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PRESS CUT - Croatian Press News in English	

October 8, 1998


* TOP STORY

1. REGION PREPARES FOR WAR!

* CROATIA

2. CROATIA TO BUMP UP BORDER CONTROL IN CASE OF NATO ATTACK AGAINST FRY
3. STEPINAC INTEGRATES THIS CENTURY
4. TWELVE BODIES FOUND NEAR SOTIN
5. HEAVY STORMS CAUSE MAJOR FLOODING IN PULA
6. FOUR OSCE AMBASSADORS IN CROATIA TODAY
7. COMPANY TO EXPAND ZAGREB THERMOELECTRIC HEATING PLANT
8. WITNESS HEARD SAKIC CAME TO JASENOVAC
9. NO MONTENEGRIN REPRESENTATIVES AT TOMORROWS PREVLAKA TALKS
10. ALTERNATIVE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE GOES TO CROATIANS
11. RED LAKE TOO DEEP TO REACH BOTTOM
12. GOOD NIGHT FOR CROATIAN BASKETBALL!
13. CIBONA HOSTS PANATHINAIKOS TONIGHT IN EUROLEAGUE ACTION

* ICTY

14. BLASKIC CASE: CROSS EXAMINATION OF COLONEL MARIN
15. ICTY INVESTIGATORS CANT GO TO KOSOVO

* BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

16. NEW PRESIDENCY IS READY TO WORK
17. HSS B&H: PARTIES ARE FOCUSING ON THE WRONG THING
18. BACK-PAY FIGURES ARE STILL TOO HIGH
19. OMBUDSMAN HAS BEEN BUSY THESE LAST TWO YEARS
20. GARROD IS CONVINCED

* YUGOSLAVIA

21. REGION HAS NEVER BEEN WORSE!
22. SECURITY COUNCIL INERT, ARKAN PREPARES FOR NATO
23. ATTACKS CONTINUE



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***


* TOP STORY

1. T.P., Croatian Information Centre - Zagreb, October 8, 1998.
REGION PREPARES FOR WAR!

VIENNA, WASHINGTON, SKOPJE, TIRANA, BELGRADE - The diplomats, politicians
and military in the entire region around Kosovo are definitely getting
ready for possible war, in lieu of ensuing NATO air strikes against FR
Yugoslavia. Representatives of the Macedonian army formally took possession
of 60 armoured personnel carriers (APC) supplied by Germany on Tuesday. The
vehicles are models BTR-70 which belonged to the former East German army
and are accompanied by 35 tons of spare parts. The Macedonian army will
distribute the APCs to barracks in major towns throughout the country.

Albania is now talking about a possible ground mission for international
forces in the region. Paskal Milo told a press conference in Tirana on
Tuesday that NATO should consider sending ground troops into Kosovo if air
strikes fail to produce results. He added that "Albania supports NATO air
strikes against Serbian military installations as an effort to send a
strong message to Milosevic to sit down at the negotiating table." Milo
stressed that "if we have a continuing humanitarian problem, we would need
ground troops. If we have an escalation of the conflict, then there should
be a military presence."

NATO General Secretary Javier Solana stated the alliance can act
unilaterally, without the blessing of the United Nations, for possible
military action in Kosovo. "We have completed our plans. We are ready for
action and I feel this is as clear as I can be on the matter," Solana told
journalists. Solana stated that U.S. Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke should
be coming to the NATO general headquarters today to give his report on his
Belgrade and Pristina meetings. Based on his report, NATO will probably
decide today or in the coming days whether or not to go ahead with air
strikes.

In the meantime, more and more diplomats are leaving the Yugoslav capital,
as their governments fear air strikes will take place soon. Some western
governments have suggested their personnel leaves FRY by October 8. At the
same time, air raid sirens are being tested all over FRY and many civil
defence reservists have been called to duty to keep down the level of panic
in the event of NATO action. Bomb shelters are being prepared and people in
Belgrade are stocking up in food and other supplies.

In the meantime, sources close to the Pentagon claim that the USA is
prepared to participate in NATO air strikes with 260 military aircraft with
the appropriate support.

