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March 16, 2003 - Assassination of the Serbian Prime Minister Mr. Zoran Djindjic |
Zoran Zivkovic, DS candidate for Serbian Prime Minister
Extraordinary measures until the end of April
Belgrade - Democratic Party candidate for Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Zivkovic said yesterday that he would continue the program of assassinated premier Zoran Djindjic. 'There are no reasons for personnel changes in the Government of Serbia. We need stability and that means continuity. The idea of concentration government is not acceptable for us. We cannot sit by the same table with forces that were creating the atmosphere of lynch and that are partly responsible for what happened to Zoran Djindjic', Zivkovic said. 'Cooperation with the Hague Tribunal is not brought in question. However, the international community is making unjust and wrong pressure on Serbia when that cooperation is concerned. Pressures from the Hague tribunal's prosecution regarding Ratko Mladic and state documentation are wrong. Serbs and Serbian Government are aware of what somebody had done in their name but that is not reason for suffering of those that have nothing to do with that', DS vice president Zoran Zivkovic said. 'Extraordinary measures have been introduced in order to help to fight the organized crime. I think that these measures should be in force as short as possible but that depends on how long that fight is going to be. It is sure that extraordinary measures will not be suspended until the end of April', Zivkovic said. He added that measures would be passed according to which media would be released from extraordinary measures.
DS main board suggested Cedomir Jovanovic for Serbian Deputy Prime Minister
No mercy for mafia in Serbia
Belgrade - DS main board yesterday suggested Zoran Zivkovic for candidate of Serbian Prime Minister and Cedomir Jovanovic for Serbian Deputy Premier. Boris Tadic has been suggested for Defense Minister in the Council of Ministers of Serbia and Montenegro. DS main board also decided that party assembly of that party would be held after general elections in Serbia. Until then Zoran Zivkovic will represent Democratic Party.
Professor Predrag Simic -
Europe shall decrease pressure on Serbia
Belgrade - 'After assassination of premier Zoran Djindjic I expect that international community will decrease pressure on Serbia especially regarding delivery of war crimes suspects to the Hague Tribunal', Predrag Simic, professor at the Faculty of political sciences said for 'Blic' daily. 'I think that EU countries and USA feel that they had set too many conditions what exposed Djindjic as target and making Serbian political leadership to cross the line. Easing of pressure would not be surprising', Simic said.
Election of ministers Monday
The Council of Ministers of new union of Serbia and Montenegro will be elected at Monday's session of Serbia and Montenegro Parliament. Together with SCG President Svetozar Marovic, who is also a Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers will have six members. Goran Svilanovic is candidate for foreign minister, Boris Tadic for defense minister, Rasim Ljajic for minister for minorities and human rights, Branko Lukovac for foreign economy minister and Amir Nurkovic for home trade minister.
Boris Tadic, candidate for defense minister
Personnel changes in Army follow
Belgrade - Candidate for defense minister in the Council of Serbia and Montenegro Boris Tadic said that one of his first moves after appointment to that position would be personnel changes in the Army of Serbia and Montenegro. Another priority move would be definition of competencies of SCG Army Head Quarters. He intends to meet with Serbian Finance Minister Bozidar Djelic. 'After that meeting I shall make a plan for modernization of SCG Army. I shall insist on subordination. That means that Head Quarters will be responsible to Defense Ministry and defense Ministry to the Parliament and the Supreme Council of Defense', Tadic said.
Arresting of criminals in Serbia
In search of members of so-called Zemun clan suspected for assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, Serbian police took for questioning several dozens of people. No details have been given so far in the interest of investigation. However, it is known that weapons, drugs, cars, false registration plates, etc. were found with people taken for questioning. Since three days ago, Jovica Stanisic, former chief-of-staff of State security and Franko Simatovic, former commander of Special Operations Unit have been in prison and will have to remain there for 30 days. Director of football club 'Obilic and also deputy of the Party of Serbian Union in Serbian Parliament, Dragisa Binic was taken to the police for questioning in Krusevac but was released soon afterwards. The Police confirmed the day before yesterday that one of the leaders of Zemun clan, Mladjan Micic Pacov as well as several members of his gang were arrested in the village of Smoljinac.
Assassins not in Montenegro
Podgorica - Montenegrin Interior Ministry yesterday denied claims by some media that assassins of Serbian premier Zoran Djindjic were hiding in Montenegro. 'None of the people being looked for by Serbian Interior Ministry is in Montenegro. We also do not have any information about their intention to come here', Assistant to Montenegrin Home Minister Mico Orlandic said. Some media in Montenegro announced 'referring to information that journalists got from high sources in Serbian police, that Djindjic's assassins are hiding in Montenegro. Such doubt is based on information that the 'assassins came from Croatia'. There were three men that entered from Croatia to Serbia three days before assassination of Djindjic. At Batrovac border passage, representatives of special operations unit as rumors say, met Croats. They made pressure on customs officers not to evidence their entrance and their names. Spokesman of Croatian Home Ministry confirmed that colleagues from Serbia requested check of identity of several Croatian citizens that entered Serbia in the days preceding the assassination of Serbian premier Zoran Djindjic, but no further information were announced in the interest of investigation.
