28 October 97, 19:30
At its session held, the BiH Presidency has finally harmonized the list of 27 candidates for BiH ambassadorial posts. The appointment of another five candidates remained to be agreed at the next session.
RS member of the BiH Presidency Momcilo Krajinik opened up the question of the BiH charges against FRY and requested that the Presidency state its position in this regard. The issue will be discussed at the next session when all relevant documents are compiled.
1:00
The BiH CoM held a session today as well. The ministers endorsed a large number of bilateral agreements. The forthcoming visit of Janez Drnovsek, Slovenian President, was discussed at length. Special emphasis was put on issues related to education, transport and economic cooperation. During President Drnovsek’s visit, the visa regime between BiH and Slovenia will be discussed. Co-Chair of the CoM, Haris Silajdzic, has stated that these issue need to be reviewed since the visa regime might not be necessary in light of intensified economic and trade relations.
After the session, Co-Chair Boro Bosic told the press that the session was exceptionally successful and that the CoM acted as a team representing the interests of the entire BiH.
2:00
EU Commissioner Hans Van den Broek attended sessions of the BiH Presidency and the CoM. At a press conference held afterwards, the EU Commissioner and HR Carlos Westendorp confirmed that there was no evidence of corruption in the use of donated funds, but advised caution. Speaking about insufficient efficiency in the implementation of the DPA, Van den Broek underlined that the current situation could diminish the interest for foreign investments. He warned the BiH Presidency and the CoM “that the risk of corruption discourages the international community from investing money”.
The HR Carlos Westendorp was reported to have submitted to the members of the BiH Presidency the list with 20 urgent requests related to the functioning of the state and economy regulations to be met by the end of the year. “If these requests are not fulfilled, I shall ask the international community to expand my competencies in order to resolve disputed issues”, underlined the High Representative. The EU Commissioner gave an interview to BH TV broadcast after the news.
2:50
The media covered a press conference in Mostar. Head of the OHR Regional Office, Sir Martin Garrod, underlined the importance of the opening of the city administration building and expressed hope that the city council would soon be formed.
IPTF Spokesperson, Kelly Moore, commented on cantonal Interior Minister Valentin Coric’s statements on the restructuring of police as “incorrect”. IPTF officially addressed Minister Coric and his deputy Dziho to resolve some problems related to the restructuring of police in this canton.
1:50
Rory O’Sullivan, Director of the WB announced at a press conference today that “heating gas is on its way”.