FENA 10/09/2004 - Dodik holds press-conference in relation to charges against him filed during the election campaign. A senior BiH Croat delegation met ICTY President Theodor Meron, ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte and ICTY General Secretary Hans Holthuis in the Hague today, the BiH Presidency stated.ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte accepted the invitation of the RS Association of Prisoners to visit Banja Luka or Srpsko Sarajevo and meet 250 former prisoners after the local elections in BiH, Association President Branislav Dukic said today. Commenting on the recent warning by High Representative Paddy Ashdown that authorities in Banja Luka need to fulfil their commitments RS Prime Minister Dragan Mikerevic said today that following visits to London and Brussels Ashdown probably received certain information brining into question the accession of BiH to the Partnership for Peace, which could have an extremely negative effect on reforms in BiH.

091004 es

FSA6931: 10.09.2004 04:51

SNSD - CHARGES

DODIK: THEY ARE TRYING TO SILENCE BY FILING CHARGES

BANJA LUKA, September 10 (FENA) – Former RS Prime Minister and Alliance of Independent Social-Democrats (SNSD) President Milorad Dodik said at a press conference today that the criminal charges against him have been intentionally raised during the election campaign and that for four years now the RS Ministry of Interior, instigated by parties in power, has been trying to keep this story alive by raising criminal charges against him before every elections.

Dodik said that charges have been filed against him two days ago over suspicion that he approved the transfer of 700.000 KM to the Nova Banjalucka Banka in 1998 without the consent of the RS Government as a guarantee for a company from Laktasi for the import of cigarettes.

The police stated that there is no record from the Government session when this decision was made, while Dodik claims that the decision was made at a Government session and that the entire story concerning the record was fabricated.

“I shall accept any form of responsibility if its is proved and I have full confidence in the prosecution. I certainly have no trust in the criminal Ministry of Interior which embezzled and stole 16 million KM and is now trying to divert attention from the audit report by different stories and filing charges”, Dodik said.

He reminded that he talked about criminal activities in the RS Ministry of Interior and RS authorities before and that attempts are now being made to silence him by criminal charges.

Dodik said that he sees nothing tragic if the prosecution raises charges and that he is prepared for “all forms of responsibility”, but stressed that it is questionable that nothing is being done concerning the issue of irregularities in audit reports and the implementation of the budget in 2001, or the issue of responsibility of those who sold the Nova Banjalucka Banka for 1 Euro in 2001, investigating what happened in “Telekom RS”, “Srpske Sume” and most recently in the RS Ministry of Interior.

He accused representatives of current authorities of attempting to rob enormous resources in the RS.

He also accused them of not passing necessary decisions for improving the economy.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA6937: 10.09.2004 05:11

BiH-THE HAGUE

BiH CROAT DELEGATION MEETS ICTY OFFICIALS

SARAJEVO, September 10 (FENA) – A senior BiH Croat delegation met ICTY President Theodor Meron, ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte and ICTY General Secretary Hans Holthuis in the Hague today, the BiH Presidency stated.

The BiH Croat delegation was comprised of BiH Presidency member Dragan Covic, BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak, FBiH President Niko Lozancic and FBiH Justice Minister Borjana Kristo.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the successful cooperation of state and FBiH institutions with the ICTY.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to continue the cooperation in the upcoming period, especially on issues concerning the establishment of a special department for war crimes with the BiH Court.

They agreed that this department needs to be made capable to prosecute war crimes and that it should not be burdened by other forms of crime.

At the end of the meeting they invited ICTY officials to visit BiH.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA6938: 10.09.2004 05:20

RS - ASSOCIATION OF PRISONERS

DUKIC: CARLA DEL PONTE TO VISIT RS

SARAJEVO, September 10 (FENA) – ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte accepted the invitation of the RS Association of Prisoners to visit Banja Luka or Srpsko Sarajevo and meet 250 former prisoners after the local elections in BiH, Association President Branislav Dukic said today.

Dukic said that the visit of ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte is “very likely”, but that the exact date and the protocol of the visit need to be agreed with the Prosecution.

