13.07.2006

OHR BiH Media Round-up, 13/7/2006

OHR BiH Morning Media Brief

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK  (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

No news broadcast due to strike

Bratunac 14th anniversary

Memorial for Serb victims in Podrinje

 

UK Foreign Ministry re OHR closure

Srebrenica day after memorial

 

EC/ BIH agreement on education

Djuric denies Del Ponte’s accusation

 

EC asses BIH MoCT role in integrat.

Tihic criticizes RS media

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

FBiH HoP in session

World News

Bratunac 14th anniversary

OHR on Law on MPs’ rights/duties

FBiH HoP in session

Depos on Bratunac anniversary

Hayat on politicians’ language

OHR on Draft law on rights of MPs

Tunjice prisoners stopped strike

Dokic, Humphreys on a project

Impacts of blockade of ITA account

Families re Comm. on suffering in SA

 

Oslobodjenje

80.000 KM spent to celebrate RS Day [Audit of RS Institutions]

Dnevni Avaz

I am prepared to answer for all illegalities [FBiH PM Hadzipasic interview]

Dnevni List

List for termination includes Dodik, Djukanovic and Severina (secret organization threatens with liquidation of several persons from public life)

Vecernji List

Two thirds of institutions work illegally (interview with BiH Chief Auditor Sego)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Silence on air, darkness on screens! (feature on bad situation in media inHerzegovina)

Nezavisne Novine

Remembering of 3.262 innocent victims [Bratunac commemoration]

Glas Srpske

Forgive, but remember [Bratunac commemoration]

EuroBlic

Negligence, alcohol and bad roads are bringing death [Safety in traffic]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

 

14th anniversary of Podrinje Serbs’ suffering; other war crimes issues

14th anniversary of sufferings of Serbs in Central Podrinje marked

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHT1 by Hatka Hamidovic – The 14th anniversary of sufferings of Serb soldiers and civilians from Central Podrinje region was marked in Bratunac on Wednesday. In 1992, 69 Serbs were killed in fight with RBiH Army, out of which 19 are still missing. Holy mass was served for all Serb soldiers and civilians from Podrinje area during the war; RS authorities claim 3362 persons were killed in this area during the war. BiH Court is not prosecuting anyone for these crimes. Former RBiH Army commander Naser Oric was sentenced by ICTY to two years in prison for not preventing the killings and torture of Serbs in this area. Featured RS citizens sharply condemned the ICTY verdict, claiming that it too mild. Reporter noted that many persons who attended the commemoration were wearing t-shirts with pictures of ICTY indictees Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic. RTRS by Spomenka Djurdjevic – Reporter stated that this was the crime without punishment. Apart from families of victims, high-ranking RS officials, representatives of RS Association of veterans, OHR, EUFOR, Serbian Association of Veterans, Russian Embassy and many others laid down the wreath for the victims. FTV broadcast same report as BHT1.  Both PINK and Hayat reported, but very briefly. Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Memory on 3262 innocent victims’ by V. Radic – According to daily, during the war 3.262 Serbs were killed in the area of Central Podrinje Region. OHR’ Graham Day attended ceremony. BiH Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic stated these victims deserve to be remembered. Episcope Vasilije that Srebrenica is the tragedy involving all peoples. Dnevni Avaz pg 9 Inset ‘War criminals on t-shirts, Glas Srpske cover splash pg 2 ‘Forgive but remember’ by K. Cirkovic, EuroBlic pg RS1 ‘Unpunished crimes disturb reconciliation’ by S.R. Mrkonjic, Vecernje Novosti pg 6 ‘Truth too had been killed’ by P. Vasovic, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Lots of victims of unpunished criminals’ by S.Smajlovic – 14th anniversary of sufferings of Serbs in Central Podrinje

RS President Cavic notes IC bears responsibility for mass war crimes

 

BHT1 by Hatka Hamidovic – At the occasion of marking the 14th anniversary of sufferings of Serb soldiers and civilians from Central Podrinje area in Bratunac on Wednesday, RS President Dragan Cavic stated that in 1995, when the area of Srebrenica was under protection of UN, several villages have been destroyed, and many mass war crimes committed. Cavic stressed that nobody has been punished for these crimes yet, claiming the International Community also bears responsibility in them. RTRS by Spomenka Djurdjevic – Cavic stressed that a massacre of wide scope had started in 1992. “Hordes of criminals and killers led by Oric had plundered and burnt and killed people in the surrounding villages. And they are rewarded” said Cavic, visible upset. Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Those responsible for suffering of Serbs still unpunished’ unsigned – Title carries words of RS President Cavic who also accused “Bosniak politicians who are supporting Oricwhich is according to Cavic “evidence of their moral downfall’. Cavic added “such politicians cannot be expected to contribute to development of BiH”. FTV broadcast same report as BHT1.  Glas Srpske cover splash pg 2 ‘Forgive but remember’ by K. Cirkovic –  Cavic said that RS authorities “do not have right for blindness and emotions toward Potocari until Bosniaks admit that crimes were committed toward Serbs as well”. Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Lots of victims of unpunished criminals’ by S.Smajlovic – Cavic did not want to comment the fact that some attendees at Bratunac commemoration were wearing t-shirts with pictures of Mladic and Karadzic. Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Lots of victims of unpunished criminals’ by S.Smajlovic – also carried Cavic.

RS PM Dodik: Victims are being separated; I will personally support right to referendum 

 

RTRS – RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik said: “As you can see even today no one from IC and “the other side” wants to pay a respect to the victims … I feel that at some places people are separating the victims”. Glas Srpske cover splash pg 2 ‘Forgive but remember’ by K. Cirkovic – Dodik said that it was civil war not aggression or genocide that happened in BiH, adding “I will personally support democratic right for referendum on secession of RS from BiH, which is being made by politicians in Sarajevo exclusively in the interest of Bosniak people”.  Dodik also said that reconciliation in BiH couldn’t happen until IC and Bosniaks have double standards regarding victims and crimes. According to inset ‘Dodik: RS is a permanent category’, RS PM stated that RS is a permanent category, adding RS is a result of victims and victims should not be forgotten since RS is their result. Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Memory on 3262 innocent victims’ by V. Radic – Dodik acded that “BiH is far away from normal society until Bosniak politicians accept that Bosniaks also committed crimes and glorify people like Naser Oric”. Dodik was featured in BHT 1 and FTV reports.Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Lots of victims of unpunished criminals’ by S.Smajlovic – Dodik stated: “Nobody from Bosniaks take part in marking Serb sufferings in this territory. Until someone appears on ceremonies of all tragedies, there will be no reconciliation, for all the victims suffered in one factory of death.” Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Dodik: Civil war was led in BiH, there was no aggression’, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Lots of victims of unpunished criminals’ by S.Smajlovic – carried Dodik.

BiH Presidency member Paravac: When will IC realize tragedy in Srebrenica started on 12 July ’92, not 11 July ’95?

