28 January 98, 19:30
The CoM resolved several important issues at today’s session. CoM Co-chairman Bosic said that the CoM adopted the proposed memorandum on registration plates, as well as the draft proposal on customs tariffs, which will be addressed to the BH Parliament Assembly for urgent adoption. The CoM also confirmed the naming of the members of the Mine Cleansing Commission, and the CoM members were also informed about the implementation of the Law on Passports. It was determined to prepare the contracts about printing of the passports by February 15. The draft law on Foreign Investments was not considered, because the legal experts decided that the proposed text is not satisfying. Taking into consideration that the deadline for adoption of this law expires in three days, it is supposed that Westendorp’s Office might impose this law too.
3:00
Danish Prime Minister Rasmunsen came to visit Danish soldiers in BiH. During his stay in Banja Luka, Rasmunsen said that the support for the new RS Government depends on the respect of the Dayton agreement. Rasmunsen also met with BiH President Izetbegovic, and Presidency member Zubak. During his discussion with Izetbegovic, Rasmunsen was mostly focused at the problem of refugee return during this year. In Rasmunsen’s conversation with Zubak, the main issues were the current political, social and economic situation, as well as the functioning of the joint institutions of the authorities. The Danish delegation also met with the RS President Plavsic, and the Prime Minister Dodik. Rasmunsen also announced significant assistance to the RS new Government, and as a result, the special Danish delegation arrives next week in order to reconsider the projects of the refugee return, along with the RS Government.
2:30
The BiH Federation Army representatives held a meeting with the Turkish Ministry of Defense delegation. The positive co-operation of the two countries was also pointed out. Turkish Defense Minister promised further assistance to BiH, in order to foster permanent peace. The matters of the DPA implementation were also discussed, as well as the training of the BiH soldiers in Turkey, and co-operation in the military/economic areas.
BiH Presidency member Zubak also received the Turkish delegation, discussing the matters of further improvement of the bilateral relations, especially in the military affairs.
BiH Federation President Ganic also received the Turkish delegation. Turkish Defense Minister expressed the necessity for the NATO troops staying in BH after the SFOR mandate expires. Ganic expressed his hope that the BiH Army will achieve its cause – One Army in One State.
3:00
Today’s session of the Tuzla/Podrinje Canton Assembly resulted with a standpoint regarding the status of Brcko. This standpoint demands justice from the World, to bring a just decision in order to heal the consequences of the aggression, and not to reward the crime and punish the victim, at the threshold of the 21 century, because it is obvious that there was no significant progress in the last year except for police. It was also said that the management over the town of Brcko cannot be trusted again to the divided entity of RS because of flagrant violation of all regulations of the DPA. The Assembly also decided that equal rights of all three nations in Brcko can be achieved only under the jurisdiction of the BH joint institutions. It was also said that the destiny of the DPA and all its segments depends on the arbitration decision over Brcko.
2:00
European Council Parliament Assembly discussed the recent events in the FRY. The political Committee prepared the special resolution on this subject which main conclusion is that the worsened political situation in this country is a risk for stability in the Balkans. The resolution proceeds with regrets because the authorities of the FRY were unable to implement democratic reforms, as well as concern because of the progress of political extremists at the recent elections. BiH Delegation Chief Bicakcic asked the FRY to implement the DPA in full, and to assist with its implementation to all democratic powers in BH, especially in the RS. As one of priorities, Bicakcic mentioned urgent and unconditioned establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, normalization of the economic relations, co-operation with the International Missing Persons Committee, and resolving the problem of the SFRY succession. He also asked FRY to accept the responsibility for damage done by the aggression and genocide over BiH.
2:00
US president Clinton asked from the US Congress to extend the NATO, prolong the mission of the US soldiers in BiH, to pay the US debt to the International Community and approve the agreement on global banning of the nuclear tests.
2:00
The SDA and the SDP held separate press conferences. SDA spokesman Grbo expressed dissatisfaction with the esthetic design of the BiH flag, and said that the flag with lilies will remain in the hearts of those who defended Bosnia under it. SDP Co-president Avdic said that the proposal of the BiH flag is the compromise that puts under the question the BH statehood. Avdic added that making the flag in such a manner shows complete blockade of the BiH state institutions that the SDP does not accept.
2:00