14.07.2006

OHR BiH Media Round-up, 14/7/2006

OHR BiH Media Morning Brief

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

No news broadcast due to strike

IMF recommendation to Government

Bejtic sentenced to 14.5 years

 

McElhaney meets Dodik

Borovcanin pleads not guilty

 

EC donates police telecom system

Trial to Zelenovic postponed

 

CoM adopts anti-terrorism strategy

ICTY re Blaskic’s case

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

5 body remains found at Zuc

Bejtic sentenced to 14.6 years

2 injured in train accident

Bejtic sentenced to 14.5 years

Sarajevo commission in session

Bejtic sentenced to 14,5 years

Sarajevo Commission in session

Trial to Zelenovic postponed

Sarajevo Commission in session

Bakir Alispahic acquitted

Borovcanin pleads not guilty

Alispahic and others acquitted

 

Oslobodjenje

[Offiical of BiH Transport Ministry:] FBiH attempts to attack state highway project

Dnevni Avaz

McElhaney: I believe in future of BiH

Dnevni List

Terrorist attack prevented (in Mostar)

Vecernji List

Terrorist attack on Mostar prevented

Slobodna Dalmacija

‘Fiery’ hearts beating for children (football story from Tomislavgrad)

Nezavisne Novine

1.000 KM per month to Delic

Glas Srpske

Life conquers everything [New shoe production unit opened near Srbac]

EuroBlic

Rivers turned into garbage dumps [Rivers in BiH severely polluted]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

 

Judicial and security issues

BiH Court sentences Bejtic to 14.5 years in prison for killings of Serbs in Kazani near Sarajevo , 1992/1993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHT1 by Marina Martinovic – On Thursday, the Sarajevo Cantonal Court sentenced Samir Bejtic, former member of the BiH Army’s 10th Mountain Brigade, to 14.5 years of imprisonment finding him guilty of killing Serbs in Kazani near Sarajevo, 1992-93. This is the first verdict by the BiH Court which declares crimes in Kazani as war crimes. Bejtic was accused of killing civilians – Zoran Vucurevic, Ergin Nikolic and Dusko Jovanovic – and of assisting in killings of Bozidar Sljivic, Radislav Radosavljevic and Predrag Salipur. The Chair of the Court Council Minka Kreho said Bejtic was sentenced in line with the Criminal Code of of the former SFRJ[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia], which stipulates a maximum sentence of 15 years [Note: Four criminal codes are being implemented in BiH resulting in four different definitions of war crimes and a number of different punishments.Besides the criminal code of BiH, there are criminal codes of the FBiH, the RS and the criminal code of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The SFRJ Code prescribes lesser penalties than the current BiH Code, thus lawyers often argue in favour of the Court apply the former.]  Bejtic was in custody since 28 July 2002, and time he spent in detention would be deducted from his sentence. Within next fifteen days, Bejtic has rights to appeal. PINK – 14 other members of the same Brigade have already been sentenced for these murders in a process that started before Sarajevo Military Court 14 years ago. All of them have been sentenced for murder, with verdicts from 6 months to 10 years. FTV, RTRS, Vecernji List, pg 6 ‘Semir Bejtic sentenced to 14,5 years in prison’, by ra, Oslobodjenje pg 36 ‘Samir Bejtic sentenced to 14.5 in prison’ by L.S.,, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Bejtic got 14,5 years of imprisonment’ by D. Muminovic, Vecernje Novosti pg 13 ‘Punishment of 14,5 years to criminal’ by D. Stojakovic, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Bejtic sentenced 14,5 years’ by D.S.also covered.

Sarajevo Cantonal Courts acquits ex FBiH police, intelligence officials of charges for attempting murder of Fikret Abdic

 

BHT1 by Marina Boskovic – On Thursday, the Sarajevo Cantonal Court has acquitted former high officials of FBIH Ministry of Interior and FBIH Agency for Investigation and Documentation [AID] Bakir Alispahic, Irfan Ljevakovic, Enver Mujezinovic, Edhem Veladzic and Ejub Mujkic on the charges of attempting murder of Fikret Abdic in Croatia in 1996 due to lack of evidence. [On September 27, 1993 Abdic proclaimed Velika Kladusa as the “Autonomous Region of Western Bosnia”, and separated from territory under control of BiH Army. His rebellion collapsed in 1995 and he and his people fled to Croatia.] Alispahic stated that this was the only possible outcome since they were innocent. On the other side, Prosecutor Vlado Miskovic announced filing appeal to the verdict. Previously they had been acquitted of charges that they were organising the camp in Pogorelica for recruiting and training terrorists. FTV, RTRS, Dnevni List, back pg ‘Applause for acquittal’, by M. Sefer – notes the verdict was received by applause from the audience and indictees. Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Alispahic acquitted of charges’, by dja, Oslobodjenje pg 37 ‘Bakir Alispahic and others released’ by A.S., Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘Bakir Alispahic and others acquitted of all charges’, mentioned on cover, by N.J., Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Acquitted of charges’ by D. Muminovic also covered.

