07 November 97, 19:30
Sarajevo – A Slovenian delegation, led by the Prime Minister Drnovsek came in on official visit to BiH. The discussions held with local authorities were considered to be very successful, although only two documents were signed – an agreement about the economic relations, and an agreement about transport of goods between the two countries. A Few things are left to be done, such as the visa requirements, that is expected to be abolished. These were also the subject of separate meetings that the delegation held with BiH President Izetbegovic, and Presidency member Zubak. The issue about citizens’ foreign currencies accounts, held by “Ljubljanska Banka” (LjB), was discussed at the meeting of the delegation with CoM. It was agreed that after the LjB renewed it’s revenues, the payment of the debts will begin. CoM chairmen Bosic and Tomic said that it is their common interest to establish the relations that BiH and Slovenia had before the war. Dr. Drnovsek also held a meeting with HR Westendorp.
4:00
Sarajevo – Izetbegovic and Zubak held separate meetings with Westendorp, about the establishment of joint municipal authorities in BiH. Izetbegovic informed Westendorp about his proposal regarding the current problems of passports, citizenship, currency, flag, and relations with FRY.
Zubak received US Secretary General deputy assistant Medish. The main issue was the Central Bank Law implementation.
1:00
France Press – reports that Krajisnik denied Westendorp’s right to ask for his replacement in his interview, given to the Belgrade weekly “NIN”. I will be here for a long time. Westendorp did not elected me, so therefore he has no right to replace me. says Krajisnik. Krajisnik added that he does not have the mandate to work for the united BiH creation, and that the international organisations are thinking up some new amendments to the DPA, aimed at uniting BiH.
1:30
Sarajevo – At the session of the Federation collegium, held in the OHR, the Serb representatives asked for a delay of the CoM laws discussion, until the proposal on passports and citizenship is arrived from the OHR. On the other side, the collegium members from the Federation considered that waiting of these opinions should not be a condition for agreement. Therefore, another meeting was scheduled for the next Monday.
1:30
Sarajevo – OSCE Human Rights Chief Jennings said that the restrictive laws on apartments prevented the return of about half million people. Other IC representatives also supported Jennings’ accusations against the BiH Federation and RS authorities. Jennings said that these laws were brought before the war, but now, they are groundless. The priority must be given to the pre-war owners of apartments. However, this doesn’t mean that the current users would be simply thrown out at the street. OHR Human Rights Chief Hicks said that all who wished to restore their apartments must have applied up to the January 6 of the previous year, that is an obstacle for many. OHR spokesman Haselock said that the DPA implementation Steering Board is concerned about these laws, and reminded that the change of the laws is one of the conditions of entry to the European Council. Haselock also stressed the need for the peaceful elections campaign in RS, and in that sense, supported the OSCE efforts. DPA implementation Steering Board supported the decision of Banja Luka SRT studio, who agreed the International standard endorsed by OHR. The Board also considered the implementation of Sintra agreements, and the obstruction of citizenship and licence plates discussions. It was concluded that those and all other relevant matters must be discussed before the meeting in Bonn on Dec. 10.
3:00
Brcko – The constitutive session of the joint municipality authorities should have been held in Brcko today. Although it did not happen, some progress was achieved, as the schedule of work was established. Although the Serb side wanted to put Supervisor Farrand’s directions through the Parliamentary procedure, Farrand said that he is fully authorised, and that his decisions are stronger than all regulations and any Parliament of the entities. Farrand also warned the Serb side that they obviously have not read the arbitrage decision, and that it will be left for the next Parliament session, in order not to shame them by questioning their knowledge about the matter.
1:30
Prijedor – The constitutive session was not held, because the representatives of the Coalition for democratic and United BiH (CDU) left the meeting. CDU asked for the implementation of what was previously agreed. Although the CDU representatives have left, the session continued, and it will be continued in the next week.
1:00
Sarajevo – At the meeting of SDA President Izetbegovic and Party for BiH President Silajdzic, the agreement about two parties representatives participation in municipalities authorities was achieved.
0:30