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WED, 09 JAN 2002 09:18:04 GMT
PRESS REVIEW, December 21 - 28, 2001PRESS IN ZAGREB PRESS IN PRISTINA PRESS IN ZAGREB PRESS IN SARAJEVO PRESS IN SKOPJE
PRESS IN ZAGREB
NOVI LIST, Dec. 21, 2001
BOZANIC: THERE WILL BE NO BARGAINING WITH CONTRACTS, THEY MUST BE
CARRIED OUT
On Thursday Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic denied that bishops in the
recent polemic on the social pastoral letter exchanged harsh words.
(...) "There will be no deals, bargaining or negotiations and
concessions when contracts are concerned. They are signed and must be
carried out, therefore, we do not feel that we should express our
gratitude when contracts are carried out, because that is quite normal",
Bozanic explained the stand of Kaptol. The Archbishop believes there is
nothing controversial in religious upbringing before school. "From the
very beginning children must be taught about pluralism and tolerance, so
let it be from the very first year of their lives", Bozanic said. (...)
When asked about the initiative of the Faculty of Philosophy for the
evaluation of the constitutionality of the provision of the contract
with the Vatican that requires implementation of Christian ethics at
universities - that is considered by professors as violation of the
autonomy of university - Bozanic replied (...) "This initiative of the
Faculty of Philosophy speaks of the atmosphere of the mentality from the
communist period" (...)
Denis Romac
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NACIONAL, December 25, 2001
GOTOVINA IS NOT IN NORWAL
If what Slobodna Dalmacija claimed on December 18 is true - that even
the Hague believes that Ante Gotovina is in hiding in Canada under
protection of Norwal friars, it means that the investigators of the
Hague and SFOR are for quite some time interested in the Franciscans
from Herzegovina as the key factor in Croatia and the neighbouring B&H.
(...) The conclusion of the Hague investigators is quite logical that
the rich and spread friars' organization helped the fugitive leave
Croatia unnoticed and find a safe refuge. (...) It seems that the
well-founded conclusion of the Hague on Norwal protectors of Ante
Gotovina are not logical only concerning a single detail: since at the
moment of his flight in September 2001, Ante Gotovina, the accused of
war crimes committed by the Croatian Army in Storm operation, had
already been well known to most of Europe's police forces, the friars
from Herzegovina might not have risked after all to transport the
fugitive across borders of Western European countries. Unlike Canada, in
Herzegovina they have full control of the situation, they have their
followers and allies in all the local institutions, even powerful
informers in the agencies of the international protectorate. (...)
Jasna Babic
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PRESS IN PRISTINA
ZERI, Dec. 22, 2001
KOSOVO "STABILITY PACT"
The origin of the Stability Pact is linked to the end of the war in
Kosovo in June 1999.
At the time the opinion prevailed that complete pacification of the
Balkan requires long-term political, military and economic investments
of the West, that is, that the policy of imposed reactions to the crises
should be replaced by the policy of resolving key political and economic
problems in this part of Europe.
However, the Stability Pact and the situation in Kosovo in the years
1999 - 2001 experienced its ups and downs, searching for identity, loss
of time and the race due to the lack of a real strategy.
The second coordinator of the Stability Pact in the row, Austrian Erhard
Busek, a connoisseur of the circumstances in South-Eastern Europe,
visited Pristina the day before yesterday and yesterday in order to get
closely acquainted with the current trends in Kosovo. Busek, who in his
first public appearances stressed the necessity of international
preoccupation with the final status of Kosovo, found Kosovo in turmoil
when its present, transitional status is concerned. Busek had hoped that
he would be able to talk about finding a special status for Kosovo
within the Stability Pact with the government of Kosovo and other
institutions that would result from 17 November elections. However,
Busek did not have a legitimate partner for the talks in Kosovo.
This is just one example that illustrates the consequences of the
delayed process of establishing central authorities in Kosovo. It seems
that creation of central authorities depends on a "Stability Pact" made
by LDK, PDK and AAK.