BiH CoM adopts anti-terrorism strategy for period 2006-2009

 

BHT1 by Sanita Lisica – At the session held on Thursday, BIH Council of Ministers has adopted the 2006-2009 Strategy for fighting terrorism. On the other hand, BIH Parliament deems that BIH has improved its security sector but it expressed dissatisfaction with activities taken against terrorism and trafficking. The Strategy is aimed at building capacities of the BIH institutions in next three years, with founding from the EC in the amount of 2 million KM. BIH Deputy Defence Minister Marina Pendes told press conference in Sarajevo that “priorities set for the first year are adoption of the amendments to the law and adoption of new [relevant] laws, appointment of qualified personnel and adoption of the agenda”. PINK – Prndes explained in the second year, the priority will be given to the establishing of international and inter-institutional cooperation and coordination, as well as creation of necessary databases. In the third year, newly established security systems are going to be tested. Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Strategy to fight terrorism adopted’, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Strategy for fight against terrorism adopted’ by Fena, Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘Pre-school education mandatory for 5-year olds’, by D. P. M. [headline refers to CoM adopting some education regulation], Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘We have strategy for fight against terrorism’, by vr, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Strategy of fight against terrorism adopted’ by M. C., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Strategy against terrorism’ by Z. D., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘BiH anti-terrorism strategy passed’ by D.S. also reported.

Joint Commission of BiH Parliament adopts info on security situation in BiH, PRD; Comm. Chair says police reform influenced by pre-election campaign, security level low

 

Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Police reform on hold’, by E. Mackic – Joint Commission of BiH Parliament for defence and security issues at its session held on Thursday adopted the Information on security situation in BiH, prepared by the BiH Security Ministry. According to the Commission Chair, Bosko Siljegovic, the Information was adopted because it describes the actual situation in BiH, however the Commission made a few conclusions regarding abuse of drugs in BiH, increased number of attacks on banks and increased number of traffic accidents and will ask for a special session of the BiH Parliament to discuss the mentioned issues. The Commission also discussed the information of the work of the Police Reform Directorate Steering Board. According to Siljegovic, the Commission member Mehmed Zilic noted the PRD SB’s work is in status quo because the RSNA has forwarded a conclusion, which says the RSNA is for the 3 European principles, however the principles are interpreted differently. Siljegovic commented that the police reform is way too politicized and under influence of pre-election campaign. Finally, the Commission discussed Proposal of changes to the law on State Border Service (SBS), deciding that the SBS should from now on be called the BiH Border Police. (Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘On security situation in BiH’, by ra – carries brief report on Information on security situation) BHT 1 Siljegovic commented the security situation: “organized crime, terrorism and trafficking is a problem not only of BIH but entire region: nevertheless, on basis of intelligence reports, we cannot be satisfied with the situation in BIH”.

DL, VL: Terrorist attack on religious facilities in Mostar prevented

 

Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 3 ‘Terrorist attack prevented’, by I. Culina, J. Popovac – according to information coming from sources close to the FBIH MoI, special forces of the FBiH MoI arrested at Blagaj near Mostar on the night between Wednesday and Thursday a person under nickname ‘Vehabija’ (Wahhaby) because of grounded suspicion that he was preparing terrorist attacks on religious facilities in the Mostar area. The FBiH MoI did not either confirm or deny the information. Apparently, the suspect was being questioned in the FBiH Government building on Thursday, which was under tight security watch. Although there are no official information, DL learns that one of targets was the cross of the Hum hill. In that context, DL notes unofficial information has it the police found explosives in the suspect’s house. Vecernji List, front pg splash ‘Terrorist attack on Mostar prevented’ and pg 4 ‘Terrorists threatening Mostar’, by Robert Soldo – carries similar article to DL, adding that due to the terrorist threat all BiH security-intelligence agencies have been on full alert for past 24 hours. VL notes that several persons have been arrested in Blagaj and that one of arrestee’s surname is Alicic.Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Arrested for suspicion of wanting to destroy a cross at Hum’ by F. Vele – also reported.

EC donates new telecommunications equipment for policing agencies

 

PINK – BiH Ministries of Security and of Civil Affairs signed with the European Commission the Memorandum of Understanding on purchase and installation of new telecommunications system for security agencies and CIPS Implementation Directorate. The donation in amount of €4 million will enable linked communications and enabled Voice Over Internet Protocol, and BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak expects VOIP to significantly decrease telecom costs and enable free communication between different agencies. BiH Minister of Civil Affairs Safet Halilovic stressed that the new system is going to enable all security agencies an access to CIPS database through integrated communications. Colak stressed that united communication system policies of all policing agencies is going to improve their work. FTV – Colak stated that “with the modern equipment the police and security agencies’ work will be more effective and that it would be another step forward in police reform”. BHT1, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Four million Euros for policing agencies’ by M. Cubro also covered.

