Yugoslav Daily Survey, 97-07-25

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Yugoslav Daily Survey

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVES KONTIC, BULATOVIC, AND TOMIC

[02] MILOSEVIC'S WORDS INCENTIVE TO YUGOSLAVIA'S DEVELOPMENT

[03] MILUTINOVIC RECEIVES OYMEN

[04] MILUTINOVIC RECEIVES OYMEN

[05] CROATIA REFUSES TO GIVE HAGUE PAPERS ON IMPRISONED SERBS

[06] PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVES KONTIC, BULATOVIC, AND TOMIC

[07] MILOSEVIC'S WORDS INCENTIVE TO YUGOSLAVIA'S DEVELOPMENT

[08] CROATIA REFUSES TO GIVE HAGUE PAPERS ON IMPRISONED SERBS

[09] YUGOSLAV COMPANIES WILL BUILD DAM IN JORDAN

[10] SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT OF YUGOSLAVIA

[11] SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT OF YUGOSLAVIA

[12] OWNERSHIP TRANSFORMATION IN INTEREST OF CITIZENS

[13] YELTSIN, SCALFARO AND GLIGOROV FELICITATE MILOSEVIC

[14] YUGOSLAV AND PERUVIAN OFFICIALS MEET PARLIAMENT ADOPTS LAW ON OWNERSHIP TRANSFORMATION

[15] SERB NATIONAL COUNCIL IN CROATIA CONSTITUTED

[16] SERB LEADER SEES DISCREPANCY BETWEEN WORDS AND DEEDS

[17] SERBIAN PARLIAMENT ENDORSES BILL ON ELECTORAL DISTRICTS

[18] TUDJMAN PROMISES TO ALLOW SERB RETURN TO CROATIA

[19] CHINESE PRESIDENT JIANG ZEMIN CONGRATULATES MILOSEVIC

[20] KRAJISNIK MEETS WITH HEAD OF E.U. MONITOR MISSION

[21] REPUBLIKA SRPSKA ACCEPTS INVITATION FOR BRUSSELS CONFERENCE 23-24.

[22] YUGOSLAVIA'S ENTRY INTO WTO IS A POLITICAL ISSUE

[23] PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVES U.S. GENERAL

[24] GREEK PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS CONGRATULATES MILOSEVIC

[25] PLAVSIC WELCOMES CONVENTION OF DONORS' CONFERENCE

[01] PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVES KONTIC, BULATOVIC, AND TOMIC

Tanjug, 1997-07-23

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic received federal Prime Minister Radoje Kontic, Montenegrin President Momir Bulatovic, and acting Serbian President and Serbian parliament Speaker Dragan Tomic in Belgrade on Wednesday afternoon.

On the occasion of Milosevic's swearing-in as Yugoslav President, the officials expressed their best wishes for his continued successful work.

They said they were certain joint actions and future cooperation on the successful realization of speedy economic recovery, the country's comprehensive material and cultural development, and the interests of its citizens would secure the strengthening of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, its further international affirmation and active participation in linking processes in the world, as a basis for cementing peace and stability in the region and building equal relations and cooperation with other countries.

[02] MILOSEVIC'S WORDS INCENTIVE TO YUGOSLAVIA'S DEVELOPMENT

Tanjug, 1997-07-23

Montenegrin President Momir Bulatovic told Tanjug on Wednesday that the inauguration speech of Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic was an incentive for all those who wanted our country's progress and bright future.

"It was a true pleasure to attend this official act of the swearing-in of the Yugoslav President. His words were really an incentive to all those who believe Yugoslavia has a bright future and who wish to make a contribution to the realization of these clear goals and visions," Bulatovic said.

[03] MILUTINOVIC RECEIVES OYMEN

Tanjug, 1997-07-23

Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic received Turkish Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary Onur Oyman, who is in Belgrade for political consultations between the two foreign ministries.

During the talks with Oyman, mutual pleasure was expressed with the visit which is aimed at giving an impetus to further contacts and political dialogue between the two countries at all levels, a ministry statement said.