 

BHT 1 by Hatka Hamidovic – At the marking of  14th anniversary of suffering of Serbs in Podrinje area, BHT 1 reporter used the opportunity to ask the BiH Presidency member, Borislav Paravac, [who was present at the mass] why he did not attend the funeral of 505 Bosniak victims of Srebrenica genocide held on Tuesday. Paravac answered he didn’t come because last year, he saw some details that he didn’t like: “I can’t understand why some highly positioned international officials greeted the audience by saying Salaam Alaykum. Also, I wonder when the IC is going to realize that Srebrenica tragedy didn’t start on July 11th 1995, but on July 12th 1992.Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘He does not want to attend gatherings where greeted with Salaam Aleykum’ not signed – Paravac noted that Islamic Community leader Reis Mustafa effendi Ceric did not show intention to forgive.

DEPOS: only way to reconciliation is investigation of all war crimes

 

RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Criminals unpunished’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Final time for truth’ by N. G. – DEPOS stated Wednesday’s commemoration for 3.262 Serb victims from Srebrenica and Podrinje region warn on crimes committed against Serbs during the war and once again remind public perpetrators of these crimes have not been punished. DEPOS notes it is the final time to establish the truth on the war in BiH and on all sufferings and adds the only way to reconciliation and creation of pre-requisites for coexistence in BiH is to investigate all war crimes and punish criminals.

DL, SD criticize RS authorities, institutions for not paying respect to Srebrenica victims

 

Dnevni List, pg 14 ‘RS celebrating Day of Mourning’, by R. Dautefendic, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 10, mentioned on front ‘Serbs ‘in grief’ by listening to Ceca and Dara Bubamara’, by Z. Tulic – both dailies carry negative comments about the lack of respect for the Day of Mourning on July 11 in the RS (marking of Srebrenica genocide as decided by the BiH CoM) criticizing the RS authorities and institutions for failing to pay respect to the victims. DL underlines that any normal state would penalize transgressors, such as the RTRS and electronic media based in Bijeljina, which were playing the usual, cheerful music. (NB: Headline in SD refers to folk stars from Serbia)

SDA’ Hafizovic condemns SBiH leader Silajdzic for visiting Srebrenica memorial center uninvited, ‘collecting’ points before elections 

 

Oslobodjenje pg ‘Silajdzic collecting political points in Potocari’, mentioned on cover by A.Avdic – RS National Assembly Co-Chair Sefket Hafizovic [SDA] condemned SbiH leader Haris Silajdzic for visiting Srebrenica Memorial Center uninvited, adding Silajdzic insulted the victims for collecting political points in Srebrenica. Article carries that Silajdzic allegedly also attended the award ceremony uninvited and set in the first row and took place reserved for a local or an entity representatives. RSNA deputy Sadik Ahmetovic [SDA] stated that people of Srebrenica would call Srebrenica Foundation Steering Board Chair Beriz Belkic [SBiH] on responsibility for promoting his party. Both Silajdzic and Belkic denied allegations. Silajdzic stressed that Islamic Community leader Reis Mustafa effendi Ceric invited him.

SDA MPs in RSNA to ask RS Government to publish names of people mentioned in report of Srebrenica Commission

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Who is hiding names of participants in Srebrenica massacre’ by N.Diklic– SDA MPs in RS National Assembly would ask RS Government, at the session on July 18, to publish names of all that participated Srebrenica massacre and who were mentioned in the report established by RS Government’s Srebrenica Commission. SDA’ Sadik Ahmetovic stressed that this report contains over 1000 names, out of which some are still performing public duties. Chair of the Commission that drafted the lists, Jovan Spaic said that lists were submitted to BiH Prosecution, ICTY and OHR, after which they were labeled as secret. He stressed that RS Government and later OHR supported the secrecy of lists, so that objective investigation could be conducted.

 

Audits of institutions; rights and duties of MPs

FBiH HoP passes Law on rights and duties of MPs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hayat by Snjezana Mulic – FBiH House of Peoples passed the Law on rights and duties of MPs. Reporter says that the MPs were especially interested in the law due to the fact that it foresees for an MP to continue receiving salary a year after his mandate expires. Several delegates opposed the law. “I believe that it is no time for the law to be brought… it is unrealistic out of several reasons”, said Nermin Pecanac, an FBiH HoP deputy [of SDU]. FBiH HoP has not passed amendments to the law proposed by the FBiH House of Representatives, meaning the Commissions of both Houses would have to agree on the final text, which – says reporter – leaves them a chance to add anything else they want. FTV – FBiH Minister of Justice Borjana Kristo stated that the deputies didn’t have any objections against the coefficients for their salaries. The law proscribes that all former deputies are going to receive salaries 6 to 12 months after the completion of their mandate, depending on the length of their service, as well as meal compensations in amount of 2% of salaries. Kristo believes that these benefits are justified. Deputy Igor Rajner disagrees, claiming that the benefits of elected officials are too high. Reporter noted that many deputies were absent during the session of FBiH HoP, which is to be continued on Thursday. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Benefits for advisors as well’ by S.Se. – Article carries that according to the Law on rights and duties of MPs adopted by FBIH House of Peoples, foresees that even advisors to FbiH authorities will have benefits. Author stresses that only a minority of MPs from opposition was against this law. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Prime Minister returned to the procedure changes to the Law on privatisation’ by R. Cengic Inset ‘Law on privileges of officials adopted’ also reported.

DL op-ed criticizes MPs in FBiH HoP for enacting law that increases their benefits

 

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘All of our officials’, by Danijela Kozina – the author comments on Wednesday’s adoption of the Law on rights and duties of MPs in the FBIH HoP by heavily criticizing the MPs for taking care of their interests only. Kozina argues any increases of salaries or improvements to status of MPs should be result of their diligent work, which is not the case here.

OHR criticizes Draft law on law on rights and obligations of MPs

 

FTV – OHR spokesperson Sanela Tunovic stated at the press conference held on Wednesday that the Draft law on rights and obligations of BiH Parliament Assembly deputies has already been the subject of considerable popular indignation. This law would give the MPs pension payments and other benefits well in excess of those enjoyed by other citizens. According to Tunovic, the question rises whether the parliamentarians have earned the right to give themselves generous pensions and other benefits, relative to what other citizens can expect to receive. 

RS Auditor publishes report on entity institutions: authorities waste money

 

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ’80.000 KM spent for celebration of RS Day’ By Alda Omeragic – The Office of the RS Chief Auditor published the reports on financial conduct of RS Institutions. According to daily, reports showed that authorities are still vague in planning annual budgets, violating regulations and “wasting” money of budget beneficiaries. Audit reports also revealed that RS President Dragan Cavic, exceeded the last year’sbudget, which RS National Assembly approved, for 20.000 KM. However, daily writes, it was not seen as misconduct as Cabinet President’s failed to plan the finances for celebrating the RS Day and instead it got subsequent approval to spend 80.000 KM for the purpose. Auditors also warned on overspending in the RS Council of Peoples, whose delegates, as report reads, “despite being well paid, also received additional daily allowance for every arrival to the session”. Inset ‘About half of million KM to ICTY indictees’- According to audit report, RS Office for cooperation with the ICTY last year planned to pay 200,000 KM from the budget, to families of ICTY indictees, but instead it has paid about 499,541 KM. Daily carries that RS Government decided to pay to seven indictees, who surrendered voluntarily, and it calculates they individually received 44,500 KM.

