Yugoslav Daily Survey 96-04-12

Yugoslav Daily Survey Directory

From: [email protected] (D.D. Chukurov)

12 April 1996

CONTENTS

[A] FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

[01] SERBIA'S PRESIDENT RECEIVES CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

[02] YUGOSLAV, CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS HOLD TALKS IN BELGRADE

[03] FEDERAL MINISTER MILUTINOVIC SAID TALKS WITH AXWORTHY SIGNIFICANT

[04] MONTENEGRIN FOREIGN MINISTER WELCOMES CANADA'S CONSTRUCTIVE STANCE

[05] NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONS WITH MACEDONIA FACTOR OF BALKAN STABILITY

[06] GOVERNMENT DETERMINES CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION OF YUGOSLAV DELEGATION AT DONORS' CONFERENCE

[07] YUGOSLAVIA MUST DO MORE FOR REINTEGRATION IN THE WORLD - GOVERNMENT

[08] SWEDEN RECOGNIZES FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

[09] NORWAY RECOGNISES YUGOSLAVIA AS SOVEREIGN, INDEPENDENT STATE

[10] RUSSIA WILL SUPPLY GAS TO YUGOSLAVIA THROUGH BULGARIA

[11] YUGOSLAVIA, DPR KOREA SIGN SCIENTIFIC-TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROTOCOL

[12] YUGOSLAV-ITALIAN AGREEMENT ON INTER-CHAMBER COOPERATION

[13] YUGOSLAVIA WILL DEMAND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL PRISONERS OF WAR

[B] FROM FOREIGN PRESS

[14] POLISH PAPER: ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM IN BOSNIA IS GROWING STRONGER

[15] WESTERN ANALYSTS SAY HAGUE TRIBUNAL IS POLITICAL INSTRUMENT

[A] FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

[01] SERBIA'S PRESIDENT RECEIVES CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

The cordial talk between Milosevic and Axworthy, who arrived with aides on an official visit to Yugoslavia Wednesday, were mostly devoted to the development of relations between the two countries. Both sides confirmed interest in the intensification of cooperation between firms of the two countries.

It was set out that Yugoslavia and Canada were bound by traditionally friendly relations and extensive ties and cooperation between their business partners and private citizens.

It was underscored that Canada strongly supports the stabilization of the political situation in the Balkans, specifically the active and positive role played by Yugoslavia in that regard. Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic also attended the meeting.

[02] YUGOSLAV, CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS HOLD TALKS IN BELGRADE

The talks were held in an atmosphere of full openness, mutual understanding and respect and in the spirit of the traditionally friendly relations, a Yugoslav Foreign Ministry statement said. The two sides agreed for talks on inter-state agreements in all domains of bilateral cooperation to resume soon, for diplomatic relations to be upgraded to the level of ambassadors and for the Yugoslav General Consulate in Toronto to resume work.

Both sides displayed an interest in renewing concrete forms of economic-financial cooperation, the statement said.

The Yugoslav side expressed interest in a greater Canadian presence in capital investments, joint ventures and technology transfer. The first step along those lines is to be the renewal of commercial flights between the two countries.

Attention was drawn to the existing possibilities in the domains of scientific-technical and cultural cooperation, in which context an accent was placed on the role played by Yugoslav emigrants in Canada in the development of all-round relations between the two countries.

The Yugoslav side said it hoped Canada would back a speedy renewal of Yugoslavia's activities as a full member in the UN, the OSCE, the World Bank, the IMF and other international organizations and financial institutions, the statement said.

The Yugoslav side paid full recognition to the Canadian UN peacekeepers for their engagement in peace operations on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. It expressed conviction that Canadian troops would continue being consistent and unbiased as members of the IFOR in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Both sides assessed that, despite positive results, there were difficulties in the implementation of the peace accords for Bosnia-Herzegovina, the statement said. They said the difficulties required of all sides and also international factors to invest additional efforts and secure conditions for the accords to be implemented consistently and successfully.

