SFOR made unsuccessful efforts to capture indicted war criminals, mounting raid on home of Gen. Ratko Mladic's late mother on 13 August and surrounding sites associated with Radovan Karadzic in Pale on 26 August. Mitar Rasevic, chief warder at Serb prison in Foca, surrendered to Hague Tribunal. The 3 ruling nationalist parties continue to bicker - both with coalition partners and within their ranks over jobs, education and tax reform, and proposed unification of Mostar.

Serbian parliament adopted declaration on 26 August reaffirming claim to Kosovo. 2 Serb teenagers killed and 6 injured in attack by unknown assailants on 13 August. UN police officer killed in ambush on 2 August. Kosovo Serb arrested. Unknown how much of violence was response to Belgrade’s declaration on Kosovo, coming as it did during transition to new UNMIK Chief, Harri Holkeri.

Increase in violent incidents as ethnic tensions persist. Albanian National Army fired 2 rocket-propelled grenades on 25 August at guard tower on Kosovo-Macedonia border; grenade attacks by unknown assailants on Skopje government buildings and bomb explosion on railway tracks north of Skopje on 28 August. No one injured. 2 police officers briefly kidnapped by ethnic Albanian gunmen on 27 August. Mandate of EU peacekeeping mission extended until 15 December 2003; EU police mission to strengthen rule of law under consideration.

Montenegrin politics continue to be overshadowed by allegations of smuggling and human trafficking.

At least 8 attacks in predominantly ethnic-Albanian Presevo Valley, including mortar attacks on Serbian army base on 12 August, police checkpoint on 15 August, and in Presevo centre on 23 and 27 August. Albanian National Army (ANA) thought to be behind at least some attacks. May be reaction to declaration on Kosovo adopted by Serbian parliament as draft on 11 August and in full on 26 August. Belgrade increased Kosovo rhetoric, perhaps to turn public attention away from corruption scandals. Commission investigating assassination of Serbian premier Djindjic named 44 suspects; allegations of links to government figures.

FARC and ELN rebels announced decision for joint military operations against Government and ruled out peace talks. This followed President Uribe’s public request to Venezuelan President Chavez to convey Colombia’s willingness to negotiate with FARC if they agreed to ceasefire, implicitly suggesting Chavez Government links to FARC. Colombian Air Force to resume forcing down planes suspected of carrying drugs or weapons. U.S. to renew assistance to CAF for that purpose after new procedures put in place. Demobilisation talks with some paramilitaries move forward. Government introduced legislation to grant amnesty to illegal fighters whose groups agree to ceasefire or peace talks. UN criticised proposed amnesty. Dozens of civilians killed in rebel bomb attacks across country following first anniversary of Uribe’s election.

Alliance between President Gutiérrez and powerful indigenous parties collapsed on 6 August. Indigenous and trade union groups later led protests in capital against proposed austerity measures.

Political situation remains highly unstable. President Hugo Chavez challenged validity of opposition signatures submitted to new National Electoral Council (CNE) to force referendum on his mandate. Chavez reaction raised tensions after Supreme Court naming of CNE had appeared to defuse potential for violence. Push by opposition groups for referendum on Chavez’s mandate continues. CNE meeting non-stop to consider petitions.

Former general and coup leader, Efrain Rios Montt, registered as presidential candidate for 9 November elections. Constitutional Court approved his candidacy, despite constitutional provision barring anyone who previously took power in a coup from serving as president.

Hizbollah fired shells into Israel on 10 August killing one person and wounding 5 others; attack came in wake of killing of Hizbollah leader in Beirut and days after group exchanged artillery fire with Israel for first time in 8 months. Violence erupted despite signs that Hizbollah being forced to rein in military activities because of intense U.S. pressure on Syria and Iran, group’s main backers. More anti-aircraft rounds fired on 31 August when Israeli planes entered Lebanese airspace.