Yugoslav Daily Survey 96-08-26

Yugoslav Daily Survey Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: Yugoslavia <http://www.yugoslavia.com>

CONTENTS

[01] PRESS RELEASE

[02] STATEMENT

[03] GRANIC: AGREEMENT PROVIDES A FOUNDATION FOR PEACE AND STABILITY

[04] PRESIDENT BULATOVIC: HAPPY WITH YUGOSLAV-CROATIAN AGREEMENT

[05] GRANIC HAILS AGREEMENT AS CORNERSTONE OF PEACE AND STABILITY

[06] U.S. WELCOMES YUGOSLAVIA-CROATIA AGREEMENT

[07] KINKEL COMMENDS YUGOSLAV-CROATIAN AGREEMENT

[08] ROME HAILS SIGNING OF YUGOSLAV-CROATIAN AGREEMENT

[09] PRLIC: YUGOSLAV-CROATIAN AGREEMENT CONTRIBUTES TO BALKAN PEACE

[10] SLOVENIA OFFICIALLY HAILS AGREEMENT BETWEEN YUGOSLAVIA, CROATIA

[11] SKOPJE: AGREEMENT SHOULD INITIATE SOLUTION TO CRISIS IN THE BALKANS

[12] ZAGREB MEDIA: YUGOSLAV-CROATIAN AGREEMENT A CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE

[13] YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT VOWS TO KEEP STABLE CURRENCY, PRICES

[14] WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL PROSECUTOR OPENS OFFICE IN BELGRADE

[15] MACEDONIAN OFFICIALS SEE COOPERATION WITH YUGOSLAVIA AS GOOD

[16] OSCE'S FROWICK MEETS WITH BOSNIAN SERB OFFICIALS

[17] FROWICK SAYS LOCAL ELECTIONS IN BOSNIA MIGHT BE POSTPONED

[18] U.S. CONCERNED OVER MALPRACTICES IN VOTER REGISTRATION IN BOSNIA

[19] U.N. COMMITTEE URGES ALL SIDES IN BOSNIA TO SECURE DEMOCRATIC VOTE

[20] REPUBLIKA SRPSKA BRINGS CHARGES AGAINST TUDJMAN AND IZETBEGOVIC

[21] BOSNIAN MUSLIM SDA PARTY URGES JIHAD

[22] SERB ORTHODOX CHURCH BLASTED IN KRAJINA

[01] PRESS RELEASE

The Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Milan Milutinovic, and the Vice-President of the Government and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mate Granic, signed the Agreement on Normalization of Relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia in Belgrade today.

By this Agreement, the Republic of Cratia has accepted the existence of the State continuity of the FR of Yugoslavia with respect to the former SFRY. An agreement has been also reached that the FR of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia solve the issue of succession through agreement.

The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia have agreed to carry out the regulation and delimitation of their borders through mutual agreements and to resolve disputes by peaceful means refraining from threat or use of force in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

In this context, the two Contracting Parties have agreed to solve the important contentious issue of the territory of Prevlaka through mutual negotiations, in the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations and good- neighbourliness. This contributes to the full security of the part of the territory of the FR of Yugoslavia in the area of the Boka Kotorska Bay and the part of the territory of the Republic of Croatia in the area of the Dubrovnik region. Until mutual agreement on Prevlaka has been reached, the existing system of security remains in force with the monitoring of the United Nations.

By this Agreement the two Parties have undertaken to ensure a free and safe return of refugees and displaced persons to their places of residence or other places which they freely chose. They will take measures necessary for the full security of the persons who return, i.e. they will help them create necessary conditions for normal and safe life. The two Parties will ensure that these persons are returned in possession their property and, if it is not possible, that the lost property be justly compensated.

The Agreement provides for an obligation of the two Parties to guarantee the same legal protection to the property of physical persons and legal entities having the citizenship of the other Party, i.e. being seated in the territory of the other Party, as the one enjoyed by its own citizens, i.e. legal entities.

General amnesty will be declared for all acts committed in relation to the armed conflicts.

The FR of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia have emphasized in this Agreement the importance of a consistent and comprehensive implementation of the Erdut Agreement on Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirnium.

The Agreement guarantees the Serbs and Montenegrins in the Republic of Croatia and the Croats in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia all rights belonging them under international law.

