Headlines
- NATO strikes most severe to date – 650 flights were made
- NATO Council approved plans for support of future ground troops in Kosovo
- Dangerous worsening of relations between India and Pakistan
- German envoys Hans Koschnik and Christian Schwarz-Schilling in Banja Luka and Mostar – the main topic of their talks with the BiH authorities was refugee return
- International Business Forum “Perspectives” began in Tuzla
- TV Info topic – black market in BiH
Yugoslavia
NATO spokesman, Jamie Shea, said that Alliance members are preparing themselves for strengthening their troops in Macedonia after a decision was made to increase future peace troops in Kosovo to 45,000 troops. As from today, the RTV Serbia satellite signal was cut off. OBN reporter from Belgrade, Tatjana Stankovic, reports on further bombarding of Yugoslavia.
Kosovo Crisis
The US and Russian military experts continue to analyse the structure of the future peace troops in Kosovo. According to statements made by the Russian Foreign Minister, Ivanov, and the US State Secretary Deputy, Strobe Talbott, following their meeting in Moscow today, this issue is going to be difficult. The Special Russian Envoy for the Balkans, Victor Chernomyrdin, and the Finnish President were present at the meeting as well.
The Leader of the Kosovo Albanians, Ibrahim Rugova, arrived in Macedonia from Rome where he visited a refugee camp near Skoplje. During the day, he met with Macedonian officials. The International Red Cross announced that the first big aid convoy has reached Kosovo safely. In the meantime, thousands of refugees wait on the territory between Yugoslavia and Macedonia in order to cross the border.
Banja Luka
The German Envoy for the Refugee Return, Reintegration and Economic-Social Issues in BiH, Hans Koschnik, visited Banja Luka today. He talked to the BiH Presidency Chairman, Zivko Radisic, about the process of return and concrete solutions of that problem.
Zvornik
Around 2 a.m. today, several shells hit two SFOR houses in the Zvornik Municipality, SFOR announced. Nobody was hurt while the houses were destroyed. SAFOR and the local police investigate the case.
Mostar
Another International Mediator for BiH, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, continues his mission. Today, he met with the Herceg – Bosna and Hercegovina – Neretva Canton.
Brcko
At the recently held Donor Conference for BiH in Brussels, special attention has been given to Brcko. The BiH Federation Vice President, Ejup Ganic, said that Brcko could expect support of EUR 30 million per annum. OBN reporter from Brcko, Slobodanka Radojkovic, reports on for thousand houses in Brcko that need to be reconstructed.
Tuzla
Two days International Business Forum “Perspectives” began in Tuzla today. The main topic of a discussion between 200 participants of the forum was Production Development within the 21st century.
Sarajevo
A report on the black market in BiH. The state lose its income due to unpaid taxes.
World
A report on the worsening of relations between India and Pakistan and the threat of a war between these two nuclear powers
Zenica
A round table meeting was held today in Zenica on the topic. Possibility for Joint Life in BiH. OBN reporter from Zenica, Koraljka Kurcenberger, sent her report.
Bugojno
Twenty three Croat bodies were exhumed today on the territory of the Bugojno Municipality. They were killed in 1993.
Koricani
A report on the return to the village Koricani situated on the entities’ borderline. A Swiss organization is supporting the reconstruction of houses.
Ripca (Bihac)
A piece on 180 reconstructed houses in the Ripce villiage in the Bihac Municipality and further efforts for improvement of citizens’ life standard.
Sport
A report on a volleyball match between BiH and Greek teams was followed by the BiH Play Off in football and the International Chess Tournament results currently going on in Sarajevo. Results from the tennis tournament Roland Garros were presented.