July
WEDNESDAY 1.7.98 11.45am
Have had a lazy day so far, got up at 09.00 had a cup of tea and then ironed some shirts and polished my shoes ready for the meeting at 2pm. Last night I kept the car keys for UN 316118 and sure enough when I was in the Indian Bar watching England v Argentina Ismail and Felix came in asking to borrow it. They were also off duty, I never abuse the system and these two always take vehicles when they feel like it so I told them that I needed it – sod em!!! It’s still sitting outside my house now!! I’m currently on my 2nd cup of tea then I’ll get a shower and shave and go and eat. I don’t know what yet though – there’s not much of a choice in Vogošća!! The weathers red hot again, it’s going to be really uncomfortable having to wear uniform later on. Just over three weeks time I’ll see Del, that’s okay but when she goes back I’m still on leave so I don’t know what I’m going to do. I hope that Brian and Catherine will be okay on their own. I’d better get off now and start making myself pretty!!!
THURSDAY 2.7.98 14.10pm
Got to the Holiday Inn at 1pm yesterday, I was wearing civvies and everyone else was in uniform so I got changed in the car park. It was another red hot day and I drank numerous cokes. We had the meeting at 2pm and then rehearsed for the medal parade. At 5pm we had the parade. We had to stand at each side of the hall for a hell of a long time wearing ties and blue berets. It was sheer murder, the sweat was pouring from us. I got my medal presented by Elisabeth Rehn who’s in charge of the whole operation out here. She’s a very nice lady. We then had a buffet and free drinks. (I had mineral water). At about 7.40pm I thought sod it I’m off, I was getting a headache because of the heat. One of the blokes from Doboj area came home with me and I put him up for the night. When we got back here I took a paracodol and then went to the Indian Bar until 3am – It was a much better night than being stuck in that stinking hot hotel!!
Got up at 10am this morning – John had already left. Had a cup of tea and then took Edin to the PX. He wanted some scotch. We got that at the German PX at Rajlovac and then we went to the French PX next to the airport where I bought yet another Zippo lighter and some cigs. Today there’s only Baloch and me on the afternoon shift so I intend to “work like an Indian” (Do nothing). When I was at that meeting yesterday all the Brits had the same complaint about the Indians and Pakistani’s doing nothing at all whilst in this Mission – so it’s not just me complaining!!!
11.30pm Went into work at 4pm and got a telephone call from Barry Vincent (Chief of Operations) Ch-Supt (British). He said that Jonathan Sutch was going on leave and could I fill in for him. Also when he left in October I would get the job. I said, “okay”, and he’s going to see Reg Commander Claude Mendouze tomorrow for approval! I then went to see Jonathan to find out the crack, it’s with the O.S.C.E. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The branch he’s in is E.A.S.C. Election Appeals Sub Commission, he goes round the country investigating corrupt politicians etc. Own car, expenses, overnight stops, good working hours, weekends off!! Not bad eh. I go down tomorrow again to get my OSCE I/D card and driver license after that I’m in!! He works with a Judge from Norway called Finn Lynghjem who is the top man!! Power Power Power!!!
Must go to bed now and look pretty for the morning!!!
Got up at 10am this morning – John had already left. Had a cup of tea and then took Edin to the PX. He wanted some scotch. We got that at the German PX at Rajlovac and then we went to the French PX next to the airport where I bought yet another Zippo lighter and some cigs. Today there’s only Baloch and me on the afternoon shift so I intend to “work like an Indian” (Do nothing). When I was at that meeting yesterday all the Brits had the same complaint about the Indians and Pakistani’s doing nothing at all whilst in this Mission – so it’s not just me complaining!!!
