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Serbia Today, 97-04-14
Serbia Today
CONTENTS
[01] DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS FOR A PEACEFUL AND EQUITABLE LIFE
[02] THE DEFINITE DIVISION OF THE MC FEDERATION HAS STARTED
[03] KRAJISNIK MET WITH THE POPE
[04] RESURRECTION OF FASCISM IN CROATIA
[05] SHORTCOMINGS IN MANY POLING STATIONS
[06] NUMEROUS IRREGULARITIES IN THE SLAVONIJA-BARANJA ELECTIONS
[07] NIKOLA TESLA'S CHOSEN WORKS HAVE BEEN PRESENTED
[08] THE US DOES NOT SUPPORT THE SECESSION OF KOSOVO FROM FRY
[09] AGRICULTURE MUST BECOME A EXPORTING SECTOR
[10] THE JUBILEE COINCIDING WITH THE REFORMS YEAR
[11] COMMUNIQU OF THE SERBIAN GOVERNMENT ON THE ASSASSINATION OF COLONEL
GENERAL RADOVAN STOJICIC
[12] CHINA ENDORSES THE COMPLETE RETURN OF FRY INTO INTERNATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS
[13] INFORMATION ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE
[14] FR YUGOSLAVIA IS COHERENTLY PURSUING A PEACE POLICY
[01] DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS FOR A PEACEFUL AND EQUITABLE LIFE
On Friday, Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic received the UN
Administrator for the Srem-Baranja Region - Gen. Jacques Klein accompanied
by his assistants. During the talks it has been stressed that FR Yugoslavia
is coherently endorsing the UNTAES mission in the realization of its
mandate. It has been remarked that the elections in the Srem-Baranja Region
should mark a positive step in the direction of complete normalization of
life in the region, which entails - above all - freedom and protection of
equality of all citizens. FRY particularly underscores the necessity of
democratic expression for all people living in the Region. Both sides
agreed that the democratic elections will strengthen the prospective of a
peaceful and equitable life in this region, which will undoubtedly help the
enhancement of Serbian-Croatian relations, based on the Agreement for the
normalization of relations between FR Yugoslavia and Croatia.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Politika, 1997-04-12
[02] THE DEFINITE DIVISION OF THE MC FEDERATION HAS STARTED
Moslems that have been expelled by Croats from Capljina, presented a demand
- after rallies held in local communities, that part of the Capljina County
be transformed into a Moslem county seated in Pocitelj. This is the second
new Moslem county created this month, although the Law on Counties has not
yet been passed by the Parliament of the Moslem-Croatian Federation. Last
week the local Council of the Moslem Democratic Action Party (SDA) in Tuzla
organized a referendum in which the Moslem population endorsed the proposal
for the creation of the Moslem county of Gornja Tuzla (Upper Tuzla). This
surprising move of the Moslems caused a violent reaction of the Croatian
federal partners, because the Gornja Tuzla County encompasses the salt mine
which is in their opinion on Croatian land. Moslem authorities rejected all
18 demands for the creation of new Croatian counties in Moslem-controlled
cantons in Bosnia. Leaders of pro-Moslem opposition parties agree that the
founding of new counties marks the beginning of the SDA campaign for the
definite division of the Moslem-Croatian Federation.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Politika Ekspres, 1997-04-13
[03] KRAJISNIK MET WITH THE POPE
After meeting in Sarajevo with John Paul II, Mr. Momcilo Krajisnik -
Republic of Srpska representative in the Presidency of Bosnia and
Herzegovina stated that the encounter with the head of the Roman Catholic
Church was used to convey the message of the people of the Republic of
Srpska everyone should bear in mind the fact that the war that raged in
former Bosnia and Herzegovina was a civil war and that reconciliation is
indispensable. Mr. Krajisnik told the Holy Father that the which hunt
against alleged war criminals should be replaced by a policy of
reconciliation and forgiveness. We have conveyed the message that the care
for refugees must be continued including their return to Bosnia and
Herzegovina from foreign countries, and stressed that the suffering of
refugees and the sad situation of people in need must not be used to score