Attention was drawn to problems in the implementation of the civilian and political accords in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Emphasis was placed on the importance of an equal treatment of all sides in reconstruction programmes and the elections, and in terms of the freedom of movement, personal safety and the safety of property, the right of refugees and displaced persons to freely return and their right to rehabilitation.Yugoslavia expects in this regard greater financial and other assistance and support from the international community and Canada, the statement said.

Minister Axworth invited his Yugoslav counterpart to visit cCnada, which Milutinovic agreed to do.

[03] FEDERAL MINISTER MILUTINOVIC SAID TALKS WITH AXWORTHY SIGNIFICANT

Talking to journalists, Milutinovic said that he had agreed with his Canadian counterpart that for the further continuation of the peace process it was exceptionally important that conditions be created as soon as possible for the timely holding of free and fair elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a key precondition for stabilizing the situation and estabishing peace.

Milutinovic said that it was of primary importance to secure equal treatment of the Muslim-Croat Federation and the Republika Srpska, especially with respect to financial and other aid for the program of reconstruction. We are in agreement that the two countries cooperate mutually in that respect, he said.

Besides participating in the UNPROFOR, and now in the IFOR, Canada is actively taking part in the implementaion of the civilian aspects of the peace plan, especially extending humanitarian aid to refugees, including those in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Milutinovic said.

Milutinovic said the two sides assessed there were wide possibilities for developing economic and financial cooperation, including joint ventures, transfer of technology and appearance on third markets. We believe that we can expect the resumption of flights of the biggest Yugoslav air carrier, for Canada, Milutinovic said in conclusion.

Axworthy told the press the goal of his visit to the region was to monitor the implementation of the Dayton peace accord, as Canada has troops in IFOR and several humanitarian programs underway. He said he wished to make sure that all efforts were being exerted to complete the peace process and establish lasting peace, so that people can take part in free and fair elections in bosnia.

Axworthy spoke of Canadian financial programs now available to all states created in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, adding it had been agreed that groups of experts would start drawing up agreements on economic cooperation and air traffic.

Canada already recognizes Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as diplomatic relations have not been broken off, Axworthy said, noting that this was demonstrated by his own official visit to Belgrade. The issue of raising the level of diplomatic representation will shortly be discussed by Canadian Government, Axworthy said.

[04] MONTENEGRIN FOREIGN MINISTER WELCOMES CANADA'S CONSTRUCTIVE STANCE

[05] NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONS WITH MACEDONIA FACTOR OF BALKAN STABILITY

The Yugoslav Government said the establishment of relations with Macedonia was in keeping with Yugoslavia's policy of normalizing relations with the former Yugoslav republics. It said it was very important that Macedonia had recognized the legal internationally continuity of Yugoslavia.

The Government instructed competent Federal Ministries to take all necessary measures for Yugoslavia promptly to meet all obligations assumed under the agreement signed with the Republic of Macedonia.The Federal Government decided that Yugoslav citizens travelling to Macedonia to get their pensions be exempted from now on from paying a special tax when leaving the country once a month. The Government decided for the same to apply to the Yugoslav citizens working as migrant workers in neighbouring countries.

[06] GOVERNMENT DETERMINES CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION OF YUGOSLAV DELEGATION AT DONORS' CONFERENCE

The Government also took note of the report on the participation of the Yugoslav delegation at the Ministerial meeting of the Contact Group in Moscow on March 23 and assessed that important progress was made at the gathering in overcoming certain problems of implementing the civilian component of the Bosnia peace accord. The Moscow meeting has contributed significantly to the further realization of the peace process, the Federal Government said in conclusion.

[07] YUGOSLAVIA MUST DO MORE FOR REINTEGRATION IN THE WORLD - GOVERNMENT

The Government defined also a bill endorsing the Yugoslavia-Belarus Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. This was the first treaty of its kind to be signed with a country, defining a legal framework for establishing and developing all-round bilateral cooperation, The government noted.