11.30pm Went into work at 4pm and got a telephone call from Barry Vincent (Chief of Operations) Ch-Supt (British). He said that Jonathan Sutch was going on leave and could I fill in for him. Also when he left in October I would get the job. I said, “okay”, and he’s going to see Reg Commander Claude Mendouze tomorrow for approval! I then went to see Jonathan to find out the crack, it’s with the O.S.C.E. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The branch he’s in is E.A.S.C. Election Appeals Sub Commission, he goes round the country investigating corrupt politicians etc. Own car, expenses, overnight stops, good working hours, weekends off!! Not bad eh. I go down tomorrow again to get my OSCE I/D card and driver license after that I’m in!! He works with a Judge from Norway called Finn Lynghjem who is the top man!! Power Power Power!!!
Must go to bed now and look pretty for the morning!!!
FRIDAY 3.7.98 7pm
What a day!! Started off briefing Stefan (Germany) about the Human Rights cases, and then got a lift to Sarajevo to meet Jonathan Sutch and sort out I/D card and drivers permit for OSCE. Arrived at 9.30am so we walked round to the photo shop first and got the two passport type pictures. We then went into the OSCE Main HQ for I/D card and I had to fill in a “NEV” form which also requires my passport number and a photocopy of the passport. I had to get a lift back to Vogošća to get the passport. When I got back Jonathan had gone so I walked to the Main HQ again and sorted that one out after hanging about sweating a lot (VERY HOT AGAIN TODAY). After getting my new I/D I walked back to the Faculty where our office is and there was a buffet on for the Americans (Independence Day). Had a couple of lemonades and at 2.15pm we all trouped round to the Main HQ again for a meeting with Ambassador Berry (American) who is head of OSCE. I ended up with a job at Gornji Vakuf because of none-compliant politicians on the Croat and Bosnian side. We all trouped back to our office (in the heat) and when we got back the Judge sends me back to Main HQ for a briefing on Gornji Vakuf. I duly went and whilst waiting for Ann Boillin to brief me the phone went. It was the Judge he had arranged for my OSCE driving test so off I went, did the written test and then the driving test – I passed. I’m now authorised to drive OSCE vehicles. I then went and got briefed re Gornji Vakuf and have also got a large and highly confidential file to read at home. I then went back to our office arriving at 4pm. The Judge had gone so I stayed and read the file. The car I’m supposed to have was with a guy who had to go to Mostar. So at 5.30pm I had to scrounge a lift back after phoning IPTF Vogošća. (On my new mobile phone) (issue).
I got back at 6.15pm. At 6.30pm the Judge phoned and invited me for a beer!!! I had to refuse as I was washing my underwear at the time!! I’ve got to be at work for 9am tomorrow. I’ll get the car then (hopefully). I really am whacked out now and I’ve not eaten all day either. There’s been no time in between the waiting about!!!
I should be going to Gornji Vakuf on Monday or Tuesday next week. I don’t have a clue about how to investigate this mess but I’ll give it a go. The Judge (Finn) is a very nice man, I’ve hardly socialised with him yet but I’m sure we can get on together.
I got back at 6.15pm. At 6.30pm the Judge phoned and invited me for a beer!!! I had to refuse as I was washing my underwear at the time!! I’ve got to be at work for 9am tomorrow. I’ll get the car then (hopefully). I really am whacked out now and I’ve not eaten all day either. There’s been no time in between the waiting about!!!
I should be going to Gornji Vakuf on Monday or Tuesday next week. I don’t have a clue about how to investigate this mess but I’ll give it a go. The Judge (Finn) is a very nice man, I’ve hardly socialised with him yet but I’m sure we can get on together.
SATURDAY 4.7.98 10.05pm
Went to work at 9.00am in Sarajevo and did a few briefings with Mike Ilaria (USA) re Gornji Vakuf and then knocked off early at 2.30pm. I now have a brand new V.W. Golf to play with. Felt very tired so drove back to Vogošća and had a meal. Received a call from Muhammed (Station Commander at Ilijaš) he wants to see me at 10am at Ilijaš tomorrow. Luckily I’m off so I’ll be going. There’s “bull fighting” that day so it should be interesting.
I’ve also been invited to play poker for very small stakes with Mike Ilaria. It’s all go isn’t it!!!