RS Auditor’s report notes many irregularities in spending of RS CoP’s budget

 

RTRS by Momcilo Ostojic – RS Audit Office has presented the audit report on finances of the RS Council of Peoples, according to which the CoP has exceeded budget in 2005 and allegedly noted many irregularities. Travelling expenses, car service, expenses for fuel, hospitality costs and accommodation exceeded planned amount and were inefficiently controlled. For instance, the audit report says CoP paid 15,954 KM for accommodation of its Secretary General and his assistant although such practice is against regulations for civil servants. The salary coefficient was not in accordance to 1,347,000 KM was spent for salaries and benefits to CoP delegates. Irregularities were detected regarding the bills for private cell phones. According to first reactions of CoP delegates, reporter stated, they still haven’t read the abovementioned audit report it self but instead only media reports. Desanka Radjevic, Head of Serb caucus at CoP, stated that “the information regarding the allowance, as much I as gathered from press, I do not know what is exactly written in the audit report, but the information is incorrect, since we do not have allowances”. Head of Bosniak Caucus at CoP, Ramiz Salkic, stated that he supports audits and advocates that the work of Institutions is transparent and according to the regulations. “I cannot comment the audit report since I haven’t read it yet” said Salkic. Unofficially, reported stated, CoP might discuss this audit report at the session scheduled on Thursday.

VL interview with BiH Chief Auditor Sego: It is now up to Parliament and CoM to ‘cure’ shortcomings related to bad operations of BiH institutions

 

Vecernji List, front pg splash ‘Two thirds of institutions work illegally’ and pg 6 ‘As many as 28 institutions ‘do business’ illegally’, by Zoran Kresic – carries an interview with the BiH Chief Auditor, Milenko Sego, in which he comments on recent report prepared by the office he is charge (operations of BiH institutions for 2005), which notes that of 41 audited BiH institutions, as many as 28 were not carrying out jobs pursuant to the laws and regulations, foremost related to public procurement. Sego stresses the main problem lies in the public procurement related procedures, arguing that the situation nowadays is far better than in 2000 when audits started, however Sego notes the situation is not as good as “we would like it to be”. Sego’s main conclusion is that it is now up to the relevant institution, foremost to the BiH Parliament and CoM to hold people accountable and ‘cure’ the shortcomings.

 

Economic issues

Projects on estimating role of BIH Ministry of Communication and Transport in process of EU integrations finished

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTVby Jakov Avram – Results of the 10-months long project of “Evaluation of the BiH Ministry of Transport and Communications’ role in the European integrations” were presented on Wednesday. The project, worth about €250.000 and a part of CARDS program, was financed by the European Commission and carried out by experts from France. The European Commission assessed that BiH has made a great progress in legislation of sector of traffic and communications. It analysed all transportation means and compared the legislation in this sector with EU laws. French experts recommended the harmonisation with EU law in the field of authority of entity and state authorities in transportation sector. Head of EC Delegation in BiH Michael Humphreys stated at the presentation that BiH is a small country with great transportation requirements, thus he emphasized the importance of establishing an efficient system covering the infrastructural requirements of the entire country. BiH Minister of Communication and Transport Branko Dokic stated that within the project the Ministry has been instructed and staff trained, so that this task can now be carried out by entity and state institutions. EC plans a new project for creation of law on railways and establishing of united railway management. PINK – Dokic stated this Ministry was first to be positively assessed in the process of EU integration. “The best evaluation was related to the civil aviation since we had vast EU support in this area” said Dokic. Hayat, RTRS, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Strengthening Ministry’s capacities’ by D. P. M., Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Divided competences are obstacle for EU’ by M. Cubro, Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5, mentioned on cover ‘Next year – one manager of BiH railway network’ by Az.K., Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Salaries of officials on harmonisation’ by A.Hadziarapovic  – also covered.

EC to present possibilities for financing construction of Vc corridor; FBiH Transport Min. says project should be financed by telecom operations; BiH Transport Min. disagrees

 

BHT1 by Sanita Lisica – In next few days, the European Commission is expected to present different possibilities for financing construction of Vc corridor. FBiH Ministry of Transport and Communications proposes for the project to be financed through privatisation of telecom operators. Authorized Minister Nedzad Brankovic believes that this model would ensure an easy investment of FBiH’s own funds. However, BiH Ministry of Transport and Communications disagrees, claiming that the International Community is not going to support such model of financing. According to the state Ministry, private financing is a good way that could provide foreign investments in amount of 5 billion KM. Assistant BiH Transport Minister, Izet Bajrambasic, stated profit made through privatisation of telecom should be invested in other important sectors which can’t count on direct foreign investments, such as health care and education. Minister Branko Dokic stated BiH is determined to finance construction of Vc corridor through concessions. He underlined that the state will have to look for other possibilities only if there should be no investors interested in concessions. The feasibility study for construction of Corridor 5-C should be completed by the end of July. Talks with the EC on financing of this project are expected to start within a few days.

Agreement on cooperation for strengthening educational system in BIH signed in Sarajevo on Wednesday

 

PINK by Zeljko Mandic – At the conference held in Sarajevo on Wednesday, the head of EC Delegation to BIH, Michael Humphries, and BIH Ministry of Civil Affairs signed the agreement on cooperation for strengthening the education system in BiH. The new project, entitled ‘Strengthening of institutional capacity of BiH education system’, is designed to strengthen the BIH education institutions in accordance with best EU practices and the Bologna process. Humphries said that “this project is not focused on introducing anything new but to establish education system suitable for this country. This implies to have appropriate institutions at all levels of authority in BIH”. He added that EC would closely monitor the reform of this sector in BIH adding that the current system violates the human rights and breeches the agreement with Council of Europe. Reporter stated that this project is to ensure the more functional system of education and it was signed by BIH Minister of Civil Affairs Safet Halilovic, Entity Ministers of Education Zijad Pasic and Anton Kasipovic CantonalMinisters of Educationrespectively.Dnevni Avaz pg ‘Halilovic: Radical cuts needed in education’ by Agencies – Halilovic said that education reform reached such level that “more radicals cuts in this area are needed“. BHT1, FTV, Hayat, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Europe supports education sector’ by D. P. M., Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘EU gave one million Euros’ by M. Rener, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Show concrete results’ by D. S.also covered.