Blerim SHALA
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ZERI, Dec. 28, 2001
THE POLITICIAN WHO IS A RELIC OF THE PAST
"Relics of the past". With these words Vojislav Kostunica, President of
FRY, characterized the insisting and conditioning of the USA that
American financial aid to Belgrade depend on intensifying of the
cooperation of this regime with the Hague War Crimes Tribunal. It is
well known that Belgrade believes that its job with The Hague was
completed when Milosevic was sent there.
Kostunica and Ljubco Georgijevski are certainly two politicians who are
opposed to the West the most in the Balkans, but who also have the
greatest support of the West, even greater than many other politicians
who are truly pro-Western oriented.
It seems that the support of the West to Kostunica and Georgijevski is
founded on the logic that these two are very significant in the process
of preservation of stability in the Balkan.
Neither one nor the other concealed in their public appearances what
they think about the policy of the West pursued in the Balkan in the
past few years. In his latest appearance last Thursday in Belgrade,
Kostunica, for instance, defended the actions of two generals, Pavkovic
and Lukic, during the war in Kosovo. Their responsibility for war crimes
in Kosovo is evident. But Kostunica still thinks that the war of Serbia
in Kosovo and its war against NATO were legitimate.
What is then the difference between him and Milosevic? Is not Kostunica
in fact a relic of the past, a politician who does not wish to change,
who still believes in Serbia's right to keep Kosovo by all possible
means?
In his latest appearance in the media Kostunica defended Milosevic's
policy and his generals!
And it is well known what crimes this policy produced in Kosovo.
Blerim SHALA
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PRESS IN ZAGREB
VECERNJI LIST, Dec. 27, 2001
AS OF TODAY CROATIA CONTROLS THE SKIES OVER B&H
The regional flight control from Zagreb has as of today taken over the
flight control above Bosnia & Herzegovina at the altitudes between 3000
and 9000 metres. Until yesterday the job was done by NATO in Zagreb, so
Croatian flight controllers just took over the job from the experts of
the North Atlantic Alliance. The contract on the control of B&H skies
from Zagreb was signed for the period of two years with a possibility of
renewal for another year. (...) The Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina
does not possess a single radar, not even at its airports, so radars of
Stabilization Forces (SFOR) are used there. (...)
Zoran Kresic
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PRESS IN SARAJEVO
OSLOBODJENJE, Dec. 23, 2001
THE TRUTH
In the Shadow of Neighbours
The sessions of the interstate councils of Bosnia & Herzegovina with
Croatia and Federal Republic of Yugoslavia at least formally reinforce
the position of B&H state and they are a contribution to normalization
of relations in the triangle Belgrade-Sarajevo-Zagreb. But even these
sessions and meetings, as well as the character of mutual relations of
the three states testify about the persisting heavy burden motivated by
war causes and postwar frustrations. It is exceptionally significant
that Croatia has given up on special connections with B&H Federation,
just as FRY's insisting on special relations with RS is important. The
appeal lodged by B&H against FRY for aggression and genocide has not
threatened the constitution of the interstate council, but it was in the
focus of attention when the delegation of FRY met journalists. The
possibility of the withdrawal of the appeal under certain conditions was
(in)cautiously hinted at by SDP. It is possible, but... Instead of a
decision of the International Tribunal in the Hague, B&H could get
satisfaction if the parliament(s) in FRY passed act(s) in which the
aggression against B&H and genocide committed in it was admitted, if
firm readiness was expressed to make compensations to the victims of war
in B&H (that would take place under international supervision), along
with resoluteness to arrest war criminals and find out the truth about
the disappeared, and if all aspirations towards the territory of the
state of B&H were given up. Everything less than that would be
bargaining with the dead, the disabled, the raped, the robbed, the
banished - toying with the history of B&H and its dignity. Along with
the noose of special relations the question of double citizenship is
tightening around B&H, which is a possibility from the Dayton accords
and one of the tricks in the tedious effort to win recognition of B&H
statehood and independence. In Dani and Slobodna Evropa, on the example
of double citizenship and validity of passports in these three
countries, Rasim Kadic pointed out to international degrading of B&H and
its citizens who remained true to their original passport. Kadic
insists on the discriminating position of the Bosniacs, but it should
not be forgotten that a considerable number of B&H Croats and Serbs also
have only the passport of B&H. Indeed it may happen that when it comes
to choosing one of the citizenships B&H will be left even without the
few of the remaining B&H Croats and others, especially in view of the
good European prospects of Croatia and, it seems, of FRY. On the other
hand, the absence of the contract on double citizenship with the
countries where B&H immigrants live could induce hundreds of thousands
of its citizens who are in exile to definitely stay away from B&H. Along
with Bellorussia, neither B&H nor FRY are members of the Council of
Europe, while Croatia has already signed the agreement that will lead it
to the EU. But, unlike B&H, FRY already has promises of French President
Jacques Chirac on special treatment of Belgrade in its joining the EU.