I’ve also been invited to play poker for very small stakes with Mike Ilaria. It’s all go isn’t it!!!
WEDNESDAY 8.7.98 9.05pm
I’ve missed out a few days so I’ll try to recap.
On Sunday 5.7.98 I went to Ilijaš and saw Muhammed at the Police Station. We then went in a police car to a place just outside Podlugovi arriving at 10.30am and he kept trying to ply me with Laško beer! He was working with Vehid doing a festival that was there. In the afternoon at 6.15pm the bullfighting started (bull v bull). There was about 3-4 thousand people so it was a big event. I was supposed to leave at 3pm but couldn’t. My mobile phone was on the blink and I was supposed to keep in touch with Mike. I finally got away at 7.40pm and went straight to Mikes house. There was a note on the door saying to meet at 06.45 at his house as we were going then. Eventually I made contact on the phone with him so all was okay.
At 05.00 on Monday 6.7.98 I got up and picked up Mike at his house in Sarajevo and also Maja, a female language assistant. We first went to Grude going past Mostar in Herzegovina. We had to go to a hotel there to see if there had been a political meeting. We then went to Bugojno to get some info re Gornji Vakuf, we also dropped into an army base (British) 2 Royal Green Jackets and saw the Colonel. They were very good. We then went to Gornji Vakuf and saw Mr Batinić who is leader of HDZ (Croats) party in their half of the town. (It’s split down the middle, Croats on one side and Bosnians (Muslim) on the other). After interviewing him it was late so we booked into a hotel in Bugojno and then had a meal. I was wiped out, had a few beers and then fell into bed.
Up the next day at 08.30 Tuesday 7.7.98 and had interview with the other side. Mr Točić SDA party (Muslim). Both parties don’t get on politically - 1. Over the proposed name of the town by Croats – they want to call it Uskopjle instead of Gornji Vakuf. The SDA will have none of it. So, the Municipality is not working etc. Got back home eventually at 7pm and then went for a quick drink. Went to bed at 11pm + also saw Gábor – he was going back to Hungary. Arranged to meet in the restaurant down the road but it was closed and I was far too tired to go any further.
8.7.98
Got up at 7.30pm and went to work, had a really bad stomach all day and couldn’t eat. Finished work at 5.50pm and eventually got back at 6.45pm after dropping everyone off. I’m now going to bed as I’m done in. see you later.
PS Whilst at work another complaint of threats and intimidation have come in re x2 who are leaving HDZ party and going to NHI party in Brčko so I’ll be going there shortly with the Judge to do the interviews. Mike is going back to Gornji Vakuf to try and get more info.
On Sunday 5.7.98 I went to Ilijaš and saw Muhammed at the Police Station. We then went in a police car to a place just outside Podlugovi arriving at 10.30am and he kept trying to ply me with Laško beer! He was working with Vehid doing a festival that was there. In the afternoon at 6.15pm the bullfighting started (bull v bull). There was about 3-4 thousand people so it was a big event. I was supposed to leave at 3pm but couldn’t. My mobile phone was on the blink and I was supposed to keep in touch with Mike. I finally got away at 7.40pm and went straight to Mikes house. There was a note on the door saying to meet at 06.45 at his house as we were going then. Eventually I made contact on the phone with him so all was okay.
At 05.00 on Monday 6.7.98 I got up and picked up Mike at his house in Sarajevo and also Maja, a female language assistant. We first went to Grude going past Mostar in Herzegovina. We had to go to a hotel there to see if there had been a political meeting. We then went to Bugojno to get some info re Gornji Vakuf, we also dropped into an army base (British) 2 Royal Green Jackets and saw the Colonel. They were very good. We then went to Gornji Vakuf and saw Mr Batinić who is leader of HDZ (Croats) party in their half of the town. (It’s split down the middle, Croats on one side and Bosnians (Muslim) on the other). After interviewing him it was late so we booked into a hotel in Bugojno and then had a meal. I was wiped out, had a few beers and then fell into bed.
