SARAJEVO/BANJA LUKA, Nov 6 (Hina) - The newly elected president of the Republika Srpska, Dragan Cavic, on Wednesday claimed that the civil authorities in the Bosnian Serb entity did not know that the Eagle Aviation Institute in
Bijeljina was exporting military equipment to Iraq and in that way was violating an embargo set by the UN Security Council.
SARAJEVO/BANJA LUKA, Nov 6 (Hina) - The newly elected president of
the Republika Srpska, Dragan Cavic, on Wednesday claimed that the
civil authorities in the Bosnian Serb entity did not know that the
Eagle Aviation Institute in Bijeljina was exporting military
equipment to Iraq and in that way was violating an embargo set by the
UN Security Council. #L#
The heads of the Eagle institute deluded politicians in the
Republika Srpska, Cavic said at a press conference held in Banja
Luka and denied any personal responsibility for the scandal that
has led to the entire country of Bosnia-Herzegovina being
criticised by the international community.
As the vice president of that entity for the past two years, Cavic
was responsible for the military industry sector.
He cited that the investigation had not to date proved that the
institute had in fact been collaborating with Iraq with the
mediation of the Belgrade based Jugoimport since 1999.
He claimed that cooperation had been established with the approval
of the former defence minister of the Serb entity, Manojlo
Milovanovic, and then this was implemented with the knowledge and
coordination of some high ranking officers at the Republika Srpska
Army headquarters.
Cavic said that the delusion of the civil leadership of the
Republika Srpska, which had deteriorated that entity's
international position, contained elements of criminal dealings.
He indirectly indicated that charges could be expected primarily
against members of Eagle's board.
The chief of the factory, Milan Prica, was removed from office two
weeks ago, however, he denied any responsibility claiming that his
Institute never violated UN sanctions.
(hina) sp it sb