 

Economic issues

FBiH Government approves proposal to sell Energopetrol shares to INA-MOL consortium

 

 

 

 

 

Vecernji List, pg 5 ‘INA-MOL majority owner of Energopetrol’, by dja – FBIH Government, at the session held on Thursday, supported the proposed co-capitalization of Energopetrol in cooperation with the INA-MOL consortium. According to the proposal, INA-MOL would invest 60,2 million KMs into Energopetrol through co-capitalization and it will have to invest additional 150 million KMs, which would not have an effect on the ownership structure. The future ownership structure should be: 67% to INA-MOL, 22% to FBiH Government and 11% to stock-holders. The proposal will now be discussed by the company’s Supervisory Board and Assembly of Stock-holders, after which it is the FBiH Government that takes the final decision. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘MOL-INA takes over Energopetrol’, mentioned on cover, by A.AvdicKasema Catovic, Chair of the Commission in charge of implementing tender for co-capitalization of Energopetrol, explains Consortium should “also take over responsibility for Energopetrol’s obligations in the last and this years, as well as all 1.059 workers.” However, she also confirms that the contract doesn’t solve the issue of recently discovered debt of 7.8 million KM, adding this would be solved in later stage. Hayat, FTV, BHT1 and Dnevni Avaz also reported.

Deputy FBiH PM Grahovac objects proposal of Energopetrol co-capitalization

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Contract with INA – MOL consortium approved’, mentioned on cover, by M. Kukan – Following the decision to approve the purchase contract with the INA – MOL Consortium, the FBiH Government has also approved the proposal for a contract on settling Energopetrol’s liabilities. Under the concept adopted by the Government, Federation will keep 22% of the capital and shareholders will continue to have 11% of stocks. Only Deputy Prime Minister, Gavrilo Grahovac, voted against the sale of Energopetrol, while all other SBiH Ministers abstained from voting. Grahovac states for DA that he objects the plan for its contains “too many uncertainties, undefined situations and Energopetrol’s debts. The worst thing is that the Govt has accepted to settle certain obligations.” He explained this refers to recently made 17 million KM of tax obligations that the company has not paid, but will be paid by the Government if it is concluded that the debts do not fall under the statute of limitations.

Oslob op-ed: FBIH PM had no other choice but to sell ‘Energopetrol’

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Energopetrol’ by Borivoje Simic – With regard to the announced FBiH Government’s support to co-capitalisation of ‘Energopetrol’, editorial reads that FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic did not have choice but to ignore FBIH Parliament’s late conclusions and calls for saving ‘Energopetrol’ and sell the firm.

RS PM Dodik announces withdrawal of charges against former ITA SB Dixon 

 

BHT1 – RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik stated that RS Government would most likely withdraw the lawsuit filed against now former ITA Steering Board Chairman Jolly Dixon. Dodik stated that Dixon has harmed RS budget but he expects the situation to be solved with new ITA SB Chair Peter Nicholl. RTRS, BHT1, Oslobodjenje pg 6 inset ‘RS Government withdraws a lawsuit against Dixon, EauroBlic pg RS2 ‘Possible progress in the police reform’, inset ‘Government gave up on lawsuit against Joly Dixon) by M. Sojaalso covered.

US donates customs control equipment to ITA

 

PINK – Following the meeting with RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik in Banja Luka on Thursday, the US Ambassador to BIH Douglas McElhaney visited premises of the ITA, where he handed over the equipment donated by the USA. The donated equipment for control of persons and goods will enable better work of ITA officers. BHT1US embassy to BIH has donated 250.000 KM worth equipment to ITA intended for the custom control. McElhaney expressed hope in improvement of BIH custom control and prevention of smuggling. Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Reforms must be accelerated’, announced on cover ‘Faster to reforms’ by V. Popovic and G. Golub Inset ‘McElhaney donated equipment to ITA’, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Ramp for smugglers’ by Lj. C. – covered.

Bosniak Caucus at RS NA demands VNI protection over privatization of ‘Telekom Srpske’; RS PM Dodik: Bosniak Caucus’ move is misuse

 

Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Veto on privatization of Telekom’, not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 15 ‘Veto on privatization of RS Telecom’ by A.Hadzic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Privatisation of “Telekom Srpske” blocked’ by V.Popovic – After considering the privatization program for RS Telecom, Bosniak Caucus at RS Council of Peoples decided to launch the procedure for protection of vital national interest (VNI). The Caucus stressed that currently, there is hardly any Bosniaks employed with Telecom, although they have significantly contributed to the creation of telecom system in 1992. Bosniak Caucus believes that the issue of dismissed Bosniaks in this sector should be part of privatization program. RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik stated that the Bosniak Caucus at RS COP has abused the VNI initiative, noting: “Decisions people make against positive processes, such as this one, are decisions against interest of citizens.” The Croat Caucus at RS NA Thursday also held session, after which they announced they would not launch VNI protection over the same issue.

BiH Transport Ministry official: FBiH attempts to attack state highway project

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘FbiH attempts to undertake attack on state project of highway’ by Azhar Kalamujic – BiH Deputy Transport Minister Izet Bajrambasic confirmed daily that announcement of FbiH authorities that this entity will build highway 5-C on its own, getting money from selling BH Telecom, BiH Ministry of Transport and Communications comprehended as an attack on state highway project. Bajrambasic stressed that the idea itself does not match with the concept of highway project adopted by BiH Parliament, adding that World Bank, International Monetary Fund, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development supported concept of private financing of highway project. Bajrambasic added that highway couldn’t be divided into entities, for it is part of international corridor, and therefore, following BiH Constitution, it is authority of BiH Council of Ministers.