It has been agreed that within six months an agreement be concluded on social insurance which will regulate disability, health and pension insurance including the payment of pensions, as well as the conclusion of other agreements concerning the settlement of work and status related issues of interest for the citizens of both States.

Agreement has been reached on the continuation of cooperation in normalizing road, railway, air, river traffic and PTT traffic on the principle of reciprocity and good-neighbourliness. The two Parties will proceed without delay to concluding agreements in the fields of economy, science, education, protection of the environment, as well as in other fields of common interest. An agreement will be also concluded on cultural cooperation which will include the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage.

Within 15 days after the signing of the Agreement, the two countries will establish full diplomatic and consular relations, upgrade their existing representative offices to embassies and exchange ambassadors.

[02] STATEMENT

The today's signing of the Agreement on Normalization of Relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia represents a major, I would say, historical event for our two countries, as well as for the region as a whole. The Agreement constitutes a decisive moment in the political solution of the Yugoslav crisis, since on these foundations a definite and lasting peace is being ensured in the territory of the former Yugoslavia.

Actually, this act represents the realization of the agreement from the summit of Athens between the President of the Republic of Serbia, Slobodan Milosevic, and the President of the Republic of Croatia, Franjo Tudjman, when through a joint statement a political framework was set for the full normalization of relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia.

I am convinced that today we are opening a new page in the history book of our States and peoples since we ensure them life in peace, good- neighbourliness, equality and mutual understanding. Conditions are being ensured for long-term cooperation between the two countries with the use of all values and potentials that we possess.

This Agreement, which I believe will be met with wide support and understanding not only of our, but also of the world public, constitutes yet another confirmation of the principled policy and constructive contribution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the strengthening of peace, stability and to the creation of conditions for the development and progress in the region.

Croatia has accepted the State continuity of the FR of Yugoslavia which is a question of principle for us.

It has been agreed that the important contentious territorial question of Prevlaka should be solved through negotiations and that the present regime of security with United Nations monitoring be respected until a mutual agreement is reached.

I consider as specially important the agreement on the safe return of refugees and displaced persons to their former places of residence or to other places which they freely chose. They will be returned into possession their property or will receive a just compensation if that property has been destroyed or disappeared.

Agreement has been also reached on general amnesty from responsibility for the acts committed during the armed conflicts.

An urgent settlement has been also established of important issues in the field of disability, health and pension insurance which is of interest to the citizens of both countries. Within six months special agreements will be concluded including also on the payment of pensions.

The Agreement provides for the continuation of cooperation in normalizing all forms of traffic and the conclusion of separate agreements on cooperation in the fields of economy, science, education and the protection of the environment. It has also been agreed to conclude an agreement on cultural cooperation which will include the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage.

We have agreed with Minister Granic that measures be taken to ensure an early ratification of this Agreement. We have clearly emphasized the resolve of both Contracting Parties to avoid all that would lead to a partial or one-sided interpretation of the provisions of the Agreement or to their selective implementation. The Agreement represents a whole and any departure from what has been agreed could threaten its essence and there by the process of normalization of relations itself.

Therefore, by comprehensive and consistent implementation of all that has been agreed, the two Parties shall confirm in practice the expressed orientation to development of stable relations and cooperation, in the spirit of the Agreement reached.

[03] GRANIC: AGREEMENT PROVIDES A FOUNDATION FOR PEACE AND STABILITY

The Agreement provides a foundation for peace and stability in the Region and also in Europe, Granic said.

The Agreement paves the way for resolving many issues, ranging from the most difficult humantarian issues and the problems of missing and expelled persons and refugees, to social issues.

The Agreement is future-oriented and provides a framework for future agreements on economic, scientific and cultural cooperation, as well as for resolving important issues such as succession, Granic said.

He expressed hope that the Agreement would also largely contribute to the overall peace process in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

REACTIONS TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN FR YUGOSLAVIA AND CROATIA

[04] PRESIDENT BULATOVIC: HAPPY WITH YUGOSLAV-CROATIAN AGREEMENT

Montenegro, together with Serbia, forms the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

In a brief interview to Montenegrin Television, Bulatovic said that the Agreement would be 'beneficial to the peace process in Bosnia-Herzegovina, too'.

