28 November 97, 19:30
Sarajevo – The two-day summit of the countries of European Initiative began today. The meeting of the ministers of Foreign Affairs began this afternoon, with the situation in BiH, as the main issue. The great readiness for the support of BiH reconstruction was shown, as well as for the DPA implementation. The summit finishes tomorrow when the three documents will be adopted: The Sarajevo Declaration, the Closing Act, and the Plan of Activities.
- The Austrian Prime Minister Klima met with the CoM Co-chairmen Silajdzic, Bosic and Tomic, discussing the matters of DPA implementation, and the reconstruction of BiH. Klima also conveyed the donation of the Austrian Government in the form of equipment for the Sarajevo Airport control tower worth $1.5 million.
- BiH President Izetbegovic, and Presidency member Zubak received a visit of the Croatian delegation, which is also attending the summit. The Croatian delegation was led by the Croatian Prime-minister Matesa, FA Minister Granic, and the Croatian Ambassador to BiH Bago. It was concluded that the ministries of the two countries will consider further co-operation of BiH and Croatia.
6:00
Sarajevo/Banja Luka – The British Prime Minister Blair visited Sarajevo today. Blair also met with BiH President Izetbegovic, BiH Presidency members Zubak and Krajisnik, and the RS President Plavsic in Banja Luka. In his discussions with Izetbegovic, Krajisnik and Zubak, Blair stressed that the UK Government fully supports the implementation of the Sintra conclusions, and the concept of united and independent BiH. All the members of the Presidency agreed that the UK has a great role in the DPA implementation. In his discussions with Plavsic, Blair expressed his readiness to give every political and economic aid to Bosnian Serbs. Plavsic said that DPA recognises RS, and oblige us to fulfil it, in order to open RS towards the world. Blair also visited ‘Markale’ market place, laid flowers at the commemorative plaque, and talked to the citizens of Sarajevo. Blair also visited the British SFOR troops in Sarajevo.
3:00
Brussels – The NATO session was held today, discussing the matters of troops remaining in BiH. NATO Supreme Commander for Europe, Gen. Clark said that the troops in BiH should not be reduced because the situation is still unstable. Clark added that the troops should remain in their present number, and that any decision about the remaining of troops must be brought before March 1 the next year.
1:30
Sarajevo – US Senator Wadner talked to the BiH Federation Army officials about the US ‘Train and Equip’ programme.
1:00
Sarajevo – Silajdzic addressed a list of 138 laws needed, to be considered by the state, to the BiH Federation Parliament representatives. This list also includes 40 priority laws. UBSD supported this Silajdzic’s demands, and said that UBSD will ask the state institutions and political parties take more action regarding the revealing of crimes committed in Sarajevo during the war.
Serb Citizens Council (SGV) made an announcement regarding the controversies about the killings of civilians in Sarajevo during the war. SGV said that the truth about the crimes in Sarajevo must serve to the strengthening of the peace, and democratic forces in BiH.
2:00
Sarajevo – The Federation Co-president Ganic talked to the HR deputy Schumacher about the preparations for the next meeting of the Federation, where the main subject will be the situation in the Middle Bosnian Canton (MBC). They also discussed the matters of the return of refugees in MBC, the police reconstruction in MBC, and the election results implementation in the canton. The BiH Federation Refugee Minister Kadic also discussed the return of refugees with Schumacher. Schumacher warned that in order to conduct the politics in BiH all the matters in the BiH Federation and RS must be balanced. Schumacher added that the International Community should not pay the same attention to the both entities, although the standpoint about them is the same.
2:00
Mostar – UN Special Envoy for Human Rights, Rehn visited Mostar today, and met with Mostar Mayor Prskalo and deputy Orucevic. Rehn also met with Canton Minister for Refugees, Hujdur and his deputy. The main subject of these meetings was the implementation of the DPA Annex 7. Rehn said she was not fully satisfied with the global situation of the refugee return and that the politicians have a great responsibility.
The two-day round table session was organised in Mostar with the subject of the status of a citizen and the people in Mostar. More than 50 BiH intellectuals, legality experts, and the representatives of religion communities will take part in the discussion, as well as the representatives of the international organisations and OHR.
2:30
Sarajevo – OSCE spokesman said that only OSCE can publish the results of the recent elections, and that the preliminary results, published by the Election Committee in RS are incomplete and inaccurate.
1:00
Tuzla – At the press briefing of the international organisations in Tuzla, the matters of the freedom of movement and the investigation of the double murder near Kalesija were discussed. IPTF spokesman in Tuzla, Angelli informed the press that the search for the accused murderer, Becarevic yielded no results so far, although his house was searched twice by the Zvornik police.
1:30
Sarajevo – Two criminals from RS tried to steal two cars in a part of Sarajevo, Dobrinja. Apparently, the criminals were the RS policemen, and their attempt was stopped by the canton police. UN spokesman Ivanko said that the Sarajevo police reacted very well, and that it is the best police in the country. Ivanko added that there is a great level of co-operation with Sarajevo police.
2:00