 

Political issues

US Ambassador McElhaney meets RS PM Dodik in BL; const. changes, police reform, public revenues allocation and ‘Palic case’ discussed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PINK by Dragica Tojagic – US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney visited Banja Luka on Thursday, where he met the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik. They agreed that the talk son the constitutional changes must be continued after the October elections. Dodik stressed that those who had worked on constitutional changes should meet after the elections to discuss what are their next steps. Dodik added that he and McElhaney have also discussed the police reform. “I think that it is very important to find a solution soon, so that the police reform can move forward and stop being an obstacle for RS and BiH in the way towards the EU integrations”, said Dodik. PINK reports that McElhaney agreed with Dodik, also stressing there is still a lot of work to be done. He promised the US would remain involved in this and similar reformatory processes. Two officials also discussed the problem of allocation of public revenues from the ITA single account [which has been blocked because of the disagreement over method of setting distribution coefficients]. Dodik expressed hope this problem would going to be solved soon. RTRS – McElhaney stressed that the police reform is a very important issue that needs to be solved soon. Dodik and McElhaney also discussed the case of missing Colonel of former BiH Army, Avdo Palic,[who went missing during the negotiations with RS Army on evacuation of Zepa in 1995 with the RS Army; BiH Human Rights Chamber obligated RS Government to locate his body remains which has not yet happened]. Dodik informed McElhaney that RS Ministry of Interior has handed over all known fact on this case to the BiH Prosecution. He promised that RS Government is going to do all possible in order to solve his case soon. Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 3 ‘McElhaney: I believe in future of BiH’ by N. Diklic, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Constitutional reforms must be continued after elections’, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Reforms must be accelerated’, announced on cover ‘Faster to reforms’ by V. Popovic and G. Golub, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Developing of partnership relations’ by Z. Markovic, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Possible progress in the police reform’ by M. Soja also reported.

RS PM Dodik meets SDHR Bas-Backer to discuss education

 

RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘State law on high education must be adopted soon’, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Law on Higher Education before beginning of school year’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Developing of partnership relations’ by Z. Markovic Inset ‘Bas-Backer’– On Thursday, the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik also met the Senior Deputy HR Peter Bas-Backer. They discussed the RS Law on high education. Dodik stated that he expects this law to be adopted before the next school year starts. Bas-Backer said that he expects the same regarding the adoption of framework law on high education on BiH level.

OHR Spokesperson Radetic: Bonn powers are slowing down BiH on the path to Europe

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Bonn powers slow down BiH road to EU’ by FENA, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Reform without imposition’ by M.Dz. – At Thursday’s press conference (in Banja Luka), Ljiljana Radetic, OHR Spokesperson has stated that maintaining OHR and the Bonn Powers implies slowing down BiH on its road to Europe. Commenting on the Analysis of the Centre for European Integration Strategies (CEIS) regarding OPHR closure by middle next year, Radetic has stated that the decision to begin preparations for the closure of the OHR reflects the assessment of the wider IC that BiH has made enough progress in peace implementation for transition to occur, noting key reforms cannot be imposed or forced through by use of Bonn Powers. She has stressed OHR remains politically engaged “on the broad reform agenda”. She has reminded the High Representative has already stated he will be playing a key role in the constitutional reform after the elections, and has already held preliminary discussions with political parties, noting the decision to close the OHR will be reviewed and confirmed by the PIC early next year, taking into account the overall situation in BiH and the region.

Director of the BiH Directorate for European Integrations Topcagic: UK strongly supports EU enlargement

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Great Britain strongly supports EU enlargement’ by A.M. – UK Foreign Ministry officials in London, Director of the BiH Directorate for European Integrations, Osman Topcagic told daily that Great Britain strongly supports EU enlargement and appreciates the progress BiH made on its way towards EU integrations. “This is a constant support, there is a consensus between all political subjects in Great Britain. Both Government and opposition support further EU enlargement with group of Western Balkans countries, including BiH.”

RS NA warns PACE Resolution negates foundations of the Dayton Peace Agreement

 

BHT1, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘The Resolution negates foundations of the Dayton’ by Srna – RS National Assembly (RS NA) on Thursday warned Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) that the adopted Resolution on BiH regarding the constitutional changes directly destabilizes the peace and stability in BiH because it negates the foundations of the Dayton Peace Agreement. In a letter addressed to PACE, RS NA stated that the Resolution is unacceptable and some of its conclusions are tendentious and incorrect. RS NA Speaker Igor Radojicic stressed that the constitutional changes were blocked due to lack of support of political parties from FBiH, not RS.

Serbian President Tadic: PACE Resolution might jeopardise stability of BiH

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘The Resolution might jeopardise the stability of BiH’ by Srna – Serbian President Boris Tadic warned the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe’s Resolution on BiH (PACE Resolution), although it is not legally obligatory, might jeopardise the stability of BiH, a press statement of the Serbian President’s Cabinet reads. During a meeting with Chair of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Rene van der Linden, Tadic noted the Dayton Peace Agreement could not be changed without consensus of all three constitutive peoples in BiH and reiterated he advocates for a whole BiH and respecting of the principle of non-changing the borders in the region.