FBiH PM Hadzipasic believes that there will be no decisions on sale of telecoms before elections

 

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 5 ‘I am prepared to answer for all illegalities’ by Mirela Kukan – In interview to DA, FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic stated that he understands citizens’ revolt because of slow construction of highways, speed roads and especially of Sarajevo transit road. However, he is convinced that his Government did the most I could by financing the construction of the highway and transit road. Talking about Government’s plans to sell FBiH telecoms, Hadzipasic stated that is a result of RS Government’s decision to sell “Telecom Srpske”. PM couldn’t speak about the model that would be used in privatization, adding he believes that no significant decision would be passed before elections. He also explained this is a “strategy”, which should make foreign investors wonder if it is better to privatize ‘Telecom Srpske’ now or wait for ‘BH Telecom’ which is the strongest company. Hadzipasic once again reiterated that he believes that best solution for ‘Energopetrol’ is contract with INA/MOL Consortium. He denied all allegations that he “took money” for this, adding that he is prepared to answer for all illegalities.

BiH CoM Chair Terzic: BiH enters CEFTA in October; BiH can only profit from it

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘BiH enters CEFTA in October’ by S.Numanovic – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic told daily that BiH could enter Central European Free Trade Agreement [CEFTA] in October, which would mean entering market of at least 50 million inhabitants and a step towards EU. He added: “CEFTA proved to be perfect mechanism for Central European countries in their preparation for approaching the EU… BiH can only profit from entering CEFTA.” Article carries that Croatia , Serbia , Montenegro , Macedonia , Rumania , Bulgaria , Moldavia and Ukraine should also join CEFTA.

President of BiH Parliament Commission on budget and finances claims SDA obstructing changes to Law on VAT

 

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘SDA obstructing changes to Law on VAT-  by A. TerzicLjiljana Milicevic, President of the Commission on budget and finances of the BiH Parliament, on Tuesday sent a letter informing the Parliament that the Commission had not reached an agreement on changes to the Law on VAT. In a statement for daily, Milicevic says that the SDA party, which used to be the loudest when it comes to requests to change the Law on VAT, is now opposed to changing the Law which makes it unlikely that SDA will vote in favor of changes proposed in Parliament.  In the next session of the Parliament, Milicevic says, she will vote in favor of changes proposed by SDP caucus aimed at exemption of medicines, orthopedic aids, school supplies and publishing from VAT, which is expected to be supported by SDS as well. ‘All will be up to how SDA MPs will vote’, she says.

 

Political issues

UK Foreign Ministry on OHR closure: domestic authorities to take over full responsibility

 

 

 

PINK – At the meeting between the UK Foreign Ministry officials and BiH Chief SAA Negotiator with EC, Igor Davidovic, and Director of the BiH Directorate for European Integrations, Osman Topcagic, held in London on Wednesday, it was stressed that the process of EU Enlargement cannot be completed as long as West Balkans countries do not join. At the occasion, they also discussed upcoming closure of the OHR stressing that in the forthcoming period domestic authorities should take over full responsibility for running the country. Hayat by Nebojsa Radulovic – Purpose of the visit was for BiH officials to be introduced to experiences and practices in the UK, with an aim to speed up the process of completing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement negotiations. In a brief statement for NTV Hayat, Topcagic said that they introduced officials they met with situation in BiH, especially about reforms, asking for their assistance in getting closer to the EU.

CEIS’ Slatina: OHR closure plans and agenda for 12 last months prove dramatic shift in IC relation toward BiH

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘International Community is making a dramatic shift toward BiH’ by S.Numanovic– Representative of Centre for European Integration Strategies [CEIS Sarajevo based NGO with a focus on the work of the IC], Senad Slatina told DA that the decision [to set withdrawal date of the OHR and abandoning the practice used until now of linking this process to reforms] is problematic and alarming. He emphasized that even more disturbing is OHR’s agenda for last 12 months, which doesn’t foresee launch of any politic initiatives or completion of reforms. Slatina said that in police reform, OHR will be content with “mere existence of Directorate” regardless to the fact that its work is blocked. “When it comes to constitutional reform, the issue of all issues, OHR’s ambition goes only to the point in which current proposal would once again be forwarded into the parliamentary procedure,” said Slatina. He stressed that the decision to close down the OHR and some of its reactions to “the biggest challenges BiH is facing now since Dayton” in the past two months indicate dramatic shift in the IC’s relation towards BiH. Slatina stressed that international community has to stay engaged in BiH and warned that in last 12 months OHR has to focus on key issues. He invited OHR to take active part in constitutional reform. “It is legally questionable whether OHR can be closed down with the current constitution. Dayton is promoting ethno-centrist politics, produces conflicts and reflects need for existing of OHR as ultimate interpreter of its regulations,” said Slatina. Inset ‘Renewing idea of ethnic division’ – Slatina stressed that recent events [referendum announcements and mild reactions to it] show that idea on ethnic division will be frequently mentioned.

OHR: HR will not use Bonn powers to impose laws and reforms, BiH institutions have to do that

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Decision on closing of the Office is not final’ by S.N.– OHR Chief Spokesperson Chris Bennett estimated that CEIS report could be a start of the debate on the OHR transition into the Office of the EU Special Representative. “I believe that there would be many such reports. There are some strong arguments in it, especially when it comes to reforms, but some mistakes as well. First of all, decision that OHR is closing next year is not final and we do not deal with that alone,” said Bennett. He underlined that High Representative is not using Bonn powers since February, but stressed that he would use them in case of lack of cooperation with the ICTY. Bennett also emphasized that final decision on closing would be passed next year, which is not mentioned in CEIS report. He reiterated that OHR is not dealing only with closing but with reforms as well. “…but how successful they would be it depends on engagement of BiH politicians. We will not use Bonn powers to impose laws and reforms. That is assignment of BiH institutions,” said Bennett.

DA: Montenegro , Serbia and BiH to get observer status or conditional membership in NATO’s PfP

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘BiH into Partnership for Peace trough the small doors’ by S.Numanovic– According to DA’s anonymous sources, BiH could get a chance, even by end of this month, to obtain observer status or conditional membership in the Partnership for Peace. DA sources said NATO member states have been consulting about this for a long time about status of three Balkans countries [Montenegro, BiH and Serbia], whose relations with NATO haven’t been institutionalized due to lack of full cooperation with the ICTY. DA sources said that they want to see how this status could change, without dropping condition of the ICTY cooperation. All DA’s sources stressed that main reason why NATO is “so yielding” toward these countries is Kosovo. “Following Montenegro departure and [potential] loss of Kosovo, Serbia would become ‘wounded animal’ of the Balkans. Liberal and pro-European forces in Serbia are faced with extreme drop in popularity and way for stopping this has to be discussed. Opening doors for European and Euro-Atlantic integrations could change the situation,” said DA source. Source stressed that “all that goes for Serbia goes for BiH and Montenegro as well” i.e. what status Serbia gets, other two would get the same. The source expressed concerns that flexibility toward Serbia could be misinterpreted, but adds that it is unclear whether and how NATO, would open doors to these countries. Inset ‘Relations between BiH and NATO’- DA stressed that BiH is already using the “largest financial operation of the kind that NATO has had in the world” i.e. Trustee Fund for redundant soldiers in defence reform.

