OHR SRT News Summary, 5 January 1999 - Office of the High Representative

Headlines

a plan for permanent solution of the issue of refugees and DPs in 60 days, the RS Government conclusion
forming of the new government in the focus of today’s meetings of RS representatives and foreign diplomats
numerous reactions to the appointment of the new prime minister designate today giving the mandate to those who cannot form a government incites political crisis in the RS, the Coalition “Sloga” assesses
from the world – the majority of British against joining the system of a single European currency, the “euro”

A report from the RS Government regular session. The agenda consisted of 17 items. One of the most important conclusions made at the session was the Government’s determination to make a special plan for a permanent resolution of the issue of refugees and DPs in the next 60 days.
2:40

The RS President Nikola Poplasen talked in Banja Luka today with the Russian and US Ambassadors to BiH Filip Filipovic Sidorski and Richard Kauzlarich respectively. The most discussed issues at the meetings were the current political situation in the RS; establishment of the new RS Government and the appointment of the new RS prime minister designate. In addition, the RS Minister of Defence Manojlo Milovanovic held a meeting with the Russian Ambassador to BiH. The meeting discussed bilateral relations between the RS and the Russian Federation and the possibilities of mutual cooperation in the field of defence.
1:40

The RS National Assembly Speaker Petar Djokic met with the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Robert Barry in Banja Luka today. The meeting discussed the newly created political situation in the RS, the appointment of the new prime minister designate, the arbitration award on Brcko and the establishment of the new RS Government.
1:55

The RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik held meetings with American diplomats, Richard Kauzlarich and Robert Barry as well. After the meeting, the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Robert Barry stated that the international community supports the candidacy of the incumbent RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik for the prime minister designate. According to Kauzlarich, there was visible economic progress in the RS in 1998, which is a merit of the RS Government headed by Milorad Dodik.
1:35

The BiH Presidency Chairman Zivko Radisic held separate meetings in Banja Luka today with the Russian Ambassador to BiH, the US Ambassador to BiH and the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH respectively. The meetings discussed the topical political situation in the RS and BiH.
2:55

The newly appointed RS prime minister designate Brane Miljus met with the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Robert Barry. The meeting was the first contact of the new prime minister designate with the international community. After the meeting, Brane Miljus gave a short press statement.
1:10

The Coalition “Sloga” issued a press release today emphasising that it is surprised by the appointment of Brane Miljus for the RS prime minister designate. The Coalition “Sloga” requests the RS President to give the mandate for the composition of the Government to a political person who can provide an assembly majority. Appointing a person that cannot form a Government for the prime minister designate incites the creation of political crisis in the RS. Such crisis would stop the process of economic reconstruction, resolution of the social issues in the RS and would weaken the position of the RS towards the international community.
2:35

At press conferences held in Banja Luka today, the SNS, SNSD and SRS presented their standpoints on the appointment of the new prime minister designate.
3:45

Tomorrow’s edition of Nezavisne novine publishes an article on the current situation in the RS entitled “Is Milosevic’s revenge coming: Miljus Prime Minister and Biljana to The Hague”.
4:45

Kosovo-related news.
1:50

News from the Federation.
2:40

News from the world.
2:55

Holidays in the RS, Christmas and the Day of Republic, are on January 6, 7, 8 and 9.
0:30