CEC: Five-day deadline for 47 parties to correct their elections lists

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4, mentioned on cover ‘Five-day deadline given to parties to correct the lists’ by E.Sarac – Daily announces that Friday is the first day of five-day deadline 47 political parties are provided with for correction their elections lists. At its Thursday’s session, Central Election Commission [CEC] noted certain irregularities, confirmed CEC member Vahid Sehic, adding that none of these are major ones. He said that application of SBiH candidate for Bosniak member of BiH Presidency Ilijaz Pilav is not adopted, for he is candidate from RS.

SDS’s Cavic and SNSD’s Jelic lead in the race for the position of the RS President

 

Glas Srpski pg 5 ‘Cavic and Jelic lead in the race’ by D. Momic – Daily reports that ten candidates applied at the BiH Central Election Commission to run for the position of the RS President at the upcoming October elections. Actual RS President Dragan Cavic on behalf of SDS and RS Minister of Energy Milan Jelic on behalf of SNSD will run for this position as representatives of Serb people. Political analyst Tanja Topic and sociologist Ivan Sijakovic believe that Cavic and Jelic lead in the race. Topic believes that Jelic has smaller chances since he has already lost at the 2002 elections while Sijakovic believes that Jelic has better chances due to his position of Minister, which proves progress in his career. Topic and Sijakovic share the view that voters lost trust in politicians and believe that give their votes in vain.

DL interview NHI’s Zubak: HDZ BiH will keep falling apart

 

Dnevni List, pgs 4-5, mentioned on front ‘Tearing apart of HDZ will continue’, by Resad Dautefendic – carries an interview with the President of NHI, Kresimir Zubak, in which he mostly talks about the constitutional changes process in BiH, underlining that his party did not accept the proposed changes because they would legalize the actual situation on the ground, which would deprive the Croats of their political subjectivity. Questioned to comment on processes in the HDZ BiH (NB: Zubak used to be HDZ BiH leader, he formed NHI in 1998), Zubak argues the process of HDZ BiH falling apart will continue because the party has no clear position when it comes to BiH and Croats’ position in it, arguing that they are not genuinely for the state of BiH, instead they care more about the Croats of Herzegovina, which has resulted in several prominent members of the HDZ BiH leaving and forming their own parties.

SDA Vice President slams SBiH for accusing SDA leader of doing groundwork for withdrawal of BiH’s lawsuit

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘It is a lie that Tihic is doing a ground work to withdraw BiH lawsuit for genocide’ by A.M. – SDA Vice President, Sefik Dzaferovic, strongly denied claims contained in the press statement issued by the SBiH on Thursday which accuses the SDA leader Sulejman Tihic of “doing groundwork to ensure withdrawal” of BiH’s lawsuit against Serbian, Montenegro for aggression and genocide. Deeming attacks coming from SBiH are “vulgar”, Dzaferovic reminded that Tihic has played great role in ensuring the lawsuit is prepared and financed. He concludes that SBIH’s attacks, after Tihic withdrew his request for assessment of constitutionality of the RS name, were absolutely lacking any arguments. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Silajdzic, what have you done for BiH lawsuit against SCG?’ – carries similar statement against SBiH statement issued by SDA. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Tihic will not withdraw the lawsuit against SCGby D. Mu. – carries denial of claims Tihic would withdraw lawsuit. SDA reminded that SzBiH shares power with Milorad Dodik’s SNSD to whom SzBiH gave three ministers at the RS Government.

 

War crimes; follow up Srebrenica anniversary

SA Commission adopts Rulebook of work: reaches agreement on voting principle, but financing not yet solved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PINK By Zeljko Mandic – At the session held on Thursday, Commission to investigate suffering of Serbs, Croats, Jews, Bosniaks and others during the war in Sarajevo adopted the Rulebook for its future work and draft agenda. The adopted Rulebook regulates the future methods and decision-making process. Deputy Head of the Commission Smail Cekic stated that the decision-making process is going to be based on consensus. In cases where consensus can’t be reached, decisions will be passed with votes of minimum two representatives of each people. The Commission filed a request to BiH Council of Ministers for the initial funds for financing of Commission’s work. FTV – Cekic stated that the Commission is preparing the Research proposal that it would serve as guidelines. RTRS – Cekic noted that the planned period of one year for the work of Commission is too short. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Finances promised from Human Rights Ministry’ by S.S. – Cekic told DA that since the issue of financing the Commission has not yet been solved, the BiH Human Rights Ministry was addressed on Thursday to urgently approve means. The Ministry allegedly promised the Commission this issue would be solved as soon as possible. Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Work agenda to be adopted by end of this month’, mentioned on cover, by S.R., Vecernji List, pg 6 ‘Problem with funding of Commission for establishing truth in Sarajevo’, by ra, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Decision of principle of consensus’, by D. P. M., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Short deadline to the Commission’ by D. S.  – also reported.