The sides confirmed the joint interest and readiness to promote relations and comprehensive cooperation between Yugoslavia and Turkey, taking advantage of past experience when that cooperation had been developed, especially in the area of the economy.

In this respect, it was heard that it was necessary as soon as possible for Turkey to resolve certain outstanding issues, so as to clear the path toward the speedy development of mutual cooperation.

It was assessed that the good relations between the two countries presented an important factor of stability and confidence in the region.

In the exchange of views on the situation in the region, it was underlined that peace, stability and good-neighbour relations had no alternative. Common interest was expressed in the due implementation of the Dayton accords and it was indicated that an equal stand toward all sides in Bosnia- Herzegovina presented an essential precondition for the further progress and success of the peace process.

Views were exchanged on current developments in the region of the Balkans, especially following the recent Salonika meeting of Balkan foreign ministers, to whose positive outcome Yugoslavia and Turkey had made constructive contributions.

The two sides confirmed the common interest further to develop all forms of regional cooperation which should facilitate the inclusion of this region into modern European processes, the statement said.

[04] MILUTINOVIC RECEIVES OYMEN

Tanjug, 1997-07-23

Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic received Turkish Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary Onur Oyman, who is in Belgrade for political consultations between the two foreign ministries.

During the talks with Oyman, mutual pleasure was expressed with the visit which is aimed at giving an impetus to further contacts and political dialogue between the two countries at all levels, a ministry statement said.

The sides confirmed the joint interest and readiness to promote relations and comprehensive cooperation between Yugoslavia and Turkey, taking advantage of past experience when that cooperation had been developed, especially in the area of the economy.

In this respect, it was heard that it was necessary as soon as possible for Turkey to resolve certain outstanding issues, so as to clear the path toward the speedy development of mutual cooperation.

It was assessed that the good relations between the two countries presented an important factor of stability and confidence in the region.

In the exchange of views on the situation in the region, it was underlined that peace, stability and good-neighbour relations had no alternative. Common interest was expressed in the due implementation of the Dayton accords and it was indicated that an equal stand toward all sides in Bosnia- Herzegovina presented an essential precondition for the further progress and success of the peace process.

Views were exchanged on current developments in the region of the Balkans, especially following the recent Salonika meeting of Balkan foreign ministers, to whose positive outcome Yugoslavia and Turkey had made constructive contributions.

The two sides confirmed the common interest further to develop all forms of regional cooperation which should facilitate the inclusion of this region into modern European processes, the statement said.

[05] CROATIA REFUSES TO GIVE HAGUE PAPERS ON IMPRISONED SERBS

Tanjug, 1997-07-23

Croatia has refused to present to The Hague Tribunal on war crimes in former Yugoslavia documents on about 100 Serbs still incarcerated in its prisons, and data on 150 Serbs accused of war crimes in the territory of Eastern Slavonija, "Veritas" documentation centre head Savo Strbac told Tanjug on Wednesday.

"We presented to Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Luisa Arbour in January a list with the names of 130 Serbs who have been exempt from amnesty by the Croatian authorities although they are not on the list of war criminals released by the Croatian Ministry of Justice," Strbac said.

At that time, we asked the Tribunal to take over these cases because it was justly believed the processes against these persons were not fair and that people were being sentenced to long-term sentences unjustly.

The Hague Tribunal office in Belgrade recently informed "Veritas" that Deputy Chief Prosecutor Greem Bluit had on June 12 proposed to Croatia to examine the evidence against the persons on the list for Eastern Slavonija and other lists of persons accused or already sentenced.

On June 26, Croatian authorities replied that there was no need, no reason, and no legal basis for accepting the services of the Tribunal.

According to "Veritas" figures, there are currently 106 Serbs in Croatian prisons, captured or arrested during and after Operation Storm in August 1995, including 75 sentenced for war crimes and 22 persons sentenced for conventional crimes.

Trials of Serbs for conventional crimes are just a way to find loopholes in the law, in fact to sentence these persons for conventional crimes (attempted murder, grand larceny) in the absence of proof of war crimes.