political points, but rather helped and solved - said Mr. Krajisnik after
the meeting. He also informed the Pope about the stand that all forces must
become involved in the preservation of peace and that a policy of long-term
survival of peoples in the region must be pursued.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Politika, 1997-04-14
[04] RESURRECTION OF FASCISM IN CROATIA
IN an extensive article entitled "Fascist Resurrect as the Founders of the
Croatian State", the New York Times illustrates how members of the Croatian
Rights Party celebrated in Split the 57th anniversary "of the creation of
the Croatian Quisling Nazi state". Salutes, black shirts, and symbols worn
by the members of this Croatian party have been directly inherited from the
Ustashas - Croatian fascist collaborationists. Remarking that the
manifestation held just before the local elections in Croatia was organized
by the party which secured only 7% of the votes in the past elections, but
represents President Tudjman's closest ally, the US daily observes:
"Probably no other country in the world cultivates its fascist heritage
like Croatia does." The New York Times also reminds the readers of numerous
historical facts and the suffering of Serbs and Jews in World War II, and
points out the present privileged status of Ustashas compared to ex-
Resistance fighters, observing among other things that "the authorities
have sided with the pro-Ustasha groups that destroyed three out of four
thousand monuments commemorating the liberation war."
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Tanjug, 1997-04-14
[05] SHORTCOMINGS IN MANY POLING STATIONS
The leading western news agencies reported yesterday about the elections
for local government and County Assembly in the Srem-Baranja Region - held
simultaneously with the elections in the rest of Croatia, indicating
numerous shortcomings and faults at the polling stations where the local
Serbs went to vote. In a report from Vukovar, Associated Press indicates
that numerous polling stations opened late, that many names were missing in
the lists of voters and that in several localities in Easter Slavonija even
ballot boxes were missing. According to AP, in the small town of Ilok,
Serbs were enraged when they found out that the lists of voters contained
only the names of local Croats. The same news agency reports that foreign
observers "using cautious phrasing" indicated the lack of good will by the
Croatian authorities. AP quotes the statement made by Dr. Vojslav
Stanimirovic that not only the Serbian Radio but various UN communications
were jammed while they broadcast the information that the voting deadline
has been extended. Reuters reports that many poling stations opened several
hours late and that thousands of Serbs that came to vote had to go back
without being given the opportunity to do so. The same news agency revealed
cases of Serbs having valid Croatian citizenship documents, being denied
the right to vote because they were not on the list of voters.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Tanjug, 1997-04-14
[06] NUMEROUS IRREGULARITIES IN THE SLAVONIJA-BARANJA ELECTIONS
At the elections held yesterday in the Srem-Baranja Region, numerous
irregularities have been observed in most polling stations. In many
stations sheer chaos was visible: out of 171 poling stations only 100 were
opened by 9:30 a.m. because lists of voters had not arrived, nor did
Croatian members of the electoral committees. Many voters were missing from
the lists, or the wrong list of voters had been sent. In some of the poling
stations, even Serbs that were appointed committee members were not allowed
to vote, and this happened to various Serbian candidates. Even the Mayor of
Vukovar and Vice President of the Independent Democratic Serbian Party
(SDSS) and a citizen of Vukovar well before 1991. - Mr. Miroslav Keravica -
was not allowed to vote because he was not on the list of registered
voters. "After all this, it's hard to believe in the regularity of the
elections. The Serbian side did everything possible to, and it is quite
clear that the Serbs are not to blame for this. We invite all Serbs to stay
calm, keep their dignity and vote, and the international community and Gen.