Marten Board International exclusively for 'Blic' daily
Almost whole salary for food
Belgrade - In the period March 7-13, 2003, Belgrade center for market research Marten Board International/TGI, licensed partner of BMRSB of London conducted in cooperation with 'Blic' daily public opinion research on the problem of pollution of water and food in Serbia. Almost one half of households in Serbia /44.4 per cent/ spends monthly between 51 and 90 per cent of total income for purchase of food. Almost 60 per cent of citizens of Serbia are not satisfied with the quality of drinking water. Almost 63.4 per cent of citizens do not trust official information about the quality of water and food. Majority of our citizens /32.6 per cent/ are very much afraid of consequences on the health that might occur because of polluted water or food in Serbia.
Democratic party will not support proposals | 20:45 | B92
BELGRADE -- Sunday -- Dragan Marsicanin, vice-president of the Democratic Party of Serbia, today said that parliamentarians from his party would not support either Zoran Zivkovic, candidate for Serbian Prime Minister, or the suggested Council of Ministers.
Speaking to B92, Marsicanin said that it is a completely natural attitude for any opposition party. His party instead suggest the forming of a temporary all-party government with clear and precise tasks to maintain the stability of the country.
When asked about the upcoming political moves of his main opposition party, he said that they would be undertaking some usual opposition actions: “the onus is on the government to prove that they are capable of pulling the country out of this crisis, the larger part of which they themselves created, and opposition is there to offer alternative solutions. Citizens will declare their opinions in the elections”.
Police seek Bagzy in New Belgrade and Zemun | 20:34 | B92
BELGRADE -- Sunday – The Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs believes that suspected member of the Zemun Gang, Dejan “Bagzy” Milenkovic, is hiding in the New Belgrade or Zemun districts of the city.
The Ministry announced this evening that they believe Bagzy has been hiding in one or other of the areas for the past 72 hours, and are appealing to all citizens, particularly those living in Surcin, Batajnica, Zemun Polje, Galenika, Bezanijska Kosa, Zemun and New Belgrade, to be on the look-out and report anything to the police by visiting the nearest station or calling 011/762-760.
Citizens are also requested to inform police of any information regarding Milorad “Legija” Lukovic, Dusan “Shiptar” Spasojevic, Mile “Kum” (Godfather) Lukovic, Vladimir “Budala” (Fool) Milisavljevic, brothers Milos and Alexander Simovic and Djordje and Dusan Krsmanovic.
Demolition of gangster’s complex to continue today | 20:18 | B92
BELGRADE -- Sunday – Belgrade’s City Government today announced that the demolition of the illegal complex in Silerova Street, Zemun is to continue today.
Around midnight last night, explosives were first used to attempt demolition of the heavily fortified complex, which is owned by Dusan “Shipter” Spasojevic, suspected of plotting the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.
Last night’s operation was halted after an excavator’s cable snapped when attached to a pillar of the building.
The city government announced that the demolition process would continue today, with explosives planted in 10 phases, so as to avoid causing damage to surrounding buildings.
Del Ponte “unwanted” in Belgrade | 20:03 | SENSE
THE HAGUE -- Sunday – The Hague’s Chief Prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte, was unable to pay her final respects to Zoran Djindjic yesterday, whom she considered to be a personal friend. Del Ponte had originally planned to attend the funeral in a personal, unofficial visit to Belgrade to say goodbye to the slain Prime Minister, until Federal Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic advised her against the move. Del Ponte promised to reconsider her decision, before consulting with Djindjic’s family and, when no complaint was forthcoming, confirming that she would be
traveling to the Serbian capital. It is still unknown at this time whether or not she made the trip, although she was not seen in the temple of St. Sava or at the Belgrade New Cemetery.
The Hague Tribunal’s officials declined to comment this weekend about the attitude and
behavior of Djindjic’s Belgrade successors, and Del Ponte will hold a press conference at the UN’s Geneva headquarters tomorrow.
Djnidjic assassins sought in Bulgaria | 19:47 | SRNA
SOFIA -- Sunday – The Serbian authorities have forwarded a list of 25 suspects to the Bulgarian police, so said Colonel Valeri Grigorov, Chief of the Border Police.
Grigorov said that although the border crossings with Serbia are open, most Bulgarian citizens are opting for alternative routes and
traveling to central Europe via Romania, due to the state of emergency being called in Serbia.
With regard to the list of suspects, Grigorov said: “We are currently checking if these people entered Bulgaria".
Election of Council of Ministers expected tomorrow | 19:34 | B92
BELGRADE -- Sunday – Milorad Drljevic, vice-president of the Serbia-Montenegro Parliament, today told B92 that he expects the new union’s Council of Ministers to be elected at tomorrow’s parliamentary session.
Drljevic said that: “we are scheduled to continue the sessions as planned, which means adopting the resolution of temporary finance and the next session in which the Council of Ministers is supposed to be elected”.
