Sarajevo – Members of BiH CoM discussed preparations for the Donors Conference in Brussels on 7-8 May. They agreed on all documents for joint entry of the BiH delegation to the Conference such as the Announcement on the BiH Economic Policy and other documents prepared by the BiH Federation and RS. CoM also discussed the draft Law on Privatisation. As the Ministers did not agree on all provisions of the draft, discussion will be continued in seven days at the OHR. On the basis of today’s talks the OHR will prepare a document for discussion start at the next session.
2:30
Donato Chiarini and Rory O’Sullivan, EC and World Bank Chiefs of Missions in Sarajevo focused on the forthcoming Donors Conference at their joint Press Conference, today. The WB Chief said that it is expected that the fourth Donors Conference would secure between one billion and one billion one hundred million dollars. In this manner the pledged 5,1 billion dollars planned for the BiH reconstruction program, would be finalised.
2:30
Stephano Micosi, EC General Director tasked with the industrial policy held his Press Conference at the CPIC today. He promoted EU projects for the industrial development of BiH, as well as the initiatives for the development of a private sector in BiH and broader relations between the EU and BiH in the field of industrial politics.
2:00
Robert Barry, OSCE Chief of Mission announced the new Election Rules and Regulations for the September general elections. He said that in order to provide a politically neutral environment, the advertising of political parties through electronic broadcasters will not be allowed in the future. Two or more registered parties, coalitions or independent candidates may form an election alliance in order to gain a number of voices important for distribution of mandates. The new Rules and Regulations will be applicable until the final Election Law is accepted.
2:30
Mostar – The new Election Rules and Regulations were also a topic at the OSCE Head in Mostar, David Foley’s Press Conference. The problems in Stolac could also not be avoided. Kelly Moore, UN Spokesperson, tackled the recent incidents in Stolac pointing out that since 26 March 24 incidents have occurred on this territory. All together 31 Bosniak houses, four water wells and three vehicles were either destroyed or damaged. Alex Ivanko, UN Spokesman, stated that the N-H Cantonal authority agreed to set up a special team consisting of the Croatian and Bosniak investigators together with UN representatives in order to investigate the responsibility of the local police.
2:00
Stolac – Another Bosniak house was set on fire in the village Luka, near Stolac last night the N-H Canton police announced. There were no casualties.
0:30
Drvar – HR Carlos Westendorp visited Drvar again today. Judging by the results of today’s talks which the HR had with the Herceg Bosna Canton Officials, the attacks on the Serb returnees will not be repeated. The cantonal authorities accepted to reconstruct police powers in Drvar and employ at least 15 Serbs in the next four days. Also the new Police Deputy Chief will be a Serb. CW ensured that two special envoys will be sent to Drvar. One of them will be nominated by Kresimir Zubak, and Vladimir Soljic and then other one by the IC.
1:30
Sarajevo – The first meeting of the CoM BiH and Slovenia Expert Groups was held today. The problem of BiH citizens savings at Ljubljanska Banka was discussed.
0:30
There follow reports from protocol activities of the State and the Federation officials