Brcko/RS – Several hundred Serbs loyal to Pale authorities attacked strong SFOR troops with poles and stones. The attack occurred early this morning after SFOR had blocked the police stations in Brcko. Soon after the attack, SFOR troops retreated. SRT reported about five Serbs who were injured when SFOR fired warning shots above the people. SRT also reported about five US soldiers who were injured. SFOR officials refuted that SFOR officials were attacked by automatic weapons, but confirmed that US soldiers were wounded.
- SFOR was also attacked in Bijeljina, by people holding pictures of Karadzic. RS Prime-Minister Klickovic asked people to remain assembled, because a new SFOR breakthrough might be expected.
- UN spokesman McDowell said that the UN mission had reports that many of the police stations are under the control of police loyal to Plavsic. As McDowell said, IPTF had nothing to do with the seize of those police stations, but the people attacked the IPTF building anyway, causing severe material damage and injuries to two policemen.
- The soldiers of SFOR Multinational Division North are carrying out safety preparations in their region, as potential conflict between special and regular police might occur . It was reported that both police are carrying long-barrelled weapons.
- SFOR also blocked an anti-terrorist base on Jahorina, but retreated soon after a routine control.
- Serb police arrested seven people responsible for taking part in the seize of the TV transmitter near Doboj. Two members of the RS Socialist party are among those arrested, and one of them said that the order to seize the transmitter came from Plavsic.
- RS President Plavsic accused Pale authorities for the events in Brcko. Plavsic was also elected for the President of the Serb People’s Union party.
- BiH Press reports that well-armed US soldiers evacuated about 50 IPTF officers from Brcko.
- After the incident in Brcko, an urgent meeting with the Supervisor Farrand was held. Farrand said that he had asked the assembled people to leave, and that he stands for the development of a democratic society in Brcko. Farrand added that OHR condemns all acts of violence, and says that such activities are opposed to the DPA. Farrand also said that he finds the local authorities responsible for any case of violation. He also condemned the SRT, saying that this way of media reporting is incredible, irresponsible and dangerous.
- RS Army HQ officer Mitrovic said that the most of the high officers in RS support Plavsic, saying that all of those who are not loyal to the RS President must be replaced. Former HQ head, Gen. Milanovic said that HQ commander Colic prohibited all HQ staff from going to the meeting with Plavsic in BL. A week ago, Colic said that he would take his orders only from Krajisnik.
- Krajisnik warned that he will not attend the Presidency sessions while the crisis in RS proceeds. In his letter to OHR and SFOR HQ, Krajisnik said that it is more important to solve the RS crisis than the look of passports.
- BiH Press reports that FRY President’s Cabinet refused to comment on the eventual visit of Milosevic to RS, saying that the Cabinet does know anything about it. The Cabinet only confirmed that it’s current action is replacement of the President’s residency. SFOR HQ in Zagreb called such a statement ridiculous, since the Cabinet had requested from SFOR the approval for a safe landing in the BiH territory.
- Plavsic said that the idea of presidential elections might have came from FRY President’s Cabinet. Plavsic said that Milosevic does not like her, because she has her own opinion, while Krajisnik is acting by Milosevic’s instructions.
- US Special Envoy Gelbard said that Milosevic will be even more isolated if he does not respect the DPA. Gelbard added that Milosevic has not done enough for the DPA implementation, being one of it’s prime signatories. Gelbard also said that Milosevic is supposed to help Plavsic with the extradition of indicted war criminals.
- US Special Envoy Holbrooke that he was satisfied with events of the past few days which were good for Plavsic. He also said that Plavsic is not a saint but she supports the DPA.
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Sarajevo – Commemoration was held for remembrance of 43 killed Bosniak citizens. Serb criminals’ mortar shells killed those citizens by the city market “Markale” two years ago.
1’30”
Sarajevo – US Ambassador for BiH Kauzlarich handed his accreditation letter to BiH President Izetbegovic. Kauzlarich said that the US will do everything to implement the DPA. Izetbegovic said that the refugee return is the key point for the success or the failure of the DPA.
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Sarajevo – Izetbegovic received OSCE Ambassador Frowick. Preparations for the forthcoming elections were discussed. Frowick informed Izetbegovic that OSCE will not make any changes to election rules, and that the elections will be held even if one of parties decides to boycott the elections.
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Sarajevo – The CoM session was cancelled because of the Serb representatives absence. The reason for not attending the session was, as said, the Orthodox religious holiday. CoM Co-chairman Silajdzic, and deputy Tomic suggested the next session be held on Saturday or Monday.
1’30”
Sarajevo – The issue of BiH succession was discussed at the meeting of Federal Prime-Minister Bicakcic and the representatives of Yugoslav Bank for International Co-operation (YBIC). Stock holders said that the survival of the YBIC must be upheld, or in the case of it’s liquidation, enormous BiH debts would occur.
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Sarajevo – The Coalition for a Democratic and United BiH held a meeting at which the current situation was discussed. Coalition members assessed that things are going well for the development of the democratic and united BiH.
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