“We have proposed that ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte visits either Banja Luka or Srpsko Sarajevo where she would first pay her respects to the killed and unidentified Serbs”, Association President Slavko Jovicic said.

He also said that “250 Serb prisoners are prepared to participate in the defence of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic in order to prove the truth, which is the most important for the survival of the RS and the Serb people as a whole”.

He added that the RS Association of Prisoners would file a lawsuit against High Representative Paddy Ashdown before the International Court of Justice in Strasbourg because of “frequent pressures and threats against the RS and the Serb people”.

(Fena) jc

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FSA6939: 10.09.2004 05:26

BiH-S&M

TIHIC MEETS BOSNIAK NATIONAL COUNCIL DELEGATION FROM SERBIA-MONTENEGRO

SARAJEVO, September 10 (FENA) – BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic met a Bosniak National Council delegation from Serbia-Montenegro led by Sulejman Ugljanin in Sarajevo today.

They discussed institutional cooperation, especially in the fields of education and culture, supporting requests of the Bosniak National Council for resolving the issues of scholarship for students from Serbia-Montenegro at the Sarajevo University, the BiH Presidency stated.

They stressed the need for signing agreements between the two states on cooperation in this field as soon as possible.

Tihic said that the BiH lawsuit against Serbia-Montenegro for genocide is not aimed against any people or citizens either in BiH or Serbia-Montenegro and that trust between peoples and good neighbourly relations can only be built and developed on truth.

 (Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA6942: 10.09.2004 05:36

BiH-SLOVENIA-CONFERENCE

MINISTER DOKIC AT A CONFERENCE IN SLOVENIA

MARIBOR, September 10 (FENA) – The Slovenian Government organised in Maribor on Friday a meeting of ministers responsible from telecommunications and information society services in Central European Initiative (CEI) member states.

BiH Transport and Communications Branko Dokic led the BiH delegation. In his address he informed the participants about current and ICT activities in BiH so far and legislation in the field of information society, the BiH Ministry of Transport and Communications told FENA.

Slovenian Information Society Minister Pavel Grantar informed heads of delegation that the EU would donate through Slovenian more than a million EU for stimulating the development of the information society.

Participants also adopted a resolution titled “Ministerial Conclusions”, which covers joint activities of CEI member states in the development of the information society in the region.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA6935: 10.09.2004 05:04

RS - ASHDOWN

MIKEREVIC ON ASHDOWN'S WARNING

MRKONJIC GRAD, September 10 (FENA) – Commenting on the recent warning by High Representative Paddy Ashdown that authorities in Banja Luka need to fulfil their commitments RS Prime Minister Dragan Mikerevic said today that following visits to London and Brussels Ashdown probably received certain information brining into question the accession of BiH to the Partnership for Peace, which could have an extremely negative effect on reforms in BiH.

Mikerevic told journalists that probably for this reason the High Representative again strengthened his request towards the RS to fulfil its commitments.

Mikerevic also announced that the decision on the further participation of SDA ministers in the RS Government would soon be adopted.

He also added that the process of appointing the new RS Interior Minister is underway.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA6933: 10.09.2004 04:57

RUSSIA - BiH

RUSSIAN LEADERSHIP EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO TIHIC

SARAJEVO, September 10 (FENA) – Russian Ambassador to BiH Aleksandar Griscenko expressed gratitude to BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic today for the sympathy and support following the recent tragedy in Beslan.

On behalf of the Russian leadership and President Vladimir Putin I wish to express the deepest gratitude to you and the friendly BiH people for the warm and kind words of compassion. Only together, in a joint effort, can we defeat one of the worst evils of the modern age – international terrorism, which does not choose its victims and even takes the lives of children. I wish to use this opportunity to reiterate my deepest respect, Grisenko said.

(Fena) jc

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FSA6932: 10.09.2004 04:50

METEOBIH-WEATHER

WEATHER FORECAST

SARAJEVO, September 10 (FENA) – BiH was sunny today.

