RTV BiH fully dedicated first 20 minutes of the newscast to celebration of the Day of Independence, including Presidency member Izetbegovic’s speech on this occasion, given at the reception held in the Presidency building. Izetbegovic briefly reminded the guests of the referendum for BiH independence, held seven years ago, the aggression, and was also speaking about the future of BiH, saying that war criminals will not be forgiven, regardless of on which side they are. Izetbegovic also said that Dayton Agreement would be good if it would be persistently implemented, and that “the war continued with other means, that is, by obstructions which is active in many sensitive places of the Federation, and the only cure is to persistently implement what was signed in Dayton.” At today’s session of the HDZ BiH Presidency in Mostar, the main topic of the discussion was importance of the Day of Independence. The HDZ concluded that the March 1 is very significant for peoples of BiH, but regrets that the Presidency did not agree on the manner of celebration of this day and does not recognise today’s reception as the act of celebration. RTV BiH reporters called in from various places throughout BiH and reported on the celebration of the Day of Independence. It was said that the March 1 was not celebrated in West Herzegovina, and that it was regular working day as well as in Livno and whole Herceg Bosna Canton. The March 1 was also a working day in Posavina Canton, as well as in the Republika Srpska – there were no BiH flags on buildings that serve as BiH Governmental institutions. According to the SDS Presidency co-president Cavic, referendum from February 29 and March 1 1992 was direct cause to the war in BiH and said that this was referendum of Bosniak and Croats. Cavic also asked whether celebration of this date also means celebration of the beginning of the war.
20:00
The Banja Luka MUP issued an announcement regarding the incident in the RS National Assembly and said that MUP has raised criminal charges against Curkovic and Becirevic, due to participation in this incident.
1:00
Commander of the Multi-national Division North ordered immediate dissolution of the 311. Infantry Brigade of the RS Army after it was discovered that this brigade was directly involved in supporting the smuggling of weapons on February 24. According to SFOR announcement, intention of the weapon transport organisers was making profit. SFOR continued weapon confiscation action in Bosanski Samac.
1:30
NATO Secretary General Solana demanded cessation of conflicts in Kosovo saying that the military intervention is still possible and even before March 15. RTV BiH correspondent from Pristina reported that 7 civilians were killed in the past 24 hours, and two Serbian policemen.
2:00
On his departure from the post of World Bank for BiH Deputy Director, Samya Mitra said that BiH economy has prospered a lot in the past two and a half years, but that there are many things that still need to be done, i.e. liquidation of banks, privatisation of banks, as well as uniting the banking system.
2:30