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Theme for Today

The Birmingham Post - United Kingdom; Dec 13, 2001

BY JOHN LAMPEN

If you visit Croatia, try to see the Plitvice lakes. These are a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, a chain of 16 lakes in a wooded mountain valley, linked by
thousands of waterfalls. Lime deposits on the bottom give the water an
astonishing blue, even on cloudy days.

This is one of the loveliest places in the world. It calms the spirit and
refreshes the soul. It is hard to believe that, only a few years ago, war
came into this peace. Walking here for many hours, we saw history from a
different perspective. Human behaviour seemed like the changing weather,
sometimes unwelcome and even damaging, which the trees and hills endure and
outlive.

Brian Gallagher

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Interview - Mijo Brajkovic, most successful exporter from BH
politics/entrepreneurship

Frank Brozovich

January 07, 2002

HEADLINES, Monday January 07, 2002

Source: Slobodna Dalmacija, January 04, 2002

INTERVIEW: MIJO BRAJKOVIC, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE ALUMINIJ MOSTAR COLOSSUS,
THE MOST SUCESSFUL EXPORTER FROM BiH

Aluminij d.d. Mostar ended one more fiscal year with exceptional results in
spite of the political spasm it was working in. We asked Mijo Brajkovic how
the company and he himself handled all of this, and will it finally pull out
of this political squeeze this year.

            "Despite political pressure, we made production progress in the
year 2001. we reached record metal production of 95.6 thousand tons, which
is our all-time record. That is an increase of 1,000 tons and it put us at
the top among aluminum producers in the world.

            The average pay in Aluminij is 1,300 marks, and we all received
Christmas bonuses in the amount of 70% of our pays. I would like to see
someone in Croatia boast with these results. If we add that in the past year
we set aside 17 million KM for customs, duties, benefits, and taxes, then we
can ask ourselves what these petty politicians want from us and how long will
they keep accusing us."

And what kind of financial results resulted from that? How much did Aluminij
exports, in 2001, amount to?

            "Increased productivity and production didn't follow even
expected financial indicators. Our products are on the world's aluminum
market in London, and their price fell last year. Aside from that, our
exports for the year 2001 amount to 300 million DEM, and we export to
Germany, Switzerland, France, USA, Canada, and other countries.

            It can be said that Aluminij has become a pet in the world; it is
the only BiH representative in the business world of the West and receives
credit without any problems.

            The Federal Premier Alija Behmen stated recently that BiH did not
receive anything from the international community in 2001, but we are just
realizing a credit of 140 million DEM for electrolysis modernization, and
these days we are finalizing credit for rolling mill modernization.

            Two months ago, in Geneva, we received a plaque for the quality
of our products. And while others in the world are praising us, in BiH we
are being labeled and accused."

In the year 2001, political pressure on Aluminij, and on yourself personally,
was fierce, how did your foreign partners react to that?

"That nasty politics didn't vacillate our partners and investors in the world.

The BiH delegation lead by Dr. Zlatko Lagumdzija visited Europe and informed
on the pressures to Aluminij. I think that Dr. Lagumdzija was told that our
company is a strategic partner of German companies and that it would be wise
to treat Aluminij d.d differently.

A substantial amount of German capital is invested into Aluminij, and it
isn't good that its leadership be exhausted in defense from political
accusations."

And what impact did this have on Aluminij itself?

            "We say that politics didn't cause any damage in the world, but
within our country it did because we had to expend 30% of our force on
skirmishing, and not on production."

The Republic of Croatia, actually TLM Sibenik, owns about 20% of Aluminij
shares. It is the first Aluminij investor?

            "We learned that they reacted somewhat secretively in order to
protect the interests of TLM. We would have liked it if they did this loudly
and publicly, so that our people know what's going on.

            The Republic of Croatia invested 18 million DEM in the first
steps of renewing Aluminij, and it is the first investor. That is capital
that the Republic of Croatia itself must protect, and it was brought into
question with some sort of petty-political games.

