Yugoslav Daily Survey, 97-02-19

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

Yugoslav Daily Survey

CONTENTS

[01] CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ARRIVES IN BELGRADE

[02] UNHCR WARNS GERMANY

[03] RUSSIA CALLS FOR YUGOSLAVIA'S INTEGRATION INTO WORLD BODIES

[04] MONTENEGRIN PRIME MINISTER CONCLUDES VISIT TO ITALY

[01] CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ARRIVES IN BELGRADE

Milutinovic and Granic are to discuss the promotion of bilateral relations and the current situation in the region.

Yugoslav Daily Survey, 1997-02-19 ; Tanjug, 1997-02-19

[02] UNHCR WARNS GERMANY

Kumin said that the latest Muslim-Croat clashes in Mostar are clear proof that activities for returning refugees should bear in mind their nationality, as well as the regions where they would be dispatched.

The Interior Ministers of the German provinces had previously determined Oct. 1, 1996 as the date of the start of the great refuge emigration, but following the strong resistence of the majorty of the provinces this date was moved for April 1, 1997. The return itself was initially described as a voluntary decision, but it was added that all who refuse to go would be expelled.

Kumin on Tuesday said that the still fragile peace in Bosnia is another reason for caution in deciding on a mass return of the refugees since each wave could seriously threaten the current calm.

Kumin said that UNHCR future plans will primarily focus on a major action for creating conditions for the accomodation of about 75,000 refugees. She said that UNHCR had invested about nine million dollars in the reconstruction of houses in the cantons of Una/Sana and Neretva.

Yugoslav Daily Survey, 1997-02-19 ; Tanjug, 1997-02-18

[03] RUSSIA CALLS FOR YUGOSLAVIA'S INTEGRATION INTO WORLD BODIES

The 'outer wall' of sanctions introduced by the West, shutting Yugoslavia out of international financial and economic bodies, is not pursuant to any un Security Council resolution, said Ivanov. 'Russia categorically opposes such a policy,' said Ivanov, and called for Yugoslavia's full membership in the OSCE, which he said would increase Yugoslavia's commitments, but also possibilities for cooperation in solving certain issues.

Yugoslavia needs dialogue and united efforts to rebuild the country, after years of war, isolation and sanctions, said Ivanov. He added that the three months of street protests and tensions were harldy conducive to economic growth and inflow of foreign capital.

The activities of the opposition, he said, in response to the political will shown by the country's leadership, had to be balanced. 'Although the opposition had said it would stop the street marches and sit at a negotiating table when the results of local elections were reinstated, it is now setting new demands: the resignation of this minister, the rector ...' said Ivanov. 'My impression is,' said Ivanov, 'that certain opposition leaders are tempted to score additional points, in the wake of their success with the election results. This is a dangerous path, that leads to prolongation of conflict and tensions, not toward dialogue and easing of the situation.'

Ivanov denounced the threat of sanctions employed as a method of political pressure against Belgrade in order to resolve certain internal questions. Some like the Government in Belgrade, and others do not, said Ivanov. But if the Government was elected democratically, and acts in line with the constitution, he continued, it is intolerable to attempt to overthrow it by imposing sanctions. He stressed that such methods were contradictory to the UN Charter and principles of international law.

Ivanov assessed that the Serbian leadership's decision to reinstate the results of November 17 municipal elections had been 'late, but are nevertheless just as positive a step in stabilizing the situation.' He said it was important that no one is considered a winner or loser, if the national interests and future of Yugoslavia are truly considered.

It was necessary to overcome this stage, he said, and open an internal political dialogue on a series of questions linked to democratization of society, said Ivanov.

Ivanov visited Belgrade recently in the capacity of representative of the Russian leadership, and announced that he had made clear this stand to the opposition and Government. He said social tensions would be detrimental to the Government and opposition alike, and Yugoslavia as a whole.

Yugoslav Daily Survey, 1997-02-19 ; Tanjug, 1997-02-18

[04] MONTENEGRIN PRIME MINISTER CONCLUDES VISIT TO ITALY

Djukanovic and his associates presented the economic potentials of Montenegro to Italian Government and regional officials, who hailed Montenegro as an attractive spot for strategic and direct foreign investments.

'Montenegro is with its political democratization and multi-ethnic tolerance a most serious ally to the international community for a peaceful development of the Balkans,' said Djukanovic at the presentation. 'Our so far successful ownership restructuring, conditions enabling a healthy market economy, and introduction of new, flexible regulations have done so much that we believe we have the legitimacy and know-how for a complete inclusion in the world trend of goods and capital,' said Djukanovic.

He said accords were signed with the Italian Association of Local Public Services Cispel and the Government firm Finest, which specializes in crediting entrepreneurs who invest in projects selected by the Government. The project in question concerns environmental protection, in which mixed Italian-Montenegrin firms are to be engaged in environmental rehabilitation and promotion of public services.

The Italian side will assist the project with about one million German marks, and expert and technical aid in the drawing up of a multi- disciplinary study for environmental protection in Montenegro and encouragement of development.

Other pending projects are linked to the port of Bar, and an integral program of technical assistance to Montenegro.

Yugoslav Daily Survey, 1997-02-19 ; Tanjug, 1997-02-18

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