At this moment, Europe is accelerating things for Belgrade and Zagreb,
while Sarajevo is in reverse. From being a pet, B&H has become a stepson
of the international community. (...)
Zija DIZDAREVIC
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DNEVNI AVAZ, Dec. 28, 2001
Commentary of the Day
WAITING FOR A RISE IN PRICES
Although the decision on the ban of oil transit by roads through Croatia
was signed in August, the authorities of B&H are still silent
In the beginning of next year in Croatia the amended Rules on Road
Transportation of Hazardous Materials will come into force pursuant
which the transit of oil and oil products through this state will be
possible only by pipelines, railway, and sea and river.
For B&H which has for years been limited to import fuel in road tankers,
this means that in the future it will be able to purchase oil and its
products only in Croatia or FR Yugoslavia which has already banned
transit of this power source across its territory.
Oil traders in these two countries will certainly use such a superior
position to impose their conditions in business dealing with B&H
importers and distributors that will unavoidably lead to the increase of
fuel prices in our country and start a whole chain of price increase
that will additionally deteriorate the already miserable standard of
living of the citizens of B&H.
Despite everything, B&H authorities refuse to be disturbed from their
"hibernation", so they have not uttered a single word in reaction to
this decision of the neighbouring state that Croatian minister of
internal affairs Sime Lucin signed in the beginning of August.
Like in the case of the call for tenders for the third GSM operator when
they reacted with a three-month delay, confiscation of the property of
B&H companies in Serbia when they were six months late, or the debt for
Russian gas resolution of which has not been reached for a whole decade,
the relevant institutions will probably react only after the
implementation of the Rules begins and when it will be too late for any
corrections in favour of B&H and its citizens.
Of course, after Thorngrain and others, this time the Government of the
Republic of Croatia will take the blame for the new strike on the
standard of living of the citizens, and not those who should have
reacted immediately.
Armin ZEBA
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OSLOBODJENJE, Dec. 28, 2001
SARAJEVO TOBACCO FACTORY
Twenty Million KM Worth of Cigarette Export to Kosovo
In 2001 the tobacco factory in Sarajevo (FDS) produced the record of
four thousand tons of cigarettes, and a few days ago their sale has
begun in the market of FR Yugoslavia where, just in Kosovo one thousand
tons will be sold that will bring more than 20 million convertible marks
(KM). Another 15 tons of cigarettes will be exported to Montenegro each
month that is a deal worth about 450 thousand KM, and to Serbia 50 to 60
tons which will bring a profit of about 1.5 million KM. According to the
words of Nijaz Huskic, head of import-export sector of Sarajevo Tobacco
Factory, the sale of Sarajevan cigarettes in the mentioned markets will
take place according to all legal regulations and other precautions
against smuggling. Each package has a tax stamp stuck on it and trucks
with cigarettes will be escorted to the border of FRY by customs
officials who will hand them over to customs officials in the country of
the buyers.