NN: Hague indictee Rasim Delic still receives a part of his salary upon decision of Cabinet of BiH Presidency Chair Tihic

 

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘1.000 KM per month to Delic’ by N. Krsman – General Rasim Delic, Hague indictee and former advisor to Chair of BiH Presidency Sulejman Tihic, regularly receives a salary from this institution although he stepped down from this function more than a year ago, as BIH Ministry of Finances and Treasury confirmed to Nezavisne Novine. Hague Tribunal indicted Delic on grounds of command responsibility for war crimes against Serb civilians in the area of Vozuce committed by members of “El Mujjahid” unit. Delic voluntarily surrendered to the Hague Tribunal in 2005 and he defends himself while at large. BiH Presidency Secretary General Ranko Ninkovic on Thursday stated 60% of the amount of his salary (according to NN, 984,96 KM were paid to him in June) is being paid out to Delic on grounds of a decision of Sulejman Tihic’s Cabinet and in accordance with the Law on the work at BiH institutions. Tihic’s Cabinet gave no explanation on the salary because Tihic was on an official trip. Slobodan Radulj, the Advisor to Serb member of BiH Presidency, said he was appalled with the information since it only shows different standards are being applied on Hague indictees depending on their nationality.

RTRS denies accusations it violated BiH CoM’ decision on Mourning Day on 11 July

 

BHT1, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘RTRS treats Srebrenica victims with respect’ by V.Popovic – RTRS vehemently rejected the accusations that RTRS is the leader of electronic media that didn’t respect the Mourning Day in BiH. The press release of RTRS reads that even without the decision on mourning day, RTRS has done everything to cover the memorial ceremony for Srebrenica victims and show respect to them. RTRS announced that it is going to investigate all possible mistakes and inform public about it. Member of BiH Presidency Sulejman Tihic has asked from CRA (Communication Regulatory Agency) to penalize RTRS and all electronic media that violated BiH Council of Minister’s decision on 11th July as Mourning Day. Abdurahman Malkic, Srebrenica Mayor, in an open letter expressed hope that CRA would undertake measures against those, mainly RTRS, who failed to implement decision of state institutions. RS Association of former detention camp inmates has demanded from Serb members of BiH CoM to publicly say at which session Decision on Mourning Day in declared, finding them also responsible for possible CRA sanctions.

RS PM Dodik: constant complaining against RS creates bad ambience

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘RTRS treats Srebrenica victims with respect’ by V.Popovic Inset ‘Dodik: Constant complaining against Republika Srpska creates a bad ambience’ – Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, has observed “with regret that he was not aware of the BiH Council of Ministers’ decision pronouncing 11th July as BiH Day of Mourning”. Regarding demand of member of BiH Presidency SUlejman Tihic to CRA, DOdik said it is inappropriate for politicians to interfere in editorial policy of media, stressing: “Constant complaints against RS’ institution create an ambience that gets back to those who create such an ambience.”

DA op-ed: Luckily, number of people alike Borislav Paravac in BiH is in increase

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Paravac’s nebulosity’ op-ed by Edina Sarac – Commenting statement of Serb member of BIH Presidency Borislav Paravac [who said that he did not attend the funeral of 505 Bosniak victims of Srebrenica genocide held on Tuesday for in 2005, some highly ranked international officials greeted audience by saying Salaam Alaikum], editorial reads that people like Paravac do not belong to Europe at all. Author noted that it is good Paravac’ term is running out, which would prevent BiH citizens from listening “his nebulosity”. Sarac stresses that it is weird he was bothered by a greeting of universal meaning, whilst not by t-shirts with images of ICTY indictee Ratko Mladic. Author concludes: “Luckily, number of people like Paravac is decreasing in BiH. We can only forget him as soon as possible, when he gets off the political scene. And turn to Europe, and not time of hatred in which he still lives in.”

GS op-ed: Serbian NGO “Women in Black” again failed to pay respect to Serb victims

 

Glas Srpske op-ed pg 2 ‘Crying on one eye’ by Boro Maric – the author criticises the fact Serbian NGO “Women in black” have again failed to attend the commemoration to Serb victims in Bratunac and says representatives of this NGO again cried “on one eye” this year – they cried for Srebrenica Bosniak victims while, at the same time, they failed to see Serb graves in Bratunac, Bijeljina, Trebinje, Teslic, Brod etc. He notes the NGO should have paid their respect to Serbs and Croats as well and should have asked for a suitable punishment for the perpetrators.

 

OHR BiH Media Round-up

Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 14 July

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

No news broadcast due to strike

ICTY trial of 7 RS Army officers

Prijedor transport staff in protest

 

Suspect Zelenovic pleads not guilty

Zelenovic pleaded not guilty

 

Israel continues attacks on Lebanon

Delic still receiving pay from BH Pres

TV news broadcast on 13 July

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

No news broadcast due to strike

IMF recommendation to Government

Bejtic sentenced to 14.5 years

 

McElhaney meets Dodik

Borovcanin pleads not guilty

 

EC donates police telecom system

Trial to Zelenovic postponed

 

CoM adopts anti-terrorism strategy

ICTY re Blaskic’s case

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

5 body remains found at Zuc

Bejtic sentenced to 14.6 years

2 injured in train accident

Bejtic sentenced to 14.5 years

Sarajevo commission in session

Bejtic sentenced to 14,5 years

Sarajevo Commission in session

Trial to Zelenovic postponed

Sarajevo Commission in session

Bakir Alispahic acquitted

Borovcanin pleads not guilty

Alispahic and others acquitted

 

Oslobodjenje

[Offiical of BiH Transport Ministry:] FBiH attempts to attack state highway project

Dnevni Avaz

McElhaney: I believe in future of BiH

Dnevni List

Terrorist attack prevented (in Mostar)

Vecernji List

Terrorist attack on Mostar prevented

Slobodna Dalmacija

‘Fiery’ hearts beating for children (football story from Tomislavgrad)

Nezavisne Novine

1.000 KM per month to Delic

Glas Srpske

Life conquers everything [New shoe production unit opened near Srbac]

EuroBlic

Rivers turned into garbage dumps [Rivers in BiH severely polluted]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

 

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

ICTY suspects Zelenovic pleads not guilty to charges

BH Radio1, RTRS Dragan Zelenovic, former deputy commander of Military Police in Foca has today pleaded not guilty before ICTY on all counts of indictment charging him with crimes against humanity and violation of customs of war (including rapes, tortures in Foca in 1992).

