Yugoslav Daily Survey, 96-10-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] STATEMENT BY THE FEDERAL MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA, MR. MILAN MILUTINOVIC

[02] LIST OF AGREED MEETINGS

[03] IMF MEMBERSHIP TO BE RESOLVED BY THE END OF THE YEAR

[04] HUMANITARIAN BODIES CUT AID TO REFUGEES IN YUGOSLAVIA

[05] ELECTION SILENCE IN YUGOSLAVIA BEGINS THURSDAY MIDNIGHT

[06] YUGOSLAV AND HUNGARIAN DEFENSE MINISTERS SIGN COOPERATION PROTOCOL

[07] BILDT WORRIED BY FREQUENT DYNAMITING OF HOMES IN BOSNIA

[08] INTERNATIONAL BODIES CONCERNED ABOUT BOSNIAN SERB'S TRIAL IN BIHAC

[09] RUSSIA WILL ADVOCATE EXTENSION OF UNTAES MANDATE

[01] STATEMENT BY THE FEDERAL MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA, MR. MILAN MILUTINOVIC

Particularly important have been our talks with President of the Republic of Croatia Franjo Tudjman who has been informed about our assessment of the past development of the Yugoslav-Croatian relations and the significance we attach to the further promotion of our relations, the atmosphere of good-neighbourliness and the constructive approach in resolving the outstanding questions.

In our talks with Minister Granic we have noted that certain results were achieved after our meeting in Belgrade when we signed the Agreement on Normalization of Relations. We have agreed that new impetus should be given to a positive development of mutual relations which has been the main goal of our visit today.

We have agreed to proceed as soon as possible to the conclusion of international bilateral agreements with the view to regulating the most important aspects of our relations. In this context, I have in mind in particular, the regulation of all aspects of economic cooperation, traffic, power production, trade and finance, which should ensure a free flow of goods and services. Therefore, we have agreed that the Presidents of the Chambers of Economy should meet soon to specify and coordinate activities of both sides. The questions pertaining to health care, disability and pension insurance will be also regulated by an agreement, as well as those related to cultural, scientific and technical cooperation and the protection of environment. We shall intensify our activities to conclude a consular convention which has already been practically agreed upon.

We have agreed to intensify our work in creating conditions for free movement of citizens between our two countries, for the elimination of administrative and other barriers, which constitutes an essential element of overall good relations. We have agreed that these and other questions be discussed in detail at the meeting to be held soon between the Ministers for Internal Affairs of the FR of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia. An interest has been expressed that these talks should discuss the question of complete visa abolition which would significantly facilitate the contacts among people and contribute to the strengthening of mutual confidence.

We have accorded a special attention to the implementation of the provisions of the Agreement relating to a free and safe return of refugees, realization of their property and other rights, as well as to the protection of the property in the territory of Croatia belonging to the Yugoslav citizens. We consider that a successful resolution of these important questions will contribute to the improvement of atmosphere and to the overall development of our relations, creating conditions to eliminate the negative effects of the recent past as soon as possible, in the interest of better future. We have agreed that a Joint Commission whose members have been appointed by both sides, should meet within 15 days in order to begin its work according to its mandate under Article 7 of the Agreement of Normalization of Relations.

We have exchanged the views about the situation in the Sirmium-Baranja region. We have positively assessed the implementation of the Basic Agreement thus far. However, we have pointed out that any failure to adhere to this Agreement or to revise it is unacceptable, as well as the statements and the activities which may generate anxiety and create insecurity among the residents of the region. We have pledged ourselves to the further consistent and comprehensive implementation of the Basic Agreement, which implies, inter alia, that the agreed duration of the transitional period of one plus one year be respected. We have given our support to the activities of the Transitional Administration towards a faster economic reconstruction of the region and the insurance of adequate financial resources for this purpose. We are firmly convinced that only the strengthening of confidence among the population and respect for the basic human and civil rights, while preserving its multi-ethnic composition, will create fundamental preconditions for a final and stable solution of the Region of Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium to be a significant contribution to peace, stability and good-neighbourliness.

We have informed the Croatian side about our well-known positions on the regional concept of the European Union. The establishment of economic links, restoration and promotion of infrastructure and economic cooperation in general constitute a safe road towards a lasting stability of the region, a faster individual economic development of all countries and creation of preconditions for their more rapid integration into the current European flows and integration processes.

