OBN News Review, 3 April 2000 - Office of the High Representative

Headlines

SFOR arrested Momcilo Krajisnik, one of the closest associates of the indicted war criminal Radovan Karadzic, this morning
B&H Presidency discussed the strategy for the forthcoming Donors’ Conference for B&H
During the meeting with the special USA Envoy, Robert Frowick, it was talked about privatisation and corruption
Discussions on military co-operation between B&H and Croatia had no results, regarding the funding of the HVO
The UN High Commissioner, Mary Robinson is not satisfied with the Russian refusal to let her visit prisons in Cechenia

Pale

SFOR arrested Momcilo Krajisnik, one of the indicted war criminals. The action was performed this morning, at 3 a.m. Krajisnik is indicted for genocide, crimes against humanity, violation of war regulations and a serious violations of the Geneva Convention. He arrived to the Hague at 14, 45 p.m. The report was produced by OBN reporter Vedran Persic.

Banja Luka

The American Envoy to the UN, Richard Holbrooke, said in New York that the arresting of Krajisnik is one of the most significant events in Balkans in the last 5 years. SFOR violated all resolutions of the Security Council by arresting Momcilo Krajisnik, said Mirko Sarovic, the Vice-President of the RS. The RS should regulate it’s relations with the ICTY, said Milorad Dodik. In the SRS statement, they say that this arresting was a premeditated act, in order to obstruct the forthcoming elections. Reported by Biljana Arsic.

Sarajevo

The B&H Presidency discussed co-operation of Bosnian institutions with the IMF, the World Bank and the European Commission during their today’s session. They announced adopting of the Dynamic Plan of fulfilment of obligations in their session on Thursday. They expect the Law on Ministry Council to be adopted on a following session of the B&H Parliament. The Serb members of the Presidency were against sending of one unit of peace forces to Italy, for training. According to the Report of the Working Group, military potentials were decreased by 15% during the last year. Reported by OBN reporter Damir Kaletovic.

The High Representative of the international community, Volfgang Petrich, dismissed Anto Barisic from a position of the Internal Minister of the West Herzegovina Canton in Livno. The reasons for this are his abuse of authorities and obstruction of the implementation of the Peace Accords.

Zagreb

The military representatives and Defence Ministers of the Federation of B&H and Croatia met in Zagreb today. Minister Prce is worried because Croatia did not send funds for the Croat component of the Federation Army. The two delegations agreed on many issues, and this is the beginning of a good future co-operation, said Sakib Mahmuljin, the B&H Deputy Defence Minister. Reported by Gordana Simonovic from Zagreb.

World

The UN High Commissioner for human rights, Mary Robinson, demanded the international investigation on the violation of human rights in Cechenia after her visit to Grozny. She also demanded to meet the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

The first Euro-African Summit started in Kairo today. The most important issue on the agenda is the way of payment of $250 billion debt of the African countries. The German Foreign Minister, Joska Fischer, said that there would be no improvised solutions.

The President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi met Moamer Gadafi today. This is the first meeting on this level since 1992.

The USA Defence Minister, William Cohen, after the meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, said that the American soldiers will not be sent to southern Lebanon after the retreat of the Israeli Army.

The piece on world events was produced by OBN journalist Duska Jurisic.

Sarajevo

The B&H Presidency met the Special Envoy of the USA Secretary of the State for the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords, Robert Frowick and the USA Ambassador in B&H, Thomas Miller. The main issue was the privatisation process. Corruption still prevails and it is present in all levels of the authorities, said Robert Frowick. Thomas Miller said that B&H should have enterprises that could maintain themselves. The report was produced by OBN reporter Anes Alic.

Banja Luka

About 90% of citizens registered for participation in the privatisation. The Head Office for Privatisation held a Press Conference today. The registration process will be completed until 30th April. 1106 enterprises applied for registration so far. Reported by Milorad Milojevic from Banja Luka.

Sarajevo

The Federation Government again postponed making of the decision on the General Collective Contract and the signing of it with the Independent B&H Unions. The Croat members of the B&H Government do not recognise the union, because only Bosniak negotiators represent it. Reported by Amarildo Gutic.

Tuzla

Employees of the shoe factory “Aida” started a strike this morning. They demand the unpaid part of their salaries and resignation of the general manager of the company. The report was produced by Muhamed Berbic.

Mostar

An agreement has been signed, according to which the Government will finance the reconstruction of infrastructure in Vojno Polje and Bozine with DM 50 000, in order to help the refugee return. Reported by Blazica Kristo.

Sport

Reports on football and tennis were presented.