Up the next day at 08.30 Tuesday 7.7.98 and had interview with the other side. Mr Točić SDA party (Muslim). Both parties don’t get on politically - 1. Over the proposed name of the town by Croats – they want to call it Uskopjle instead of Gornji Vakuf. The SDA will have none of it. So, the Municipality is not working etc. Got back home eventually at 7pm and then went for a quick drink. Went to bed at 11pm + also saw Gábor – he was going back to Hungary. Arranged to meet in the restaurant down the road but it was closed and I was far too tired to go any further.
8.7.98
Got up at 7.30pm and went to work, had a really bad stomach all day and couldn’t eat. Finished work at 5.50pm and eventually got back at 6.45pm after dropping everyone off. I’m now going to bed as I’m done in. see you later.
PS Whilst at work another complaint of threats and intimidation have come in re x2 who are leaving HDZ party and going to NHI party in Brčko so I’ll be going there shortly with the Judge to do the interviews. Mike is going back to Gornji Vakuf to try and get more info.
FRIDAY 10.7.98 8.45pm
Overslept this morning – more in a minute as I’ve missed out yesterday (9.7.98) (sometimes I can’t keep track of all the days). Yesterday I went into the office at 8.30am and got more info about Brčko. Several members of Croat HDZ party are thinking or have gone over to a moderate Croat party NHI that is run by Zubak. (or is it Zubać?). Anyway the main HDZ party in Croatia don’t like it and are, or seem to be instructing the military (HVO) to use force and threats against them. I’ll be going to Brčko on Monday 13th with Judge Finn Lynghjem to investigate this. Stayed in the office all day yesterday and eventually finished work at 7.30pm!!! After work went to the Indian Bar after arranging with Mike Ilaria to pick me up at 7am.
I only meant to have a couple of drinks and then go to bed but unfortunately got talking and it was 2am when I got to bed. Woke up with the alarm at 5.30am and thought that I’d just have 5 more minutes. The next thing was my mobile phone ringing at 7.15am!! I felt like a right idiot rushing about shaving etc!!! We made it to Gornji Vakuf on time though. First we went to the SFOR Base 2nd Battalion Royal Green Jackets and spoke to the Colonel re situation. We then had interview with an HDZ Deputy Mayor of Gornji Vakuf Jurina, he spoke about the internal politics etc. Can’t put down what as it is complicated. After interview (also with a guy called Ŝenda) we had lunch. At 2pm we had interview with SDA member and Mayor of G.V. Agic. He was sick of the mess in G.V. and wanted both his boss (Točić) and Jurina’s boss Batinić removed from office so that the rest of the Municipality could get on with the job. We held both meets at OSCE field office in Bugojno and then we went back to Sarajevo arriving at 6pm. Stopped and had a beer with the Judge and then I drove the civil staff home and went home myself arriving at 7.45pm. I’m now totally knackered!! At the moment I’m boiling some spuds for a meal.
I only meant to have a couple of drinks and then go to bed but unfortunately got talking and it was 2am when I got to bed. Woke up with the alarm at 5.30am and thought that I’d just have 5 more minutes. The next thing was my mobile phone ringing at 7.15am!! I felt like a right idiot rushing about shaving etc!!! We made it to Gornji Vakuf on time though. First we went to the SFOR Base 2nd Battalion Royal Green Jackets and spoke to the Colonel re situation. We then had interview with an HDZ Deputy Mayor of Gornji Vakuf Jurina, he spoke about the internal politics etc. Can’t put down what as it is complicated. After interview (also with a guy called Ŝenda) we had lunch. At 2pm we had interview with SDA member and Mayor of G.V. Agic. He was sick of the mess in G.V. and wanted both his boss (Točić) and Jurina’s boss Batinić removed from office so that the rest of the Municipality could get on with the job. We held both meets at OSCE field office in Bugojno and then we went back to Sarajevo arriving at 6pm. Stopped and had a beer with the Judge and then I drove the civil staff home and went home myself arriving at 7.45pm. I’m now totally knackered!! At the moment I’m boiling some spuds for a meal.