We assess that the talks have been substantial and constructive. A common interest for a lasting and stable development of overall relations between the FR of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Croatia has been confirmed. We have agreed that these relations based on equality and good-neighbourliness are of vital importance not only to the realization of long-term goals of both countries, but constitute at the same time a crucial precondition for a lasting peace, social and economic prosperity and stability of the whole region.

[02] LIST OF AGREED MEETINGS

In order to contribute to a faster development of the Yugoslav-Croatian relations, the two Ministers agreed that the Joint Commission as provided for in Article 7 of the Agreement on Normalization of Relations should start its work by 15 November with a view to fulfilling the obligations on free and safe return of refugees and displaced persons. It was agreed that experts should embark on concluding, as soon as possible, the agreement on compensation for destroyed, damaged or lost property.

Appreciating the great significance of reconstruction and development of economic cooperation on lasting foundations, it was agreed that both countries should set up bodies within their Government to encourage the normalization and development of economic cooperation, resolve questions concerning payment operations as well as other relevant questions in order to ensure a free flow of goods.

As agreed, a meeting of the Ministers for Internal Affairs will be held in Belgrade by 11 November 1996 to have the following agreements concluded: Agreement on tracking down and extradition of suspects; Agreement on combatting international terrorism; Agreement on combating illicit drug-trafficking; Agreement on facilitating the movement of passengers, vehicles and traffic at border crossings (streamlining the formalities for passengers, passenger and other vehicles entering the country).

It was also agreed to step up the work to have the Consular Convention and accompanying documents concluded and create conditions for a free movement of people in accordance with European and international standards. The two Ministers noted that the draft agreement has entered the final phase and that it should be signed as soon as possible. As a first step in that direction, the two Ministers signed today the Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Diplomatic and Service Passports.

The date will be determined after 15 November to continue talks at the expert level of the two Ministries on Consular Convention.

It was agreed to hold expert meetings from 5-10 November on social, pension and disability insurance.

The meeting of expert groups for railway traffic was scheduled for 4 November. It was also agreed to hold the meeting of expert groups for air and road traffic by the end of November, as well as the meeting of the representatives of State departments for the protection of environment.

They expressed readiness to implement as soon as possible the Agreements on full exploitation of the Adriatic oil pipeline.

It was agreed to support the activities of the Commissions for Humanitarian Questions and Missing Persons in their future work, along the agreed principles.

It was agreed to ensure free circulation of the press.

[03] IMF MEMBERSHIP TO BE RESOLVED BY THE END OF THE YEAR

Trbojevic said that an upcoming IMF Board of Directors Session would adopt such a decision. He said that Yugoslavia's IMF membership does not depend on the regulation of relations between Yugoslavia and the United Nations, nor on the succession talks. According to Trbojevic, Yugoslavia's membership in the Paris and London Clubs will be resolved by the end of the first quarter of 1997.

NBY Vice-Governor Ratko Banovic said after the same Session that in 1997 expected should be the continuation of positive economic trends and the expansion of production. Banovic said that 'the country's financial system should be rationalized to render it more flexible and efficient.' According to him, this primarily refers to the resolution of banking problems. Banovic assessed that the instruments of the Monetary regulations should be more marketable, meaning that 'NBY will intervene on the financial market and control currency circulation.'

[04] HUMANITARIAN BODIES CUT AID TO REFUGEES IN YUGOSLAVIA

Head of a Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for Yugoslavia Hannes Haukson said on Tuesday that the duration of the humanitarian crisis in Yugoslavia had 'fatigued' donors. Haukson said the reduction of funds, begun this year, would be extended to next year as well. The Federation's plans for next year will depend on the speed of repatriation to Bosnia and Croatia, and the integration of refugees into local environments, said Haukson.

A census has shown that more than 60% of the 650,000 registered refugees in Yugoslavia wish to remain in Yugoslavia, so that we will adjust our programs depending on solutions undertaken by your Government, said Haukson. He said Yugoslavia had the most complex refugee problem in the Region, and added that the International Community had transferred its attention to this Region since the lifting of the anti-Yugoslav sanctions and the end of the war in Bosnia.

