29 September 97, 23:00
Mostar – With the removal of its first stone from the Neretva river bed, the successful reparation of the Old Bridge, officially began. This action symbolically represents the renovation and success of the whole BiH. Addressing the gathered crowd at the opening ceremony, General Christian Delange, Commander of the French SFOR Division, welcomed the participation of SFOR in this operation in which the soldiers, besides their tasks in peace keeping, became builders.
Those who destroyed it as well as we who are building it again, know that the Old Bridge is an enormous symbol of connection between people not only of BiH, but of the west and the east – of all the world, Izetbegovic said, in his capacity as the Old Bridge Foundation Chairman.
Presidency member Kresimir Zubak also attended the ceremonial event, as well as Gen. Shinseki, representatives of the IC and high ranking local authority members.
3’00”
Split – The City of Split is ready to be a bridge for connecting the common interest between the BiH Federation and Croatia, Ivica Skaljic, Mayor of Split assessed today during the talks which he held with Kresimir Zubak.
0’30”
Sarajevo – Apparently pleased with what he was saying, Jadranko Prlic, BiH Foreign Minister gave an interview to BiH TV after returning from the regular UN General Assembly in N.Y. which the BiH delegation attended together for the first time. I judge our stay in N.Y. very successful in two aspects: We confirmed our belonging to the IC and I delivered a speech which was a result of the work of all BiH organs. Both aspects showed optimism for the DPA implementation in BiH and for the first time, if I may be little immodest, we succeeded in overcoming our mutual accusations for not fulfilling the accepted DPA provisions.
2’00”
Brussels – NATO countries Defence Ministers will hold talks on BiH on Wednesday. At their Agenda there will be a discussion on the BiH elections, the role of SFOR and the current situation in RS.
0’30”
Sarajevo – The first Trade Union Congress since the war took place today. More than 50 international trade union leaders, among which were leaders of the World and European Association, attended the opening of Congress. The presence of the local authority representatives showed their respect towards those with whom they will have to solve difficult social questions.
The Main SUBNOR (The BiH Union of the Associations of Defenders in the Peoples Liberation War) sent a letter of support to the participants of the Congress.
3’00”
Sarajevo – Footage of the car accident from last night in which 12 persons were injured reminded people of the need for civilised behaviour on the road.
1’00”
Sarajevo – Federal Prime Minister Edhem Bicakcic talked with Stephen Walker, Director of the Balkan Institute and American President Adviser . It was pointed out that there exists very good co-operation with USAID which has enabled 10,000 new work places in BiH since the end of the war.
1’30”
Political parties’ comments on the events in BiH follows.