OBN News Review, 19 July 2000 - Office of the High Representative

Headlines

Blockage of the road between Zavidovici and Maglaj continues
The NATO Secretary General demands urgent reconstruction of entity armies
The Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations are in danger of failure
The Federal Minister of agriculture and forestry rejected accusations from the OHR of insufficient measures of the Ministry against animal diseases

Maglaj

Blockage of a road between Zavidovici and Maglaj continues. About 50 citizens of Bakotic spent the night in tents. They demand that authorities provide conditions for their group return. The Zenica-Doboj Canton authorities sent a working group there, in order to try to solve the problem. SFOR, IPTF and the local police were at the scene. The report was produced by Mirna Sadikovic.

Bocinja

The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch said that the rule of law has to be implemented in Bocinja, just like in all other parts of the country. The Federal Prime Minister, Edhem Bicakcic said four months ago that implementation of Federal laws started in Bocinja. Foreigners who live in Bocinja smuggle various goods, mainly from Serbia. However, tax control will not take place so soon there, Amarildo Gutic confirmed.

Sarajevo

The NATO Secretary General, George Robertson and 19 NAC delegates demanded that the B&H Presidency urgently implement the reconstruction of entity armies. “Urgent action is essential. Implementation of reforms will be a significant signal for potential investors”, Mr. Robertson said. Lord Robertson opened the SFOR base in Butmir this morning. The report was produced by Danijela Bozic.

Sarajevo

Anes Alic produced a piece on reactions of several officials to the B&H Constitutional Court’s decision on the constituent status of the peoples of B&H.

World

According to the Israeli radio, the Israeli Prime Minister decided to leave the Near East Summit in Camp David. Negotiators cannot agree on the issue of Jerusalem.

The Russian President, Vladimir Putin supported projectile systems of North Korea.

Serbs from Kosovska Mitrovica destroyed a UN vehicle. They have been protesting for two days in Kosovska Mitrovica, because of the arrest of a Serb accused of abusing an Albanian.

The Montenegrin Prime Minister said that Montenegro would not organise a referendum before they see whether the Serbian opposition can democratise Serbia.

The EC proposed to the EU Council of Ministers to start negotiations with Croatia on their joining the EU. Adis Saranovic produced the report on world events.

Mostar

The level of the river Neretva has drastically decreased, and has almost reached a biological minimum. Experts warn of possible ecological consequences. Reported by Alisa Dzebo.

Sarajevo

According to the OHR, problems with their co-operation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry have lasted several months. The Federal Minister, Ahmed Smajic rejected accusations from the OHR. Representatives of the International Community did not attend today’s meeting, although they were invited. Sevko Bajic produced the report.

Banja Luka

The RS Assembly adopted a law on abolishment of the death penalty. The Law will become effective soon, once it is published in the Official Gazette. Citizens of Banja Luka welcomed the decision. The report was produced by Biljana Arsic.

Sarajevo

The Federation Tax Administration decided that “Dnevni Avaz” is obliged to pay about KM 1 million by 21st July, because of unpaid tax for 1997. “Dnevni Avaz” objected to the minutes from the tax control in their offices. The Director of the Federal Tax Administration, Ramiz Dzaferovic said that all objections of “Dnevni Avaz” were unfounded. OBN journalist Sanjin Beciragic produced the report.

Sport

Reports on local and international football were presented.