[05] ELECTION SILENCE IN YUGOSLAVIA BEGINS THURSDAY MIDNIGHT

In this period the media are forbidden to report on the activities of parties and candidates for Federal Parliament deputies ,and to broadcast election commercials, while political parties are banned from organizing rallies, promotional meetings and conventions.

In Yugoslavia the electorate numbers 7,597 504 citizens, of which 7,149 179 in Serbia and 448,325 in Montenegro. About 10,000 polling stations in 36 Electoral Districts (29 in Serbia and seven in Montenegro) will be open on November 3. from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

For the 138 seats in the Federal Parliament's Lower House (Chamber of Citizens), 812 candidates will compete. Serbia will elect 108 deputies, and Montenegro 30. Election Lists were submitted by 32 parties, seven coalitions and nine groups of citizens.

[06] YUGOSLAV AND HUNGARIAN DEFENSE MINISTERS SIGN COOPERATION PROTOCOL

'The document we signed opens up possibilities for setting up Joint Cooperation Committees and planning the forms and contents of this cooperation which will contribute to strengthening peace and security in the Region,' Keleti told the Press.

Bulatovic said that all conditions and a mutual interest exist for more intensive cooperation between the two countries in all spheres, including Defense.

Bulatovic, who arrived in Budapest on Tuesday at the head of a Delegation of the Yugoslav Defense Ministry and the Yugoslav Army, said that during the two-hour sincere and open talks with Keleti, views on security and the political situation in the Balkans had been exchanged.

[07] BILDT WORRIED BY FREQUENT DYNAMITING OF HOMES IN BOSNIA

Bildt's Spokesman Colum Murphy, speaking at a news conference, invited the leaders of all parties in Bosnia-Herzegovina to order a halt to the dynamiting of homes designed to prevent the return of refugees and displaced persons. In the meantime, troops of the Multinational Peace Implementation Force (IFOR) have intensified patrols of border areas where tensions have mounted because of obvious efforts to deny the people's right to repatriation, guaranteed under the 1995 Dayton Accords.

According to IFOR figures, at least 100 houses have been dynamited along the inter-ethnic boundary line over the past week.

[08] INTERNATIONAL BODIES CONCERNED ABOUT BOSNIAN SERB'S TRIAL IN BIHAC

Spokesman Alun Roberts said that the International Police Training Force (IPTF) in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the U.N. Centre for monitoring human rights practices were greatly concerned about the way the trial was being conducted. Roberts told a news conference that Marceta had been brought to court in Bihac on Friday without first having been allowed to meet with his lawyer. The investigative judge had offered no evidence to support the charge before court ruled to remand Marceta in custody for a further 30 days, Roberts added. Roberts said that IPTF Commissioner Peter Fitzgerald had filed another protest with the Muslim-Croat Federation's Interior Ministry, requesting evidence in support of the war crimes charge against Marceta. However, no evidence has so far been submitted and Marceta is not on the indictment list of the Hague-based War Crimes Tribunal for former Yugoslavia, Roberts said.

He spoke also about organised torchings and dynamiting of Serb houses in the Drvar area, stressing that nine Serb homes had been torched in the village of Serbic alone on October 25, and about thirty others had been burnt down the day before.

[09] RUSSIA WILL ADVOCATE EXTENSION OF UNTAES MANDATE

After meeting UN Administrator Jacques Klein in Vukovar, Lavrov said that Russia supported all activities of the UN Transitional Administration in the Eastern Slavonia, Baranya and Western Srem region, underlining that its mandate should be extended to gain precious time for organizing elections in the Region. The tasks facing UNTAES are not at all easy, it takes patience and long work in contacts with people so they can understand the benefits brought by UNTAES, Lavrov said. A definite decision on extending the mandate will be taken on the basis of recommendations by UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali in his report. Representatives of all Contact Group and Security Council member-states are ready to discuss the issue as soon as they receive Boutros-Ghali's report, the Ambassador said.

Administrator Klein pointed to the great contribution of the Russian Federation to the endeavours for the extension of UNTAES mandate at the Security Council and to the Region's reconstruction and recovery. He especially underlined the role of the Russian UNTAES battalion as a key factor in stabilizing the situation in the Region during the past four years, especially while the demilitarization process was under way.

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