The hearing in relation to the lawsuit by the Islamic Community against the RS before the BiH Human Rights Chamber has begun. “Only a few Bosniaks who survived in Banja Luka are reminiscent of the former Bosnian spirit of this city. The majority (of Bosniaks) is expelled… mosques are destroyed, as well as centuries-old testimonies of the presence of Banja Luka citizens of Islamic religion” is how TV BiH introduced the report, accompanied by archive VHS footage of the destroyed Ferhadija mosque in Banja Luka.
1:30
“Five years ago, the Mostar banks of the Neretva river were also separated. The defiant bridge was destroyed… A crime over the antique was committed, in the name of a crime which was supposed to separate the people”, the presenter introduced the second report, commemorating five years from the destruction of the bridge in Mostar. The report was illustrated with archive footage of the bridge. A V/O described the history of the building of the bridge in a romantic and nostalgic way. Its war-time destruction was labelled as “a reminder of the senseless loss of respect for eternal values and moral”.
1:30
Followed a report on Vladimir Srebrov, member of the Independent Club, who expressed his “opposition to (the OHR) recommendations” by putting two BH flags on fire in front of the Eternal Flame in Sarajevo. “Should one, following the mentioning of Banja Luka mosques, Mostar bridge, 200,000 of those killed, mass graves…, identifications of victims… even partially overcome the anger which was caused by the suggestion that the war should be declared a civil war, and the crimes should be declared a mistake?”, TV BiH’s presenter wondered. Srebrov explained that his action actually represented a “symbolic” putting of the influence of the OHR on fire (According to Srebrov, one flag symbolises the OHR, the other one the European Community, as well as the ‘political’ Spain, whose representative in our country, Carlos Westendorp – is our coloniser.) The OHR’s reaction, voiced by Haselock, was then mentioned (Haselock expressed dissatisfaction with the act, and said that acts like these do not contribute to confidence.)
1:30
Kosovo – Commenting to Milosevic’s failure to allow The Hague Tribunal investigators to investigate crimes in Kosovo, TV BiH said that “what was happening in Kosovo in the last few months has shown once again that Milosevic’s signature on the DPA was just a signature of a masked peacemaker”. TV BiH’s correspondent from Kosovo said that the Serb forces have again increased their presence and that tensions in the province were rising.
2:00
Following the meeting of the European Union CoM in Brussels, it was revealed that the EU’s relationship toward the countries of the South-Eastern Europe participating in the Project of the Regional Cooperation will remain unchanged, due to their slow progress in the process of democratisation.
0:30
The first preparatory meeting for the constitution of the Federal HoP did not result in a specification of the deadline for the scheduling of its first session. Political parties have agreed in principle that the session could take place next week, perhaps on Tuesday, November 17.
0:50
The Federal HoR Secretary, Mile Kudic, dislosed that Pavo Sljivic, the HoR MP was arrested in Bihac yesterday at approximately 20.00. Kudic protested over the arrest, asserting that this was illegal, due to Sljivic’s immunity. However, TV BiH accessed the USK MUP for comment – the Ministry said that the arrest was based on the wanted circular from 1997. The Federal Ministry of Interior confirmed the existence of the circular.
1:00
“Declaration for Sarajevo” Association expressed their revolt over the events in relation to the refugee returns to the city, in a letter to Carlos Westendorp. The letter was read out in full, but TV BiH highlighted the following remarks: “Sarajevo is a multi-ethnic city; we are in favour of return; but we do not allow the robbery”. “All of these apartments (in Sarajevo) were paid for by the lives of our children, and we will fight for the rights of those who survived until the end… Your method (, Mr. Westendorp,) for the creation of a multi-ethnic Sarajevo is not good”, the letter also said.
1:10
The RS Government discussed several draft laws, and also gave their opinion on the ongoing strike in the RS schools. The Government said that the organisation of the strike was conducted in an illegal way, and that the issue was politicised. The ratio between the Yugoslav dinar and the KM was also set to 7.5 dinars to 1 KM.
0:30
The Principal Deputy Klein’s expression of disappointment over the postponement of the signing of the Agreement on special relations with Croatia was carried as an introduction to the party activities bloc. Liberal Party finds the Agreement unacceptable, and says that its Article 12 represents a kind of patronage of Croatia over the Federation. MBO believes that the idea is inappropriate and that the Agreement has legalised the advantages that the Croatia gained during the war.