SATURDAY 11.7.98
Went to work at 8.30am and recapped on the case at Brčko. Finished work at 11.30am and drove to the French PX and got 500 ciggies and some jaffa cakes and mini twix bars for the journey to Brčko on Monday. At 4pm picked up a couple of language assistants and went to the Judges Bar BQ at his house. Of course I got steaming drunk. Finn kept bringing me Krushka which is a local brew made from distilled peaches. It’s a bit like pure methanol! Cassie (American Lawyer) wanted to use the car on Sun/Mon so I gave her the keys and she drove me home. Then went to the Indian Bar for one drink and so to bed at 12 MD.
SUNDAY 12.7.98
Woke up at 9am and promptly went back to sleep again. Eventually got up at 3pm and dossed about a bit. Went to shops in Vogošća and bought a few bits and pieces spuds, eggs, tinned veg etc. I’m just thinking about what I’m going to have for dinner now. Tomorrow I’m off to Brčko for a couple of days and I’m waiting for Judge Finn to phone me to find out what time we’ll be leaving. It’s about a 4 hour drive so it’s going to be a long long day!!
MONDAY 13th + TUESDAY 14th July 98 (Date as writing 14.7.98 8pm)
Went to bed at 11pm on Sunday 12th and got up at 5.30am. Was ready to go by 6.30am and got picked up by the Judge at 6.45am. Drove none stop straight to OSCE in Brčko and met the Director Ed Joseph (Yank) (arrived at 10.30am). Had a brief meeting with him and then at the same place at 12 noon met Mr Aric who is splitting with HDZ party and going into NHI (Both Croat parties). He is Mayor of Ravne-Brčko and a Zubak supporter but HDZ want him out. He spoke for 1hr 45 mins re pressure and threats. Had a quick fag then met Mr Jurišić , he also made allegations of pressure and threats for leaving HDZ (Jurišić is Deputy Mayor R-B). He finished at 15.05 then at 15.10 met Marko Amidžić, Jakov Amidžić, Niki Novakii. They spoke re HDZ (all hard liners in HDZ) at 5.15pm Franjo Canceadević came in party leader. He spoke. Interview concluded at 17.45 hrs. THEN at 17.55hrs we met Ivan Krndelj elected Deputy Mayor Brčko + head of police. He had his say about threats etc but nothing concrete. Meeting ended at 18.50 hrs. By this time I felt dirty and hungry. Brčko is a dusty town. We went to a motel – (Judge and me) Ed Joseph showed us the way and then waited while we got a shower. He then took us for a meal over the boarder in Croatia. (Had Pork!!). It was excellent. The American Ambassador Farrand joined us – very posh. He asked me how I found all those we spoke to, I called them all a load of bull shitters and he laughed and agreed. Had a few beers then at 11pm got taken back to Brčko and went to bed.
Up at 6am 14.7.98 and first saw Farrand at 9am with Judge Finn. We then went to Orašje and saw Governor Korbaj – he’s okay. Meet started at 11.00 and ended at 11.55am. We then saw Stjepan Mikić Dep Chairman of House of Reps HDZ (hard liner). I had to tell him he wasn’t going to be hung just yet and then he came out with all the politics. Meeting ended at 13.15. We then went to see Ivo Živković at his house – he’s sick. He made allegations re HDZ (he’s NHI) but does not want his name mentioned. He gave us other names for evidence. Meet ended at 2.45pm. We then left at 3pm and got back to Sarajevo at 6.30pm. I then ironed my shirt, washed up, made lunch as I’ve not eaten since yesterday and got my uniform ready for the morning, I’m now going to go out for a well-earned beer.
