18 November 97, 19:30
Sarajevo – The public enterprise “PTT” installed Internet plug-in for BiH users. Users will be divided in four groups, depending on their needs. BiH-net will be available without limits, and its maximum capacity is 5000 simultaneous users.
01:30
Sarajevo – The team of “Sarajevo State Hospital” carried out the first post-war transplantation of kidneys. Before the war, during 15-yeara of experience, about 300 such complicated operations were carried out.
02:30
Sarajevo – Sessions of the House of Representatives and the House of People, of the BiH Parliament were held today. The discussions about CoM work, laws on citizenship and passports, as well as discussion about cancelling Ostojic’s post were rescheduled for the next session. HR deputy Ambassador Schumacher appealed to the HoR to make certain steps regarding the DPA, development of tolerance and democracy, and not to allow itself to be just an electoral machine. Schumacher said that the IC will be uncompromising regarding the DPA implementation but that the IC does not wish BiH to be a protectorate. The items on the agenda were: a proposal by SDP chairman Lagumdzija to established the Law on extradition of war criminals to the Hague, and to enable free action of representatives throughout BiH. SDS representatives were against cancelling Ostojic’s post, saying that this House legally elected him. Verifying the agreement about payment of the debt towards the London Club, representatives were informed that its amount is $404 million. The new Minister for Economy and Foreign Trade Kurtovic was selected instead of Muratovic who has been re-posted.
– The HoP session began with another announcement by HR deputy Schumacher, who stressed for one more time that the expectations of the IC are big, regarding the meeting in Bonn. Schumacher especially stressed that it is of great importance to adopt the laws on CoM, passports and citizenship by that time. Schumacher appealed to the representatives to show signals of good will, and not refusal, towards the full implementation of the DPA. Schumacher said that “we wish to build this country along with you, and do not force the IC apply other options.” HoP had a schedule similar to the HoR session.
04:00
Sarajevo – BiH President Izetbegovic addressed a letter to HR Westendorp in which he asked for the release of three Srebrenica citizens who were convicted in a fixed trial process by the RS.
- Izetbegovic also received a visit of HR deputy Schumacher. The discussion considered a concrete DPA implementation by the beginning of the international conference in Bonn.
- Izetbegovic was also visited by US Special Envoy for Regional Peace Stabilisation, Perdue. The matters of the “Equip and Train” programme implementation were discussed, as well as the continued BiH Army restructuring.
- Presidency member Zubak received a visit of OSCE Head Frowick. The discussion considered the further implementation of election results.
02:00
Mostar – At the regional OHR in Mostar, the representatives of the Coalition for Democratic and united BiH, and HDZ discussed the matter of election results implementation. OSCE regional Head Foley and OHR Mostar Head Sir Martin Garrod were also present at the meeting. It was agreed that the sessions of all six Mostar Municipality Councils should be held on Monday, November 24. The councils and municipalities presidents are supposed to be elected at the sessions. This agreement surely improves the DPA implementation, as well as the implementation of the election results. Foley said that forming the municipality councils in Mostar will present a clear sign that the similar results can be achieved in other cantons. Sir Martin Garrod said that the current situation in Mostar represents an obstruction of the rotation principle of Mostar leading structures.
02:00
Mostar – Mostar Governor Leho accused the HDZ Mostar President Rajic for disrespect of the Canton Constitution, and obstruction of the rotation principle regarding the leadership in the Canton. Leho said that the President of the Canton Parliament Bender has not yet received an answer on his letter addressed to Rajic regarding this matter.
01:00
Sarajevo – UN Special Envoy Eide, and IPTF Commissar Seitner discussed the matter of police reconstruction in Herzegovina/Neretva canton with the Federation President Soljic and Co-president Ganic. UN spokesman Ivanko said that Eide and Seitner are worried about revenues invested in this project, and the fact that no significant progress was made.
OSCE spokesman Verheyden said that each candidate elected on the municipality elections, and who received the technical approval by the Provisional Election Committee, about the election results, has the full authorisation to take over the elected duties.
01:30
Banja Luka (Reuters) – HR Westendorp officially reopened an airport in Bosnian Serb territory on Tuesday, but the ceremony was marred by neighbouring Yugoslavia’s decision to cancel the first scheduled flight. Westendorp and NATO senior officers went to Banja Luka to witness the scheduled landing of the first civilian flight. HR deputy Klein said that Yugoslav officials assured him there was no political aspect to the cancellation. Westendorp called the reopening an historic day for peacemaking efforts in Bosnia and said civilian flights would resume soon at airports in Bosniak-controlled airports in Tuzla, and Croat-controlled Mostar. “We are here to mark another great stride towards normality, another significant step towards a modern, strong Bosnia , with close links to Europe and the outside world,” Westendorp said in his speech.
03:00