He singled out as especially important that Croatia had agreed for the first time to define as a question in dispute the matter of the strategic Promontory of Prevlaka that straddles the Yugoslav-Croatian border in the Adriatic Sea.

The recognition of Croatia by Yugoslavia does not include Prevlaka, according to Bulatovic. 'We are now entering an area where we shall be able to offer historical and other arguments to prove that Prevlaka belongs in its natural hinterland, the Bay of Boka Kotorska on the Montenegrin littoral,' Bulatovic said.

At present, Prevlaka belongs neither to Montenegro nor to Croatia, but is being controlled by the United Nations, he stressed.

Bulatovic said that Montenegro had played the decisive part in formulating the Yugoslav position on Prevlaka and had been 'more than active' in the overall peace policy.

[05] GRANIC HAILS AGREEMENT AS CORNERSTONE OF PEACE AND STABILITY

On his return from Belgrade late on Friday, Granic said the Agreement would contribute to the overall peace process in Bosnia and boost the European pact on stability and security.

The atmosphere in Belgrade had been constructive, though many issues are outstanding, pertaining to the war and disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, said Granic and added that the Agreement offered an excellent framework for solving all issues. The framework is open for cooperation in the future, said Granic and added there was discussion on the enforcement of the document.

[06] U.S. WELCOMES YUGOSLAVIA-CROATIA AGREEMENT

The official U.S. stand, the only so far, was presented by State Department Spokesman Glyn Davies at a News Conference on Friday.

Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic and Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mate Granic signed the Agreement in Belgrade Friday.

Under the Agreement, Croatia has accepted the State Continuity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the former Yugoslav Federation.

The two Countries are to establish full Diplomatic and Consular Relations within 15 days from the signing of the Agreement, as officially announced.

[07] KINKEL COMMENDS YUGOSLAV-CROATIAN AGREEMENT

The statement quoted Kinkel as saying the agreement was the fruit of a process of gradual normalization between the two countries, begun in Dayton and Erdut.

Kinkel said the document should be put into practice, first of all the agreement on eastern Slavonia, the return of refugees and amnesty for all who were not war crimes suspects.

Kinkel said the Agreement would have a positive effect on the Bosnia peace process, said the statement, released three hours after the signing of the Agreement in Belgrade.

[08] ROME HAILS SIGNING OF YUGOSLAV-CROATIAN AGREEMENT

[09] PRLIC: YUGOSLAV-CROATIAN AGREEMENT CONTRIBUTES TO BALKAN PEACE

Prlic sent messages of congratulations to Foreign Ministers Milan Milutinovic of Yugoslavia and Mate Granic of Croatia who signed the Agreement, saying it would especially help bring stable peace to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Sarajevo media quote Prlic as saying that the Agreement between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Croatia, both neighbours of Bosnia-Herzegovina, would give a strong impulse to the implementation of the Dayton Accord in all its segments.

[10] SLOVENIA OFFICIALLY HAILS AGREEMENT BETWEEN YUGOSLAVIA, CROATIA

The normalization of Yugoslav-Croatian relations is a key element for European stability, the Minister said, indicating that Ljubljana and Belgrade might initiate direct contacts soon.

[11] SKOPJE: AGREEMENT SHOULD INITIATE SOLUTION TO CRISIS IN THE BALKANS

[12] ZAGREB MEDIA: YUGOSLAV-CROATIAN AGREEMENT A CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE

Reporters of Zagreb media also underlined Milutinovic's statement that Yugoslav-Croatian relations were the backbone for overall regional relations.

They also underlined that the Agreement provided a good framework for future talks and that much remained to be done as all issues had not been resolved yet.

Croatian Radio and Television also carried the statement by Granic who said that the signing of the normalization Agreement was an essential contribution to the overall peace process and that Yugoslavia and Croatia would now find it easier to join European integration processes.

FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

[13] YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT VOWS TO KEEP STABLE CURRENCY, PRICES

Speaking for Radio Nis in Southeast Serbia, Zebic said there was no reason for inflation to rise in the second half of 1996, because production was growing and the supply was expected to be better than in the first half of the year.

The Government has opted for the application of economic rather than administrative measures, and will combat price hikes by allowing free importation of some commodities and liberalising the Foreign Trade Regime, Zebic said.

'This will not only stabilise the prices, but even lower them somewhat,' he added.

