Decision for Brcko was postponed until the end of 1998, or early the 1999, as announced by OHR spokesman Haselock about 16:00 today. In the interim, the decision says the continuation of international supervision will protect the legitimate interests of both parties. It was stressed that in the final arbitration phase, the burden will be on RS to persuade the Tribunal not to transfer Brcko to the Federation, or implement the Tribunal’s earlier proposal to turn the Brcko area into a democratic neutral district, over which neither entity will have exclusive control. HR Westendorp also commented the decision saying that the decision of the arbitrator is in the best interest of the people of Brcko, and the Dayton Agreement implementation. Westendorp also appealed on parties to accept the decision and to focus their energy to make Brcko a peaceful and multi-ethnic community. Federation President Ganic said this was a bad news, in his interview to CNN. Ganic said that only worse decision would be if Brcko was transferred to RS, and hence rewarded the crime and genocide committed over Brcko citizens. Ganic also said that justice delayed is justice denied, and added that Dayton promised the decision within a year. Ganic stressed that this will slow the DPA implementation in any case. BiH TV also interviewed several Brcko citizens who, bitter and disappointed, stated said that there is no perspective, and that they wish to leave abroad. The Serb side representatives said that the decision was fully well intentioned and that the Serb side has good intentions regarding the DPA implementation. Federal Prime Minister Bicakcic expressed his belief that the final decision will surely mean that Brcko will be in the Federation. BiH TV news reporter’s comment: “All in all, the chance was again given to those who committed the genocide, and victims and those who cooperate can only wait for some better time when justice will be more appreciated.” RS President Plavsic said that RS demanded the decision to be final, and that Brcko should be in the RS with the obligation to fulfil all demands of the last year’s arbitration. RS Prime Minister Dodik said that it might be concluded, literally, that the new policy of the RS President and Prime Minister enabled Brcko to remain status quo, and obliged the RS to prove its intentions regarding the DPA implementation. US Government supported the decision, saying it was made with best intentions, and that parties now have enough time to act in accordance with DPA. The European Union supported Owen’s decision to remain the status quo.
20:00
FRY Government made a new proposal for negotiations about Kosovo, again with no participation of the international factors. Kosovo Albanians leader, Rugova appealed for urgent intervention of US and the European Union in order to cease the Serbian terror.
2:00
Zenica/Doboj Canton authorities met with international mediator Schwartz-Schilling. It was concluded that ZD canton has great possibilities to become the region of mass return. Estimating that very progressive events are taking place in the canton, Schwartz-Schilling expressed his readiness, with assistance from OHR, to initiate concrete agreements on the return.
2:30
The First International Conference of the Miners Syndicate began in Zlaca, near Banovici. The main subject of the conference was the privatization process in BiH. Miners representatives from about 20 European countries have opinion that privatization of mines was carried out for the damage of miners.
2:00