"It is especially disturbing that the Tribunal has decided not to take over from Croatia cases in which verdicts have been carried. It was explained to us that the Tribunal does not have sufficient funds or personnel, and that there is not sufficient legal basis for this either," Strbac said.

Strbac said the efforts of the Tribunal to acquire documents on imprisoned Serbs was a positive step, but said "Veritas" could not accept the stand that the court would not do anything further about those persons already sentenced to 10 or 20 years in prison.

"We believe that the United Nations Security Council should be informed about Croatia's refusal to present documentation on imprisoned and sentenced Serbs or about 150 accused Serbs in the region of Eastern Slavonija, and that concrete sanctions should be applied against it for refusing to coordinate with the Hague Tribunal," Strbac said.

"This is especially important and the world must react, because Croatia has announced that, in addition to the 106 imprisoned and 150 accused Serbs from Eastern Slavonija, there is also a third list of 2,000 Serbs alleged war criminals from the territories of Banija, Lika, Kordun, and Western Slavonija," Strbac said.

[06] PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVES KONTIC, BULATOVIC, AND TOMIC

Tanjug, 1997-07-23

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic received federal Prime Minister Radoje Kontic, Montenegrin President Momir Bulatovic, and acting Serbian President and Serbian parliament Speaker Dragan Tomic in Belgrade on Wednesday afternoon.

On the occasion of Milosevic's swearing-in as Yugoslav President, the officials expressed their best wishes for his continued successful work.

They said they were certain joint actions and future cooperation on the successful realization of speedy economic recovery, the country's comprehensive material and cultural development, and the interests of its citizens would secure the strengthening of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, its further international affirmation and active participation in linking processes in the world, as a basis for cementing peace and stability in the region and building equal relations and cooperation with other countries.

[07] MILOSEVIC'S WORDS INCENTIVE TO YUGOSLAVIA'S DEVELOPMENT

Tanjug, 1997-07-23

Montenegrin President Momir Bulatovic told Tanjug on Wednesday that the inauguration speech of Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic was an incentive for all those who wanted our country's progress and bright future.

"It was a true pleasure to attend this official act of the swearing-in of the Yugoslav President. His words were really an incentive to all those who believe Yugoslavia has a bright future and who wish to make a contribution to the realization of these clear goals and visions," Bulatovic said.

[08] CROATIA REFUSES TO GIVE HAGUE PAPERS ON IMPRISONED SERBS

Tanjug, 1997-07-23

Croatia has refused to present to The Hague Tribunal on war crimes in former Yugoslavia documents on about 100 Serbs still incarcerated in its prisons, and data on 150 Serbs accused of war crimes in the territory of Eastern Slavonija, "Veritas" documentation centre head Savo Strbac told Tanjug on Wednesday.

"We presented to Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Luisa Arbour in January a list with the names of 130 Serbs who have been exempt from amnesty by the Croatian authorities although they are not on the list of war criminals released by the Croatian Ministry of Justice," Strbac said.

At that time, we asked the Tribunal to take over these cases because it was justly believed the processes against these persons were not fair and that people were being sentenced to long-term sentences unjustly.

The Hague Tribunal office in Belgrade recently informed "Veritas" that Deputy Chief Prosecutor Greem Bluit had on June 12 proposed to Croatia to examine the evidence against the persons on the list for Eastern Slavonija and other lists of persons accused or already sentenced.

On June 26, Croatian authorities replied that there was no need, no reason, and no legal basis for accepting the services of the Tribunal.

According to "Veritas" figures, there are currently 106 Serbs in Croatian prisons, captured or arrested during and after Operation Storm in August 1995, including 75 sentenced for war crimes and 22 persons sentenced for conventional crimes.

Trials of Serbs for conventional crimes are just a way to find loopholes in the law, in fact to sentence these persons for conventional crimes (attempted murder, grand larceny) in the absence of proof of war crimes.

"It is especially disturbing that the Tribunal has decided not to take over from Croatia cases in which verdicts have been carried. It was explained to us that the Tribunal does not have sufficient funds or personnel, and that there is not sufficient legal basis for this either," Strbac said.

