Yugoslav Daily Survey, 97-11-04

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Yugoslav Daily Survey

CONTENTS

[01] INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF RECTORS OPENS IN NIS

[02] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVED ROMANIAN PRIME MINISTER CIORBEA

[03] COMMISSIONER MORINA RECEIVED MCKINLEY

[04] COMMISSIONER MORINA RECEIVED FAUBERT

[05] UNITED NATIONS DEMAND A TRIAL FOR SUSPECT KILLERS OF A SERB

[06] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVED TURKISH PREMIER YILMAZ

[07] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC: BALKANS NEED STRENGTHENING OF ALL FORMS OF COOPERATION

[08] GOVERNMENT PROPOSES RATIFICATION OF AGREEMENTS

[09] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC MET WITH MACEDONIAN PRESIDENT GLIGOROV

[10] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVED ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER NANO

[11] MINISTER FILIPOVIC RECEIVED PRESIDENTS OF THE DJERDAP COMMISSION

[12] INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY DOES NOT SUPPORT SECESSION

[13] MEETING OF NUCLEAR ASSOCIATIONS OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE

[14] MINISTER IVANISEVIC RECEIVED FAUBERT

[15] YUGOSLAV DELEGATION TO ATTEND EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON SETTLEMENTS

[16] R.S. PREMIER SAYS R.S. GOVERNMENT HAS REGULAR CONTACTS WITH WESTENDORP

[17] MONTENEGRIN PREMIER DJUKANOVIC RECEIVED STATE MINISTER LLOYD

[18] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC AND PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS SEE THE BALKAN SUMMIT AS HELPING STABILITY AND PEACE

[19] AGREEMENT ON SOCIAL SECURITY

[20] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVED AMBASSADOR ROBERTS

[21] MONTENEGRIN PRESIDENT BULATOVIC RECEIVED STATE MINISTER LLOYD

[22] MINISTER MILUTINOVIC RECEIVED STATE MINISTER LLOYD

[23] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC EXPECTS THE BALKAN SUMMIT TO BE SUCCESSFUL

[24] SERBIAN PREMIER MARJANOVIC: SERBIA WANTS PEACE AND REGIONAL COOPERATION

[25] KRAJISNIK AND KLEIN FAIL TO REACH AGREEMENT ON SRPSKA TV

[26] LLOYD: WE WANT FR OF YUGOSLAVIA TO REJOIN EUROPEAN FAMILY

[27] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVED STATE MINISTER LLOYD

[28] PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVES BULGARIAN AMBASSADOR

[29] YUGOSLAVIA, SLOVAKIA SIGN PROTOCOL ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION

[30] PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVES KLEIN

[01] INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF RECTORS OPENS IN NIS

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

At the University in Nis an International Conference of Rectors of the new University Network AIMOS opened today. Attending the Conference are representatives of 17 Universities from nine European countries, members of the Network and five other institutions as observers.

In the capacity of permanent member of the Conference, attending also are representatives of Universities from Greece, Bulgaria, the Republic of Macedonia, Republika Srpska, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Turkey and Ukraine.

[02] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVED ROMANIAN PRIME MINISTER CIORBEA

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic received on Monday Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ciorbea, as part of a series of his bilateral contacts at the Crete Balkan Summit.

President Milosevic underlined that relations between Yugoslavia and Romania were very good and friendly. Emphasis was placed in the talk on the need to intensify economic cooperation between the two countries.

President Milosevic set out that there was no reason at all for Yugoslavia and Romania not to cooperate in all economic sectors, and that relations between them had no limitations, especially not at the economic level. A joint comparative advantage of the two countries is the Danube, as a river of cooperation, and great possibilities for cooperation exist in the petro- chemical industry, joint electrical power production, and the infrastructure, including communications.

President Milosevic set out that the two governments should be supported in launching concrete cooperation programs and projects.

Romanian Prime Minister Ciorbea stressed the historical ties between the two peoples and countries, and agreed with President Milosevic that the bilateral economic relations were open to all-round cooperation.

Ciorbea said that, in view of the two sides' potentials, their economic cooperation could be far greater, and underlined the readiness of the two countries to cooperate in all sectors of economy.

The position of ethnic Serbs in Romania and ethnic Romanians in Yugoslavia was also discussed. President Milosevic stressed that members of all peoples and minorities in Yugoslavia had equal rights.

An initiative for the Prime Ministers of the two countries to exchange visits soon was upheld in the meeting between Yugoslav President Milosevic and Romanian Prime Minister Ciorbea.

[03] COMMISSIONER MORINA RECEIVED MCKINLEY

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

Serbian Refugee Commissioner Bratislava Morina on Monday received the coordinator for humanitarian issues for Bosnia-Herzegovina with the United States Government Brunson McKinley and informed him about projects for a lasting solution to the problem of refugees, a Serbian Government statement said. The organized return of refugees who wish to go back to their native towns is the Government's priority, said Morina. Under the Dayton Accords, the international community is obliged to help the permanent settling of the problem of refugees, she said.

