05 October 97, 19:00
Sarajevo – Robert Gelbard, US Special Envoy for BiH paid a visit to BiH Presidency Chairman Alija Izetbegovic, Presidency Member Kresimir Zubak, and CoM Co-Chair Haris Silajdzic. Their talks focused on the further efforts needed to overcome obstacles in the DPA implementation. Judging the talks with Momcilo Krajisnik in Pale, following his visit to Sarajevo, Gelbard said that these talks were mostly negative. He suggested that in future the special mediators rule the local media and in this manner secure international control of the programmes broadcast in the part of the country under Serb control. We will not tolerate the continuation of threats against us, lies and distortions regarding the IC, Gelbard said. We are putting up with much too much of that and will not risk that this happens again. He suggested the founding of a new Commission to administer the electronic media in BiH and issue media work permits. This Commission would at the beginning, be chaired by the HR Carlos Westendorp before it becomes one of the common state institutions.
Gelbard categorised as “major frustrations” the delay in implementation of the common institutions as well as the non solving key problems for state functioning. In this regard he mentioned problems relating to the passport issue, flag and citizenship law.
A detailed report followed on each of Gelbard’s above mentioned visits and talks he held with the BiH politicians.
4’30”
Bihac – A mass prayer was delivered at the Freedom Square in Bihac for the Bosniaks – war victims exhumed from the mass grave Bezdana. The day was announced a day of mourning in Bihac. Out of 87 victims which were found in the mass grave, only 47 were identified. A list of the names of those who were identified was shown together with their identity details. Footage of the closest relatives at the memorial ceremony, as well as some of the politicians who attended the ceremony. There will be reconciliation in BiH when the whole truth is known and when justice has been fulfilled, ef. Ismet Ceric, ReisUl-Ulema said. Parts of Ejup Ganic’s speech was also broadcast.
3’00”
Gorazde – A meeting with representatives of UNHCR, IPTF and Gorazde municipality Commissioner was held yesterday following an initiative of the residents of Gorazde municipalities, which according to the DPA belongs to RS. Their talks focused on the problems of this people to return to their homes. According to Shaun Klinch [as heard], UNHCR officer, this organisation tasked with refugees return, has no mechanisms to enable the return. Without the help of other organisations, Annex 7 of the DPA will be very difficult to implement.
2’00”