            And the blow to TLM's capital is a clear message to all foreign
investors that investing into BiH is not safe, and thus is not smart."

Lagumdzija announced that priority number one for the New Year is the
continuation of economic reforms in BiH; which were begun with the arrival of
the Alliance to rule. What are those economic reforms?

            "I am not aware of those reforms. They haven't reached us yet,
but I'm happy when I read about it. We in Aluminij will be the first to
welcome economic reforms."

According to Lagumdzija the second priority of those reforms is strengthening
state authorities and its institutions. What do you think about that?

            "Without real economic reforms at the whole of BiH level, there
can't be those on the plan of state government and its institutions. The
state is not its own purpose and must be regulated with good laws. It must
open itself to those who work successfully and export, and that doesn't exist.

            There are no reforms if those who work successfully and export
are not stimulated, because then we will create a black and gray economy
ourselves, which will cause the priorities to be endangered, and that means
the economy."

What does that mean from your experience in Aluminij?

            "Our company is the largest exporter in BiH, but we never
received even 1KM in the name of stimulation, rather certain people, who we
know of, blacken our name to our exporters. That was done without success.

            We pay the most expensive electric energy. We paid for war
damages by ourselves, we resolved the issue of laid off employees on our own,
and we are proud to say that Aluminij did not receive a penny of the many
billions of dollars that the international community invested into BiH."

HERCEGOVACKA BANKA STILL OWES US MONEY

As long as we are talking about these problems, tell us how you personally
came to be on the Hercegovacka Banka provisional administrator's unfit list?

            "That at any rate is a question to ask Toby Robinson. I
personally don't have an account, a savings-bank book, or credit with
Hercegovacka Banka. Nor am I a shareholder of the bank. The same goes for
Aluminij. We operated through this bank and all of this was done very
correctly.

            However, Hercegovacka Banka owes us 300 thousand dollars, so we
should put it on our list. The facts are not important in this whole matter,
but rather that I am Mijo Brajkovic and I don't expect that someone will
apologize to me for this false accusation."

The decisions on laid-off Aluminij employees and severance pays made their
way to the FBiH Council for executing Article 143 of the Labor Law. How did
they pass over with this institution?

            "Erneveza Grustanovic, the president of that Council, announced
on the Federal Television before Christmas that only Aluminij's decisions
were brought out in accordance with the law. She added that Aluminij's
decisions were prioritized to have their legality evaluated. We ask
ourselves why we were a federal priority, as if we are the biggest criminals
in this country.

And now that the council has announced that everything is in perfect order, I
personally protest against those labor unionists, politicians, and
journalists, who accused and labeled us as nationalistic hardliners for six
whole years. If there were rule of law in BiH, we would sue them, but we are
aware of the fact that nothing would come of it."

What is up with the privatization of Aluminij? Why hasn't privatization come
to order yet?

            "First I would like to say that according to existing valid
documentation, Aluminij is a company of cantonal relevance, and is under the
authorization of the Cantonal Agency for Privatization, not the Federal
Agency. Two years ago we submitted all the necessary documentation for
privatization to the Cantonal Agency, but nothing has been set in motion yet."

What is the hold up?

            "We were told that they were waiting for the OHR's report on
Aluminij's operations, which was completed three months ago, and still
nothing. Somebody is obstructing this and we are afraid that our
privatization will fall into the pre-election scissors, and that many people
will begin to lay claim on us and manipulate with us.

And this would be damaging to all the peoples as well as to our region. We
wonder how other companies that submitted their documentation to the Cantonal
Agency after we did, have gone into privatization, and we are still waiting.

            Somebody has to explain to us what the hold-up is when the law
clearly states that two months after submitting documentation, if no faults
are found, privatization must be implemented."

You are moving towards modernization of the whole company, all of its
components, which will be completed by June of this year. What is the word
on human resources for the new technologies?