The project for the return of 60,000 refugees from the FR of Yugoslavia to Republika Srpska has been waiting for international help and support for much too long without any reason, she said.

Morina spoke about the grave humanitarian situation of refugees in Yugoslavia, saying it could further deteriorate, because a considerable reduction of international aid for next year had already been announced. McKinley voiced full support for the Serbian Commissariat's project. He said the Commission for registering property of refugees from Bosnia- Herzegovina would soon be opened in Serbia.

[04] COMMISSIONER MORINA RECEIVED FAUBERT

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

Serbian Commissioner for Refugees Bratislava Morina received the special envoy of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Carrol Faubert with whom she talked about the position of refugees in the FRY and possibilities for finding better solutions for refugees, the Serbian Ministry of Information said.

The greatest attention was devoted to the return of refugees, and especially to the project of voluntary return of 60,000 refugees from the FRY to Republika Srpska. Morina, who asked for support for the project, said that this first massive return of refugees would be economically and politically more acceptable for all sides as the refugees in question come from RS, have family members there, and many of them own houses and apartments where they can return.

The project, worked out in accord with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Commissioner for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia and the RS leadership, would be, it was jointly assessed, the beginning of the realisation of an important commitment of all the signatories to the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Faubert lent full support of the UNHCR and affirmed readiness to coordinate all the activities which will help refugees practically. He said that he would meet next week with all the relevant factors in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that the UNHCR will organize, during this month, in the FRY a regional meeting of all interested parties to determine procedure for a speedier and more organized return of all refugees to their homes.

[05] UNITED NATIONS DEMAND A TRIAL FOR SUSPECT KILLERS OF A SERB

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

The United Nations expressed on Monday deep concern over the failure of the authorities in the Muslim-Croat Federation to try suspects accused of killing an 80-year-old Serb in March this year, said Reuters. "The United Nations are increasingly uneasy with the lack of progress and the tardiness of local authorities in ensuring that justice is done in the savage murder case of Mr Slavko Subotic," Reuters quoted the UN Mission Spokesman Liam McDowall as saying.

Subotic was clubbed to death by a mob of mostly Muslim female refugees who dragged him out of a car and beat him with sticks and stones, said McDowall. Subotic and his wife were attacked when they tried to visit an Orthodox graveyard in a village near the town of Visoko. They were driven to the village by a Muslim friend who pleaded with the mob not to assault the couple, said Reuters.

Only two of the 15 suspects in the case showed up for a court hearing in Visoko last month, said McDowall. He said the Chief Judge of the court refused to cooperate with UN Police monitors who asked for copies of statements made by the two suspects.

"This is a ghastly murder that seriously tarnishes the reputation of Bosnia- Herzegovina and the Muslim-Croat Federation, in particular as a place where people can live without fear of being beaten to death because they are from a different ethnic group," McDowall said.

[06] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVED TURKISH PREMIER YILMAZ

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

President of the FR of Yugoslavia Slobodan Milosevic received on Monday evening Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz as part of his bilateral contacts with the other participants of the Balkan Summit in Crete.

Milosevic and Yilmaz expressed readiness to fully normalize bilateral relations and to restore economic cooperation to the level prior to the crisis in the former Yugoslavia.

Referring to the prospects of the two countries' economies, Yilmaz recalled joint investments made by the two countries in the past, and pointed to the prospects of resuming such cooperation.

President Milosevic endorsed the initiative presented at the Summit to reinforce regional economic cooperation by opening a Balkan Center for Trade Promotion in Istanbul, which would also help strengthen economic relations between Yugoslavia and Turkey.

President Milosevic pointed to the importance of Turkey as Yugoslavia's partner in the future, and noted that Yugoslavia was ready to make available to the future Balkan Center its achievements in engineering, trade, consulting, construction, communications and other fields.

There are no obstacles hindering the successful development of relations between Yugoslavia and Turkey in all fields, President Milosevic said and added that an initiative had been undertaken to this effect concerning concrete cooperation projects. An exchange of high-level visits has also been agreed during the meeting.

[07] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC: BALKANS NEED STRENGTHENING OF ALL FORMS OF COOPERATION

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic has addressed the first plenary session of the two-day Summit of Countries of Southeast Europe which opened in Agia Pelagia on the Greek island of Crete on Monday morning.

The integral version of President Milosevic's speech is as follows:

"This Summit in Crete should mark a confirmation of the joint orientation towards realizing cooperation between the peoples and states of southeast Europe, and it should be an important step in the direction of the promotion of their bilateral relations.

The Balkans and the Balkan peoples need the strengthening of all forms of cooperation and European institutions should also contribute to this. They should not view our region as the permanent focus of crises which burdens international relations, but rather as an integral part of Europe with significant potentials for building a joint European future.