Jacques Klein are expected to do something about all this", said SDSS
President - Dr. Vojislav Stanimirovic yesterday in Vukovar. The Serbian
leaders protested against these irregularities, and the UN representative
decided to extend until 7 p.m. today the voting deadline in the Srem-
Baranja Region - the last part of Croatia under Serbian control.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Politika, 1997-04-14
[07] NIKOLA TESLA'S CHOSEN WORKS HAVE BEEN PRESENTED
The Belgrade Textbook and School Supplies Institute promoted the first ever
edition "Nikola Tesla's Chosen Works", comprising seven volumes. At the
promotion of the edition, which won the "Publishing Project of the Year"
Award at the recent Book Fair, it has been stressed that this is the best
way for the Serbian people to repay one of the greatest inventors in the
world and to commemorate the 140th anniversary of his birth. Stressing the
importance of the books which offer to the public - for the first time in
Serbian and for the first time in the world - the heritage of the Serbian
born scientist, Academician Aleksandar Despic remarked that the seven
volumes also illustrate his entire personality and not patents and
inventions and added: "The Serbian Academy of Arts and Sciences, like our
entire people, was always proud of Nikola Tesla and his work, without which
the entire civilization would be set back for two centuries."
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Politika Ekspres, 1997-04-12
[08] THE US DOES NOT SUPPORT THE SECESSION OF KOSOVO FROM FRY
A twelve member US delegation, headed by Ass. State Secretary John
Cornbloom, visited the Kosovo province and met with Regional Superintendent
for Kosovo - Mr. Milos Nesovic and his assistants. During the talks it has
been stressed that the US repeatedly affirmed that it does not support the
idea of a secession of Kosovo and Metohija from Yugoslavia. It has also
been underscored that all issues must be settled in a peaceful way, relying
on dialogue and careful planning of activities designed to gradually settle
all individual problems. Both sides agreed that the growing number of
terrorist attacks, usually occurring whenever a positive climate for
initiating dialogue appears, will not help normalization, but rather
radicalize the existing situation. During the meeting it has been observed
that the implementation of the Agreement on Public Education - signed by
Mr. Milosevic and Ibrahim Rugova, certainly represent a positive step
towards the further normalization of relations, though it must not be
abused for political purposes, but rather treated as a humanitarian issue
only.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Politika Ekspres, 1997-04-13
[09] AGRICULTURE MUST BECOME A EXPORTING SECTOR
Serbian Minister of Agriculture - Mr. Jovan Babovic, stressed that one of
the priorities defined by the Serbian Government is to transform
agriculture into an exporting sector ensuring one billion dollars in 1998,
two billion dollars by the year 2000 and five billion dollars by the year
2005. Taking part in a meeting of Serbian agriculture experts held in
Pozarevac, Minister Babovic said that presently agriculture is generating
48% of the national product. He also anticipated that by the end of May the
long-term strategy for the development of agriculture in Serbia will be
adopted, and added that the Government defined ten priorities - development
of cattle breeding, production of fruits and vegetables, industrial plants
and tobacco, an increase of the wheat production with the reduction of the
fields governed by the so-called directed production, production of seeds
and seedlings, production of wholesome health food, development of high
quality products in finalizing industry, exports program and finally the
overall development of the rural areas.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Borba, 1997-04-13
[10] THE JUBILEE COINCIDING WITH THE REFORMS YEAR
ON Saturday, a special ceremony has been held to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of "NIS Jugopetrol", the first oil company in Yugoslavia. "The
people working for "Jugopetrol" and the Serbian Oil Industry (NIS) managed
in the past 50 years and during the sanctions to ensure the continuity of
production, processing and distribution of oil derivatives, the transport
and distribution of natural gas, and the production of oils and greasing
products. Thanks to their determination, in spite of the international
blockade, normal heating has been maintained in winter, the economy
continued to operate, especially the agricultural sector and transports",
said Prime Minister Mirko Marjanovic at the ceremony. Today, thanks to
business arrangements with partners in Russia and PR China, we have ensured
a stable supply of natural gas, oil and derivatives, allowing the national
economy to operate - especially the metal processing complex - and the sale
of Yugoslav products on these major markets" - said the Prime Minister and
added "You are celebrating your Jubilee in a year that will be marked by
deep reforms of the entire economy and society. The Serbian Government is
making the maximum efforts to implement the basic elements of the reform,
which represents - at the same time - an endorsement of the stabilization
policy in economy."