EC’s Maroevic warns of no progress in police reform

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Implementation of reforms is not glittering’ by M.Cubro Frane Maroevic, Spokesperson of the European Commission to BiH, Wednesday warned that current assessment on BiH progress in reform implementation is not glittering, noting police reform raises particular concern. On this he adds: “Preparation of report has commenced, and end of September is final deadline when Report can be updated. Hence, BiH authorities have time until end of September to accelerate reforms, in order to get positive assessment.” He noted Report on BiH progress on fulfilment of conditions for signing SAA (Stabilisation and Association Agreement) with EU might be negative unless dramatic progress happens. According to daily, OHR Wednesday again expressed disappointment with the RS role in police reform and possibility that deadline for police restructuring in BiH may be broken.  

BiH Justice Minister Kovac announces BiH CoM expected to set proposal of Law on 2 new Ministries at Thursday’s session

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Ministers conflicted over powers’ by M.C. Slobodan Kovac, BiH Justice Minister, Wednesday confirmed that BiH Council of Ministers is today (Thursday) expected to set proposal of the new Law on CoM, enabling establishment of two new ministries of Agriculture and rural development and Science, technology and environmental protection. According to Kovac, the function of second deputy to Defence minister will be abolished, Mladen Ivanic, BiH Foreign Minister, has stated there is an agreement regarding establishment and name of two ministries, but not regarding powers of ministries, noting: “One demand stronger role of state ministries in these sectors, while others insist on coordination role. I am not certain we will be able to overcome these differences so soon.”

SD: Situation in (Croat) media in Herzegovina getting worse, HTV Mostar to go on strike

 

Slobodna Dalmacija, front pg splash and pg 9 ‘Silence on air, darkness on screens!’, by Marko Karacic – the article notes that after journalists of Radio Herceg Bosna went on strike some two weeks ago (due to unpaid salaries among other reasons), it would appear that journalists of Mostar-based ‘Hercegovacka TV’ (HTV) could be doing just the same. According to the HTV Union leader, Slaven Maricic, authorities of City of Mostar and Canton 7 are neglecting the outlet by not providing salaries on time and not resolving the status of the HTV, which forces the employees to go on strike if the problems are not solved soon. (NB: HTV is portrayed by its journalists and Croat politicians in Mostar as the only public media in BiH in Croatian language. However, in order to be funded from the City of Mostar ’s budget, city authorities have to give consent, which is not happening because the SDA insists that the HTV’s statute is inconsistent with City of Mostar ’s Statute)

SD criticizes Croat politicians for not caring about situation in media

 

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 9 ‘Stupidity and ignorance of Croat politicians’, by Zlatko Tulic – the commentary is heavily criticizing the Croat politicians in BiH for their policy towards (Croat) media in Herzegovina or lack of it, underlining the case of Radio Herceg Bosna, whose journalists have been on strike for two weeks already. Tulic concludes that the Croat politicians’ request for establishment of a third, Croat channel in BiH is nothing but a pre-election trick to hide their incompetence.

SzBiH critical of SDA’ Tihic: Tihic revealed his political platform

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Tihic revealed his political platform’ – The Party for BiH (SzBiH) Wednesday released a press statement stating that by giving up on its motion filed with BiH Constitutional Court for assessment of constitutionality of the name of RS, Sulejman Tihic, SDA leader has finally revealed his real political platform, which was the essence of his role during talks on constitutional changes. SzBiH views that “Tihic’ game with initiative on constitutionality of RS name can be regarded as agreed political move to evade any confrontation with future partner in future division of authority”. SzBiH noted: “Potential danger of such Tihic’ move is hidden in possibility that he is preparing grounds for the most fatal move – withdrawal of suit before International Court of Justice against SiCG.”  Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Tihic prepares public for settlement in lawsuit against SCGnot signed also carried.

RS Education Minister Kasipovic: education reform within constitutional solutions

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Education reform within constitutional solutions’ by SRNAAnton Kasipovic, RS Education Minister, Wednesday stated that education reform stipulates possible solution that would place pupils, students and professors in the foreground and that would not go beyond existing constitutional solutions in this field. On this he noted: “We must take care of constitutional position and constitutional solutions. Perception of Law on high education from RS is a concrete example of such a possibility.” He explained that accreditation and standardisation at high education system should be assigned at BiH level, and applied at entities’ level. Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Pupil, student and professor in foreground’ not signed – also reported.

DL: Croats will once again be in inferior position after October elections

 

Dnevni List, pg 5, mentioned on front ‘Croats without their Prime Ministers after elections’, by Zvonimir Jukic – the author argues that the Croats will again be inferior to the Bosniaks and Serbs after the October elections owing to the Dayton Constitution. Jukic underlines that the Croats will not be filling any of the three PMs’ offices (BiH CoM and entity governments), whilst their position in the BiH Parliament will be the same (bad), since they will not be in position to influence the voting in the BiH HoR because they cannot use the entity voting the way Serb and Bosniak MPs can, due to small number of Croat MPs.

RS NA Chair Radojicic met with reps of Twinning project, noted better coordination between state and entities is needed

 

PINK, RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Through numerous obstacles to laws’ by G. D., Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Better coordination between the state and entities is needed’ by Srna, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Cooperation of state and entity parliaments must be better’ by Fena – RS National Assembly (RS NA) Chair Igor Radojicic met with representatives of the Twinning project [the European Commission is financing the project, Governments of France, Slovenia and BiH are implementing it, it deals with reform of state administration] on Wednesday in Banja Luka. Radojicic said he informed the Twinning project representatives on complexity of BiH’s state apparatus and its internal organisation and added they also discussed what BiH might face next year is Stabilisation and Association Agreement is signed, in which case BiH might have to implement a thorough standardisation of its legislation with the legislation of EU. Radojicic said one of the tasks of the project is to establish a better coordination between two levels of decision-making in BiH and added currently BiH Parliamentary Assembly sometimes enacts laws that are not in its jurisdiction.

DL: Secret organization ‘Punitive expedition Keks’ threatens to kill politicians, journalists who ‘work against Serb interests’

 

Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 3 ‘List for termination includes Dodik, Djukanovic and Severina’, by Sanja Bjelica – notes that journalists in BiH and public in general were disturbed when a secret organization called ‘Punitive expedition Keks’ sent a letter/list, which contains names of 20 journalists and politicians from the region, who allegedly are to be assassinated by November 1, 2006. The list among others, includes the RS PM Milorad Dodik, Montenegrin PM Milo Djukanovic, several prominent journalists and editors-in-chief of BiH media and Severina Vuckovic, a Croatian pop star. The listed people, according to ‘Keks’, have been working against Serb national interest. DL notes the letter was (originally) forwarded to ‘Slobodna Bosna’ weekly, however the letter was being distributed to mailboxes in Pale, as confirmed by an MP in RSNA Pedja Kovacevic (DSS). Spokesperson of RS MoI, Tamara Despenic, confirmed the RS MoI was aware of the letter and that an investigation was ongoing.