[08] SWEDEN RECOGNIZES FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

[09] NORWAY RECOGNISES YUGOSLAVIA AS SOVEREIGN, INDEPENDENT STATE

[10] RUSSIA WILL SUPPLY GAS TO YUGOSLAVIA THROUGH BULGARIA

This is the principal result of the one-day visit of Yugoslav Deputy Prime Minister Nikola Sainovic to Moscow, where he met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Economic Relations Oleg Davidov and Energy Minister Yuri Shafranik.

A protocol on long-term supply of Russian oil to Yugoslavia was also signed during the visit.

A joint stock company is to be formed between a consortium of Yugoslav companies and Russian gas giant Gazprom.

Joint companies for the delivery and sale of oil and refined products in Yugoslavia and abroad is also planned.

[11] YUGOSLAVIA, DPR KOREA SIGN SCIENTIFIC-TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROTOCOL

Radulovic expressed the hope that bilateral scientific, technical and economic cooperation would reach the level of friendly relations between the two countries. Choe expressed the wish that cooperation would be particularly fruitful in the field of training and exchange of personnel and scientific research.

[12] YUGOSLAV-ITALIAN AGREEMENT ON INTER-CHAMBER COOPERATION

By this act, the two sides wish to upgrade economic relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Italy and reestablish bonds between both countries' firms. Longhi said that Italy may soon become the first trading partner of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Italian Union of Chambers will soon propose the reintegration of the Federal Republic of Yugosalvia into the Association of European Chambers which numbers 1,000 members, Longhi said, adding that his country would seek Yugoslavia's participation in the creation of a European register of firms.

Milojevic said that there were very good prospects for establishing solid economic relations between the two countries and pointed out that Yugoslavia was ready for its return to the world market. Speaking about Yugoslav legislation, particularly laws regulating foreign investments, Milojevic said that his country's legislation was for the most part adjusted to EU standards.

[13] YUGOSLAVIA WILL DEMAND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL PRISONERS OF WAR

In a statement to Radio Yugoslavia, Korac said that at the meeting scheduled for April 16, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia would submit a list of 980 missing persons, Republika Srpska 12,000 and Republic of Serb Krajina several thousand.

Yugoslav Commission has been informed that about 60 Yugoslav nationals are being held in Croatian prisons.

Korac underlined that Yugoslavia does not hold any POWs, but Croatia, although well aware of this fact, still insists on the principle of reciprocity, disregarding both the geneva convention and the Dayton peace accord.

Croatia, Korac said, wishes to use the issue of missing persons for political purposes, as the first list of 32,000 missing persons submitted by Croatia was characterized by a series of irregularities. For instance, one person's name was listed 47 times, he said. The second list, which was reduced to 12,000 names, included people killed in traffic accidents or dead long before the war. The list was modified several times and was finally reduced to 2,792 names, Korac said, noting that even that figure was not correct. Yugoslavia has provided information on 217 persons through the Red Cross Missing Persons Department, of whom 11 live in Yugoslavia and the rest in the Srem-Baranja Region.

In November 1991, 30 persons from the Srem-Baranja town of Vukovar crossed into Croatia, for which written proof exists, and they cannot therefore be considered as missing persons. Death certificates for 76 persons buried in Vukovar were also provided, Korac said.

The Croatian list also includes the names of many Serbs from RSK who had been taken prisoner, killed or reported missing during Croatia's attacks on Western Slavonia and Krajina in 1995. Information on their fate should be sought from Croatian army and not from Yugoslavia, Korac said.

