OHR BiH TV News Summary, 19 August 1998

BiH Federation Parliament House of Peoples held a session, discussing, among other things, the Law on Rights of Soldiers. One of the main subjects was also the Law on Forests, but neither of laws was adopted. The Law on Changes and Additions to the Law on Housing Relations was also discussed but rejected as well.
4:00

Federation Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Smajic addressed a letter to highest International Community officials and Federation officials in regard with restrained behavior of Croat representatives during delegates’ declaration on the Law on Forests at the session of Federation Parliament HoP. HDZ Delegates Club President, Bender proposed to establish two companies for forestry owned by BiH Federation, one in Sarajevo and the other in Mostar. Smajic said that this proposal is opposite BiH Federation constitution and Dayton Agreement.
1:00

Citizens of the Klis village near Zvornik are residing in tents for almost 20 days, waiting for the International Community and Zvornik police to provide conditions for return. Citizens of Klisa addressed a letter to the UN Secretary General Annan, US Secretary of State, Albright, HR Westendorp and BiH Presidency President Izetbegovic in which they appeal to them to help the Klis residents return to their homes. Klis refugees moved their tents to the entity borderline and said they will remain there until the International Community finally decides to enable them return home.
2:00

The joint police was established in Novi Seher, Maglaj municipality. The joint police was structured upon the national structure of this region and will represent the element of safety of this area. Minister Mahmutefendic thanked to international organisations on their efforts in joint police establishment and said joint police will soon to be established throughout the Ze/Do canton.
2:00

Fighting in Kosovo continued in the area of Albanian border. Kosovo Human Rights Board said that 200 Kosovo Albanians were killed in Serbian police forces actions in the past month, while about 150 were wounded. 350.000 Albanians left their homes in July only. Regions of Decani and Klina were reported today as places of heavy conflicts.
3:00

International organisations held a press conference in regional OHR in Mostar. OHR regional head Sir Martin Garrod warned on unauthorised use of weapons in Mostar, adding that a serious incident took place on the last weekend when an 18-year old young man was wounded. UNHCR spokeswoman Quentier praised Serb and Bosniak returns to Mostar municipalities last weekend.
2:00

Number of ammunition storage of the BiH Federation Army and the RS Army will be reduced for 25% by the end February 1999. This was the main conclusion of the joint military commission meeting held today in Zenica.
2:00