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Politika, 1997-04-13
[11] COMMUNIQU OF THE SERBIAN GOVERNMENT ON THE ASSASSINATION OF COLONEL
GENERAL RADOVAN STOJICIC
The Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia issued a statement about
the assassination of Colonel General Radovan Stojicic - Deputy Minister of
Interior and Superintendent of the Public Safety Department - on April 11th
1997. The assassination of Gen. Stojicic clearly shows that the organizers
and the executor of this crime did not hesitate to attack even highest
government officials - reads the communiqu‚ issued by the Serbian
Government. The assassins have targeted a man who dedicated his life to the
battle against crime and the protection of the citizens and their security.
The Government also indicates that the answer to this ruthless last warning
will an even stronger and more organized battle against terrorism and
similar attacks of criminal world against the state institutions and the
citizens. Therefore, along with an urgent and broad investigation about the
organizers of the assassination, the Government will insist with all
competent state bodies on all levels, to apply more coherently and more
resolutely the measures defined by the Crime Fighting Program adopted
recently. The complete safety of all citizens and the preservation of a
peaceful and free life, represent an objective that will not be given up
regardless of the pressures - reads the Government communiqu‚.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Politika, 1997-04-12
[12] CHINA ENDORSES THE COMPLETE RETURN OF FRY INTO INTERNATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS
The Chinese Ambassador to Yugoslavia - H.E. Choo Ankang stated that China
is endorsing the complete re-admission of FR Yugoslavia into all
international political and financial institutions and organizations. In an
interview for Radio Yugoslavia, Mr. Choo Ankang also pointed out the
traditional friendship between the Chinese and the Yugoslav people and the
great prospective of economic cooperation. Companies and businessmen from
China are interested in investing in Yugoslavia, observed the Chinese
diplomat, remarking that its solid economic bases warrant a successful
cooperation. In his opinion, a major impulse to future business agreements
has been given by the meeting of the joint Yugoslav-Chinese Committee, held
in Belgrade at the end of March, when representatives of the two ministries
of finances signed and agreement on the prevention of double taxation.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Borba, 1997-04-13
[13] INFORMATION ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE
Serbian Minister of Information - Prof. Dr. Radmila Milentijevic stated in
an interview for Radio Bac that the new Law on Public Information will be
adopted only when the opinions of all interested parties are heard, because
only then it can serve the needs of the people and help promote objective
and responsible information. Addressing the listeners of Radio Bac - now
celebrating its 30th anniversary - Ms. Milentijevic explained that in
formulating the second draft Law, remarks, suggestions and criticism that
have been voiced in the public debate have been taken into account.
Commenting the articles on foreign investment in Yugoslav media, Prof.
Radmila Milentijevic stressed that foreign capital is desirable in the
media, but that it has to be registered and the origin and destination of
the finds clearly listed that this may be made known to the public.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Vecernje Novosti, 1997-04-13
[14] FR YUGOSLAVIA IS COHERENTLY PURSUING A PEACE POLICY
During the talks between Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic and the US
Ass. State Secretary John Cornbloom, who is heading a delegation visiting
our country, the most important issues affecting the bilateral relations
between FRY and US have been discussed, As well as those that can build
peace and stability in the region. It has been remarked that there is a
mutual interest for enhancing relations and cooperation, which entails the
removal of imposed obstacles and the determination to build trust, openness
and equality. It has been agreed that the problems in Kosovo constitute an
issue within the framework of the Republic of Serbia. It has also been
stressed that FRY is coherently pursuing a peace policy and is constantly
giving its contribution to the strengthening of stability in the region,
which earned it the role of an active and constructive factor in the
international community. In view of this fact - from our point of view - it
remains unclear why the participation of FRY in international organizations
and institutions which it helped found is still obstructed, just like the
limitations imposed upon our country in establishing normal international
trade and financial relations.
Serbia Today, 1997-04-14 ; Politika, 1997-04-12
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