Headlines
- The RS NA political-expert group demands Westendorp and Farrand take into consideration latest RS NA decisions
- The RS Government proposed a list of companies of strategic importance that would be privatised through a special programme
- Election of the new government is mandatory issue at the next RS NA session- Petar Djokic
- Milosevic definitely refused foreign troops in Kosovo
- Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic members of NATO
The RS NA political-expert group informed the High Representative, Carlos Westendorp and Brcko Supervisor, Robert Farrand of all 5 RS NA conclusions asking for more understanding from the international community. The RS NA Speaker, Petar Djokic stated his pleasure because Westendorp and Farrand showed interest in personally engaging to remove the fear of endangerment of territorial continuity of the RS. “We have already said before that RS territory remain continuous. So there is no division of the RS.”- Westendorp said. In the meeting between Djokic, Westendorp and Farrand that took place after the meeting with the expert group, Djokic stated that the RS NA would not take any action that might put in danger RS positions but “it will do every thing at its disposal to secure stability of the RS.”- Djokic said. Immediately before a press conference, representatives of the republic protocol, at the request of OHR Banja Luka, relocated the press podium which could have given an impression that Mr. Westendorp minded the RS flag. “Believe me I respect the RS and its people more than many hard-liners want you to believe I do.” – Westendorp said. OHR Banja Luka press statement later read, inter alia, states: The High Representative wishes to stress that he has full respect for the institutions and symbols of the Republika Srpska. He has spoken in front of the RS flag on many previous occasions and will certainly do so again.
1:23
Zivko Radisic talked with Carlos Westendorp and Robert Farrand in Banja Luka. Westendorp, after this meeting, talked with Dodik and Plavsic. There were no press statements.
0:07
Consultative meeting of the RS NA Heads of Caucuses was held in Banja Luka. The RS NA session scheduled for March 15 would not take place. “We have concluded that there are no conditions to hold the RS NA session on March 15.”- Djokic said. The closest date is March 21.-Djokic said.
0:45
Milorad Dodik said he would withdraw his resignation if the West makes certain concessions regarding Brcko arbitration.- AP reports- BETA forwarded.
0:14
Dodik talked with the newly appointed German ambassador to BiH.
0:07
Djokic talked with Hungarian Ambassador, Kalman Kocsis and Council of Europe representative, Peter Iskol regarding cooperation between Hungary and the RS and their presentation in the Council of Europe.
0:30
Sloga coalition issued a press statement condemning Haris Silajdzic’s statement that BiH common institutions could make decisions without Serb representatives.
0:45
SRS held a press conference in Banja Luka. Commenting on Simon Haselock’s statement Mirjana Sainovic said that the international community should accept the RS NA declaration adopted after the High Representative’s decision to dismiss Nikola Poplasen from office.
0:34
Dragan Kalinic stated that a quick election of new a government would enable us not to accept Brcko decision. With this election we would let everyone know we are united- he said.
0:27
Serb coalition for the RS supports the mass meeting that will take place on March 16 regarding the Brcko decision and dismissal of Nikola Poplasen.
0:22
Kosovo related issues:
- Milosevic has refused foreign troops in Kosovo- Russian Foreign Affairs Minister, Igor Ivanov said after the meeting
- Yugoslavia will take part in the continuance of Kosovo negotiations- Milosevic’s Cabinet statement
- William Walker, Head of the OSCE mission in Kosovo, said that only NATO could guarantee the enforcement of the peace plan adding that he is worried about the situation in the region
- Austrian Ambassador to Yugoslavia reminded that Kosovo Albanians said in Rambouillet that they had reached a consensus on accepting the agreement but that they needed two weeks for additional consultations
- Seselj said it is possible that there will be no meeting in Paris on March 15. The agreement has to be based on 10 Contact group principles.- he said.
- Three police officers were badly wounded in terrorist attacks in Podujevo and in the region of Lusica- TANJUG reports
- 7 KLA members died in fighting with Serb security forces yesterday near Prizren
- Albanian terrorists killed one Kosovo Albanian in Velika Rijeka, and the body of a Kosovo Albanian was found on the Kosovska Mitrovica-Stari trg road
- It is officially stated in Paris that a Contact Group meeting is to take place on Sunday