Zebic said that this was the case with oil and petrol, which were cheaper today than they had been in 1995 and were now in adequate supply on the market, which proved that economic measures alone could effectively curb inflation.

'Any administrative measure in this sphere does not solve the problem, but only puts it off,' he stressed.

[14] WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL PROSECUTOR OPENS OFFICE IN BELGRADE

Blewitt said that the Office was opened in line with an Agreement signed last week in New York between representatives of the U.N. and Yugoslav Government.

According to this Agreement, 'the Tribunal can now send investigators to Yugoslavia to undertake interviews and other investigation', he said.

Underlining that the Agreement guaranteed the freedom of movement to Tribunal experts, Blewitt said it also enabled the prosecutors to interview witnesses and crime victims and gather evidence in Yugoslavia.

The opening of the Belgrade Office will contribute to better understanding and increased trust between the Tribunal and Yugoslav Government, Blewitt underlined.

The Office will be headed by Dejan Mihov and its Spokeswoman will be Susan Manuel, current Spokeswoman of the U.N. Office in Belgrade, he announced.

The personnel of the Office will not give Press statements or comments, and if Manuel is unable to do so, statements will be issued by Prosecutor Richard Goldstone, his Deputy Blewitt or the Tribunal's Press Office in The Hague, Blewitt said.

Blewitt told the Press that the new Prosecutor, Canadian judge Louise Arbour, had arrived in The Hague and would officially assume office on October 1. She intends to visit Belgrade at the end of the month.

Asked to provide further details on effects and results expected from the activities of the Belgrade Office, Blewitt said that the Prosecutor can initiate investigations in Yugoslavia and that there were several investigations in progress about atrocities in which' Serbs were apparently victims'.

Blewitt said he had been assured of full cooperation by Yugoslav Authorities and that he was leaving Belgrade very pleased.

Referring to the fact that Yugoslav Constitution does not allow Extradition of Yugoslav Nationals to any Foreign Court, including the War Crimes Tribunal, Blewitt said he was sure this problem would be overcome.

He recalled that similar obstacles had existed in the case of Croatia, but its authorities passed a Special Law allowing Extradition of crime suspects to The Hague.

The Tribunal expects Yugoslavia to take a similar step, Blewitt said.

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA - MACEDONIA

[15] MACEDONIAN OFFICIALS SEE COOPERATION WITH YUGOSLAVIA AS GOOD

A statement released in the Macedonian capital Skopje about their Saturday meeting prior to Milosavljevic's departure for Belgrade, said that the two Countries had normalised top-level relations and were now working to consolidate them in areas of mutual interest.

Political sources in Skopje see the raising of Bilateral Relations to Ambassadorial level as a new guarantee of more fruitful cooperation between the neighbours, which will be to the advantage of the Southern Balkans as a whole.

They especially stress the hope that Yugoslavia and Macedonia will revive Economic cooperation, and are optimistic about Yugoslav Prime Minister Radoje Kontic's scheduled visit to Skopje in early September.

The visit should result in the signing of a number of Bilateral Accords, primarily in the economic field.

The positive view has been endorsed by Macedonian Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frckoski, who told Delo Newspaper of Ljubljana during his brief visit to Slovenia that relations with Yugoslavia were normal and that all misunderstandings had been cleared up.

The only question that remains open is that of demarcation, but there are no problems there. Macedonia is happy to have a good and stable Northern neighbour, Frckoski was quoted by the Macedonian media as saying at the time.

BOSNIA - HERZEGOVINA

[16] OSCE'S FROWICK MEETS WITH BOSNIAN SERB OFFICIALS

The meeting was initiated by Frowick, who heads the Mission of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to Bosnia-Herzegovina, and examined ways and means of eliminating problems in organising the upcoming elections.

Speaking after the meeting, Frowick said that the talks had been constructive, while Ostojic said that they had reviewed the overall election organisation process.

Republika Srpska has discharged all its obligations in keeping with the regulations as defined by the Provisional

[17] FROWICK SAYS LOCAL ELECTIONS IN BOSNIA MIGHT BE POSTPONED

Swiss Newspapers quoted Frowick Sunday as saying the main reasons for the postponement would be the absence of the freedom of movement, manipulations of voter registration, the obstruction of the opposition and the usurping of Media by ruling parties.