"For as long as we were not stabilized at the local market, we refrained
from export. Despite the fact that we have unfair competition and
smuggling on the territory of B&H, our position improved in the past few
months. This is also clear from the fact that we carried out the planned
production in the end of November and we are now practically working for
next year", says Seiko Lojo, director general of FDS. To the question
whether this factory would try to conquer the Western market, director
mentions that this would be difficult because of the presence of
powerful multinational companies in it. He commented for Oslobodjenje
the intention of Slovenian privatization funds to buy the tobacco
station in Stolac. "There is no logic in anybody's buying not only this
but any other tobacco station. I remind you that all these stations were
part of Sarajevo Tobacco Factory and if anybody should buy them it is
this factory", concluded Sefik Lojo, director of FDS.
H. ARIFAGIC
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PRESS IN SKOPJE
UTRINSKI VESNIK, Dec. 27, 2001
THERE IS NO TRAP IN THE PROPOSALS OF THE CRISIS GROUP
President Boris Trajkovski's Interview for Deutsche Welle
"If this proposal is accepted such as it is, it would not have bad
consequences for us, and it would resolve the last open question between
us and Greece", declared President Boris Trajkovski in his interview for
Deutsche Welle in connection with the latest proposal of the
International Crisis Group for resolution of the Macedonian-Greek
controversy adding that the controversy will soon be resolved. "I
believe that if we talk about recognition of the Republic of Macedonia
under its constitutional name and we expect to be addressed like that",
Trajkovski stressed underlining that there is no trap in the proposals,
since they came from a "non-governmental and influential organization".
"If this report becomes the foundation for negotiations in New York in
the part concerning the name, we will establish a team and prepare
ourselves seriously in all the details of this possible solution", said
Trajkovski.
Asked about his recent statement that the politicians in this country
did not have the mandate for war, crime and corruption and whether he
believed that the former authorities could resolve the crisis,
Trajkovski said that "political teams that have led this state in the
ten-year period were not imposed by anybody, they were given power by
the citizens". "I don't think that at this moment Macedonia should give
up on them all and reject them accusing them of the problems they had in
the so-called 'transitional period' because there are many capable and
wise men among them who are needed".
To the question whether this country had a presidential system,
Trajkovski answered that his activities during the war crisis were
overemphasized, but that he had never intended to interfere in the
prerogatives of other state institutions, but that during the conflict
because of the known differences between the parties in power and the
opposition, as well as between the so-called Macedonian and Albanian
political bloc, a need arose for the existence of a single political
power that would formulate state policy.
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KAPITAL, Dec. 27, 2001
INTERVIEW WITH ALI AHMETI, LEADER OF THE PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY
* Do you expect to be among the pardoned or do you think that Macedonian
authorities will continue to treat you like a war criminal and the one
responsible for everything that has happened in Macedonia?
- That list refers to all the people who were in prison and not to all
the soldiers who were members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). And
according to the statement signed by Trajkovski, the amnesty refers to
all the soldiers who were members of PLA. And I am one of them.
* PLA was disarmed, but there is still shooting in the region of Tetovo.
Who is shooting?
- It is a fact that PLA was demobilized, disarmed. We implemented all
the signed agreements with the international community and all the
internal protagonists in Macedonia. But, you say there is still shooting
going on in Macedonia. There is shooting, but this shooting comes from
irresponsible persons. I cannot claim whether these irresponsible
persons were or are members of PLA. But it is a fact that we are all
citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and we are all participants of
that reality. There had been shooting in Macedonia even before the war,
and in the postwar period, too. These are irresponsible persons who are
sending negative messages for peace.
* Does this mean that you do not control all the armed Albanians who
were members of PLA?