For the prosperity and stability of our countries and of Europe, of great importance is that the marginalization of certain regions or areas is not allowed. The Europe which was divided into blocs should not be followed by a Europe of new divisions and of discrimination. This is why it is necessary for the determined reducing of the existing economic differences which characterize the European continent, especially the economic rift between its north and south. I believe that the countries of our region should not wait individually in the hall of the European integration processes, but should give their own contribution to this by more successful regional linking. The countries of this region cannot successfully integrate into the European trends if they are mutually disintegrated.

I see the development of regional cooperation also in the preservation and protection of peace, the use of economic and other resources and the overcoming of the causes of divisions and confrontations.

The majority of the countries of our region are going through profound changes whose basic moving force is the more complete social, economic, cultural, democratic and technological prosperity, i.e. a better life of a higher quality. However, all are linked by the joint interest to secure, through deeper ties and cooperation and the better use of joint potentials, an active and equal place within the modern European trends and aspirations. In this increasing of mutual interests and joint ties rests our joint obligation and responsibility to strengthen relations of lasting peace, stability and mutual understanding through strengthening all forms of regional and bilateral cooperation.

The prospects of this part of Europe are in the faster regional linking, which represents an unavoidable part of the process of its inclusion into the overall European integration processes. Autarky is dangerous both from the standpoint of social and economic development, but also from the standpoint of peace and stability, as the joint goals of all of us. This is why we believe that a balanced and comprehensive development of bilateral and regional cooperation, without any barriers, enables the dynamic development of the region as a whole and of all countries individually.

The prospects for regional cooperation are currently very favourable. With this in mind, I believe that the awareness about the need and usefulness of this cooperation is dominant in these countries of the region. On the other hand, the war in the region has been halted and the basis has been created for the current and future peace which are a condition both for regional and for European stability and cooperation. The FR of Yugoslavia, which has made the decisive contribution in this sphere, is active in the preservation and strengthening of the peace process. I believe, however, that all together we must decisively insist on the consistent implementation of the Peace Agreement and prevent all attempts to change it or interpret it one*sidedly. Conditions are ripe for all signatories of the Peace Agreement, especially the sides in Bosnia-Herzegovina, to take over their share of the responsibilities. This is the major condition for the peace and security of our region. The international community should not act in their place, nor should it arbitrate between them on every issue, rather it should create conditions for the democratically elected representatives of the people and the entities in Bosnia- Herzegovina to fully realize the role given them by the Peace Agreement. In this, of special importance is that the international community, by treating both entities equally, secures their balanced economic development.

Our region, although is was the cradle of the European civilization, today lags behind the other parts of Europe. I believe, however, that conditions have been created for the faster lifting of barriers which divide us, especially in the sphere of economic cooperation. With the aim of the faster realization of this goal, we should direct our efforts towards:

1. the strengthening and promotion of political cooperation, with the establishment of the practice of regular contacts and political dialogue at all levels and questions of joint interest. In this respect, specially important are summit meetings and I urge that in the future they are regularly held;

2. the establishing of the free flow of goods, capital and services through the lifting of administrative, customs and other barriers, with plans for their total removal in the future. We specially urge the setting up of free trade zones in our region which is, we believe, the essential interest of all Balkan countries;

3. the promotion of cooperation in the sphere of transport, telecommunications, agreement on joint projects from these fields as well as the power industry, ecology, etc.;

Our joint responsibility is to make use, through joint efforts and in the best way, of the comparative advantages and geostrategic position of the region, as well as its natural, communication, economic and human potentials.

The FR of Yugoslavia will do its very best to contribute to the realization of these aims."

[08] GOVERNMENT PROPOSES RATIFICATION OF AGREEMENTS

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

The Yugoslav Government submitted to Parliament on Monday Bills on the ratification of an Agreement on the abolishment of visas signed with Macedonia and a Consular Convention signed by the two.

Under the Agreement on the abolishment of visas, signed in July this year, visas will not be required for stays of up to 60 days. Yugoslavia has signed the agreement bearing in mind the numerous family and friendly ties between citizens of the two countries, the interests of the border-region population and the large number of citizens of both countries who have remained to live and work in the other after the break up of the former Yugoslav federation, the Government explained.

It said the signing of the agreement "marked a further step in the implementation of the Federal Government policy on the liberalization of the visa regime" and "an important step in the implementation of the FRY policy in the normalization and promotion of relations" with the Republic of Macedonia.

The Consular Convention signed by Yugoslavia and Macedonia in July this year creates International Law prerequisites for normal consular relations between the two countries and establishes "full cooperation between the consular services" of the two Foreign Ministries, according to the Yugoslav Government.

The convention secures the performance of all consular functions by the diplomatic-consular missions and the providing of consular assistance, services and protection of the interests of Yugoslav citizens and juristic persons in the Republic of Macedonia.

The Yugoslav Government also submitted to Parliament a Bill on the ratification of a Yugoslav-Swiss Agreement on the return and taking over of Yugoslav and Swiss citizens who must leave the territory of the other country, together with a Protocol for the implementation of the agreement.