***


* CROATIA

2. V.S., Udari li NATO na Srbiju, Hrvatska ce pojacati kontrolu granica,
Vecernji list, October 8, 1998, p. 2.
CROATIA TO BUMP UP BORDER CONTROL IN CASE OF NATO ATTACK AGAINST FRY

ZAGREB - It is still unsure whether NATO will see its air strike threats
against military installations in Serbia, but the atmosphere of a possible
bombing has certainly been created. How is Croatia preparing for such a
turn of events? Is it expecting any consequences as a neighbouring country?

"Croatia is preparing for all options," is the official reply of the
Foreign Affairs Ministry. However, the experience from recent wars and
negotiations, primarily from Bosnia and Herzegovina, indicate that possible
NATO air strikes and their consequences for Croatia should not be
dramatised. Firstly, the atmosphere of a real threat and the creation of a
war psychosis in Serbia are all a part of a psychological war, aimed at
maximising pressure to stop the conflict and begin useful peace
negotiations on Kosovo. This is why, at the moment, it is more realistic to
expect a peaceful turn of events. This would be good for Milosevic, as it
is not in his interest that Serbia become a target for bombing. Further,
after a series of threats, Serbia has a chance to let up, which could be
portrayed as a wise peacemaking move that stopped the bombers and
tomahawks, and saved Serbia from NATO intervention. This is also good for
NATO, which can no longer allow itself the luxury of making empty threats,
but is also missing an answer to a key question: what to do after the
bombing? This kind of development would not have any direct consequences on
Croatia.

However, if NATO does go ahead with its air strikes, which, for now is less
likely, it target primarily military marks. Theoretically, neighbouring
countries could then be faced with an influx of refugees. Precise air
attacks aimed at military targets cause fright and panic among people, but
do not make them flee to other countries. They would only flee to their
basements. Furthermore, Croatia is probably not the most welcomed option
for possible refugees from Serbia. However, caution in such situations
imposes stricter border controls, heightened police awareness and other
measures of caution. Those are direct consequences of a possible NATO
intervention in Serbia. Indirect consequences - which could be seen as
political nuances of the West toward the entire region, including Croatia,
depending on the developments in Kosovo - are far more intriguing than
unrealistic refugee threats.

***

3. Hina, Stepincev lik integrira ovo stoljece, Vecernji list, October 8,
1998, p. 2.
STEPINAC INTEGRATES THIS CENTURY

ROME - Pope John Paul II spoke about his recent pastoral visit to Croatia
at yesterdays general audience in St. Peters Square. He emphasised that
the main event of his visit was the beatification of Cardinal Stepinac in
Marija Bistrica.

The Pope reiterated that the character of Cardinal Stepinac integrates this
century, and that the former Zagreb archbishop was a victim of three
totalitarian systems: fascism, nazism and communism. "He was subject to a
farce process after he refused to separate from the Vatican and establish a
Croatian church. He remained faithful to Peters Seat and that is why he
was convicted," stated Pope John Paul II.

The Pope also said that he has wanted to visit Marija Bistrica for a long
time, which finally happened on the occasion of the beatification of
Cardinal Stepinac, who lead pilgrims to this shrine until the communists
forbid religious ceremonies. The Pope mentioned his visit to Split saying
that Solin has the oldest evidence of Christianity in that region. The Holy
Father also mentioned his call to Croatian Christians to work on their
moral obligation of renewing their society, which was a victim of
totalitarianism.

***

4. Z.K., Pronedjeno 12 tijela pokraj Sotina, Vecernji list, October 8,
1998, p. 7.
TWELVE BODIES FOUND NEAR SOTIN

VUKOVAR - Expert teams of the Government Commission for Detained and
Missing Persons began the long awaited exhumation of a mass grave near the
Vukovar suburb of Sotin early yesterday.

As we have found out from First Lieutenant Marko Milos, 9 bodies were
exhumed by 17:00 (CET) yesterday, and another three bodies were discovered
50 metres further. The Commission experts do not know how many bodies are
hidden in the Sotin mass grave.

In the mass grave near Sotin, bodies are visible, something seen by the
former British prime minister, Lady Margaret Thatcher, during her recent
visit to Croatia. The dig near Sotin marks another exhumation beginning for
government expert teams in the Vukovar Srijem County.