- I've already told you, we have many irresponsible persons among ethnic
Macedonians, too, the Albanian party is not the only one that shoots,
this should also be kept in mind. But, we don't have institutions by
means of which we could control all the shooting that is heard in
Macedonia. All these developments are unacceptable, they are not good,
regardless of what direction they come from. It is very important not to
politicize all these developments. It is important to gradually reduce
all these negative developments because they can be a threat to the
civilians, the citizens.
* Can it be said that the Framework Agreement is what the Albanians in
Macedonia fought for?
- It certainly is. One should be realistic. In the first place, there is
the fact that we are all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. I feel
very well that we are all very different, Macedonians, Albanians. In the
past the Albanians were discriminated in every way, in all spheres,
politically, economically. If we try to analyze all kinds of injustice
they were exposed to in the state, there is very little time to correct
them all. It is important to turn towards the future. To forget the
past. Not to let it haunt us as a nightmare. Reconciliation of the two
ethnic groups is essential for us because that is the only way we can
build better future for Macedonia and its citizens. It is a priority to
understand the Peace Agreement well, its entirety and its message. The
Peace Agreement should be explained to all the citizens. That is the
only way we can serve our state. By implementing this agreement we will
avoid the possibility that it remain just a dead letter. It is
impossible to feel peace in a country if one of the communities is not
at peace, as it is the case with the Albanian and the Macedonian
community. Implementing
the Ohrid Agreement will make the Albanians feel as true citizens of
this state.
* Can multiethnic Macedonia survive in view of the gap created by the
war?
- Macedonia certainly can survive as a multiethnic society. On one
condition. That the politicians do not use political terror against the
citizens. I truly do not think that the relations between the
Macedonians and the Albanians are as bad as the politicians and media
present them. Therefore, we should all, media and politicians, commit
ourselves to assisting the citizens during these process which we are
all protagonists of. We should carry out the tasks with the best
possible results in order to be integrated in Europe as quickly as
possible. European standards of living should be established in
Macedonia, so the citizens will not be distinguished by their ethnic
origin but treated as the citizens who belong to a single state.
We are all citizens, we cannot act indifferently towards all these
developments around us. Every step towards the well-being of the
citizens of Macedonia is a step towards our own well-being as
individuals. We shall never stop doing our best for the well-being of
the citizens of Macedonia.
* What do you think about the declaration of the deputy of PDK
Abdurahman Aliti that all the demands of the Albanians in Macedonia have
been met by the Framework Agreement?
- We cannot say all the demands have been met, of any one people. We
cannot say that for the demands of the Albanians, nor of any other
people who live in Macedonia. There are various parliamentary
possibilities for meeting these demands. For me it is very important to
reduce frustrations at this moment when we are talking about ethnic
issues. A good solution should be reached for all the ethnic issues,
for all the ethnic demands of all the ethnic communities in Macedonia,
all that for the sake of well-being of the citizens of Macedonia.
* Does this mean that the Prizren Agreement will continue to be in
force? You said that there is a lot to do, but that job was transferred
to the sphere of politics.
- It is important that we Albanians act pursuant the Prizren Agreement.
It is important that we all do our best to do the job of establishing
peace, reducing tensions and moving in the direction that leads towards
implementation of the Peace Agreement.
* However, it is claimed that pressure was exerted on the Albanian
population to give money and send children to join the ranks of the PLA.
- That is not true. All the soldiers were volunteers. We did our best to
respect the rule that not a single one in our ranks is under the age of
18. There were cases when they gave false dates of birth just because
they wished to join us. But time will come when passions will die down.
We also had the support and help of Macedonian population.
* Do you wish to say that it was a movement?
- I cannot define its character. A representative of an international
institution also asked me that. Her question was - why didn't you call
us, the Macedonians, to join you in the struggle against the corrupt
regime. She really put me in the position without an answer. The only
thing I could tell her was that I didn't see any signals that you wished
to join us in the struggle against the corrupt regime.
end
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