            "We hold the principle of new people for new technologies, and we
do so by sending our people abroad on specialization. To date we have sent
eighteen of our people to the USA, eighteen to Germany, and at the current
time we have two groups in Sweden who are doing a course on expenses for
Aluminij. We know that new technology and new equipment are not enough, but
that the people are what is important, and that is how we act. We must be
concerned about the future of Aluminij, and that means young employees."

We are currently in the beginning of the year 2002, and what does this year
hold for Aluminij?

            "In June of this year we will complete the modernization that is
currently in process, and an increase in production will follow immediately.
By the end of the year we will have produced 101 thousand tons of metal, and
in the year 2003, production will reach 118 thousand tons. Imagine what
constant increases in production, and not hiring new people, means for BiH.

            Increasing capacity utilization and lowering the cost of
production? Have you ever heard anyone in BiH talk of increasing production
and productivity?

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<A
HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/handle-generic-form/104-0206532-102716

9?action=next-page&target=stores/help/self-service-email-form-dispatch.html&di

splay=basic&browse=560710&method=GET&cgi-post-result=1/103-7341998-0057423">
Amazon.com</A>
<A
HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/handle-generic-form/103-7341998-005742

3?action=next-page&target=stores/help/self-service-email-form-dispatch.html&di

splay=basic&browse=560710&method=GET&cgi-post-result=1/103-7341998-0057423">
Amazon.com: Help / Contact Us / General Questions</A>
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/handle-generic-form/104-0206532-1027169?acti

on=next-page&target=stores/help/self-service-email-form-dispatch.html&display=

basic&browse=560710&method=GET&cgi-post-result=1/103-7341998-0057423
You can also use : feedback@amazon.com

Nenad,

I was looking for a Croatian film through Amazon.com and found that they list
Yugoslavia under the country category. Croatia is not listed at all, though
I know some of the films, if not all of them are Croatian, and they are
listed under Yugoslavia. I have emailed them about this, and I suggest
others do the same. www.amazon.com

Linda

I sent the letter via the customer comments so, I do not have it, however, it
was something to this effect:

While searching for a Croatian video, I found that Amazon's International
category only lists Yugoslavia. I was rather taken aback, because some, if
not all of these films listed are Croatian. Yugoslavia consists of only
Serbia and Montenegro. This is quite disturbing, as over 10,000 Croatians
lost their lives fighting for their independence in a war of aggression
perpetrated by neighboring Serbia. Please respect those who suffered the
loss of their families, homes and lives by adding the country of Croatia and
listing the proper films under the proper country.

Thank you,

Linda Hurley

op-ed
You can also use : feedback@amazon.com

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Dear All,

There are few things that I want to mention in between regular newsletters.

1. If someone is coming to Sundance Film Festival (founded by Robert Redford)
in Park City, Utah let me know. I may be there for the premier of the film
that I scored. Film "The Meaning And The Making of WE ARE FAMILY" directed by
Danny Schechter will show Saturday, January 12th at 2:30 pm at the Prospector
Theater and Friday, January 18th at 10:30 am at the Yarrow II. If I am not
there, feel free to introduce yourself to Danny Schechter. He was an advocate
for recognition of Croatia in 1991 and a human rights activist all his life,
mulitiple Emmy Award winner.

2. To view Antun Mates work please log on: www.antunmates.com. Opening of the
exhibition will be in Hotel Plaza, New York on Jan 15, 2002 at 6 PM. Any
additional info, you can get from Miro Sinovcic (Miro510@aol.com). 2M ART 140
J Heitman Drive
Spring Valley NY 10977 USA tel / fax (845) 425-5651

3. In the last newsletter I mentioned Fuel Cells in a separate letter, asking
if anybody is involved in this kind of research. Today's New York Times had a
front page article titled "U.S. Ends Car Plan On Gas Efficiency; Looks to
Fuel Cells" (White House Shifts Strategy On Future Fuel for Vehicles). This
was an intuition on my part. My point is that we as a small nation have an
opportunity to be in the forefront of the new technology. Field is almost
leveled and we have to put more into research and support of talent. Create a
structure of support for people of extraordinary talent. This kind of
national vision will bring us to what we always wanted. Security, much better
standard of living and the respect of the world. Winners do not explain
anything.

