Headlines
- Kalinic and Poplasen replaced, new National Assembly Speaker, Petar Djokic
- Milosevic and Yeltsin signed a joint declaration on Kosmet
- Spanish policemen confiscated nine tons of hashish
After a long discussion, the RS Parliament replaced, early this morning, its president Dragan Kalinic and vice-president Nikola Poplasen. After the new president, Petar Djokic (SPRS), and vice-president, Safet Bico (Coalition for Single and Democratic Bosnia), were appointed, the RS Parliament continued its work. The issue of taking oath by the newly appointed president and vice-president was also discussed. It was agreed that a solution to that should be found by the next parliamentary session, and in cooperation with the organiser of the last elections, OSCE. However, 35 items of the agenda are still to be discussed.
5:25
Reaction to the replacement of Kalinic and Poplasen: Kalinic decisively rejected objections, claiming that the RS NA had been seriously compromised in public. He said that the Parliament was most compromised when those who proposed it failed to give a valid explanation (such as violation of the Constitution or the law or something similar which would be a valid basis) for replacing a larger part of the Assembly leadership. Poplasen said that the replacement was carried out, without explanation, contrary to the Rules and Procedures. He also stated that behind such a decision were the majority, the SDA dictate and Westendorp’s order, adding that the occupation was becoming longer and deeper and that, unfortunately, the destruction and erosion of the RS continued. He expressed the hope that, through their activities, they would, at least, stop that trend. Krajisnik expressed his regret because of all that had happened. According to him, by this act, the current authorities had lost a lot. Such a decision will have a strong negative impact on any positive result achieved by the current authorities.
6:05
Yugoslav and Russian presidents, Slobodan Milosevic and Boris Yeltsin, in Moscow, signed a joint declaration on Kosmet consisting of 9 items. In the declaration they insist upon the preservation of the territorial integrity and respect for the sovereignty of the FRY. Every form of separatism and terrorism is condemned. Milosevic promised to solve the issue of Kosovo by political means and through dialogue. A report on the current situation in Kosovo as well as a review of related activities.
4:55
The RS Prime Minister, Milorad Dodik, paid a working visit to Srbac today. The issue of economic revitalisation was discussed in his talks with the municipal authorities.
2:10
The first class at the School for demining of the RS Army have completed their training. According to assessments, there are about 750,000 mines set in the RS and the B&H Federation. However, 23 volunteer deminers were trained in this school. SFOR and US Special Forces supported the school financially, by equipping the school and by providing skilled personnel.
1:45
The RS Defence Minister, Manojlo Milovanovic, received in Banja Luka the Swedish Defence Minister. The most discussed issue at the meeting was the role of SFOR in B&H. The Swedish Minister of Defence is the third European Defence Minister who has visited the RS so far.
1:30
Delegations of the RS government and the Una-Sana canton signed a protocol on cooperation which includes a solution to the refugee issue, economic cooperation and the establishment of road and railway traffic.
1:50
At the regular press conference of the RS Party of Independent Social-Democrats, the issue of the forthcoming elections in B&H was the main point of discussion.
1:50
At the regular press conference of international organisations held in Sarajevo, the main topic was the arrest of Serb, Milorad Krnojelac, from Srbinje, who was indicted for violation of the Geneva Convention and the rules of war.
1:55
Citizens of Srbinje protested again today at the arrest of their fellow townsman, Milorad Krnojelac.
1:45
The Office of the B&H Central Bank was opened in Banja Luka today. The B&H Central Bank Governor, Peter Nicholl, stated at a press conference in Banja Luka today that the new convertible mark would be put into circulation on June 22.
1:20