Headlines
- A declaration has been signed on actions of the International Community in B&H in the next 6 months at the Conference of PIC in Brussels
- International officials in Brussels were surprised to hear about the appointment of Spasoje Tusevljak as the candidate for Chairman of the Council of Ministers
- Zivko Radisic hopes that the B&H Parliament will support Tusevljak
- 22-year Israeli occupation of south Lebanon ended
Brussels
A declaration has been signed on actions of the International Community in B&H in the next 6 months at the Conference of PIC in Brussels. The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch said that it was necessary to create a unique economic space in B&H. The three priority tasks are: economic reforms, refugee return and strengthening of joint institutions. The US Government will especially pay attention to the first task, said Thomas Miller, the American Ambassador in B&H. The message of all participants at the Conference was that they were not satisfied with B&H leaders. Nevertheless, the B&H Defence Minister, Jadranko Prlic, feels that this Conference was better than previous ones. All international officials were surprised to hear about the appointment of Spasoje Tusevljak as the candidate for Chairman of the Council of Ministers, because he had never appeared on the B&H political scene before. Reported by Duska Jurisic from Brussels.
Banja Luka
The B&H Presidency member, Zivko Radisic and the candidate for Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Spasoje Tusevljak held a press conference in Banja Luka today. Radisic said that the fact that Tusevljak didn’t belong to any political party was very important. He hopes that Tusevljak will get support from the B&H Parliament. “I know the situation in B&H very well. I will do my best to create a constructive atmosphere”, Tusevljak said. “There are many limitations, and I know I will have to make many compromises”, he added. The report was produced by Tatjana Lajsic.
Sarajevo
The SDP’s initiative on the vote of non-confidence in the Federal Government didn’t get support in the Parliament. “Our numerous laws were rejected in this Parliament, because the Government and delegates from the leading parties didn’t want to support them”, said Nijaz Skenderagic, the SDP delegate. The international community is also not satisfied with the slow privatisation process and numerous affairs in this process, OBN journalist Amarildo Gutic confirmed.
Sarajevo
Transformation of the B&H Foreign Ministry started in 1997. After a skills test, 80 employees left the Ministry. They organised a public competition in order to complete the staff. “I support the idea of giving a chance to young people, but not at any cost”, said Husein Zivalj, the Deputy Foreign Minister. There are 45 people on waiting lists. Mr Zivalj announced his resignation if these people lose their jobs as well. The report was produced by Sanjin Beciragic.
Zagreb
The main ICTY Prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte arrived in Zagreb today. It is presumed that the reason for her visit was newly discovered information about four HVO soldiers, who were responsible for crimes in Ahmici. Reported by Gordana Simonovic from Zagreb.
World
A two-day NATO session started in Florence today. The situation in the Balkans, the security policy in Europe and the USA programme for establishing the new anti-rocket defence system will be the main themes at the session.
The Slovenian Parliament voted non-confidence in the Rightist Centre Government last night.
Israeli soldiers retreated from South Lebanon, ending their 22-year-occupation of the border area.
Government troops in Sierra Leone are approaching rebels’ strongholds, after Great Britain provided them with light weapons.
OBN reporter, Zeljka Lekic produced the piece on current world events.
Zepa
123 people returned to Zepa during this month. The Italian SFOR contingent help them transport construction materials. Returnees expect further aid from the international community, in order to reconstruct their houses. At the moment, they live in tents. Reported by Vedran Persic.
Banja Luka
The Helsinki Board for Human Rights organised a session in Banja Luka today. Dragan Opacic, who has been in prison in Zenica for 5 years, still claims that he is innocent. The Helsinki Board Chairman, Branko Todorovic said that the “Opacic case” shows us, in a drastic way, how someone pays for someone else’s sins. There are still forces that violate human rights in the Federation, said Todorovic. The report was produced by Sanela Zivkovic.
Rakovica
A children’s centre will be opened in Rakovica in two months. Jean-Claud Carre, whose son died in B&H in 1995, as an IFOR soldier, created the whole project. He has organised several such projects during the last four years. Reported by Mirna Sadikovic.
Sarajevo
Gordana Frimel produced a piece on the exposition “Days of Croatia in Sarajevo in 2000” that took place in Sarajevo today.
Sport
Reports on the International Chess Tournament “Bosna 2000”, local football and NBA league were presented.