It will remain sunny tomorrow as well. Morning temperatures are expected between 4 and 16 and between 21 and 29 during the day.

Sarajevo will be cool tomorrow morning with the expected temperature at 4 and sunny during the day with a maximal temperature of 23.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA6943: 10.09.2004 05:45

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT OF EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

SARAJEVO, 13:00 – ROUNDTABLE – YOUTH ON THE PROBLEM OF MINES AND DEMINING IN BiH (CANADIAN EMBASSY)

POLITICAL PARTIES

SARAJEVO, 10:30 – SDU PRESS CONFERENCE AND PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE NOVI GRAD MAYOR AND LEADERS OF THE LIST FOR THE NOVI GRAD MUNICIPAL COUNCIL 

ZAVIDOVICI, 18:00 – SDP BiH ELECTION RALLY

ILIDZA – OTES, 18:00 – PARTY FOR BiH ELECTION RALLY

EDITORS ON DUTY IN SARAJEVO

09:00 – 21:00 - Bisera Dzidic

tel. 00 387 33 44 53 36

fax: 00 387 33 26 54 60

e-mail: fena@fena.ba

EDITORS ON DUTY IN MOSTAR

09:00 – 18:00 – Roland Grabovac

tel. 00 387 36 31 92 22

fax. 00 387 36 31 94 22

e-mail: desk.mostar@fena.ba

(Fena) jc

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MARKETING - tel/fax: 033 445 346; mob: 061 200 527; e-mail: marketing@fena.ba

IT FENA - e-mail: otprema@fena.ba; fena-info@fena.ba

FENA 30/09/2004 - WB AND FBiH GOVERNMENT COMPLETE TWO PROJECTS AND ANNOUNCE NEW PROJECT

093004 es

FMO4731: 30.09.2004 04:15

HDZ SOLI -ELECTIONS

HDZ: IN ITS ELECTION CAMPAIGN NO PARTY MENTIONED POSITION OF CROATS

TUZLA, Sep 30 (FENA) – None of the political parties or coalitions running in the municipal elections in the Tuzla Canton, except for the HDZ, has ever as much as mentioned the position of the Croats during the election campaign, let alone offered any solution for the problems facing them – it is said in a statement released by the HDZ Cantonal Board (CB) Soli.

That is why the HDZ CB in Soli calls upon the Croats in all Tuzla Canton municipalities to prevent, by going to the polls, the dying out of the Croats. This failing their future and the future of their children will be at stake. 

”The Bosniacs, we are quite aware of that, are going to win this election and set up their government in all municipalities. Our chance of participating in decision-making, however, will depend on the turnout of the Croats in the election” – the statement of the HDZ Cantonal Board Soli concludes.   

(Fena) jk

----------------------------

FSA1199: 30.09.2004 04:30

BIHAC - SYMPOSIUM

BiH MUST PROTECT ITS RESOURCES

BIHAC, September 30 (FENA) – The second international symposium of agriculture, veterinary medicine, forestry and biotechnology, organised under the auspices of the Una-Sana Canton Government, ended in Bihac today.

Some 600 experts from the entire BiH, as well as neighbouring countries, took part in the symposium.

BiH Human Rights and Refugees Minister Mirsad Kebo was also present today.

Participants stressed the importance of creating legislation in this field, which would be harmonised with European standards, and establishing institutions that would ensure the adequate implementation and control of such measures.

“BiH, especially the Una-Sana Canton, must protect their resources, which give them advantage over Europe. Unpolluted environment and water allow the development of agriculture and the profitable export of products to Europe”, was stated at the symposium.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA1203: 30.09.2004 04:40

SREBRENICA - DEMINING

SREBRENICA: INTERSOS DEMINING PROJECT

SREBRENICA, September 30 (FENA) – Italian humanitarian organisation INTERSOS started the implementation of the demining and protection from mines project in Srebrenica municipality today with a visit to high-risk areas.

“Srebrenica municipality is among the most endangered areas in BiH with 70 square kilometres identified as areas of high risk”, INTERSOS team member Aleksandar Milanovic said. Visits to Sasa, Osmace, Osatice, Donji Potocari and Cicevci will be organised during October.

