The Central News started unusually – with strong criticism of two examples of barbarous incidents provoked by the citizens themselves. Gornji Vakuf – A shameless case of contempt for local ecology was marked in Gornji Vakuf. A still unknown culprit poured out a large amount of dark liquid, presumably crude oil or tar, in the river Vrbas. (Footage of the river banks and water surface covered with dead fishes and plants coated in a dark oily slime). Investigation is under way.
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Sarajevo – Last night’s football match between the two local teams on Kosevo Stadium turned into the barbarous destruction of newly renovated seats, playground and other sport equipment. 160 chairs were set on fire. (Footage of young supporters throwing sprinklers and fireworks, and whistling in the playground). Numerous condemnations of such behaviour of the sport supporters were expressed today by various organisations.
1:30
Sarajevo – HR Carlos Westendorp demanded from the BiH Parliament to accept a Law on the BiH Coat of Arms together with a solution for this insignia by 15 May. If these conditions are not fulfilled, Westendorp will impose the solution for the Coat of Arms, which attracts the most voices at the session of both Houses of Parliament. Senior Deputy HR Hanns Schumacher called a meeting of the Common Colleaguia of BiH Parliament for 7 May. Avdo Campara, HoP Chairman, hailed the HR’s effort for the BiH state to receive another insignia.
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Zagreb – Gojko Susak, Croatian Defence Minister, died of lung cancer, the Croatian Government officially announced. BiH Foreign Ministry extended its condolence to the Croatian President, Government and the family. Jacques Klein did the same in the name of the OHR. There follows description of Susak’s illness as well as his CV which includes a quote of some soldiers that he was in favour of the cruel acts against Serbs. He gave significant support to the Bosnian Croats during the three years war in BiH, including a one year period of conflict between HVO and BiH Army. He was co-operative with Washington. AP Agency quotes separately Jacques Klein and Haris Silajdzic saying that Susak always held his word and gave never false promises.
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There were numerous protocol receptions by the highest profile BiH Officials in preparation for the forthcoming Donors Conference and Kosovo crisis. Sarajevo – Alija Izetbegovic, BiH Presidency Chairman, received Milorad Dodik, RS Government President. Their talks focused on the production start of interest for the whole BiH such as: Bloomery Zenica, Ljubuski Mine, Crude Oil Refinery in Bosanski Brod, etc. The Federation Prime Minister received Christian Portman and Rory O’Sullivan, World Bank Executive Director and Mission Chief in BiH. The talks were devoted to the forthcoming Donors Conference. A List of the priority projects which was discussed at the Federation Government Co-ordination Council for Reconstruction and Restoration consists of 17 projects amounting to 1.2 billion Dollars. It has been suggested that these funds be divided 70 per cent for the Federation and 30 per cent for RS.
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