17 December 97, 19:30
The meeting of the PIC Humanitarian Group was held in Geneva. UNHCR High Commissioner, Ogata chaired the session, and the representatives of BiH, the RS, Croatia and FRY were also present. The main conclusion was that the UNHCR will insist on the regional return of refugees in 1998. Federal Minister For Refugees, Kadic supported the ‘Open Cities Project’ and said that it must be strengthened even more in the next year. The RS representatives Acimovic supported the implementation of Annex 7, but said that Bosniaks cannot return to RS if Serbs refugees will have to leave their current accommodations.
2:30
The Permanent Military Committee held a session in Lukavica, chaired by Presidency Member Zubak. the Committee discussed the defence activities of the Federation and the RS, within BiH, as well as the presentation of the BiH Army world-wide. The main decision was the amnesty of the citizens who illegally possess weaponry.
2:00
US President Clinton held a press conference, where said that the US standpoint on Bosnia will be announced before his departure to BiH. It is expected that the US will support the remaining of the troops in BiH, but with its reconstruction, and clearer mandate, in order to avoid to have the permanent troops in BiH.
2:00
UN Special Envoy for BiH, Rehn said that the staying of the US troops in BiH is necessary, Rehn also said that her task in the UN in BiH will be to observe the work of the IPTF, and promotion of co-operation between international organisations in the region.
1:00
Zagreb daily ‘Vjesnik’ reports Tudjman’s interview, given to ‘Corriere della Sera’. Answering the question about relations of Croatians and BiH Croats, and whether it is a matter of ethnic solidarity, Tudjman said that Croatia and Herzegovina form a part of Croatian national body. Croats ion Bosnia were always jeopardised by Moslems and Serbs, and Croatia defended them. Considering the historic circumstances, an union of Croats with Croatia would be the best solution in order to prevent BiH Croats to be Islamised.
1:00
CoM Co-chairman Silajdzic reacted on Tudjman’s statement, saying that it is opposite Dayton, and that it is a cause for alarm, because this statement comes on the occasion of the two years anniversary of DPA.
1:00
OHR spokesman Haselock said that the BiH Parliament failed to use its authority and pass the Law on Citizenship, which is why the HR legislated this law, in the form agreed in Bonn. The law is temporary, and will be valid until the sides reach an agreement. Haselock added that the matter of dual citizenship cannot be the condition to discuss the Law on Citizenship, because they are different matters.
- Silajdzic reacted to this decision, saying that the Law on Citizenship would have been passed a long time ago, if there was no obstruction from Pale.
- SDP representatives said that the Westendorp’s authority became functional, and this decision represents a half-protectorate in BiH.
2:00
The Bihac municipality representatives met with the Croatian Consul in Bihac, Jurina, on the occasion of signing the Decree of Friendship between the two cities.
OSCE spokesman Verheyden said that OSCE condemns yesterday’s outbursts of violence during the establishment of the Municipality Council in Velika Kladusa. Verheyden said that about 150 people gathered in front of the municipality building, throwing eggs at OSCE and DNZ representatives. Verheyden said that one car window was broken and one DNZ representative slightly injured, adding that the incident happened despite of security measures by the local police and the SDA party. Verheyden added that OSCE is investigating the indication that the incident might have been organised.
1:30