Up at 6am 14.7.98 and first saw Farrand at 9am with Judge Finn. We then went to Orašje and saw Governor Korbaj – he’s okay. Meet started at 11.00 and ended at 11.55am. We then saw Stjepan Mikić Dep Chairman of House of Reps HDZ (hard liner). I had to tell him he wasn’t going to be hung just yet and then he came out with all the politics. Meeting ended at 13.15. We then went to see Ivo Živković at his house – he’s sick. He made allegations re HDZ (he’s NHI) but does not want his name mentioned. He gave us other names for evidence. Meet ended at 2.45pm. We then left at 3pm and got back to Sarajevo at 6.30pm. I then ironed my shirt, washed up, made lunch as I’ve not eaten since yesterday and got my uniform ready for the morning, I’m now going to go out for a well-earned beer.
WEDNESDAY 15.7.98
Went into work, arrived at 8.45am and didn’t do much. I tried to put my notes together re Brčko but ended up totally bewildered re all the political clap-trap. The Judge wants me to go up to Brčko again to see a female who was also alleged to have been threatened. I’ll go tomorrow for a flying visit. It’s about a 3 ½ - 4 hour drive. The worst part is the first couple of hours at this end as it’s all through mountains, you go up so high you can feel the pressure in the ears. Finished work at 6.30pm and then fuelled the car up ready for the journey and went “home”.
THURSDAY 16.7.98
Went out and had a few Laško last night. Got up at 8am this morning and was on the road for 7am. Had a few heart attacks whilst en-route because of some of the mad drivers. Got into Brčko at 11.20am and then saw a language assistant who was assigned to me at OSCE Brčko Centre. We went and saw Ivan Krndelj at Ravne-Brčko Opeina and he clarified that the female had not been intimidated!! That was a total waste of my time so I drove back to Sarajevo again. Got back at 6.30pm after stopping for a meal in a place called Bubevik. I popped into IPTF Vogošća when I got home and there was two new monitors from Hungary with their kit. They were stuck for accommodation so I put them up for the night after having a bucket full of ale with them!! They’ve both been here before in Mission and both know Gábor as well!
FRIDAY 17.7.98
Got up at 7am – I never even heard the Hungarian guys leave!! Rolled into work at 8.30am and started on the report for Brčko – it’s turning into quite a saga. The Judge and everyone left at 11.30am they’re all going to split for the weekend on a boat!! I sat in the office until 2pm and then thought, “sod it” and left as well. I still feel tired and couldn’t really concentrate. I’ll do that bloody report in the morning!! After leaving I went and had a curry in the “Taj Mahal” it was okay. Got home at about 3.15pm and have sat around doing nothing since. When the sun goes down I’m going to flop into bed!!!
18th, 19th + 20th
Time is now 10.30pm Monday 20th. I did the report over the weekend finishing at about 3pm on Sunday, it was rather mind bending sorting all the characters out. The weather has been scorching hot all the way through. Yesterday (Sunday) after finishing work I saw Chris at the Indian Bar and sorted out a car for him (cost 50 DM). Went to bed at 11.30pm last night and still felt groggy this morning! Today I did a bit of running about to various places trying to get historical backgrounds to various places. I ended up in IPTF Main HQ and copied an entire file re all the Municipalities in B:H. They weren’t very happy about it either!! Phoned Del tonight, all seems okay on the Western Front!!
TUESDAY 22.7.98
Last day with EASC (Election Appeals Sub Committee), just dossed about the office for most of the day and finished at 4.45pm. Got a lift home with Mike Ilaria and bought him a drink in the Indian Bar. At night I phoned home and Jenny answered in her usual horrible way. She said Del was at college and hung up on me. I tried again at 11.30pm (Bosnian time) (10.30pm English time) but the phone lock had been put on!!!!!!!!! Went to bed at 00.20 and slept like a log.
WEDNESDAY 23.7.98 11.00Hrs
Got up at 8.45am and after shaving etc, have sat about the house wondering where to start. I’ll need at least x3 hand grenades to clean my bedroom, it’s a right mess. Oh well I’d better start otherwise Del will kill me for living in filth!!