***

5. R.I., Veliko nevrijeme u Istri - obilna kisa poplavila Pulu, Vjesnik,
October 8, 1998, Front Page.
HEAVY STORMS CAUSE MAJOR FLOODING IN PULA

PULA - Heavy storms with strong winds and a lot of percipitation came down
on Pula and the surrounding area Wednesday. Approximately 40 litres of rain
fell per square metre between 9 and 11:00 (CET). There was flooding in the
streets because of a backup in the city sewage system, causing depths to
reach one metre in some parts. Further, the centre of town was left without
electricity because water got into the transfer station and traffic had to
be regulated by police officers. Water got into basements, lobbies and
apartments. The fire department had over 60 interventions by noon to pump
out water from flooded premises. There was also flooding in Rovinj and
Porec, where the services of the fire department were also required. Due to
heavy rains, many roads in Istria were closed and driving was very
difficult. It was also raining in the interior of the country. The water
level of the Sava River at Zagreb was 301 centimetres. Though the river has
flooded over its banks around Zagreb, there have been no reports of danger
from a water wave. Regular flood prevention measures are taken when the
water level gets above 350 cm.

***

6. T.I., Cetiri veleposlanika OESS-a danas u Hrvatskoj, Vecernji  list,
October 8, 1998, p. 7.
FOUR OSCE AMBASSADORS IN CROATIA TODAY

ZAGREB - "There are very few reports of Serbian returnees actually entering
their properties, though one of the reasons the international community
welcomed the Return Program in June was the establishment of a procedure
where returnees could enter their properties," said OSCE spokesperson Mark
Thompson at yesterdays press conference.

The OSCE Mission is concerned with the incident in Daruvar, in which a
Bosnian Croat forcefully entered and occupied property with the assistance
of 20 other refugees while the police did not react.

"With satisfaction we have noticed that, according to OSCE reports form
B&H, the first return of refugees from Croatia to Bosanska Posavina has
taken place," said Thompson.

Nine incidents occurred over the last seven days in the Danube Region that
are linked to property, with another 22 recorded as ethnic incidents,
according to Kirsten Haupt, UN police spokesperson. However, the media is
only paying attention to the one incident in the school in Borovo Naselje.

The OSCE ambassadors of Greece, Spain, Italy and Belgium will arrive today
for a two-day visit to Croatia, said Thompson. They will be in Zagreb today
and in Vukovar tomorrow, to talk to Croatian authorities and OSCE officials.

Thompson told Hina reporters that the date of the conference for renewal
and development of Croatia is still unknown, as depends on the speed with
which Croatia will implement its obligations on renewal and the return of
Serb returnees.

***

7. Hina, Prosirenje TE-TO do kraja 2000., Vecernji list, October 8, 1998,
p. 3.
U.S. COMPANY TO EXPAND ZAGREB THERMOELECTRIC HEATING PLANT

ZAGREB - Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa met with the president of Parsons
Corporation, James F. McNulty, and his associates yesterday. Parsons is one
of the most respected American companies and will begin work at the
beginning of 1999 on an expansion project of the Zagreb Thermoelectric
Heating Plant (TE-TO Zagreb) for 180 MW and 150 MW heating energy. The
project is worth 128 million USD and is to be completed by 2000. In the
joint project, HEP (Croatian Hydro), will carry out work worth 28 million
USD and other Croatian companies, lead by Montmontaza, will complete work
worth 42 million USD.

Croatian Finance Minister Nenad Porges was also at the meeting.

***

8. V.B., Svedok cuo da je Sakic dolazio u Jasenovac, Vjesnik, October 8,
1998, p. 5.
WITNESS HEARD SAKIC CAME TO JASENOVAC

ZAGREB - In the investigative procedure against Dinko Sakic, witness Vinko
Ecimovic (72) was questioned yesterday.

Ecimovic was arrested by the Ustasha Supervision Service on June 22, 1942,
for collaborating with the National Liberation Fight. He was transferred to
the Jasenovac Prison Camp with another 30 people after a month of
investigation in the prisons on the Square of Croatian Masters and Savska
Street. While there, he worked on railway locomotive maintenance and, as he
stressed a number of times, tried to hide away. Ecimovic mentioned Ljubo
Milos, Mirko Majstorovic and Maks Luburic as the officers he saw at
Jasenovac, while he had only heard Dinko Sakic was to be coming to the
camp, hence he does not know the position Sakic had. He also does not know
who the commander of the camp was up to the summer of 1943, when he was
transferred to the Stara Gradiska Prison Camp. He worked on gun maintenance
during the day and spent his nights in a cell. He said the commander of
Stara Gradiska at that time was Nemet. The witness was transferred form
Stara Gradiska to Zagreb on October 30, 1943 and was exchanged at
Pisarovina after a short time.