Nenad Bach
Editor in Chief

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The following exerpt regarding Dubrovnik appears in the current issue
of Frommer's Budget Travel magazine and may be of interest to others.

     Joe Misurac

     ***************

     Beginning in January, Prices for Air-and-Land Packages to Famous
     European Cities Will Plunge (In Some Cases, to New Lows)

     by Arthur Frommer

     Just four months from now, starting in January of 2002, the price of a
     short European vacation will plunge to levels rarely experienced in
     transatlantic travel. Blame it on the economic slowdown, the strong
     dollar, the remorseless increase in the number of ocean-crossing
     aircraft--whatever. Seven particular packages are especially
     compelling, and will sell out fast. If you're to enjoy the bonanza,
     you might consider booking this far ahead.

     (7) $799 to Dubrovnik (including most meals). In 2002, there's no need
     to balk at the Balkans. A gorgeous medieval walled city (and UNESCO
     world heritage site) set on one of Southern Europe's loveliest
     coastlines, Dubrovnik offers excellent food, mild winter weather,
     superb sightseeing, and impressive off-season bargains. Throughout
     January, February, and March, you can experience seven nights at the
     beachside Hotel Kompas, including daily breakfast and dinner, and
     transatlantic flight, for just $799 out of New York. Tour operator
     Travel Time (800/354-8728) charges just $100 more for many other
     departure cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and
     Chicago. And finally, you can add another week to your Croatian stay
     for just $335.

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2001 Review: MY SPORTING MOMENT: WIMBLEDON FINAL July 9, 2001 - How
Ivanisevic's stirring fairytale brought immortality in SW19

The Birmingham Post - United Kingdom; Dec 26, 2001

BY MICHAEL WARD

It was the noise that hit you first. An orchestra of 14,000 voices raising a
deafening, awe-inspiring crescendo of sound on the Centre Court as Goran
Ivanisevic strode out for his Wimbledon final against Patrick Rafter.

And when you came to terms with this tumultuous din, it was the blaze of
colour that struck you next. The stands were transformed into a dancing,
shimmering wave of banners --- the red and white checks of Croatia mixed with
the green and gold of Australia, complete with their inflatable kangaroos.
The two countries were equally represented by their respective fans, although
most of the Brits gave up their neutrality to root for Goran.

We've had People's Sundays in the middle of Wimbledon in recent years, but
People's Monday was as Wimbledon had never seen it before. It was unique and
those who werethere on July 9 2001 can bore the pants off their grandchildren
with this wondrous tale for the rest of their days.

Because of poor weekend weather, the men's singles championship had extended
into a third week for only the second time in the Open era and this final was
strikingly, thrillingly different to the mundane resumption of unfinished
business between Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker in 1988.

The Centre Court was halfempty when the Swede and his German adversary walked
out to the kind of atmosphere you would encounter at one of the All England
Club's croquet finals. And no-one, apart from the Swedes, cared lesswhen
Edberg ground his way to his second Wimbledon title.

The Ivanisevic-Rafter final was a complete contrast, for many reasons. For a
start, neither player had won Wimbledon before and a healthy balance of
supporters craved for one or the other to attain tennis immortality.

Unlike theEdbergBecker final that was suspended from the rain and bad light
of the Sunday evening, thisone began from scratch to the raucous, riotous
backing of a crowd that was drawn straight from the streets of cosmopolitan
London. There was no public ballot to decidewho held these precious tickets.
The fans queued all night for the simple privilege of paying on the gate to
witness what unfolded as one of the great sporting moments of all time.