The agreement and protocol, signed in July this year, have created a legal foundation for the liberalization of the visa regime and for other forms of cooperation in the internal affairs domain, the Yugoslav Government stressed. The agreement includes a clause under which the provisions of the agreement apply also to relations between Yugoslavia and Liechtenstein.

The agreement specifies that persons who have to return and be taken over are citizens of one country found illegally to be staying in the other, and persons who have unlawfully remained in the other country after the expiry of their visas. Another category are persons who have been denied asylum by the other country or proceedings on the basis of whose application for asylum have been discontinued.

[09] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC MET WITH MACEDONIAN PRESIDENT GLIGOROV

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic met Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov on Monday evening, continuing his bilateral contacts at the Crete Balkan Summit.

During an almost one-hour-long talk, Milosevic and Gligorov agreed that the development of Yugoslav-Macedonian relations was evidently successful.

Gligorov said that, over the past year, the two countries had signed ten agreements on economic cooperation and several political agreements. He added that the two sides also had a number of ministerial meetings. He said that the Yugoslav-Macedonian trade was constantly on the rise and that Yugoslavia currently topped Macedonia's list of foreign trade partners.

Milosevic described as positive the successful development of Yugoslav- Macedonian relations and voiced Yugoslavia's readiness to settle all issues through a bilateral agreement. Macedonia's recognizing the continuity of Yugoslavia proved to be one of the moves that had greatly contributed to the development of the successful bilateral cooperation.

Gligorov said the economic cooperation with Greece had improved and added that the latter now ranked third on Macedonia's list of economic partners. He said that Greece had recently issued the millionth visa to Macedonian tourists, adding he was satisfied that Macedonians could now travel to Greece more easily.

Referring to the good climate in the Yugoslav-Macedonian relations, Gligorov especially welcomed Yugoslavia's move to enable a Macedonian delegation to visit the Prohor Pcinjski Monastery and lay wreaths at the memorial. He said he was also satisfied that the two countries' education ministers had discussed education of Serb children in Macedonia and vice versa.

Both Milosevic and Gligorov voiced readiness for a further upgrading of the bilateral cooperation.

[10] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVED ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER NANO

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic said on Monday, after talks with Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, that the two countries agreed to begin normalizing relations. Milosevic told reporters that "we decided to begin the process of normalizing relations between Yugoslavia and Albania. I consider this a very important step for a beginning."

Replying to a comment that the meeting lasted nearly two hours, Milosevic said "After fifty years of frozen relations between Yugoslavia and Albania, we had the first opportunity for talks. I think the talks were interesting, and, I hope, beneficial to both of us."

Asked about the problem of Serbia's Province Kosovo, Milosevic replied that the "problem of Kosovo and Metohija is an internal affair of Yugoslavia and Serbia, in particular, so that problems that exist will be settled in accordance with our policy, which confirms national equality."

"One of the topics was the position of ethnic minorities, the national minority of Albanians in Yugoslavia and the national minorities of Serbs and Montenegrins in Albania," Milosevic added.

"We would want to take into account all these things and I think we will facilitate the entire process of overall normalization of relations. I think, gentlemen, that this is sufficient for a beginning and I hope that next time we will be able to tell you more," Milosevic concluded.

Nano said the meeting was the "first, very important step for beginning a dialogue and for making decisions on cooperation which will be institutionalized with accords so as to unblock and start cooperation between the two countries."

Nano said Milosevic stressed the European commitment of Yugoslavia and that Albania considered bilateral relations "one of the segments of dialogue of cooperation and complementarity in the region."

"This means inter-ethnic as well as inter-state relations, which should follow the logic of peaceful cooperative European standards, guaranteeing the rights of man and fundamental freedoms in every Balkan state," said Nano.

He said the time was passed to keep "returning to history and to borders as barriers or fortifications where people are shot at without warning. Let us with joint effort make the borders less relevant not only between the Balkan states, but between nations as well."

"This means creating opportunities so that our countries, and our societies and our national communities on one or the other side open up to each other and toward Europe," said Nano.

He said Europe was developing so rapidly so that no one could conceive the final structure or institutionalized form of a united Europe. "We believe there are some values, some civilization that helps us make our contribution to the new Europe, that should include all Balkan states, every Balkan nation," he said. The meeting between the two statesman drew great attention. Its outcome was awaited with much interest among an army of 700 reporters following the Summit.

[11] MINISTER FILIPOVIC RECEIVED PRESIDENTS OF THE DJERDAP COMMISSION

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

Yugoslav Minister of Economy Rade Filipovic received in Belgrade on Monday presidents of the Yugoslav-Romanian Mixed Commission, Aurelio Lecu and Dragan Kostic, and their associates on the occasion of the 56th session of the Commission. The talks were attended also by Romanian Ambassador to Yugoslavia Panait Lefter, a Federal Government statement said.

During the cordial talks, possibilities were exchanged for economic cooperation between Yugoslavia and Romania, especially in the power industry. Within that framework, special emphasis was given to the imminent signing of documents between the Governments of the two countries - a Convention on exploitation and maintenance of the hydro-power and navigation systems Djerdap I and Djerdap II, and an Agreement on increasing the installed power in the Djerdap I system.