ICTY launches trial of 7 ex RS Army officers for crimes in Srebrenica

BH Radio1, RTRS – At the beginning of trial against seven RS Army officers (Vujadin Popovic, Ljubisa Beara, Drago Nikolic, Ljubomir Borovcanin, Radivoje Miletic, Milan Gvero, Vinko Pandurevic) for crimes committed in Srebrenica, the ICTY Panel of Judges interrupted speech of ICTY Chief Prosecutor, Carla del Ponte, assessing it to be in violation with previous Court Order that Prosecution should make opening arguments on 21 August while today’s hearing should be dedicated to issues of procedural nature.

 

Economic issues and audits

FBiH HoP postpones vote on draft law on lowest hourly wage

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTV by Azra Pasukan – At its Thursday’s session, FBiH House of Peoples discussed the draft Law on lowest hourly wage and postponed the voting for 25 July. The draft law was priory discussed by FBiH House of Representatives. According the draft, the lowest hourly wage would be 1.50 KM, which is 264 KM per month, regardless the educational background.  FBiH Labor and Social Policy Minister Radovan Vignjevic stated that “it is in accordance to the law and regulations and if it is not just… well there is no justice”. Vignjevic added that socialism is gone adding that the hourly wage of 1.75 KM is not respected and by presenting the proposal FbiH Government wanted to ensure the minimum under which employers cannot go. On the other side, there were those who stated that the Government was advocating for the rights of the employers. Head of BIH Trading Union Edhem Biber stated that Government must adopt amendments that would regulate the automatically payment of contributions. Regarding the income tax, FBIH HoP MPs only discussed it without calling on vote. If the proposed law is adopted, reporter stated, than FBIH citizens would have 4 differentiated tax rates from 5% to 20% depending on monthly incomes. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Government proposes that 118,000 employees do not pay income tax’ by A.Hadziarapovic, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Four rates for income tax proposed’ by S.Sehercehajic, Vecernji List, pg 5 ‘20% on salary of 1502 KMs’, by eme – also covered.

RS CoP Presidency accepted remarks by RS Chief Auditor – measures undertaken to remove irregularities

Nezavisne Novine pg 4, announced on cover’ They spent too much for personal needs’ inset ‘Ceko at session of CoP’ Presidency’ by G. Golub, D. Gavrilovic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Accepted Ceko’s recommendations’ by M.F. – At Thursday’s session, which was also attended by RS Chief Auditor, RS Council of Peoples accepted numerous critics of auditor, while Auditor Ceko accepted explanation CoP provided regarding functioning of this institutions. CoP Vice President Momir Malic admitted the financial functioning of the institution presented in Report does face certain problems, adding certain steps have already been undertaken to amend these. Ceko stated that the objections of RS CoP don’t change the final result in the form of Report. Note that daily also carries extracts from Audit Report on RS Council of Peoples’ work for 2005, saying that this institution has unjustly increased or decreased certain items in Report on realization of budget and balance for 2005.

NN op-ed severely critical of RS CoP over ‘squandering’ people’s money

 

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Who is protecting us’ by Sasa Cavrag – Regarding Report of RS Chief Audit Office on RS Council of Peoples, the author observes that delegates at the RS CoP are those who should be protecting state property, money, but instead they squander it since it is not their money but people’s money. He concludes by saying: “To put it mildly – they should be ashamed.”

RS Audit Office: Potocari Foundation was illegally given half million KM

 

Oslobodjenje pg 7, mentioned on cover ‘Srebrenica-Potocari Foundation was illegally given half million KM’ by A.Omeragic – The RS Audit Office assessed that RS Ministry for Refugees and Displaced Persons at the beginning of this year provided Srebrenica-Potocari Foundation with half million KM donation breaking several regulations. Namely, the report said money given to the Foundation was not planned for purpose and that the Ministry violated the RS Law on Budget System. The audit underlines that the same ministry for accommodation of refugees and displaced persons in total spent 3.6 million KM more than planned.

IMF: BiH’s key goals to stimulate self-sustainable and to growth decrease deficit; BiH could face fiscal problems in 2007

 

PINK – Mission of International Monetary Fund [IMF] in BiH recommended to all the Governments, which are to be established in BiH after the October elections, that the decrease of deficit along with stimulation of self-sustainable growth should be the key goal for BiH. According to IMF, BiH is currently the last among Central and South-East European countries when it comes to structural reforms. IMF warned that without progress, the growth and process of new jobs creation are going to be stopped, while the monetary security is going to be in danger. IMF issued the list of its recommendations on Thursday. Hayat –Namely, IMF claims that budgetary coordination and discipline are weakening, while necessary structural reforms are halted, due to what state and entity governments could face fiscal problems in 2007.