The objective of the first phase of the project is to identify priority areas for demining operations.

“Education for the local population is also planned in order to inform them about the danger of mines. Attention needs to be focussed on displaced persons, returnees and members of hunting associations as these categories face the highest risk”, Milanovic said.

Round tables and the development of operational plans for demining and permanent marking of mine fields are planned for the following phases.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA1212: 30.09.2004 04:56

PERPL- SOTAC

WB AND FBiH GOVERNMENT COMPLETE TWO PROJECTS AND ANNOUNCE NEW PROJECT

SARAJEVO, September 30 (FENA) – Implementation of the urgent pilot project of re-qualifying soldiers dismissed in accordance with the Madrid Declaration (PERLP) and the project of technical support for the social sector (SOTAC) ended in BiH today. These projects were implemented during the past four years with loans provided by the World Bank, funds provided by the FBiH Government and funds donated by Holland and Norway.

Projects were implemented simultaneously in the FBiH and RS. More than 7.000 people were employed through the PERLP project while the SOTAC project improved technical assistance in the reform of the social sector in BiH.

SOTAC project also improved the functioning of Social Work Centres. Both projects were implemented under the supervision of the FBiH Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. 15 million in loan funds provided by the WB, 1,2 million USD donated by the Dutch Government and 11,4 million Norwegian Crowns donated by the Norwegian Government were used for the implementation of these projects.

Head of the WB team for the PERLP project Manizanagvi announced that a project aimed at employing 10.000 people and that would last four years is being prepared.

She said that RS authorities have already accepted that project while FBiH authorities still need to do so.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA1217: 30.09.2004 05:06

BiH - EU

BiH UNION OF CONSUMERS ESTABLISHED

SARAJEVO, September 30 (FENA) – With the technical assistance of the EU the first Union of Consumers in BiH has been registered with clubs of consumers from Mostar and Tuzla and the association of consumers from Banja Luka within its membership.

Delegation of the European Commission in BiH Head Michael Humphreys and EU expert for protection of consumers Paul Allen announced at a press conference in Sarajevo today that four other associations of consumers from BiH would join the BiH Union in mid October.

Humphreys said that at a meeting on October 15 the EU would encourage other associations to join the Union, provide them assistance in training, and work on bringing them closer.

The EU will also help associations in the development of laws on the protection of consumers that would be in accordance with the European market.

The Union of Consumers stated that the establishment of such an institutions is necessary in order to finally inform citizens about what they are using and buying.

The BiH Ministry of Justice also supported the establishment of the Union.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA1219: 30.09.2004 05:12

BiH - SWITZERLAND

BiH PRESIDENCY MEMBERS TO VISIT SWITZERLAND ON OCTOBER 5 AND 6

SARAJEVO, September 30 (FENA) – BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic and members of the BiH Presidency Borislav Paravac and Dragan Covic, together with BiH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic, will officially visit Switzerland on October 5 at the invitation by Swiss President Joseph Deiss.

They will discuss relations between the two states, situation in the region and current international issues.

BiH is especially interested in improving economic cooperation with Switzerland, as well as attracting Swiss investment to BiH.

On October 6 they will visit Zurich where they will present investment opportunities in BiH to Swiss businesspersons, the BiH Presidency stated.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA1228: 30.09.2004 05:27

RS - ICTY

CAVIC: INTENSIVE WORK OF FULFILLING THE ICTY REQUEST

BANJA LUKA, September 30 (FENA) – RS President Dragan Cavic confirmed today that he has been working for a longer period of time on the request of the ICTY towards the RS authorities for handing over wartime documentation from the sessions of the Supreme Command.

“That mystery with the documentation can be resolved with the work of relevant institutions that are responsible for establishing the truth”, Cavic said.

Cavic reminded that he ordered the RS Ministry of Interior six months ago to determine where the files from the RS President’s archives are, and who handled those documents.