Strbac said the efforts of the Tribunal to acquire documents on imprisoned Serbs was a positive step, but said "Veritas" could not accept the stand that the court would not do anything further about those persons already sentenced to 10 or 20 years in prison.

"We believe that the United Nations Security Council should be informed about Croatia's refusal to present documentation on imprisoned and sentenced Serbs or about 150 accused Serbs in the region of Eastern Slavonija, and that concrete sanctions should be applied against it for refusing to coordinate with the Hague Tribunal," Strbac said.

"This is especially important and the world must react, because Croatia has announced that, in addition to the 106 imprisoned and 150 accused Serbs from Eastern Slavonija, there is also a third list of 2,000 Serbs alleged war criminals from the territories of Banija, Lika, Kordun, and Western Slavonija," Strbac said.

[09] YUGOSLAV COMPANIES WILL BUILD DAM IN JORDAN

Tanjug, 1997-07-24

The Jordanian Government has decided to entrust the construction of the Mujib dam on the Jordan, a project worth around 55 million dollars, to Yugoslav builders.

The dam will be located near the town of Madaba, about 50 kilometers south- east of the Jordanian capital. It will be 50 meters high and will have a capacity of 35 million cubic meters of water. The project is expected to take three years.

Reporting the Government decision, the Jordanian press singled out the great prestige Yugoslav builders have in the Middle East and the fact that they have built similar projects in nearly all Arab countries.

The highest-circulation daily Al-Rai reported that the Jordanian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation would visit Yugoslavia soon for concrete agreements on the construction of the Mujib dam.

The Jordanian news agency Petra said the Mujib project would partly be financed by the Jordanian Government and partly through the repayment of a Yugoslav debt.

[10] SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT OF YUGOSLAVIA

Tanjug, 1997-07-23

Slobodan Milosevic was sworn in as President of Yugoslavia at a joint session of the Yugoslav Parliament's Chamber of Citizens and Chamber of Republics. The ceremony was attended by top state officials of Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro, representatives of scientific institutions, religious communities, and the Army of Yugoslavia, and members of the diplomatic corps.

[11] SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT OF YUGOSLAVIA

Tanjug, 1997-07-23

Slobodan Milosevic was sworn in as President of Yugoslavia at a joint session of the Yugoslav Parliament's Chamber of Citizens and Chamber of Republics. The ceremony was attended by top state officials of Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro, representatives of scientific institutions, religious communities, and the Army of Yugoslavia, and members of the diplomatic corps.

[12] OWNERSHIP TRANSFORMATION IN INTEREST OF CITIZENS

Tanjug, 1997-07-21

Serbian Premier Mirko Marjanovic said Monday that the aim of the government- proposed ownership transformation was to help step up the country's economic and material progress and secure social justice and a balance between the key economic and social goals, all in the interest of the largest number of citizens. Presenting the bill at the third special session of the Serbian Assembly, Premier Marjanovic said that the draft law rounded off many years of work for the creation of a modern market-welfare economy and was part of reforms and a consistent implementation of the country's economic recovery program.

Ownership transformation is to help secure a greater effectiveness of enterprises, greater interest in domestic and foreign capital investments, more links with foreign partners, a stepped-up founding of new enterprises and creation of new jobs, Marjanovic said.

"We can say today that, with a per capita social product of 1,600 dollars, stable prices and a stable rate of the dinar, we are absolutely ready for a comprehensive ownership transformation," he set out.

The Serbian Premier underscored that the bill affirmed in the fullest possible measure the principles of social justice, democracy and the rule of law.

[13] YELTSIN, SCALFARO AND GLIGOROV FELICITATE MILOSEVIC

Tanjug, 1997-07-21

Russian President Boris Yeltsin has felicitated Slobodan Milosevic on being elected President of Yugoslavia, wishing him success in his work.

