, with the EU members’ ambassadors.

This was followed by a report from the BiH Federation Government session held today. Government adopted measures for protection from terrorism in BiH Federation.

Sarajevo

Collection of “BiH Laws” was promoted today in the organization of OSCE. This book will be distributed by the OSCE in the both entities.

Banja Luka

Seventh anniversary of the RS Army was celebrated today in Banja Luka in the military barracks “Kozara”.

Zenica

War invalids and dead soldiers’ families continued their protests in Zenica for a second day in row. They have blocked the highway M-17 and stopped the traffic. The road was de-blocked during the day.

Cazin

A report on an announcement made by the Interior Ministry of the BiH Federation recently about issuing of the international wanted circular for Fikret Abdic. Today, reactions came from the Canton Board of SDA and Democratic People Community of BiH.

Mostar

Regional Commander of IPTF in Mostar said he condemns kidnapping of two Croatian journalists in the “Ero” Hotel in Mostar last week.

This was followed by a piece on a mosque in Balinovac in Mostar, for which the Muslim religious community claims that Croats would not allow to be reconstructed. At the today’s press conference in Mostar, Head of the Regional Office in Mostar, Richard Ellerkmann, denied that.

Doboj

A report on very hard economy situation in the RS came from Doboj.

Sarajevo

Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture handed over today cows on a farm “Dobrinja” in Visoko. Netherlands Government provided the help.

Zenica

Chamber of Commerce from Austria signed a protocol on co-operation with the representatives of the Zenica-Doboj Canton.

Sarajevo

Show of food and drinks “Agrofood” was opened today in Skenderija. This international show attends 110 companies.

Sport

Results from the matches of the local football and basketball teams. Tonight at OBN, NBA game, San Antonio & Minnesota.