***

9. Hina, O Prevlaci bez Crne Gore, Vecernji list, October 8, 1998, p. 13.
NO MONTENEGRIN REPRESENTATIVES AT TOMORROWS PREVLAKA TALKS

PODGORICA - None of the four members of the Yugoslav delegation from
Montenegro will be at tomorrows meeting on Belgrade for the talks on the
Prevlaka dispute with Croatia.

They will not be there because Montenegrin government has decided to freeze
participation of its representatives in the FRY delegation for Prevlaka.
The freeze is a result of the federal administrations refusal to comply
with the Montenegrin governments demand to add the opening of the Debeli
Brijeg border crossing to talks at the Belgrade meeting.

***

10. Hina, Hrvaticama alternativni Nobel, Vecernji list, October 8, 1998,
Back Page.
ALTERNATIVE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE GOES TO CROATIANS

STOCKHOLM - Croatians Katarina Kruhonja and Vesna Terselic were awarded the
Alternative Nobel Prize for 1998 as announced in Stockholm yesterday by the
Foundation for a Correct Life. The award was given to them for their
"unbelievable efforts for peace, justice and reconciliation in the Balkans."

The prize was also awarded to the international organisation Baby Food
Action, which has been supporting the right of mothers in poor countries to
feed their babies since 1979. Similarly, Samuel Epstein, a doctor of
ecological medicine from the United States was awarded for his work in
cancer prevention and Chilean Juan Pablo Orrego was awarded for his Biobio
Action Group, which saved a river valley.

The Alternative Nobel Prize was established in 1980 for special
achievements in the protection of the environment and self-help in third
world countries. It is worth 1.35 million kunas.

***

11. Hina, Crvenom jezeru zbog dubine ne mogu do dna, Vjesnik, October 8,
1998, p. 28.
RED LAKE TOO DEEP TO REACH BOTTOM

IMOTSKI, SPLIT - An international  speleologic-diving expedition called Red
Lake 98 came up with some fascinating scientific findings on this
protected natural monument near Imotski announced the leader of the
expedition, Mladen Garasic.

Forty scientists from a number of European countries, 30 of which are deep
divers, lowered an underwater camera 280 metres without reaching the
bottom. This shows the lake is deeper than 300 metres and at least 20
metres deeper than the sea said Garasic. The highest point of the bottom is
206 metres, indicating a steep bottom.

Divers reached depths of 181 metres, which is the deepest diving ever
performed in Croatia. They noticed that the grotto of the lake suddenly
widens at 160 metres, creating a runt cone. At that depth, they found a
"network of cave channels", powerful underwater rivers which supply the
lake with water. One of these river openings is wider than 30 metres. The
water in the deep is completely clear and without mud.

Specimens of flora and fauna were collected, as well as geomorphologic
materials from the lake to be studied.

During one dive, German speleologic diver Stefan Scheimann became ill, but
recovered quickly from minor decompression illness after first-aid in the
Split Hospital.

Garasic announced there will be a results report in a few days of this
first detailed scientific exploration of the Red Lake.

The Red Lake 98 expedition is being held under the auspices of the
Croatian government, the Croatian Speleologic Society and the International
Speleologic Association.

