At the Donors conference in Brussels, HR Westendorp reported that after invested $5.1 billion, BiH crossed the phase of slow recovery, recorded the biggest economic increase and it is ready for the next step of modernisation. General assessment of the European Union and the World Bank, who organised the conference, is that in the past 10 months, there has been significant progress in all fields for which the international donors approved about $4 billion so far. EU representative Van den Broek said that in this year, the EU will concentrate on five priorities: faster mass return to all BiH territory, reforms of the economic system, employment and strengthening the private sector, stabilisation in education, and further development of infrastructure and its networking in unique state network. The only divided opinion was between US Special Envoy Gelbard who said that all refugees should return to their pre-war homes, and German Special Envoy, Schlee who said that the war destroyed the pre-war social structure and it is not realistic to expect the people to return where they do not want to live any longer. CoM Co-chairman Silajdzic said that certain circles of the IC are standing for mass return to other people’s property, which is not the letter of Dayton and it does not lead to democratic BiH but to permanent division. Most of the participants supported 50:50 ratio of donation distribution. HR Westendorp also supported this proposal saying that the people of the RS who elected Dodik should not be blamed any longer for mistakes of their predecessors.
4:30
BiH President Izetbegovic addressed a letter to HR deputy Klein in which he objects for some standpoints published in today’s Klein’s interview to “Oslobodjenje.” The letter reads: I was surprised with amount of your arrogance. Parts of your interviews are offensive for the nation I belong to. Though you are in a position as it is, a larger amount of restraint and respect for others would not harm you. Our people like foreigners as friends. They do not like them as tutors, and do not try to be one. You do not have the right to do so, because the Dayton contract did not establish protectorate over Bosnia, and you are not protector. Still, you act as one, and this is not the first time. You speak in first person when you express what will be done: you say, “I intend to…”etc. You, as an individual do not have the rights you claim. One of your answers implicates the guilt for the finished war. Your opinion is opposite historical facts. The aggression happened here, Mr. Klein, and my people were the victim of this aggression. You mentioned a Croatian politician as a model, but he is not a model for our people, and he also should not be one for you, as an American. I think you know, or you should know why. You claim that all politicians here are working for their interests only. Not even for the reasons of courtesy do you leave room for any exception. Maybe you are here because of personal interests; my motives are of other kind, believe it or not. You have the right to think whatever you like, but when you say that in public, you deserve a public answer.
2:30
Pre-war residents of Rogatica municipality visited their homes two years after Dayton Agreement was signed. The visit was organised by Rogatica Citizens Association and assisted by UNHCR. 27 citizens visited villages of Kukavica, Surovi and Varosiste. TV crew was banned to cover the visit, but BiH TV brought coverage after the people returned. (The coverage follows with interviews with the people, one of who said that the police was fair, and that the neighbors welcomed them. One woman was also found bones of her relatives, while other man said that he found bones of his wife and wives of his three brothers.)
2:30
The Hague Tribunal made an announcement in regard with recent Plavsic’s arrest at the Vienna airport. The Tribunal refuted the information according to which the RS President might be an object of arrest. Press office of the ICTY said that ICTY has not issued warrant for Plavsic arrest and that she was released after Austrian “Interpol” contacted the Tribunal.
1:00
Bosniaks exhumed in areas of Western Mostar, Capljina and Stolac who were killed during clashes between Bosniaks and Croats, will be buried in the City Cemetery “Sutina” on Saturday. Twelve more bodies were identified today.
1:30
Five persons accused for bomb explosion in Western Mostar on September 18 last year were charged today in Canton Court in Zenica.
1:30
Croatian Minister of Defense Susak was buried today at the “Mirogoj” cemetery in Zagreb with highest military honors. Croatian President Tudjman held the speech, and former US Defense Minister Perry was also present, as Susak’s friend. Presidency member Zubak was also present at the funeral as well as CoM Vice-chairman Tomic, Minister of FA, Prlic, his deputy Zivalj, BiH Federation President Ganic and Vice-president Soljic.
1:30