Frowick said after a Seminar on Bosnia elections that the Dayton Peace Accords set the deadline for the General Elections in Bosnia and its two entities, the Muslim-Croat Federation and Republika Srpska, but not for the Municipal balloting.

OSCE Chairman-in office Flavio Cotti also said recently that the Local Elections in Bosnia might be put off for a later date. The final decision is to be taken in Sarajevo Monday by the OSCE Provisional Electoral Commission, which includes representatives of the Bosnian Serbs, Muslims and Croats.

Should the Commission fail to do so, the final decision will be taken by Frowick in consultation with Cotti, according to sources close to the OSCE. Electoral Commission, and as far as it is concerned, the elections can be held safely at all levels, Ostojic added.

[18] U.S. CONCERNED OVER MALPRACTICES IN VOTER REGISTRATION IN BOSNIA

State Department Spokesman Glyn Davies said the U.S. was convinced that the malpractices could not undermine the elections.

He said the U.S. Government was confident that the 'OSCE has taken proper action to correct these irregularities,' Davies told a News Conference.

He noted that U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher had underscored while in Bosnia last week that the boycotting of the elections would reduce the choice of leaders.

The U.S. wants the elections in Bosnia to take place as scheduled because a possible postponement would mean that the 18,000 U.S. troops within the NATO-led Peace Force could not return home by the end of the year as President Bill Clinton has promised.

[19] U.N. COMMITTEE URGES ALL SIDES IN BOSNIA TO SECURE DEMOCRATIC VOTE

It is completely clear that free, fair and democratic elections are crucial for the establishment of legal institutions and the fulfilment of democratic aims, says the Resolution.

Fears were expressed, however, that the present circumstances, no freedom of movement or of the Press, many deficiencies in the process of the registration of voters, could cause the elections to result in ethnic segregation and divisions.

This is contrary to all the principles of the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, it was said.

The Committee called on all sides in Bosnia to cooperate with the Hague Tribunal for War Crimes in the former Yugoslavia.

The Committee expressed special concern over the announced withdrawal of IFOR forces by the end of this year, and called on the Security Council and the U.N. Secretary-General to be ready quickly to establish new Implementation Forces that would replace IFOR.

[20] REPUBLIKA SRPSKA BRINGS CHARGES AGAINST TUDJMAN AND IZETBEGOVIC

A statement released by the Center said charges were also lodged against Croatian Defense Minister Gojko Susak, General Staff Chief Zvonimir Cervenko and Bosnian Croat General Staff Chief Tihomir Blaskic.

Muslim Army Staff Chief Rasim Delic, Fifth Corps Commander Atif Dudakovic and Seventh Corps Commander Mehmed Alagic have also been accused.

The charges allege that these persons had ordered, or not prevented, murders, tortures, plunder and the expulsion of civilians from September 1995 to february 1996, during the occupation of Western Republika Srpska by Muslim and Croat Forces.

The statement said 358 bodies had been discovered, 127 civilians and 213 soldiers, after Muslim and Croat Troops pulled out of Mrkonjic Grad, Sipovo and other areas that were transferred to Republika Srpska under the terms of the Dayton Accord.

It said the findings of medical experts and other evidence indicated that victims had been shot at close range, hit with hard objects, slaughtered and mutilated.

[21] BOSNIAN MUSLIM SDA PARTY URGES JIHAD

Agency France Presse said that about 400 SDA members, mostly Muslim refugees from Capljina who had come from nearby Mostar where they had taken up residence, loudly cheered as Imam Dzemal Gadar of the Capljina Centre for Islamic Studies invited them to Jihad.

The rally was addressed by the Imam and by another dozen speakers, who all urged the Law of the Koran in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the return of the Muslim refugees, AFP said.

CROATIA - SERBS

[22] SERB ORTHODOX CHURCH BLASTED IN KRAJINA

The Holy Sunday Church was situated in the town of Karin, 30 km North of the Adriatic seaport of Zadar. Serbs fled Karin during Croatia's Army offensive against Serb Krajina.

The explosion, planted in an effort to eradicate every trace of Serb existence, destroyed four houses as well. Croatian Police said it had undertaken steps to discover the perpetrators, and the investigating judge is on the site, said HINA.

Yugoslav Daily Survey Directory - Previous Article - Next Article