***

12. T.P., Croatian Information Centre - Zagreb, October 8, 1998.
GOOD NIGHT FOR CROATIAN BASKETBALL!

ZAGREB - Last night was a good night for Croatian basketball, as most of
the teams in European competition recorded victories. The highlight match
was CSKA Moscows visit to Zadar in the C Group of Euroleague play. Zadar
defeated CSKA 82:79 (38:46) in a nail-biting finish to a game that could
have gone either way. The standings in Group C are:

CSKA		+13	5
Olympiakos	+7	4
Zadar		-17	4
Kinder		+5	3
Ulker		+1	3
Alba		-9	2

In other European basketball action, Benston (Zagreb) had a very tough time
defeating Borac (Banja Luka) 58:56 (32:26). This was the first time a team
from the Serbian entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina played an official game
against any Croatia team. The game was a Group J game in the Korac Cup. In
Group D action in the Raimond Saporto Cup, Zagreb came back from Helsinki
with 3 points, as they defeated their hosts, ToPo, 63:58 (30:34). In the
first game of Group I in the Liliane Ronchetti Cup for women, Gospic 83
Megrad defeated Brisaspor (Turkey) 66:65 (34:34). The other Croatian team
in the Korac Cup (Group K), Zrinjevac, was defeated in Athens by Papagos
78:73 (35:31).

***

13. T.P., Croatian Information Centre - Zagreb, October 8, 1998.
CIBONA HOSTS PANATHINAIKOS TONIGHT IN EUROLEAGUE ACTION

ZAGREB - Tonights game between Cibona and Panathinaikos is a crucial game
in Cibonas Euroleague season, because the Greek team is one of the top and
most expensive teams in Europe. The game tips off at 20:30 (CET) in the
Drazen Petrovic Basketball Hall.

***


* ICTY

14. Hina, Protuispitivanje brigadira Marina na sudjenju Blaskicu,
Vjesnik, October 8, 1998, p. 8.
BLASKIC CASE: CROSS EXAMINATION OF COLONEL MARIN

THE HAGUE - The prosecutor in the case against Gen. Tihomir Blaskic began
cross examining witness Slavko Marin, the former head of operations in
Blaskics HQ in Vitez. It is the intent of the prosecution to bring doubt
to the claims of the witness that the organisation and training of the
Croatian Defence Council (HVO) in Central Bosnia were bad, as well as that
there were no Croatian Army personnel in Central Bosnia.

Trying to prove the Croatian Army was present in Central Bosnia, prosecutor
Gregory Kehoe presented some Blaskic orders, where he commands subordinate
units in the Central Bosnia Operative Zone to take off uniforms with
Croatian Army insignia and in April 1993, requested information as to how
many Croatian Army personnel there were in the HVO ranks.

Witness Marin replied that Blaskic only conveyed the orders of the main HVO
HQ in his orders, which were sent to all zones of operation. The witness
stated that at that time it was confirmed that there were no Croatian Army
officers and units in Central Bosnia and confirmed that there were no
Croatian Army officers of units in Central Bosnia at the time. He repeated
claims from the main testimony that Croatian Army insignia was worn by B&H
citizen who had gone to defend Croatia and returned home when the war in
Bosnia & Herzegovina broke out, continuing to wear the Croatian Army
uniform out of prestige.

Asked whether there were any Croatian Army units in Herzegovina, the
witness replied that he did not leave the Vitez enclave during 1992 and
1993, but did participate in the final liberation operations in B&H, where
the HVO and Croatian Army were in co-operation.

The prosecution also tried to prove the HVO had educated officers in order
to disprove the defence contention that the HVO was unorganised and had bad
discipline. The defence would like to prove that Blaskics orders were not
followed and that he cannot take the responsibility for the actions of HVO
personnel.

Basically, Marin confirmed there were 25 officers in the Central Bosnia
Operation Zone, three of whom were educated, while there should be,
according to NATO standards, 245 educated officers for such an area. The
prosecutor presented the names of 50 people in Central Bosnia who acquired
a military education in the former YNA. The witness replied that most of
them were reserve officers with only 6 months of education and could only
command companies, while there were no educated officers for  higher
command positions like battalions and brigades.

Blaskics defence council, Anto Nobilo, stated the prosecution, in trying
to prove the military readiness of the HVO, spent almost a half day on
Wednesday proving that Blaskic commanded infantry unit training, to which
witness Marin replied that the repeated orders only confirm that Blaskics
orders were not followed in the field.

Nobilo feels that the Marin cross examination could go on until the
beginning of next week.