He said that Ministries of Interior and Defence, as well as other institutions, need to work together on establishing the facts and to handover all they have.

Cavic said that he is working transparently on this issue, without reservations and any intention to obstruct anything.

Cavic said that Defence Minister Milovan Stankovic and Police Minister Darko Matijasevic expressed same views.

“We shall see in the coming days how will this be assessed”, Cavic concluded.

Asked if there was truth in the statement by SNSD President Milorad Dodik that he agreed with Serbian President Boris Tadic the establishment of a joint, special unit that would arrest war criminals Cavic said that this is a political stunt before the elections.

He said that both the RS and Serbia have commitments towards the international community and an identical problem – cooperation with the ICTY.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA1232: 30.09.2004 05:34

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT OF EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1

ECONOMY

ZENICA, 10:00 – REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY REZ ORGANISES MEETING ON THE ISSUE “DEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRAL BiH REGION” (ZEPS 2004)

ZENICA, 12:30 – “ECONOMIC DEALINGS WITH CANADA” SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE CANADIAN TRADE SERVICE (ZEPS 2004)

PROTESTS

SARAJEVO, 11:00 – PEACEFUL PROTEST OF SHOP OWNERS IN SKENDERIJA

EXHIBITIONS

SARAJEVO, 11:30 – OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION OF CHILDREN’S DRAWINGS AND LITERARY WORKS AS PART OF THE “CHILDREN OF OLYMPIC SARAJEVO TO CHILDREN OF OLYMPIC CITIES” PROJECT (UNITIC)

EDITORS ON DUTY IN SARAJEVO

MORNING AND AFTERNOON: FERID KORIC

AFTERNOON AND EVENING: FAIK IMAMOVIC

tel. 00 387 33 44 53 36

fax: 00 387 33 26 54 60

e-mail: fena@fena.ba

EDITORS ON DUTY IN MOSTAR

08:00 – 14:30 – DRAGO KEZIC

14:30 – 21:00 – DANIELA PERIC

tel. 00 387 36 31 92 22

fax. 00 387 36 31 94 22

e-mail: desk.mostar@fena.ba

(Fena) jc

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MARKETING - tel/fax: 033 445 346; mob: 061 200 527; e-mail: marketing@fena.ba IT FENA - e-mail: otprema@fena.ba; fena-info@fena.ba

FENA 29/09/2004 - Former FBiH Defence Minister Miroslav Prce decided to plea guilty before the BiH Court on embezzlement charges concerning the activities of the “Hercegovacka Banka” and in return he should receive a reduced prison sentence if his responsibility is proved during the trial, representatives of both defence and prosecution confirmed on Wednesday. Prce together with former BiH Presidency member Ante Jelavic and members of the “Hercegovacka Banka” management Miroslav Rupcic, Ivica Karlovic and fra Ivan Sevo is charged with embezzlement of funds provided by the Croatian Government as assistance to Croats in BiH.

093004 am

 ICTY: PROSECUTORS CONFIDENT THEY PROVED BLAGOJEVIC AND JOKIC'S RESPONSIBILITY

 BiH HOUSE OF PEOPLES TO DISCUSS SET OF JUDICIAL LAWS ON THURSDAY

 RS: DISTRIBUTION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL PACKAGES

 DEL PONTE EXTENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO REIS CERIC

 WASHINGTON: TERZIC, MARIC AND DOKO AT ANNUAL WB AND IMF ASSEMBLY

 GENEVA: INTERPARLIAMENTARY UNION TO DISCUSS SITUATION IN IRAQ

 BiH COURT: MIROSLAV PRCE DECIDES TO PLEA GUILTY

FSA1021: 29.09.2004 10:57

MORNING SERVICE

ICTY: PROSECUTORS CONFIDENT THEY PROVED BLAGOJEVIC AND JOKIC'S RESPONSIBILITY

THE HAGUE, September 29 (FENA) – ICTY prosecutors said in their closing argument in the trial of former Bosnian Serb officers Vidoje Blagojevic and Dragan Jokic on Wednesday that they succeed in proving their participation in mass slaughters of more than 7.000 Bosniak prisoners following the fall of Srebrenica between July 13 and July 19 1995.