In a telegram of felicitations, Yeltsin said he was confident that, as an experienced politician with immense authority, Milosevic would remain firmly committed to his constructive policy in the interest of stability in the Balkans and prosperity of friendly Yugoslavia as well as in the interest of restoring the country's position on the international scene. He said Russia would make an overall contribution to it. Yeltsin said he hoped that, in the coming period, Russia and Yugoslavia would exploit still further the potential of their cooperation which he said was based on an open political dialogue, strong traditional ties in many spheres and friendly relations between the two nations throughout history.

He said he used this opportunity to wish Milosevic and all peoples of Yugoslavia happiness, prosperity and peace. Italian President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro has sent a message felicitating Slobodan Milosevic on his election to the post of President of Yugoslavia.

"I wish to convey to you on behalf of the people of Italy and myself, congratulations and best wishes for the fruitful execution of your high post.

I am convinced there will always be new occasions to deepen and develop our relations and in the context of implementing the Dayton accords, which Italy continues to support strongly", the message said. Felicitations to Slobodan Milosevic have been sent by Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini too.

Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov sent a message of felicitations to Slobodan Milosevic on his election to the post of President of Yugoslavia.

Gligorov wished Milosevic success in his new post, and expressed satisfaction at the continued promotion of cooperation and friendly relations between Macedonia and Yugoslavia. Gligorov said he was convinced bilateral relations would progress and deepen, to the welfare of both states and peoples, in the interest of peace and prosperity in the region and Europe.

[14] YUGOSLAV AND PERUVIAN OFFICIALS MEET PARLIAMENT ADOPTS LAW ON OWNERSHIP TRANSFORMATION

Tanjug, 1997-07-21

Yugoslav Deputy Foreign Minister Radoslav Bulajic received Monday President of the Peruvian Congress Foreign Affairs Committee Marta Chavez. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Peru are ready and determined to intensify dialogue and all-round cooperation on the basis of the traditional friendship between the two peoples, it was noted during the meeting.

Yugoslav Parliament's Upper House Deputy Speaker Radmilo Bogdanovic received President of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Peruvian Congress Marta Caves Cosio Deo Campo.

The Yugoslav parliament said in a statement that Bogdanovic had informed the Peruvian official about the Yugoslav parliament's organisation, constitutional functions and activities and the realisation of the equality of the two republics. He also informed her about some aspects of Yugoslavia's internal affairs, especially about the economy during and after the lifting of the unjust sanctions against Yugoslavia. Caves stressed traditionally good bilateral relations and the visit's importance to further cooperation between Peru and Yugoslavia and promotion of friendship between the two countries' peoples. Speaking about economic relations, she stressed the importance of assistance in Peru's development through the engagement of Belgrade's Energoprojekt in the construction of some trade facilities in Peru. Peruvian parliamentary delegation held talks with other Yugoslav officials.

The Serbian Parliament passed Monday the law on ownership transformation with a view to boosting the Serbian economy's and companies' efficiency and competitiveness.

The law, adopted with 117 votes for and 10 against, provides for three models of transformation of companies - by selling shares, by acquiring additional capital and by converting their debt into shares.

The law entitles employees and all farmers that are Yugoslav citizens to acquire shares. It provides for two types of shares - shares as registered and those with a discount. All employees are entitled to the equivalent value in dinars of 400 German marks of shares for each year of their employment.

The value of shares with a discount cannot exceed 6,000 German marks and it will be possible to buy them with a 20 percent discount and a 1 percent additional discount for each year of employment or social security. The right to this type of shares cannot be transferred to other people.

The law stipulates that a company's capital for acquiring shares as registered cannot exceed 60 percent of the estimated value of that company's capital.

Fifty percent of funds acquired in this way will go to Serbia's development fund, while the republican labour market and old-age and disability pensions fund will get 25 percent of the funds each. The management of a company adopts a programme of that company's transformation.

The law goes into force on October 31, 1997.

[15] SERB NATIONAL COUNCIL IN CROATIA CONSTITUTED

Tanjug, 1997-07-20

Serbs in Croatia set up their National Council in Zagreb on Saturday, as their central advisory and coordinating body.