This will create institutional preconditions for even richer cooperation in this area, said the statement.

[12] INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY DOES NOT SUPPORT SECESSION

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

The international community does not support secession in the territory of the Republic of Serbia and FR Yugoslavia, including in Kosovo and Metohija, it was stressed in Pristina at the talks between Deputy Chief of the Kosovo District Veljko Odalovic and Provincial Information Secretary Bosko Drobnjak with the French Ambassador to Belgrade Stanislas Filliol.

It is in the joint interest that a political solution be found by peaceful means, which implies that the political leaders of ethnic Albanians renounce their option for an independent Kosovo. A solution for the situation in Kosovo and Metohija should be sought by finding separate solutions for some issues, for what greater cooperation from the Albanian national minority was necessary, or from their legitimate representatives, and which is now missing, the statement from the talks said.

It was said at the talks that the agreement on education should be given concrete form through the work of the Group 3+3, which would help the return of school children of the Albanian national minority into the legal education system, and that it was also a humanitarian issue.

It was stressed that solutions to problems should be sought at the same table and, in that context, both sides were called to demonstrate restraint so as to limit the range of activity of radical elements.

Terrorism was denounced once again, as a growing threat to the peaceful solution of the problem. It was reiterated that a full and clear condemnation of terrorism by ethnic Albanian political leaders was still missing, the statement said.

The French Ambassador was also received by the Mayor of Pristina Dusan Simic, who informed the guest about the development of the city and its cultural, educational and economic potentials, and also about the problems of the utilities services. Simic said that members of the Albanian national minority were still not fulfilling their obligations towards the state from which they are getting everything.

Filliol, who was informed by Simic that Pristina is taking care of around 4, 000 refugees from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, promised that he would do his best with the French authorities for greater equality in the distribution of future humanitarian aid and that it arrives in a greater measure to refugees and expellees in the territory of the FRY.

[13] MEETING OF NUCLEAR ASSOCIATIONS OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE

Tanjug, 1997-10-03

A three-day meeting of the presidents of nuclear associations of southeast Europe opened at the Institute for Nuclear Sciences "Vinca" in Belgrade on Monday. The meeting, organized by Vinca and the Yugoslav Nuclear Association, will focus on cooperation in the sphere of nuclear research and technologies between the countries of this region.

Serbian Minister for Science and Technology, Academician Dusan Kanazir, said in the opening address that the decision for holding a meeting of the presidents of the nuclear associations of neighbouring countries in Belgrade, can be important for the history of the region.

"We expect your decisions to lead to comprehensive cooperation and ties in the sphere of nuclear sciences and technology, to the unselfish exchange of knowledge and technologies and especially in the training of the young cadre," Kanazir said.

[14] MINISTER IVANISEVIC RECEIVED FAUBERT

Tanjug, 1997-11-03

Yugoslav Minister for Work, Health Care and Social Policy Miroslav Ivanisevic talked with UNHCR special envoy for the former Yugoslavia Carrol Faubert about the organized return of refugees to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, the Yugoslav Ministry of Information said.

It was jointly assessed that repatriation, as a priority of the FRY, the international community and the refugees, was not under way for what Yugoslavia is the least to blame.

The Federal Government, Ivanisevic said, insists on repatriation, but conditions have not been fulfilled yet for the return of refugees, primarily because of numerous legal and other limitations in Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is not possible to make a realistic estimate of the number of persons for repatriation, or at what pace it would be realized, which is an important pre-condition for working out precise programs for the integration of others into the FRY.

It was mutually assessed that the problem should be solved on a lasting basis, which is in the interest of refugees, the FRY and the international community, all the more as only 2,000 refugees have returned to Croatia so far.

The talks also dealt with preparations for the meeting of the Working Group for humanitarian issues in Geneva in December this year, the statement said.

[15] YUGOSLAV DELEGATION TO ATTEND EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON SETTLEMENTS

Tanjug, 1997-11-02

A delegation of the Yugoslav Parliament, headed by Serbian Construction Minister Branislav Ivkovic, left for Bonn on Sunday to attend the first Regional Conference of European Parliaments on Human Settlements.

The three-day Conference, which is to deal with national parliaments' role in the implementation of conclusions of the 2nd U.N. Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), held in Istanbul, Turkey, in June 1996, begins on Monday.

The Yugoslav delegation's participation in the Bonn Conference reflects the continuation of successful cooperation with UNCHS over the past three years.

The delegation, invited to the Conference by the German Parliament, is scheduled to meet with German Parliament Speaker Rita Suessmuth and Parliament officials from other European countries.

[16] R.S. PREMIER SAYS R.S. GOVERNMENT HAS REGULAR CONTACTS WITH WESTENDORP

Tanjug, 1997-11-02

Republika Srpska Prime Minister Gojko Klickovic said in Petrovo, Mt Ozren, on Sunday that the R.S. Government had regular contacts with High Representative for Bosnia Carlos Westendorp. He said this was vital for the full implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords.