 

OHR BiH Media Round-up

Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 13 July

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

No radio news owing to strike

FBiH HoP on lowest hourly wages

SA Comm programme to be adopted

 

Israel attack Lebanon

Criticism agst Serb delegates at CoM

 

World News

Serbian Pre Kostunica before UN SC

TV news broadcast on 12 July, 2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

No news broadcast due to strike

Bratunac 14th anniversary

Memorial for Serb victims in Podrinje

 

UK Foreign Ministry re OHR closure

Srebrenica day after memorial

 

EC/ BIH agreement on education

Djuric denies Del Ponte’s accusation

 

EC asses BIH MoCT role in integrat.

Tihic criticizes RS media

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

FBiH HoP in session

World News

Bratunac 14th anniversary

OHR on Law on MPs’ rights/duties

FBiH HoP in session

Depos on Bratunac anniversary

Hayat on politicians’ language

OHR on Draft law on rights of MPs

Tunjice prisoners stopped strike

Dokic, Humphreys on a project

Impacts of blockade of ITA account

Families re Comm. on suffering in SA

 

Oslobodjenje

80.000 KM spent to celebrate RS Day [Audit of RS Institutions]

Dnevni Avaz

I am prepared to answer for all illegalities [FBiH PM Hadzipasic interview]

Dnevni List

List for termination includes Dodik, Djukanovic and Severina (secret organization threatens with liquidation of several persons from public life)

Vecernji List

Two thirds of institutions work illegally (interview with BiH Chief Auditor Sego)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Silence on air, darkness on screens! (feature on bad situation in media in Herzegovina)

Nezavisne Novine

Remembering of 3.262 innocent victims [Bratunac commemoration]

Glas Srpske

Forgive, but remember [Bratunac commemoration]

EuroBlic

Negligence, alcohol and bad roads are bringing death [Safety in traffic]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

 

Latest news of today

Sarajevo Commission in session discussing programme of its work

 

 

RTRS – The Commission in charge of investigating truth about suffering of Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Jews and others in Sarajevo in period from 1992 to 1995 is today expected to discuss the programme of its work, which should be adopted by the end of this month, Smail Cekic, Commission Co-Chair stated. He noted that programme of the work should include information on objects, space and method of investigation. Prior to the session, Cekic stressed that Rule Book on Work is completed in principle and it would be adopted today.

FBiH HoP postpones vote on lowest hourly wage

 

BH Radio 1 – FBiH House of Peoples has discussed the proposal Law on lowest hourly wage. This proposal law was priory discussed by FBiH House of Representatives, which postponed voting on the proposal law. Therefore, FBiH HoP has also postponed its voting for July 25. Text of the proposal law was modified, so the proposal for lowest hourly wage was changed from 1. 25KM to 1. 50KM. If approved by the Parliament, the new hourly wage would refer to people with first employment or have up to one year of length of service. According to FBiH Labor and Social Policy Minister, Radovan Vignjevic this law is important, since it prevent employer to pay lower hourly wage then foreseen by the law.

RS Association of former detention camp inmates asks from Serb members of BiH CoM to say who voted for proclamation of 11th July of BiH Day of Mourning, solely marking suffering of Bosniaks

 

RTRS – The RS Association of former detention camp inmates has today asked from Serb members of the BiH Council of Ministers to publicly say which ones of them voted for proclamation of 11th July as BiH Day of Mourning, which solely marks suffering of Bosniaks. The Association is of the view that Serb members of the BiH CoM are main culprits for possible sanctions of Communication Regulatory Commission (CRA), which threats to media RS, especially RTRS, that have failed to respect decision of BiH CoM since they were not aware of that. Association had asked from BiH CoM last year that 11 and 12 July are declared Days of Mourning in order to pay due respect to Bosniaks who were killed in Srebrenica and all Serbs who were killed in the areas of Srebrenica, Skelani and Bratunac and the entire of BiH. Association also reminds in press statement it has proposed Croats in BiH should also propose a day when respect should be paid to victims.

SRNA: SA Canton Court today sentenced Samir Bejtic to 14.5 years prison term for crimes against Serbs at Kazani near Sarajevo in 1992 and 1993

Srna – The Sarajevo Canton Court today sentenced Samir Bejtic, a former member of the BiH Army’s 10th Mountain Brigade, to 14,5 years in prison for the killing of Serbs at Kazani near Sarajevo in 1992 and 1993. Judicial Council president Minka Kreho said the court determined irrefutably on the basis of witnesses’ testimony that Bejtic committed the crimes with which he was charged. She said that he was sentenced according to the old SFRY law, which stipulates a maximum sentence of 15 years. Bejtic is in custody since July 28, 2002, which time will be deducted from his sentence.

Advisor to Serb member to BiH Pres: BiH suit vrs SiCG was a political act whose aim is to declare one people genocidal

Fena –Legal advisor to the Serb member of BiH Presidency, Slobodan Radulj, stated on Wednesday night for RTRS that BiH’s lawsuit against Serbia and Montenegro for aggression and genocide was a political act the aim of which is to declare one people as genocidal. He added there were attempts to solve the issue through diplomatic ways, since one of versions was that Serbia funds construction of ‘Ferhadija’ mosque in Banja Luka is exchange for charges to be dropped.

 

Political Developments

“Danas” says SDA stirring up incidents in Mostar to cover up its failures ahead of elections

 

 

 

 

Danas pg 30-33 ‘Nationalism returns to Mostar’ unsigned – Magazine analyzes recent unrests in Mostar, namely the riots after Brasil-Croatia football match, the attack on imam at Balinovac and the Croat-Bosniak clash (related to the laying of a plaque to fallen Bosniak soldiers on Croat land) and concludes that these incidents started shortly after the recent visit of reis-ul-ulema Mustafa Effendi Ceric to Mostar. During his visit, article reads, Ceric held a speech and said that ‘Croat politicians in areas with Croat majority are applying apartheid against Bosniaks which is proven by their ignoring of Islamic Community’s request for construction of an Islamic center in Mostar’. “Danas” finds that incidents such as these serve SDA and HDZ in their election campaigns, but this time, like never before, it is Islamic Community that is initiating them. Incidents ceased only after ‘HR came to Mostar and taught local politicians a lesson.’ Article names Zijad Hadziomerovic, SDA Mostar President, as the one whom SDA radicals in Mostar selected to escalate the tensions in Mostar.

Mostar weekly Danas praises HR for giving deadlines to Mostar authorities

 

Danas pg 10 ‘Problems in Mostar to be solved by end of July’ unsigned – Mostar biweekly Danas writes about HR Christian Schwarz-Schillinggivinga deadline by end of July to Mostar authorities to resolve the issues of redundant staff in City Administration, advertising civil servant vacancies in CA and creation of a single waste disposal company and calls this decision by HR an ‘excellent move’.