Speaking of the changes forced by the assassination of PM Djindjic, Drljevic continued: “The public has been informed that, due to that tragic event, there have been some changes in the suggestions for the structure of the Council of Ministers and we expect that, because of the general situation, all parliamentarian groups will understand. It is in the community’s interests to elect a Council of Minister’s during tomorrow’s session.”
Assassination suspects are not in Montenegro | 18:59 | Vijesti
PODGORICA -- Sunday – The Montenegrin Police today announced that none of the suspects wanted in connection with the assassination of Serbian PM Djindjic are hiding in Montenegro.
The police said that they would arrest each of the accused if they happened to appear in Montenegro, but they are not here now.
Kico Orlandic, Montenegrin Assistant Interior Minister, told the Podgorica daily Vijesti that the Interior Ministry would immediately arrest all the suspects if they happen to enter Montenegro, and turn them over to the Serbian Interior Ministry.
World Bank continues to support Serbia-Montenegro | 18:40 | B92
BELGRADE -- Sunday – Representative of the World Bank, Vesna Kostic, today confirmed that their international finance department would continue to support Serbia, following the tragic death of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, to ensure that the Serbian Government maintains its reform path.
Speaking to B92, Kostic explained that the first steps to be taken by the World Bank will be the opening of negotiations regarding the details of the health department project, due to start on 25 March, for which 20 million dollars had already been earmarked.
Kostic continued by outlining the short-term goals, which include the transfer of a recently approved loan of 15 million dollars for structural adjustment in Montenegro, followed by a loan to Serbia for infrastructure in the amount of 80 million dollars, and other loans to help implement reforms of the financial sector and privatisation.
Dodik: Belgrade and RS gangs are closely linked | 18:17 | FoNet
ZAGREB -- Sunday – Milorad Dodik, former Prime Minister of Republica Srpska, today said that Djindjic’s assassination was a heavy blow, and those responsible are linked to criminals in RS.
Dodik, leader of the opposition coalition Independent Social Democrats, today told Zagreb’s media that Djindjic’s death was a huge loss for the whole region, and also stated that criminal gangs from Belgrade are “strongly connected” with certain circles in Republica Srpska, including some in the political arena.
Asked if he feared for his own life, Dodik said that he would be insane if he did not perceive a threat: “associates of those who shot Zoran Djindjic are present here [Republica Srpska] and I can identify them in several groups as holders of some harsh ideas. My political views are known, and now I will be even more determined”.
Speaking with regard to the international community, Dodik said: “All this is a clear message to the international community. They must realise that their involvement in this country is in stark contrast to the Balkan way of conducting politics.”
The Hague Tribunal may ease the pressure | 17:36 | FoNet
THE HAGUE -- Sunday – Following the assassination of Serbian PM Zoran Djindjic, it is being suggested that the Tribunal may decrease pressure on Belgrade to extradite indicted war criminals, to avoid making the position of Djindjic’s successor even more difficult.
With the Dutch media reporting that hundreds of thousands of citizens and many of the world’s dignitaries attended Djindjic’s funeral, speculation has arisen that the tribunal’s task could become even more difficult.
The Tribunal’s Chief Prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte, said that Djindjic has demonstrated great courage in cooperating with The Hague and his untimely death could cause uncertainty regarding relations with Belgrade.
Avril McDonald, expert of international law for the Dutch TMC Asser institute, today suggested that the tribunal might ease demands on the Serbian Government to arrest and extradite General Ratko Mladic, former commander of the Republica Srpska Army.
McDonald explained that Djindjic’s assassination would not encourage his successor to cooperate with the Tribunal. The arrest of Mladic is still a big political challenge, which is why he has not yet been taken into custody.
Democratic Party will not replace Djindjic | 16:57 | Beta
BELGRADE -- Sunday – The Democratic Party today proposed its new candidates for the posts of Serbian Prime Minister and Serbia-Montenegro
Defense Minister, but vowed not to elect a new Party president this year, in
honor of assassinated Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.
At a session of the Executive board, which began at noon today, vice-president of the party Boris Tadic was put forward as the candidate for the post of
Defense Minister, contrary to earlier suggestions that the Democratic Party’s First vice-president Zoran Zivkovic would be suggested.
Addressing the Executive Board gathering at Belgrade’s Sava Centre, which began with a minute of silence, Zivkovic said that: “the state of emergency will last as long as the fight against
organized crime does, although the state of emergency is not so for citizens, but rather for criminals.”
He continued: “The longest deadline we can give to the police is the end of next month, but everybody I spoke to from the international community yesterday said that was a minimum deadline.”
Zivkovic himself has been proposed as the candidate for Serbian Prime Minister, whilst popular young parliamentarian Cedomir Jovanovic will become vice-president of the Serbian Government.
Speaking to media after the meeting, the party announced that they will not choose a new party president because that position belongs to founding member and hitherto leader Zoran Djindjic.
They explained that the party’s internal elections would be held in 2004, after the Serbian general election, by which time the party would be represented by Zivkovic.
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