Commenting on Westendorp's letter to the R.S. Government in reference to crime in the Republika Srpska, Klickovic said the Government had reviewed the letter and would take adequate measures, especially in the case of the Ministry of Finance.

He said the R.S. leaders understood why the international community wanted to know all about the matter, saying they had nothing against it. He said the international community could see for itself that there was nothing to steal because it had not given anything to the Republika Srpska.

[17] MONTENEGRIN PREMIER DJUKANOVIC RECEIVED STATE MINISTER LLOYD

Tanjug, 1997-10-31

State Minister at the British Foreign Office Tony Lloyd met Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic on Friday evening and discussed with him the current political situation in the Republic.

Lloyd and Djukanovic made brief statements to the press after the meeting.

Lloyd said that the most important thing now was to reduce to minimum current political tensions in Montenegro.

[18] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC AND PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS SEE THE BALKAN SUMMIT AS HELPING STABILITY AND PEACE

Tanjug, 1997-11-02

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic and Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis gave positive marks late on Sunday to the development of bilateral relations and hoped for success of the Balkan summit.

They said they hoped that the two-day summit would be a step in the direction of strengthening peace, cooperation and stability in the Balkan region.

After the one-hour meeting, which was attended also by the Yugoslav and Greek Foreign Ministers, Milan Milutinovic and Theodoros Pangalos, respectively, Milosevic and Simitis addressed the press.

Milosevic expressed satisfaction with the meeting and talks with Simitis, saying they had discussed bilateral relations and matters that would be on the Summit agenda.

"As for our bilateral relations, I believe that our traditional friendship is well known - traditional friendship between our states and between our nations," Milosevic stressed.

He went on to say that "we are endeavouring to build and intensify all our relations on this very solid basis, primarily our economic relations which are in the ascendant.

We had an opportunity tonight to mention specifically many areas in which our economic cooperation is already developing with success and to note together that this cooperation should be further stimulated.

It should be stimulated in the area of metallurgy, in the area of production, in agriculture, in the food industry, in the area of infrastructure, which is extremely important for two countries occupying a central position in the Balkan region.

It is well known that we already have some joint projects in these areas, which are already being implemented, for instance in the area of telecommunications.

There is also a huge contract signed some months ago between Greek partners and the (Yugoslav) Trepca (mining and industrial) complex, and many others are being negotiated.

So, in many areas - communications, infrastructure, agriculture, the food industry, metallurgy, tourism and others - we expect our bilateral cooperation to develop further, in the best interests of the economies of both nations.

As for the question of transport, in which we are interested, we touched on the matter of using the Salonika port, in which our economy is also very much interested.

This, in short, is what we talked about where our bilateral relations are concerned, especially as concerns our extremely good political relations and the friendly relations existing between Yugoslavia and Greece," Milosevic stressed.

He spoke particularly about the importance of the Summit of Balkan nations that opens on Monday:

"As for the conference which opens tomorrow, we are in full agreement about the importance of intensifying cooperation among the countries of the region.

The process of integration that characterises the entire modern world, and especially the continent of Europe, should certainly be promoted in this region, too.

Tomorrow, we shall try to start a practice and institutionalise, so to speak, cooperation among the countries of the region, in the interests of all nations that make up this region.

I hope therefore that the conference will be successful and I take this opportunity to thank especially Prime Minister Simitis for his warm hospitality.

A great step is being taken. Its importance may not lie in its size, but it will certainly lie in the direction in which it is taken, which is the direction of better understanding and cooperation among the countries of the region, of stability and peace in the region. This is doubtless our common aim," President Milosevic said, after meeting with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis in Crete late on Sunday.

Prime Minister Simitis, for his part, stressed that his talks with President Milosevic had been very useful. He said that the talks had touched on ways and means of developing bilateral relations, as well as relations among all Balkan states.

According to Simitis, the two sides noted that relations between the FR of Yugoslavia and Greece were developing well, both economic and political. He added that the two countries were cooperating in agriculture, telecommunications, banking and tourism, and that all these sectors were developing well and were in the ascendant, adding that intensive cooperation should continue.

He further stressed that cooperation between Yugoslavia and Greece should serve as a model for all countries in the region, and that it would be a good thing to lay down certain firm rules for their cooperation.

He said that efforts were being made, and would be made at the Summit, to define methods and standards for stabilising and enhancing peace and security in the region. He added that the two sides had agreed about a need to promote peace, stability and security in the region.

Simitis said he was happy that President Milosevic was in Crete and looked forward to his great contribution to the conference.

[19] AGREEMENT ON SOCIAL SECURITY

Tanjug, 1997-11-02

Yugoslav Assistant Minister of Labour, Health and Social Security Maksim Korac has stated that the Agreement on social security between Yugoslavia and Croatia is expected to go into effect by the end of the year.