SDP insists on removal of FBIH President Lozancic, sends request to FBiH CC

 

Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘SDP going after Lozancic’s head’, by M. Zorlak – Initiator for removal of the FBiH President Niko Lozancic, MP in the FBiH HoR, SDPSlavisa Sucur, says the initiative has been forwarded to the FBiH Constitutional Court. Sucur explains the Book of Rules of the FBiH CC allows that any of FBiH Parliament’s chambers can forward initiative independently, “therefore I decided to send it directly without waiting for the House of Peoples to declare itself about it”. DL reminds that more than 2/3 of MPs in the FBiH HoR have signed the initiative saying FBiH President has violated the FBiH Constitution on more than one occasion (by failing to sign FBiH Parliament’s decisions, dissolve FBiH Parliament over prompt budget adoption etc).

Former FBiH Deputy Minister for Defenders’ Issues Jonjic argues Ministry is dominated by Bosniaks

 

Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Crnkic’s ethnic cleansing in Ministry’, by Mensud Zorlak – former FBiH Deputy Minister for Defenders’ Issues, Dobrica Jonjic, protested against decision of the current FBiH Minister for Defenders’ Issues, Zahid Crnkic, who appointed a Bosniak (Ibrahim Ganibegovic) to the office of Assistant Minister. Jonjic refers to violation fo ethnic representation within the Ministry. On the other hand, Crnkic says 30% of staff in the Ministry are Croats, adding that he would have appointed a Croat as the Assistant Minister had he been given a worthy candidate.

BIH HoR Commission on human rights met Turkish Parliament delegation; both countries have similar mechanisms for protection of human rights

 

FTV – The delegation of Turkish Parliament arrived to visit to BiH. The delegation met with members of BiH House of Representatives on Wednesday. They discussed the issue of protection of human rights. Turkish delegates promised that Turkey is going to continue providing support to BiH. PINK – Head of Turkish delegation Mehmet Elkatmis stated that they have agreed on further cooperation in many different areas. Chairman of BIH HoR Commission on human Rights Elmir Jahic stated that both BIH and Turkey are oriented toward EU and one of the most important segments is the protection of human rights. BHT1, Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Building of better future promised’, by E. Mackic – also covered.

 

Crimes

Osl: It is not possible that Kostunica didn’t discuss the ICTY in Washington, especially because action plan establishment is in progress

 

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Kostunica wants Mladic’s arrest’ by B.Boskov, Belgrade – Reacting on statement of ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte [at Srebrenica commemoration] that Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica doesn’t want to arrest Ratko Mladic, Chief of Cabinet of Serbian Government, Srdjan Djuric, who is accompanying Kostunica in visit to USA said “That simply isn’t true.” Referring to Kostunica’ statement that ICTY wasn’t discussed during his Washington meetings, daily underlines that Washington has invited Belgrade to extradite ICTY indictees [statement was carried by AP]. Daily also comments that Kostunica, obviously, has put Kosovo on the first place, but daily stresses that it wasn’t possible to avoid the topic of ICTY cooperation, especially because the establishment of action plan for Mladic’s arrest is in process. BHT 1 – also carries Djuric’ denial

EuroBlic learns that the Action Plan for arrest of Ratko Mladic contains nothing that would lead to the arrest

 

EuroBlic pg 3 ‘Action plan is empty story’ by T. Nikolic-Djakovic – Daily learns that the Action Plan for arrest of war crimes suspect Ratko Mladic was submitted to the ICTY noting that this Action Plan would be presented by Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica before the European officials in Brussels on July 17th . Daily’s source close to the ICTY stated that this Action Plan contains nothing that would lead to the arrest of Mladic adding that the Action Plan represents propaganda and buying of time. Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Ivana Dulic-Markovic said that the arrest of Mladic is more important than the content of the Action Plan.

Assistant to UN Secretary General Arria met with Islamic Community leader Ceric: Hatred was not to be seen in Potocari

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Hatred was not to be seen in Potocari’ by MINA news agency – During his unofficial visit to BiH, Assistant to UN Secretary General Diego Arria met Islamic Community leader Reis Mustafa effendi Ceric on Wednesday. Ceric stated that people like Arria are the ones that can revive credibility of International Community [IC] in BiH. Arria stated he was very touched after he saw no hatred during the ceremony of marking 11th anniversary of Srebrenica genocide [on Tuesday].

BiH Court set one-month detention to war crime indictee Tanaskovic

 

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Lukic’s ‘Avenger’ was killing in Visegrad’ by E.Aganovic– One month detention was set by the decision of BiH Court to Nenad Tanaskovic. Tanaskovic was arrested on Tuesday, by SIPA members and by the order of BiH Prosecution. According to witnesses, daily carries, Tanaskovic was conducting numerous crimes in area of Visegrad, over the non-Serb residents. Daily carries that Tanaskovic was member of unit “Avengers”, under command of Milan Lukic and daily stresses that it is known that he participated persecutions, torturing and killing of non-Serbs. FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘One month detention to Tanaskovic’ by N.J., Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Tanaskovic in custody’ by A.D. – also report

HJPC to issue vacancy for RS Special Prosecution next week

 

EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘Disagreements smoothed out’ by Tijana Veselinovic – Daily reports that High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) is expected to issue a vacancy for RS Chief Special Prosecutor, his deputy and six prosecutors at the end of next week, since RS Parliament and RS Government have accepted remarks HJPC made upon Law regulating establishment of RS Special Prosecution. HJPC Press Office told daily “vacancy will be issued after Changes and Addenda to Law on fight against organised crime and other economic frame are published in “RS Official Gazette”.”

Bosnian immigrant to USA found guilt on charges after concealed he took part in Srebrenica massacre when applying for immigration

 

Washington Post, New York Times ‘Man Convicted of Concealing Massacre Role’ by Denise Lavoie, AP – US federal grand jury found Bosnian immigrant Marko Boskic [Croat and a Roman Catholic] guilty of two charges he concealed his Bosnian Serb military record on his applications. Boskic said he only fulfilled mandatory Yugoslavian military service and did not admit he was part of a Bosnian-Serb military unit involved in the killings of Bosniaks at Srebrenica in 1995. Boskic’s lawyer, Max Stern, maintained that he had been a prisoner in a Bosnian Serb concentration camp who was threatened with death if he did not participate in the massacre. Stern said after the verdict that jurors believed Boskic did not act of his own free will in the massacre at Srebrenica on July 11, 1995. Boskic faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on each of the two document-fraud charges. He could face deportation to BiH after he serves his sentence, said US Attorney Michael Sullivan. Boskic was not charged with war crimes. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Final words stated’ by A.P. – also reports

DL: ‘Prlic and others’ will be released from detention until further notice

 

Dnevni List, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Six are coming back home’, by V. Soldo – DL learns from sources close to the ICTY that six former senior Croat military and civil officials charged with ethnic cleansing of Croat majority areas during the war, namely Jadranko Prlic, Bruno Stojic, Valentic Coric, Berislav Pusic, Slobodan Praljak and Milivoj Petkovic will return to Croatia on August 1 due to summer break at the ICTY. They have been standing trials at the ICTY since April 26, 2006, prior to that they were on pre-trial release. It is yet unknown when they will return to The Hague.

