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

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

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

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

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 08/09/2004 Principal Deputy High Representative Donald Hays and USAID Mission Director Howard Sumka visited the newly established Commercial Division of the Sarajevo Municipal Court today. USAID Mission Director Howard Sumka stressed the readiness of this agency to support the economic reconstruction and development of BiH and reminded that the implementation of the “Fostering an Investment and Lender-friendly Environment – FILE” project has been started with that objective in mind. Sumka said that this 3-year project in the field of commercial law is aimed at creating an environment that will better protect the rights of investors and lenders in BiH.ASHDOWN: FAILURE TO FULFIL INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS PREVENTS INTEGRATIONS.Ashdown said that one of those problems lies in Banja Luka and another in the BiH Presidency.

090804 es

FSA6484: 08.09.2004 04:43

BiH - JUDICIARY - REFORM

HAYS AND SUMKA VISIT COMMERCIAL DIVISION OF SARAJEVO MUNICIPAL COURT

SARAJEVO, September 8 (FENA) - Principal Deputy High Representative Donald Hays and USAID Mission Director Howard Sumka visited the newly established Commercial Division of the Sarajevo Municipal Court today. Ambassador Hays and Mr Sumka were briefed by President of the Court Aida Salcinovic-Kuljunain and by judges of the Commercial Division.

Hays told journalists after the meeting that progress in resolving commercial litigation represents a significant step towards creating a more favourable economic environment in BiH and attracting foreign and domestic investments.

He said that the transition towards a market economy needs to be accompanied by adequate changes in the judiciary aimed at creating institutional and legal conditions for the economic development of BiH.

USAID Mission Director Howard Sumka stressed the readiness of this agency to support the economic reconstruction and development of BiH and reminded that the implementation of the “Fostering an Investment and Lender-friendly Environment – FILE” project has been started with that objective in mind.

Sumka said that this 3-year project in the field of commercial law is aimed at creating an environment that will better protect the rights of investors and lenders in BiH.

President of the Court Aida Salcinovic-Kuljunain also underlined the importance of resolving commercial litigation more efficiently and stressed that an overall reform is needed in order to achieve international standards in this field.

She said that a massive task of clearing the backlog of commercial litigation in BiH lies ahead of the Commercial Division and expressed confidence that improvements in this area would contribute to the higher level of legal protection of citizens and businesses.

(Fena) jc

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

FSA6505: 08.09.2004 05:49

BiH - EU - UN

ASHDOWN: FAILURE TO FULFIL INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS PREVENTS INTEGRATIONS

SARAJEVO, September 8 (FENA) – There are two key obstacles on the road of BiH towards the Partnership for Peace and entering talks on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, which are connected the to fulfilment of international commitments, High Representative Paddy Ashdown said today after returning from London and Brussels where he held talks with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and EU High Representative for Security and Foreign Police Javier Solana, as well as senior NATO and Council of Europe ambassadors.

Ashdown said that one of those problems lies in Banja Luka and another in the BiH Presidency.

“It would be catastrophic for BiH and extremely difficult for the RS if action is not taken soon that would guarantee cooperation with the ICTY”, Ashdown warned.

He said that there are certain signs, certain changes in tone and posture, such as the appointment of the new RS Interior Minister, but added that none of that will be important if specific action is not taken that would give guarantees to the international community on seriousness towards cooperation with the Hague.

The RS has three more moths until the new NATO summit to demonstrate cooperation, but it has already wasted time in August.

However, there is another obstacle that prevents accession to the Partnership for Peace and the SAA and it does not lie in Banja Luka, but the BiH Presidency.

Ashdown said that the issue of decertifying police has been a standing one for more than a year, but that three months have passed and the BiH Presidency has done nothing concerning the letter of the UN Security Council Chair regarding this issue.

“They have not even informed the Prime Minister or the courts about that and only yesterday was the letter with special UN instructions sent to different BiH institutions that need to implement it”, the High Representative said.

If BiH fails to fulfil its commitments as recommended by the Security Council Chair then there is no hope that BiH will be in the position to join the Partnership for Peace or enter talks on the SAA.

Ashdown thinks that it is almost scandalous that the letter of the Security Council Chair lies unopened in someone’s desk or under the carpet in the BiH Presidency instead of causing immediate action if there is to be any hope for fulfilling international commitments.

(Fena) jc

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

FSA6488: 08.09.2004 05:07

BiH PARLIAMENT - HOUSE OF PEOPLES

BiH HOUSE OF PEOPLES TO DISCUSS VAT LAW TOMORROW

SARAJEVO, September 8 (FENA) – The BiH House of Peoples will discuss the draft VAT Law tomorrow.