The agreement was signed in Belgrade on September 15 and is yet to be ratified by the two countries' Parliaments.

Korac told Tanjug that the Yugoslav Government had already drafted a Law on the ratification of the agreement. He said the agreement was to be ratified at the next Yugoslav Parliament session, saying Yugoslavia expected Croatia to do the same by that time.

According to figures released by the Yugoslav Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Security, Croatia will have to pay pensions to about 7,000 persons living in Yugoslavia at this point.

"In addition to this, there are about 25,000 refugees and displaced persons sheltering in Yugoslavia that are yet to be granted these rights. Yugoslav funds are to pay pensions to about 4,000 persons in Croatia," Korac said.

[20] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVED AMBASSADOR ROBERTS

Tanjug, 1997-10-31

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic received on Friday British Ambassador Ivor Roberts who has completed his tour of duty in this country. Milosevic wished Roberts success in his new duties.

[21] MONTENEGRIN PRESIDENT BULATOVIC RECEIVED STATE MINISTER LLOYD

Tanjug, 1997-10-31

Montenegrin President Momir Bulatovic received in Podgorica on Friday State Minister at the British Foreign Office Tony Lloyd, who visited this Republic within a tour of Yugoslavia and the region with his associates. The talks focused on the current political situation in Montenegro, said a statement released by Bulatovic's Office.

Bulatovic said the essence of the crisis in Montenegro was in the non- realization of the constitutional and legal role of part of the state organs, which was especially evident at the Presidential elections.

The non-realization of the principles of constitutionality and legality has been the key problem in Montenegro for a long time, and therefore the normalization of the situation in that area is a priority political and state task and the interest of this Republic, Bulatovic said.

Bulatovic also pointed out that a disbalance had occurred objectively in Montenegro between the expressed will of the electorate and the constellation of the ratio of political forces, which came about through the subsequent association and coalition of part of the ruling party and opposition parliamentary parties.

That is why the organizing of early parliamentary elections is the only democratic way for the true stabilization of the political and overall situation in Montenegro, he said. It is also necessary to annul the results of the presidential run*off, which he said was irregular, and to call new presidential elections simultaneously with the early Parliamentary elections.

Thus, with the full participation and cooperation of the authorized international institutions, the actual political will of citizens will be verified and the reasons for the deep crisis and instability - which have seriously been shaking Montenegro for a long time - removed, Bulatovic said.

Lloyd conveyed the wish and urging of Great Britain that the existing problems in Montenegro be settled as soon as possible, using exclusively democratic methods and means. He suggested that the existing tensions are eased and that lasting democratic solutions are sought, said the statement on today's talks.

[22] MINISTER MILUTINOVIC RECEIVED STATE MINISTER LLOYD

Tanjug, 1997-10-31

Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic received on Friday British State Minister at the Foreign Office, Tony Lloyd.

The two ministers exchanged views on the developments in the region and confirmed joint interest for the further comprehensive promotion of Yugoslav-British relations.

[23] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC EXPECTS THE BALKAN SUMMIT TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Tanjug, 1997-11-02

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic said on arrival in the Greek island of Crete late on Sunday that he expected the meeting of Balkans leaders that opens on Monday to be a success.

Milosevic told a large crowd of reporters gathered outside the Capsis Hotel in Agia Pelagia, Crete, that he was very happy to be in Crete, and that he expected relations among the countries in the region to evolve in a positive direction.

He added that he therefore hoped that the summit would be a success.

Milosevic arrived in Crete late on Sunday afternoon and was cordially welcomed at Iraklion Airport by Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

The President of the FR of Yugoslavia arrived in Crete accompanied by Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic.

[24] SERBIAN PREMIER MARJANOVIC: SERBIA WANTS PEACE AND REGIONAL COOPERATION

Tanjug, 1997-11-01

Serbia's Premier attended in Belgrade on Saturday a graduation ceremony at which the first generation of 77 Serbian Police Academy cadets were made second lieutenants of police.

"It is an incontrovertible fact that we see no country and no nation as our enemy a priori, without just cause, nor do we accuse anybody of aggression without a reason. Peace, stable development, neighbourliness and all-round cooperation in the region are our country's strategic commitments", said Marjanovic.

"Our hopes for a safer and better future will become a reality in the measure in which peace reigns in the Balkans, and in which its nations are linked with economic and cultural ties."

"It is therefore one of the chief objectives of our policy to normalise relations with our neighbours, as the best guarantee of our peace and progress and the best contribution to regional and European integration," he said.

He went on to say that, owing to its consistently peaceful policy in securing and maintaining peace in the lands of former Yugoslavia, the country had restored and intensified relations with a large number of countries and had been reintegrated in many world bodies.

"We have proved to a large number of countries that we are a reliable business partner, able to employ its considerable potential and to apply modern international political and economic standards," he added.

"We value very highly the efforts and determination of the international community to use its influence to support the peace accords that have been signed, but our attitude to our own development and political space depends on us alone."