Families of missing persons from Eastern Sarajevo dissatisfied with work of Sarajevo

RTRS – Families of missing persons from Eastern Sarajevo are dissatisfied with work of Commission on sufferings of Serbs, Bosniaks, Croats and others in Sarajevo, saying Commission hasn’t done much work since it was formed.

 

Economy

US Ambassador to BiH McElhaney praises BiH policy on ammunition and weapons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hayat by Nebojsa Radulovic – A two-day conference titled ‘USA-BiH, partnership of government and industry’, organised by the BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations and the BiH Ministry of Trade in cooperation with US Embassy, opened in Sarajevo on Wednesday, US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney praises law regulations in BiH in terms of export and import of ammunition. Namely, International Community is satisfied with the way BiH issues licenses and controls export of military equipment. “BiH has developed a very firm system of issuing licenses and control of laws on weapon trade. It might appear as if this control slows down the trade but the effects are positive, since trade, as well as relations within the EU are being improved”, said McElhaney. There are 94 companies in BiH registered as companies dealing with foreign-trade ammunition and weapons exchange, out of which 73 are of permanent while 21 of temporary character. RTRS By Zorica Rulj – “Arms spread threat is more dangerous than it used to be thus it is very important that two Governments like ours cooperate in order to prevent that weapons for mass destruction end up in wrong hands” said McElhaney. Dragisa Mekic, Assistant to BIH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, stated “BiH laws are in accordance to EU laws especially because it was officially confirmed in January when certain restrictions have been lifted explaining that BIH is respecting its obligations”. Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Control of weapons pursuant to regulations’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Stronger control of weapon export’ by S. Lemo – also report

F BiH PM Hadzipasic sent changes to Law on privatisation back to F BiH HoP for discussion

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Prime Minister returned to the procedure changes to the Law on privatisation’ by R. Cengic – Reporting on the Wednesday session of Federation of BiH House of Peoples [for more info see OHR Morning media Brief for 13 July), daily reports F BiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic forwarded back to the delegates the Law on changes and addenda to the Law on Privatisation of Firms in F BiH, which the delegates of F BiH HoP had previously rejected. F BiH HoP should discuss these changes at the session on July 25.

FBiH Parliament to discuss income tax law by end of July; Government proposed four rates

 

Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Government proposes progressive rates’ by A.Terzic– FBiH Government has submitted FBiH Parliament with the proposal of four different rates of income taxes. Daily carries that FBiH Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic has accepted the solution according to which there would be annual rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20% for salaries upto 400 KM, from 400 to 800 KM, upto 1, 200 KM and over 1, 200 KM. This proposal would be discussed by FBiH Parliament by end of July. Daily also carries statement of Chair of FBiH Administrative Commission [SBiH’s]Ismet Briga, who said that this is necessity, which is “result of entrance to capitalism”. At the same time Head of SDP’s Caucus in FBiH Parliament, Nermin Niksic deems they shouldn’t accept the implementation of the law as of January 1 2007. Daily comments SDA is not declaring on the law, and that they would be pleased if the law were passed after elections.

Auditors determined that BiH Ministry of Transport and Communication did not respect BiH Law on pubic procurement in 2005

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Suppliers selected without announcing tenders’ by N. Krsman –  BiH Auditors determined that BiH Ministry of Transport and Communication did not announce tenders and respect BiH Law on public procurement in 2005. BiH Minister of Transport and Communication Branko Dokic said that BiH Law on public procurement has many illogical things adding that obligation to hire commissions complicates and makes process of procurement more expensive.

Bosniac Caucus at RS HoP might block decision on privatisation of RS Telekom

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Possible blockade of privatisation’ by V. Popovic – RS Minister of Traffic and Communication Nedeljko Cubrilovic said tender for RS Telekom would be announced in ten days if RS House of Peoples (HoP) does not block RS Parliament’ decision on RS Telekom’ special privatisation program by launching protection of vital national interest (VNI). Cubrilovic also said that RS HoP should decide regarding this issue by Friday adding tender would be announced in two months if HoP launches VNI protection. Bosniak Caucus at RS NA believes that all three telecoms should be privatised at the same time. Daily reports that Croat Caucus at RS NA would probably support decision on privatisation of RS Telekom. Serb Caucus confirmed it would support decision on privatisation.

 

Media/Elections

BiH Presidency Chair Tihic asks CRA to penalize RTRS for not respecting BiH Mourning Day

 

 

 

 

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘To penalize media which doesn’t respect state decisions’ by Fena– BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic requested on Wednesday from the Communications Regulatory Agency [CRA] to sanction the RTRS and all the other electronic media in BiH that did not respect the decision of the relevant authorities on the Day of mourning. Cabinet of BiH Presidency Chair released a statement syaing: “It is inadmissible that certain electronic media in BiH, headed by the RTRS, do not respect the Decision on the Day of Mourning with the occasion of marking the anniversary of genocide in Srebrenica. Such media and their editors are not only unprofessional, but they are also in direct violation of the BiH Council of Ministers’ Decision by which July 11 was designated as the Day of mourning”. The statement also says RTRS as a part of the Public RTV System BiH must respect the decisions of the Council of Ministers. BHT1 – also carried.

Danas feature on elections for BiH Presidency: SDP’s Komsic likely to win race among Croat candidates

 

Danas, front pg splash and pgs 12-15 ‘Zeljko Komsic closest to victory, Jurisic, Jovic and Ljubic shoulder to shoulder’, by Zvonimir Jukic – carries a feature article on the elections for future members of BiH Presidency in which Jukic argues it is likely that the Serb member will come from the SNSD (Nebojsa Radmanovic), whilst the Bosniak member will be elected among two candidates, Sulejman Tihic (SDA) and Haris Silajdzic (SBiH). The author goes on to say that the most interesting race will be for the Croat member, underlining that according to some preliminary polls, it is SDP’s Zeljko Komsic, the current Head of Municipality Novo Sarajevo, who stands best chance because he could count on support of the Bosniak electorate. As for other three Croat candidates, namely Ivo Miro Jovic (HDZ BiH), Bozo Ljubic (HDZ 1990) and Zvonko Jurisic (HSP Djapic-Jurisic), weekly says they stand equal chance should Komsic fail.

Croat Association of refugees wants deadline for registration of voters to be prolonged

Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Elections rules and ethnic cleansing’, not signed, Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Asking for extension of deadline for registration of voters’, by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 12 ‘Extension of deadline for registration of voters out of BiH’ by Fena – Association of Croat refugees and displaced persons of BiH has sent the BiH Central Election Commission (CEC) an open letter asking from the CEC to extend the deadline for registration of voters from July 18 to August 17. The Association underlines the process of registration of voters outside BiH is complicated and requires extra time, saying the said process legalizes ethnic cleansing since many Croats have left BiH, the RS in particular.