Milorad Nenadovic of the Baranya region was elected president of the Assembly, the Council's supreme body, and Milorad Dobrijevic of Knin and Tatjana Olujic-Music of Zagreb were elected vice presidents.

The Council's 27-member Presidency was also elected, and the councilmen elected Milorad Pupovac of Zagreb, deputy to the Croatian Parliament, to be its first president.

[16] SERB LEADER SEES DISCREPANCY BETWEEN WORDS AND DEEDS

Tanjug, 1997-07-20

Serb leader in the Region of East Slavonia, Baranya and West Srem Milos Vojnovic said in Vukovar on Sunday that he was encouraged by Croatian President Franjo Tudjman's statement that all Serbs had the right to return.

Vojnovic, President of the Region's Joint Council of Municipalities, was speaking after meeting with the U.S. ambassadors to the United Nations and Croatia, Bill Richardson and Peter Galbraith.

Vojnovic expressed concern, however, at a discrepancy between words and the situation on the ground.

He explained that Tudjman had said one thing during his recent visit to Vukovar, and quite another in the Island of Brioni on Saturday.

Vojnovic said that Sunday's meeting proved that the U.S. administration still had a clear and principled position on the Region and showed great interest in a consistent application of the 1995 Serb-Croatian Basic Agreement and the peace process.

[17] SERBIAN PARLIAMENT ENDORSES BILL ON ELECTORAL DISTRICTS

Tanjug, 1997-07-18

The Serbian Parliament endorsed on Friday a bill on electoral districts, raising the number of constituencies from nine to 29.

In favour of the bill were 128 deputies, one was against, one abstained, three did not vote.

The greater number of constituencies is not a revision of the election conditions, as the Serbian electorate had already been divided into 29 constituencies in the federal elections last year, said a government statement.

Proceeding the fact that Serbia has 7,141,164 voters who are to elect 250 deputies, the Government proposed that it is ideal statistically to divide the electorate in such as way that 28, 566 voters elect one member of the legislature. Departures from the criteria range from minus seven to plus four percent, which is less than in the case of the existing solutions.

[18] TUDJMAN PROMISES TO ALLOW SERB RETURN TO CROATIA

Tanjug, 1997-07-20

Croatian president Franjo Tudjman has agreed to allow all Serbs to return to Croatia and to influence Bosnian Croats to comply with the Dayton accord, including handing over war crimes suspects.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson said this after meeting Tudjman at his summer resort in the island of Brioni, the Associated Press reports Saturday.

Richardson's statement suggested Tudjman may bow to western diplomatic and economic pressures to accept the return of Serb refugees to Croatia and convince Bosnian Croats to keep to the Dayton accord, said the AP.

"Croatia will accept a return of all Croatian Serbs who wish to return and accept the right and responsibility and legal obligation of Croatian citizenship," the AP quotes Richardson as saying.

[19] CHINESE PRESIDENT JIANG ZEMIN CONGRATULATES MILOSEVIC

Tanjug, 1997-07-18

People's Republic of China President Jiang Zemin has extended cordial felicitations and best wishes to Slobodan Milosevic on his election for President of Yugoslavia.

The telegram said: "On your election for President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Your Excellency, I have the honour to extend to you cordial felicitations and best wishes.

Our two countries and peoples are bound by deep traditional friendship. I wish to invest efforts together with Your Excellency for the further promotion of friendly relations between China and Yugoslavia.

My best wishes for your country's prosperity and the happiness of its people."

[20] KRAJISNIK MEETS WITH HEAD OF E.U. MONITOR MISSION

Tanjug, 1997-07-18

Republika Srpska member of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidency Momcilo Krajisnik said Friday that the RS was concerned at rumours originating from European Union circles that aid would be conditioned on arrest of war criminals at the Brussels international conference on aid for Bosnia.

Krajisnik met with head of the E.U. monitor mission Dean Evers to discuss the political situation in Republika Srpska and the upcoming Brussels conference.

Krajisnik said afterwards that the meeting was useful and that he had insisted on an end to the discrimination against the Serb entity in the distribution of aid to Bosnia.