"Our country has accepted accords on sub-regional arms control, showing readiness to confirm its policy of neighbourliness and cooperation and help reduce tension and distrust among nations and states in the Balkans," he said.

[25] KRAJISNIK AND KLEIN FAIL TO REACH AGREEMENT ON SRPSKA TV

Tanjug, 1997-10-31

The Republika Srpska member of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidency Momcilo Krajisnik and Deputy High Representative of the international community for Bosnia Jacques Klein failed on Friday evening in Sarajevo to reach agreement on the connecting of the Pale studio with the Srpska Radio - Television network.

Krajisnik said after meeting Klein that they had discussed the possibilities of resuming broadcasts from Pale. They finally resolved to discuss a proposal made by the High Representative to find an acceptable solution, Krajisnik said without explaining whether he was referring to an earlier proposal or a new one made by Carlos Westendorp.

[26] LLOYD: WE WANT FR OF YUGOSLAVIA TO REJOIN EUROPEAN FAMILY

Tanjug, 1997-10-31

State Minister at the British Foreign Office, Tony Lloyd, told a press conference on Friday that Great Britain and the European Union want the FR of Yugoslavia to become an equal member of the European family as soon as possible.

"We want its economy to flourish and the Serb people to rediscover prosperity," Lloyd told the press following talks with Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic and Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic.

Lloyd set out that he had had a sincere exchange of views with Milosevic, Milutinovic, party leaders and the representatives of minorities.

According to him, the talks with Milosevic focused on adherence to the Dayton Agreement, the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, the freedom of the media and cooperation with the Hague Tribunal.

Speaking about the situation in Republika Srpska (RS), Lloyd said he had called on Milosevic to aid the unimpeded conducting of parliamentary elections, to be held on November 22-23, to enable a free choice for the people of RS.

"We expect the full respect of the Dayton Agreement irrespective of who is in power in RS," said Lloyd who met with RS leaders before arriving in Belgrade.

"We do not blame the Serb people for what happened in Bosnia more than we blame the Muslims and Croats," Lloyd said.

He set out that the United Kingdom and Serbia had traditional ties throughout history, but that the Government in London tried to take a balanced approach to this region demanding from Serbia the same as from its neighbours.

[27] YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVED STATE MINISTER LLOYD

Tanjug, 1997-10-31

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic received on Friday the State Minister at the British Foreign Office, Tony Lloyd, who arrived for a visit to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The talks focused on current questions important for peace and stability in the Balkan region, as well as other issues of joint interest.

Mutual interest was also expressed for the successful development of bilateral relations and cooperation between FRY and Great Britain on the basis of equality and mutual understanding. FRY is resolutely oriented towards the extension of cooperation with European countries, especially in the economic sphere, and expects Britain's support in lifting the obstacles and conditions made to this country.

The talks were also attended by Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic and British Ambassador to FRY Ivor Roberts.

[28] PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVES BULGARIAN AMBASSADOR

Tanjug, 1997-10-30

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic received Thursday the newly appointed Bulgarian Ambassador in Belgrade Ivayl Trifonov, who presented his credentials. Ambassador Trifonov transmitted to President Milosevic greetings from Bulgarian President Peter Stoyanov. He expressed readiness to contribute to the development of intensive ties and cooperation between the two countries, whose relations are founded on equality, good- neighbourhood and mutual confidence. President Milosevic underscored Yugoslavia's wish further to develop successful bilateral relations with neighbouring Bulgaria, and wished the Bulgarian Ambassador success in the performance of his duties. After the ceremony of the presentation of credentials, President Milosevic had a brief talk with Ambassador Trifonov. Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic also attended.

[29] YUGOSLAVIA, SLOVAKIA SIGN PROTOCOL ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Tanjug, 1997-10-30

A protocol was signed on Thursday between Yugoslavia and Slovakia after a two day second session of the mixed commission on trade and economic cooperation, the Yugoslav Information Secretariat said in a statement. The protocol was signed by Yugoslav Foreign Trade Minister Borislav Vukovic, who headed the Yugoslav delegation, and Slovak Minister of Economy Karol Cesnek, who lead the Slovak delegation. The protocol includes measures and activities towards a speedier upgrading of cooperation in the area of trade and economic relations. After signing the protocol, Vukovic and Cesnek expressed optimism and wishes for the Yugoslav-Slovak trade to reach the previous level as soon as possible.

[30] PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC RECEIVES KLEIN

Tanjug, 1997-10-30

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic on Thursday received Deputy High Representative of the international community for Bosnia-Herzegovina Jacques Klein and his associates. At the meeting, the sides exchanged views and information regarding the implementation of the Dayton peace accords. The talks focused on activities in Republika Srpska aimed at overcoming the political crisis. Both sides expressed expectations that the process of political consolidation of the situation and relations in these lands would continue successfully, which requires the joining of efforts by all factors engaged in the peace process, as well as their responsibility and cooperation in carrying out the obligations undertaken from the peace accords. Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic also took part in the talks.

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