The broad agenda for the tomorrow’s session also includes the draft law on food, the law on technical requirements for products and the law on general safety of products.

The House of Peoples is also planned to discuss the draft law on amnesty, changes to the BiH Ombudsmen law, the law on internal debt and the law on the BiH Red Cross Association.

The draft law on the BiH customs policy, the law on monitoring and controlling crossings of the state border, the law on the State Border Service and the law on missing persons in BiH will also be on the agenda.

The House is also expected to discuss several draft laws in urgent procedure.

Due to a broad agenda the session is expected to last two days.

(Fena) jc

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

FSA6508: 08.09.2004 05:56

BiH-PRESIDENCY

BiH PRESIDENCY UNABLE TO DISCUSS SEVERAL ISSUES

SARAJEVO, September 8 (FENA) – The BiH Presidency removed several issues of its agenda today after reporters failed to appear.

“The fact that we do not have a representative of the BiH Ministry of Foreign Affairs present at the Presidency sessions is especially worrying”, BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic told journalists after the session.

Tihic said that he would send a warning to BiH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic because of his and the absence of his deputy Lidija Topic from the Presidency sessions, which has prevented the BiH Presidency several times from discussing issues concerning foreign policy.

He said that the Presidency has taken the issue of appointing BiH international representatives, primarily ambassadors, of the agenda for the third time.

Decisions on appointing BiH representatives to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and giving approval for the appointment of British and Israeli ambassadors to BiH have also been taken of the agenda.

(Fena) jc

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

FSA6514: 08.09.2004 06:12

BiH-PRESIDENCY-SESSION

TIHIC: PEOPLE SUCH AS MIROSLAV NIKOLIC DO NOT BELONG IN BiH

SARAJEVO, September 8 (FENA) – BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic said that the BiH Presidency did not discuss today the “chauvinist” statements by Serb Radical Party President Tomislav Nikolic.

Tihic said Nikolic’s statements at election rallies in the RS are directly inflaming national hatred and undermining the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH.

“I wish to say that that as far as I am concerned such individuals do not belong in BiH, especially not during the election campaign, because they do not contribute to the establishment of trust and the development of good neighbourly relations between our countries, but, unfortunately only spread national hatred between our peoples”, Tihic said.

(Fena) jc

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

FSA6519: 08.09.2004 06:22

BiH-PRESIDENCY

BiH PRESIDENCY ADOPTS REPORT ON BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION

SARAJEVO, September 8 (FENA) – The BiH Presidency adopted today the report on the implementation of the BiH Presidency’s Budget for the first half of this year.

BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic told journalists that this Budget is in the region of 96,57 of approved funds.

During that period the Presidency saved significant funds thanks to the adoption of a number of books of regulations and decisions regulating the use of funds and the control of those funds, Tihic said.

Pursuant to the today’s decision of the BiH Presidency a procedure will be launched for changing the structure of expenditure. Budget control and maximal saving measures in all institutions will be introduced in cooperation with the BiH Ministry of Finance and Treasury.

(Fena) jc

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

FSA6523: 08.09.2004 06:30

OHR-VAT

OHR REMINDS THAT THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS SUPPORTED THE VAT PROPOSAL

SARAJEVO, September 8 (FENA) – OHR stated today that the VAT rate proposed in the law is a proposal of the Indirect Taxation Administration and that it was made after serious discussions of various factors.

In a statement to FENA OHR reminded that the BiH Council of Ministers reviewed that proposal and supported it.

- This is now a matter for the BiH authorities, however, any change to the law must reflect the macroeconomic reality of this country, OHR stated.

(Fena) jc

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

FSA6525: 08.09.2004 06:39

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT OF EVENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

STATE INSTITUTIONS

SARAJEVO, 10:00 – HOUSE OF PEOPLES’ COMMISSION FOR FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS SESSION (BiH INSTITUTIONS BUILDING)

SARAJEVO, 11:00 – BiH HOUSE OF PEOPLES SESSION (BiH INSTITUTIONS BUILDING)

ENTITY INSTITUTIONS

SARAJEVO, 09:00 – FBiH GOVERNMENT SESSION

OTHER EVENTS

SARAJEVO, 11:00 – ALTERNATIVE BiH PRESIDENCY HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE ALTERNATIVE GOVERNMENT (HOLIDAY INN)

EDITORS ON DUTY IN SARAJEVO

MORNING AND AFTERNOON:

AFTERNOON AND EVENING:

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 –

14:30 – 21:00 –

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