Media Agreement Reached

Principal Deputy High Representative Jacques Klein and Commander, SFOR General Eric Shinseki have reached an agreement with the Serb member of the BiH Joint Presidency Momcilo Krajisnik in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Serb Radio and Television (SRT) which will curb inflammatory reporting by RS media against the International Community including SFOR.

In consultation with the OHR, Mr. Krajisnik, on behalf of the SRT agreed that:

• SRT would refrain from inflammatory reporting against SFOR and International Organisations supporting the Dayton Peace Agreement.
• SRT will provide one hour of programming during prime time each day without exception during which other political views will be aired.
• SRT will provide the High Representative one half hour during prime time within the next few days to introduce himself and explain the events which took place in Brcko, Bijeljina and Banja Luka. This time will be unedited and not commented on in advance or after airing by RS TV commentators.
• RS agrees to participate in a full and consistent manner in a Media Support Advisory Group conducted by the OHR, to discuss and regulate the work of the media in accordance with the spirit and letter of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

The agreement was formally signed by the Commander, Multinational Division (North) Major General David Grange, the SRT Editor-in-Chief Drago Vukovic and the Deputy Minister of Interior General Karisik.

SFOR forces had remained at the Udrigovo Tower to secure the facility and ensure it would not be used to incite violence against SFOR or the International Community. Serb compliance with this agreement and restraint from violence will enable SFOR forces to return to their normal deployment patterns.