***

15. Hina, Haaski istrazitelji ne mogu na Kosovo, Vecernji list, October
8, 1998, p. 13.
ICTY INVESTIGATORS CANT GO TO KOSOVO

THE HAGUE - Yesterday, the International War Crimes Tribunal for the Former
Yugoslavia (ICTY) accused Yugoslavia authorities of obstructing the
activities of the ICTY in Kosovo, calling on them to reconsider their
policy. FRY authorities recently refused to issue visas for a team of
investigators to visit Kosovo, states a release from the head prosecutor,
Louis Arbour.

The Yugoslav Ministry for Foreign Affairs issued the official policy of FRY
on the ICTY and Kosovo, according to which the ICTY is not authorised to
carry out investigations in that Yugoslav province, nor will it be allowed
to do so. FRY contends that investigative work in Kosovo would be a
violation of Yugoslav sovereignty and points out that investigators may
come to Kosovo, but not carry out any investigating. FRY again threatened
to reconsider its current co-operation with the ICTY.

***


* BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

16. J.C., Croatian Information Centre - Sarajevo, October 8, 1998.
NEW PRESIDENCY IS READY TO WORK

SARAJEVO - The newly elected B&H Presidency met informally yesterday with
the Steering Committee for Peace Implementation.

This was the first - though unofficial - meeting of the new Presidency
members (Zivko Radisic, Ante Jelavic and Alija Izetbegovic). They decided
yesterday to meet officially for the first time next Tuesday, when they
will also be sworn in. Additionally, Alija Izetbegovic will formally hand
over the Presidency chairing duties to Zivko Radisic.

It is expected that proposals will be presented at the meeting dealing with
ways the Presidency could work more effectively, Prime Minister candidates
and the Ministers Council.

After yesterdays meeting, Zivko Radisic told reporters that the new
Presidency seems ready to work on implementing Dayton, creating a state
where equality rules and developing measures to better the lives of all B&H
citizens. He added that a priority among the Presidencys assignments is
judicial reform.

Mirza Hajric, Izetbegovics advisor, later told reporters that future
presidential meetings will be held in the B&H institution building in
Marijin Dvor, instead of the presidential building. Furthermore,  Radisic
will have his office in that building as well, while Jelavic and
Izetbegovic will take up residence in the presidential building. Radisics
office can be in a separate building because of a clause in the Luxembourg
Agreement, which names the Marijin Dvor building as a national building.

Another change is that the Presidency will not be moving to Lukavica from
Sarajevo and back, said Hajric. "Meetings will not be held in either
Lukavica or the (National) Museum anymore. Only the Marijin Dvor building
will have such meetings."

Meanwhile, Radisic had this to say on the matter: "I think work needs to be
done in places and in a matter that strengthens operations and
responsibility. For me the work is important, not where and how."

***

17. J.C., Croatian Information Centre - Sarajevo, October 8, 1998.
HSS B&H: PARTIES ARE FOCUSING ON THE WRONG THING

SARAJEVO - The president of the Croatian Peasant Party B&H, Ilija Simic,
said that political parties, particularly the leading ones, focus on ethnic
questions too much, without taking a look at the national picture.

Simic said at a press conference yesterday that even though the party is
disappointed with the election results, it is glad to have retained seats
in the Federations parliament and in Livno County.

More importantly, said Ivo Komsic, a member of the party steering
committee, there is no longer a party in parliament with an absolute
majority. This will make the parliament more dynamic and effective.

***

18. J.C., Croatian Information Centre - Sarajevo, October 8, 1998.
BACK-PAY FIGURES ARE STILL TOO HIGH

SARAJEVO - The World Bank supports the decision of the Federations
parliament to set the limit on veterans back-pay certificates at 7 billion
DM, while the OHR still thinks the sum is too high.

"While the Office of the High Representative is satisfied that a timely
solution has been found, it considers this lower amount is still somewhat
exaggerated, includes unjustified beneficiaries and is a disadvantage to
other categories of beneficiaries," reads an OHR statement issued yesterday.

It continues that the OHR respects the decision of the Federation and
trusts that this decision will allow the process of privatisation to proceed.

Meanwhile, the Bank has said it will now begin working with Croatian and
Bosniak representatives on optimising the derision of the sum allotted for
back-pay of the B&H Republic Army and the Croatian Defence Council.

***

19. J.C., Croatian Information Centre - Sarajevo, October 8, 1998.
OMBUDSMAN HAS BEEN BUSY THESE LAST TWO YEARS

SARAJEVO - The Ombudsman for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina has
received 51,497 complaints since April 1, 1996 and September 30, 1998
according to a statement made yesterday.