[B] FROM FOREIGN PRESS

[14] POLISH PAPER: ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM IN BOSNIA IS GROWING STRONGER

Trybuna also carried lengthy excerpts of an article in the German paper Der Spiegel that said that Islamic fundamentalism was spreading in Bosnia. The paper wrote about the totalitarian policy of Bosnian Muslim leader Alija Izetbegovic's ruling Democratic Action Party and growing ties between the Muslim Sarajevo Government and Islamic countries, from which Bosnian Muslims have received considerable financial and military support over the past few years.

However, Islamic countries' assistance has its price. Thus, donors of funds and arms put pressure on Muslim authorities to islamize all spheres of life in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Pork and spirits are banned, many Turkish words have been included in the official language and the main advocate of such policy is Izetbegovic himself, the paper said.

Islamic influence is growing in the army too, where under Izetbegovic's orders, every company has its Islamic priest who is to act as 'religion commissar,' the paper said.

Trybuna said that the Muslim Sarajevo Government was doing all in its power to keep mujaheddin from Islamic countries, primarily Iran, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, although, under the Dayton peace agreement, they had to leave by Jan. 19.

Pointing at close links between Muslim Sarajevo authorities and Islamic countries, especially Iran, the daily said that during a recent visit to Tehran, Muslim Prime Minister Hasan Muratovic had admitted that Bosnian Muslims had been receiving considerable assistance from Iran and announced the continuation of their close cooperation.

Muratovic described Iran as his 'other fatherland,' the daily said and added that he had reasons for praising the Tehran regime because he would have been a nobody without Iranian assistance.

Muratovic, who was unknown in public and did not engage in politics or trade before the outbreak of the Bosnian civil war, owes his wealth and position to Iranian mullahs, because they helped him trade in all kinds of goods - from milk-powder and canned food to mines and military equipment - in the past three years.

Trybuna said that this might be an explanation why the 'it was him and not popular Haris Silajdzic that the military parliament elected' in January.

[15] WESTERN ANALYSTS SAY HAGUE TRIBUNAL IS POLITICAL INSTRUMENT

The Frankfurt Novo newspaper reported that a new western ideology was being created in the Hague. The paper said new moral standards were being introduced for the international diplomacy in the process of which Serbs were satanised, while western countries pretended to be peacemakers whose duty was to search for war criminals, send peacekeepers and be in charge of punishments. In this context, the paper said the setting up of the tribunal constituted a landmark on the road of undermining the sovereignty of nation-states in less developed strategic regions.

The Guardian of London said the tribunal must not be allowed to turn its search for war criminals into a revenge. A growing number of people realise that the conflict in the Balkans cannot be blamed on one party alone, the paper said and went on to say that justice could be blind if it was inspired by a revenge ruled by emotions felt at the end of a war.

The Zurich Weltwatch newspaper also comments on a revenge against a side that has in advance been designated as a sole culprit. The paper said that, at best, the Hague tribunal represented a blind alley, while at worst, it represented a dangerous experiment, because it tended to encourage former enemies to go on waging war in order to capture war criminals in the ranks of their enemy. Weltwatch said the Dayton peace accords for Bosnia contained a provision that might turn out to be dangerous because it entitled each party under certain circumstances to seize war criminals in order to hand them over to the tribunal. The provision, if consistently implemented, might lead to a resumption of hostilities, the paper said.

Expressing deep reserve towards the tribunal's ad hoc criteria, The Washington Post, a leading US daily, focused on the arrest and handing over to the tribunal of Republika Srpska Gen. Djordje Djukic, describing them as dangerous political acts.

The paper said Gen. Djukic had been charged with criminal acts with which other generals and politicians in a large number of other wars could have been charged but for which they would never be tried. In this connection, the paper listed names of people, including those of former US President Harry Truman who ordered that atomic bombs be dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and of Winston Churchil who ordered that Dresden be obliterated, against whom it said charges could also be brought if criteria that was used in the case of Gen. Djukic was used in their case, too.

The paper said Djukic's case could be to the tribunal's credit if it decided to release him, because in that way it would show that it was impartial and would encourage serbs to cooperate with it in the future.