Krajisnik told journalists that Republika Srpska wanted its relations with the international community to improve following the arrests in Prijedor. He set out, however, that secret list of suspects were disturbing for the population, that they sowed fear and accounted for actions which were not in the spirit of peace.

[21] REPUBLIKA SRPSKA ACCEPTS INVITATION FOR BRUSSELS CONFERENCE 23-24.

Tanjug, 1997-07-18

The Republika Srpska Government has accepted the official invitation from the World Bank and the European Commission to participate in the Conference on Aid for Bosnia in Brussels July

The invitation is in more than one way a recognition to Republika Srpska for its cooperation with the international community, which is best proof that various rumours recently published about additional conditions for the Serb side's participation in the conference were incorrect and ill intentioned, a RS Government statement said.

The RS Government rightly expects that the unequal treatment of Republika Srpska by international financial institutions and country-donors will at last start being eliminated, the statement set out, and stressed that Republika Srpska had accounted for only about 2 percent of the aid for Bosnia-Herzegovina so far.

[22] YUGOSLAVIA'S ENTRY INTO WTO IS A POLITICAL ISSUE

Tanjug, 1997-07-19

Yugoslav Foreign Trade Minister Borislav Vukovic said on Saturday that Yugoslavia's admission into the World Trade Organization was a political issue.

This is a foreign-political, and not a foreign trade issue, connected with our reintegration into international financial institutions, Vukovic said. "Our country has fulfilled more than 90 percent of the conditions for entering WTO, and is prepared to make laws of solutions requested by the WTO," Vukovic said and added that talks were in progress with member states in the field of agricultural concessions and liberalization of invisibles.

"Yugoslavia's return to the WTO depends on our return to the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund, and our return to these bodies depends on international factors that do not favour us," he said.

[23] PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVES U.S. GENERAL

Tanjug, 1997-07-18

President Slobodan Milosevic received U.S. General Wesley Clark, the new NATO Commander, who arrived in Belgrade Friday afternoon accompanied by aides.

As part of an exchange of views on topical issues of the situation in the region, it was set out that the invested efforts, above all those for the implementation of the military provisions of the peace agreement for Bosnia- Herzegovina, had helped consolidate peace in the region and return life back to normal. Throughout the process of the hitherto implementation of the agreement, a positive and cooperative attitude was taken toward the multinational force for the stabilization of peace, whose presence has helped eliminate tensions and establish normal communications in the region.

It was set out in that context that the established confidence of citizens of Republika Srpska in the multinational force should not again be placed in question, which implies a strict fulfilment of the mandate entrusted to SFOR under the Dayton agreement.

President Milosevic stressed that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia would continue to strive for political stabilization in the region by providing the greatest possible incentive to the development of good-neighbourly relations and equality-based cooperation with countries in the neighbourhood. That is a foundation for the development of lasting regional stability and the resolution of outstanding issues in mutual relations by political means.

Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic, and U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Belgrade, Ambassador Richard Miles also participated in the talk.

[24] GREEK PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS CONGRATULATES MILOSEVIC

Tanjug, 1997-07-18

Greek President Constantinos Stephanopoulos has congratulated President Slobodan Milosevic on his election for President of Yugoslavia.

The telegram said: "On your election for President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, I would like to extend to Your excellency, on behalf of the Greek people and in my own name, cordial felicitations and sincere wishes for a successful performance of your high mission, and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly Yugoslav people.

I am convinced that, during your tenure, the existing traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between our two countries will continue to be strengthened and developed in the interest of our two peoples."

[25] PLAVSIC WELCOMES CONVENTION OF DONORS' CONFERENCE

Tanjug, 1997-07-19

President of the Republika Srpska Biljana Plavsic welcomed on Saturday an invitation to the Republika Srpska's representatives to attend the 3rd donors' conference, called for July 23-24 in Brussels.

"We were afraid that there might be a postponement of the donors' conference because of our political situation, but now I think that the international community has done wisely not to do so," Plavsic said.

She said that there is no reason for the Republika Srpska not to get economic aid this year, and added that only approved projects should be financed and their implementation supervised.

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