Blagojevic, former commander of the VRS Brtunac Brigade, is charged with six counts of participation in genocide, murder, extermination and other crimes against humanity and breaches of laws and customs of war, Hina reported.

Prosecutors said that in July 1995 Bosnian Serb forces committed horrific massacres, which were not a secret operation not concealed, because executions lasted for days.

Blagojevic was arrested on August 10 2001 and Jokic voluntarily surrendered five days later. Both pleaded not guilty.

According to unofficial sources the Prosecution will propose a 32 year sentence for Blagojevic and a sentence of 15 to 20 years for Jokic.

The Defence will present its closing argument on Thursday and will request that both Blagojevic and Jokic be acquitted.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA1022: 29.09.2004 10:58

MORNING SERVICE

BiH HOUSE OF PEOPLES TO DISCUSS SET OF JUDICIAL LAWS ON THURSDAY

SARAJEVO, September 29 (FENA) – The BiH House of Peoples should discuss on Wednesday the set of judicial laws which create conditions for prosecuting cases of war crimes in BiH.

Before the House of Peoples discusses these laws the House of Peoples’ Constitutional Commission should do the same.

The House of Representatives adopted these laws in urgent procedure last week.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA1023: 29.09.2004 10:59

MORNING SERVICE

RS: DISTRIBUTION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL PACKAGES

BRATUNAC, September 29 (FENA) – Implementation of one of the largest projects for the return of internally displaced persons in the RS – distribution of construction material packages worth 750.000 KM – started in Bratunac on Wednesday.

The project is funded by the RS Government, RS Refugees and Displaced Persons Minister Jasmin Samardzic said during his visit to Bratunac.

“This project has covered 50 internally displaced families and some 25 families of Bosniak returnees. We expect distribution to be completed in a dozen days”, Samadrzic said.

600.000 KM has been provided for internally displaced and the remaining 150.000 KM for returnees. The project also plans to provide 100.000 KM for infrastructure works and these activities are expected to be completed by late October, Samardzic added.

(Fena) jc

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FSA1024: 29.09.2004 11:00

MORNING SERVICE

DEL PONTE EXTENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO REIS CERIC

SARAJEVO, September 29 (FENA) - ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte congratulated relsu-l-ulema Mustafa Ceric on receiving the prestigious UNESCO award for peace in 2003.

She said that this is yet another acknowledgment of his personal efforts in the struggle for peace and reconciliation in BiH, MINA Agency reported on Wednesday.

“I am also well aware of the fact that in all your public appearances you have underlined the importance of the ICTY for reconciliation in BiH and the entire region of former Yugoslavia. I respect your views and sense of justice and truth, which are of key importance for all peoples in your country”, Del Ponte said.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA1026: 29.09.2004 11:02

MORNING SERVICE

WASHINGTON: TERZIC, MARIC AND DOKO AT ANNUAL WB AND IMF ASSEMBLY

WASHINGTON/SARAJEVO, September 29 (FENA) – BiH Council of Ministers Chair and BiH Governor to the World Bank Adnan Terzic, BiH Finance and Treasury Minister and BiH Governor to the IMF Ljerka Maric and BiH Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Minister and BiH Deputy Governor to the World Bank Dragan Doko are taking part in the annual World Bank and International Monetary Fund Assembly in Washington.

The BiH delegation is planned to discuss modalities of the new stand-by arrangement for BiH with IMF Executive Director Jeroen Kremers, the BiH Council of Ministers stated on Wednesday.

The BiH delegation expects to receive IMF support for further implementation of reforms and preservation of the macroeconomic stability in the country. They will especially insist on IMF support for development projects that will be projected in the budget for next year.

Terzic will reiterate the readiness of the BiH Council of Ministers to continue talks on the new stand-by arrangement with the IMF, which would confirm the partnership between BiH and the IMF.

