OBN News Review, 20 July 2000
Headlines
- The road between Maglaj and Zavidovici was unblocked
- The Federation Government adopted new measures for the social care of demobilised soldiers
- New testimonies on corruption in B&H before the US Congress
- Peace negotiations in Camp David continued
- Protests in Japan against presence of the US Army
Maglaj
The police of the Zenica-Doboj Canton unblocked the road between Maglaj and Zavidovici. 19 people were arrested, among whom were several foreigners. They were released after interrogation. Evictions in Bocinja will take place on Monday. The Federation Prime Minister, Edhem Bicakcic blamed the Maglaj authorities for the situation with refugees. Amarildo Gutic produced the report.
Brcko
About 4000 citizens protested today in Brcko. They are not satisfied with the work of the multi-ethnic commission for flats. They demanded cancellation of all evictions. Citizens announced that they would continue the protest tomorrow, Slobodanka Radojkovic confirmed from Brcko.
Sarajevo
The 3rd session of the B&H Council of Ministers took place today. They adopted the proposal for the law on Ministry for vaults of B&H institutions. They also sent a request to former officials to give back cars and offices, so that the new Council could function. Reported by Sanjin Beciragic.
Sarajevo
The Federation Government adopted new measures of social care for demobilised soldiers in today’s session. Soldiers will be able to realise their rights on the basis of documents which testify on their participation in the war. The report was produced by Mirna Sadikovic.
Banja Luka
The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch and the NATO Secretary General, George Robertson organised a press conference yesterday, where they said that one of the conditions of B&H membership of Partnership for Peace was a unified Army. Tatjana Lajsic reported on numerous reactions of RS officials, who claim that a unified army would be in opposition with directives of the Dayton Peace Agreement. “The High Representative did not advocate creation of a unified Army, but a joint command”, said the OHR Spokesman, Oleg Milisic.
Washington
A new trial on corruption and crimes in B&H started before the US Congress. According to the Congress Supervisory Service for spending budget resources, $400 million was lost last year in B&H. The OHR estimates that $136 million of tax was not collected last year in the RS. The Service recommended establishment of strict supervision and conditions for allocation of aid. Reported by Damir Kaletovic.
World
Negotiations in Camp David continue. The US President, Bill Clinton said that progress was made. The US Secretary General, Madeline Albright will take over the mediators role in the negotiations. Mr. Clinton will go to Japan, to attend a G8 meeting in Okinawa.
20 000 Japanese surrounded the US military base in Okinawa, demanding departure of US soldiers.
The World Bank called for world leaders to annul debts of the poorest world countries. OBN journalist Mladen Maric produced the report on world events.
Mostar
A trial of three men, suspected of murder of a Serb family in Konjic during the war continued before the Mostar Canton Court. The verdict should be proclaimed on Tuesday. Reported by Denis Vila.
Banja Luka
A new registration process for refugees started today in the whole of B&H. After completion of the registration process, new IDs will be issued for refugees. Suzana Vukcevic produced the report.
Banja Luka
The RS Privatisation Agency announced that distribution of control certificates would start on 24th July, for citizens who registered for participation in the privatisation process. Reported by Nedeljka Breberina.
Banja Luka
The Chinese Delegation met representatives of the RS Chamber of Commerce. They discussed development of economic co-operation between China and the RS. Igor Pozgaj reported on numerous Chinese shops that have appeared in Banja Luka recently.
Kakanj
The Kakanj cement factory has been closed for 16 days. Citizens insisted on closure of the factory, after a large quantity of dust had spilled out from factory chimneys. Reported by Adis Saranovic.
Sport
Reports on local football and handball, and the Tour de France were presented.