The complaints deal with property rights, trespassing, court proceedings
and illegal arrests.

Of the number mentioned, 2,657 cases met the conditions for official
registration, 385 are currently open and 36 have been closed. Furthermore,
there are 13 cases that have resulted in special reports dealing with
conclusions and suggestions of the Ombudsman for Governmental Offices and
Officials.

***

20. J.C., Croatian Information Centre - Sarajevo, October 8, 1998.
GARROD IS CONVINCED

MOSTAR - Sir Martin Garrod says Ante Jelavic and Dragan Covic have
convinced him there will be no more incidents like the ones in Tasovcici
and Aladinici last weekend.

"They have said there will be no more problems in this region, which I find
encouraging," said the regional head of the OHR at a press conference
yesterday. "They said they will do everything in their power to keep such
incidents from repeating themselves."

Garrod also said he is encouraged because the county Interior Minister,
Valentin Coric, has resumed his duties and control of the security
situation in the county. He added that he spoke with county representatives
to discuss the situation and figure out the next step.

Governor of Central Bosnia County Adnan Terzic also visited Garrod in the
Herzegovina Nerevta County. They discussed the return of displaced
Croatians to Central Bosnia from that county. This return would include
increasing co-operation between the two counties.

Meanwhile, the UNHCR said that the same press conference that thus far
28,000 Croats have returned to Central Bosnia.

***


* YUGOSLAVIA

21. T.P., Croatian Information Centre - Zagreb, October 8, 1998.
REGION HAS NEVER BEEN WORSE!

BELGRADE - An unnamed senior U.S. diplomat told Reuters in Belgrade that
U.S. Envoy Richard Holbrooke and other negotiators now face "the grimmest
situation we've faced in this region." On Tuesday, Holbrooke discussed
Kosovo with ethnic Albanian leaders in Pristina and then met for the second
time within 24 hours with Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. He warned
Milosevic that "NATO means business" and "will tolerate no more double
standards and lies." In Washington, President Bill Clinton warned that "the
stakes in Kosovo are high and the time to end the violence is now." He
referred to the province as a "powder keg" and added that the crisis there
threatens to destabilise other countries in the Balkans.

***

22. T.P., Croatian Information Centre - Zagreb, October 8, 1998.
SECURITY COUNCIL INERT, ARKAN PREPARES FOR NATO

NEW YORK, BELGRADE - The UN Security Council issued a non-binding statement
on Tuesday, demanding from Belgrade a "full and sustained compliance" with
the SCs recent call for a complete withdrawal of Serbian forces from
Kosovo. The highest UN body condemned the "tactics of indiscriminate and
disproportionate use of force against civilians, as well as terrorist
activities." It also called on both sides to comply, but did not specify
what the UN would do if they did not. The SC urged the international
community to "intensify efforts to prevent a humanitarian disaster."

On the other hand, FRY is starting to batten down the hatchets, as Zeljko
Raznatovic Arkan stated he will reactivate his paramilitary forces in the
event of NATO attacks against Serbia. "It is not important whom we have to
face, rather the sanctity of that which we are defending - sacred Serbian
land. We shall not kneel before NATO missiles. We shall not allow ourselves
to become the slaves of NATO or any other foreign power."

In Pristina, the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK) issued a statement
reaffirming its claim as the sole representative of ethnic Kosovo
Albanians. The UCK stressed that armed struggle is the only certain way to
end the Serbian crackdown.

***
	
23. Hina, Napadi jos traju, Vecernji list, October 8, 1998, p. 13.
ATTACKS CONTINUE

PRISTINA - The Serbian military and police are still not pulling out of
Kosovo, rather they continue to shell villages, according to Kosovo
Albanian sources. The Kosovo Information Centre (KIC) reported Serbian
forces shelled Albanian villages yesterday. Substantial movements of
Serbian artillery and other armoured vehicles is now accompanied by
over-flying military aircraft.

The KIC reported also reported that another seven Kosovo Albanian bodies
were found and identified in the village of Shtutici near Glogovac. It is
thought they were slaughtered during recent Serbian offensives in the
Drenica region.



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