On Thursday the BiH delegation will hold a number of bilateral meetings with officials from these financial institutions.

(Fena) jc

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FSA1025: 29.09.2004 11:01

MORNING SERVICE

GENEVA: INTERPARLIAMENTARY UNION TO DISCUSS SITUATION IN IRAQ

GENEVA/SARAJEVO, September 29 (FENA) – Participants in the 111 Assembly of the Interparliamentary Union taking place in Geneva have, besides already planned issues, also added a special issue on the alarming situation in Iraq to the agenda.

The role of parliaments in strengthening multilateral regimes for non-proliferation of weapons and disarmament in light of new security challenges and the role of parliaments in preserving biological diversity are the main issues to be discussed by the Assembly.

The Assembly is expected to adopt a resolution on these issues at the last day of the session, the BiH Parliament stated on Wednesday.

Member of the BiH House of Representatives Ruza Sopta is representing BiH at this session.

450 Representatives of parliaments from 115 countries, 133 of the women, are taking part in the Assembly.

(Fena) jc

----------------------------

FSA1027: 29.09.2004 11:03

MORNING SERVICE

LIVNO: HADZIPASIC MEETS BUSINESSPERSONS

LIVNO, September 29 (FENA) – An FBiH Government delegation led by Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic visited Livno Municipality on Wednesday where they met local officials.

Hadzipasic said that such meetings are a good opportunity for businesspersons to make suggestions to the Government about changes to laws and other regulations that concern their activities and added that the Government wishes to remove all that presents and obstacle to businesspersons as soon as possible.

Hercegbosna Canton Chamber of Commerce Chair Ivo Cavar presented an overview of the economic situation in the Canton where the unemployment rate is at approximately 40 percent and only 2.000 out of 9.000 workers are employed in production activities.

“War and destruction are not the only reasons for this situation, but also the fact that authorities from the municipal to the state level have done little on the development of this area and stimulating industries on which the development of this canton can be based, including wood processing, agriculture, cattle raising and tourism”, Cavar said.

(Fena) jc

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FSA1028: 29.09.2004 11:03

MORNING SERVICE

BiH COURT: MIROSLAV PRCE DECIDES TO PLEA GUILTY

SARAJEVO, September 29 (FENA) – Former FBiH Defence Minister Miroslav Prce decided to plea guilty before the BiH Court on embezzlement charges concerning the activities of the “Hercegovacka Banka” and in return he should receive a reduced prison sentence if his responsibility is proved during the trial, representatives of both defence and prosecution confirmed on Wednesday.

Prce together with former BiH Presidency member Ante Jelavic and members of the “Hercegovacka Banka” management Miroslav Rupcic, Ivica Karlovic and fra Ivan Sevo is charged with embezzlement of funds provided by the Croatian Government as assistance to Croats in BiH.

Canadian prosecutor John McNair, who is leading the process against Jelavic and others, said before the Trial Chamber in Sarajevo on Wednesday that Prce is prepared to enter a plea of guilty and requested approval for official negotiations.

Prce’s attorney Zarko Bulic also confirmed that a settlement was reached with the prosecution.

“I can confirm that we have reached an agreement on entering a plea of guilty and I request that it be considered”, Bulic said.

Presiding Judge of the Trial Chamber Michael Simmons agreed with the proposal of the prosecution and defence and scheduled a hearing on the settlement for Thursday.

According to unofficial reports Prce is prepared to accept those counts of the indictment that charge him with failure to ensure efficient control over the financial dealings of the Ministry of Defence while he served as Defence Minister. During this period the Ministry conducted numerous transactions with the “Hercegovacka Banka”.

Also on Wednesday Prce’s attorney Bulic filed an official request to the Trial Chamber for ending the further participation of the defence after the settlement is accepted.

“I have concluded that my further participation in the defence is unnecessary considering the current course of the process”, Bulic said.

(Fena) jc

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MARKETING - tel/fax: 033 445 346; mob: 061 200 527; e-mail: marketing@fena.ba IT FENA - e-mail: otprema@fena.ba; fena-info@fena.ba