Half of that crowd had never set foot in the All England Club's illustrious
grounds before, let alone taken their seats at a Wimbledon final. Thousands
more who failed to make it into the Centre Court flocked to Henman's Hill for
the right to watch the proceedingson a giant screen. They would have loved to
be seeing Tim Henman in action as Britain's first men's singles finalist
since Bunny Austin lost to Donald Budge in 1938, which was two years after
Fred Perry became the last champion from these shores.

For Henman, it was not meant to be. Fate and the elements conspired against
him when he was set fair for victory over a stumbling, fumbling Ivanisevic in
the semi-finals. A second interruption by rain threw the British No 1 off his
stride, Ivanisevic regrouped with a vengeance and Henman's Hill became his
Calvary.

In the absence of Britain's best hope, an Ivanisevic-Rafter final was easily
the next best thing. And the fascination of it was that Ivanisevic had failed
in three previous Wimbledon finals, his first to Andre Agassi in 1992 and the
other two to the unassailable Pete Sampras in 1994 and 1998.

Inevitably, the talented, broodingly unpredictable, lefthander entered
Wimbledon carrying the label of acompulsive loser, a player in decline to
increase the dead weight of odds against him; the nearly-man, returning two
months short of his 30th birthday and with a world ranking of 125 --- so low
that he had to beg a wild card from the All England Club hierarchy.

Suitably, the bookmakers made Ivanisevic a 125-1 shot for the title before a
ball was struck. Only when he gunned down Henman was he taken deadly
seriously.

And yet, Goran was still the underdog when he walked out on to the Centre
Court to be assailed by an atmosphere of such massive voltage that it
threatened to blow every fuse in the London Borough of Merton. For a second
or two, Goran wore a bewildered ``what on earth am I doing here?'' expression
on his face. Then he smiled, nodded and waved to the crowd --- not
extravagantly, for the excesses of emotion were to come three hours and five
sets later.

Suffice to summarise that the good Goran, always believing that God was
guiding him andkeeping the bad Goran firmly in the shadows, won 9-7 in the
fifth. In the end, Rafter was so demoralised and so resigned to the fact that
destiny was calling Goran that he could only jab his return off a nervy
second serve into the net on match point No 4. When it was over, all 14,000
fans were united in their clamorous acclaim for the threetimes loser-turned
winner of the world's most coveted title. There has never been a more popular
winner since the great Perry himself.

After clambering up through the crowd for a tearful reunion with his family
and friends in the guests' balcony, Ivanisevic said: ``I think I must be
dreaming. Somebody is going to wake me up and tell me: `You lost the
Wimbledon final again.' I don't care now if I never win another tennis match
in my life.''

To Goran, striding out for the first defence of his title on Centre Court
next summer will be his proudest moment since he won it. Win or lose, the
nearly man who finally became champion will know his place in sporting
folklore is secure.

All Material Subject to Copyright

Brian Gallagher
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International figure of the year

The Scotsman - United Kingdom; Dec 29, 2001

KNOWN by Sicilian mobsters as La Puttana (the whore) and by Slobodan
Milosevic as "the new Gestapo", Carla del Ponte, the chief prosecutor at the
international tribunal in The Hague, worked in 2001 to bring the former
Yugoslav leader to justice.

She made legal history in February with the first war crimes trial in which
rape was depicted as a tool of war and a crime against humanity. In that
case, three Serbs were jailed for the systematic rape and torture of women
and girls during the Bosnian war.

As attorney general in Switzerland, she was the only figure in public life
with a round-the-clock armed guard.

Now Ms del Ponte is taking on NATO. This week she deplored the fact that the
former Bosnian Serb leader, Radovan Karadzic, and his military commander,
Ratko Mladic, were still at large. NATO was the most powerful organisation on
Earth, she told the BBC, so why had they not been captured?

Good question, and it was not for want of trying by the tireless Ms del Ponte.

All Material Subject to Copyright

Brian Gallagher
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