NTV Hayat on privatization in FBiH: despite great expectations nothing has happened

 

Hayat by Snjezana Mulic – Commenting the privatization process in FBiH, reporter says that even though a lot was expected, nothing spectacular happened, adding that the process, which started eight years ago and which should have been completed by 2000, still lasts. Furthermore reporter says that in 2005, only 14 FBiH companies were privatized, adding that the state property was mostly sold for certificates and below the market price. Reporter adds that in past eight years, state property was sold for 8.93 billions KM, out if what 425 millions KM is cash. Out of 247 privatization agreements, 30 have been cancelled, 33 are to be cancelled, while 18 companies face bankruptcy. At the end, Mulic ridicules the whole issue saying that the FBiH Privatization Agency, a part of FBiH apparatus, prepared and financed by US administration, blames everyone except itself; namely reporter finds FBiH Government culpable, as well as investors for not being interested in purchase, employers, rigid legislature, public for being distrustful and media due to negativistic approach to privatization process.

 

Debate on privatisation of telecom operators in BiH

FBiH Transport and Communications Ministry: Privatisation of telecom operators in FBiH has to be sped up

 

 

 

 

Hayat by Nebojsa Radulovic – FBiH Ministry of Transport and Communications concluded that privatization process, in terms of telecom operators, has to be speed up, adding it will come up with certain proposals by next FBIH Government’s session on next Thursday. Through purchase of telecom operators, budgets would collect millions of KM, but this would happen only in case of simultaneous privatization. Due to announced ‘RS Telecom’ privatization, the FBiH Government started preparing its telecom operators for privatization as well, paying most attention to privatization aims and models. “FBiH Ministry of Transport and Communications was tasked to make the state capital privatization sector policy regarding FBiH telecom operators for next Government’s session, which is to take place on July 20th”, says FBiH Minister of Transport and Communications, Nedzad Brankovic. It is still unknown whether the Government is going to offer all stocks or just a part of them for purchase.

SB on privatization of telecoms: FBiH operators will be sold in stages

 

Slobodna Bosna pg 26-29 ‘Hadzipasic’s and Dodik’s deaf telephones’ by Asim Metiljevic – SB writes about the FBiH response to RS Government plan to sell RS Telecom and claims to have an outline of the strategy of privatization of telecom companies FBiH Ministry of Transport and Communications will soon present to FBiH Government. According to SB, FBiH will sell BH Telekom and HT Mostar in one package; besides, FBiH (unlike RS) will only sell the companies while the infrastructure will remain in state ownership to avoid monopolized ownership of infrastructure by one telecom company and, hence, high price of its use by other operators. Another difference from what the RS plan envisages, claims SB, is that FBiH telecom operators will be sold in stages, i. e. over several years. Thus, only 20-25% share will be put up for sale in the first year so as make it possible for international investors to enter the BiH telecommunications market with relatively little money which is how it was (successfully) done in Croatia. However, SB concludes that international buyers will profit the most from RS and FBiH rushing to sell their telecom operators because ‘when the supply is high, the prices go down‘.

Dani: FBiH can overtake RS in selling telecoms by making direct contacts with possible int buyers

 

Dani pg 22-25 ‘BH Telecom and HT Mostar to lose hundreds of millions’ mentioned on cover by Esad Hecimovic – Dani claims that, even before the RS Assembly session in which it was decided to go ahead with RS Telekom sale, the magazine was in possession of a study produced by BiH and international analysts warning that FBiH might lose a “first move advantage” if it ignored warning that RS Govt. was about to sell its telecom operator. Study also predicted that whoever gained a first move advantage would benefit from becoming a center of sophisticated ICT technology. Study recommended that FBiH can catch up with RS by taking a shortcut and making direct contacts with prospective buyers such as German and Austrian telecom companies.

Dani: Minister Brankovic delayed privatization for his own private interests

 

Dani pg 3 ‘Brankovic(s)’ op-ed by Senad Pecanin – Editorial author blames FBiH Minister of Transport and Communications Nedzad Brankovic and other SDA people in power for FBiH and RS failing to agree on joint sale of telecom operators because ‘Brankovic froze privatization of telecoms when it became clear he would not be able to fill his pockets by selling Eronet to Deutsche Telekom at a bargain price‘. (Title reference: In some ex-Yu countries, name Brankovic is often associated with treason).

 

Political issues

SDP pre-elections meeting in Sarajevo: If we have to choose between EU way for BiH and political obstructions, than we say goodbye to SNSD and SBiH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dani pgs 36-38 ‘Goodbye Dodik, goodbye Silajdzic – We are heading Europe!’ by Faruk Boric – Reporting from the SDP Convention held on Saturday in Sarajevo, article carries the rally was supported by social-democrats all over the world – starting form US Democrat Howard Dean to leading European social-democrats Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and Miguel Angel Martinez. SDP list leader for FBiH Parliament Karlo Filipovic stated that his party’s programme is “democratic, decentralized, legal and social BiH as a state… in which municipalities, cities and a number of functional regions are operational. This means abolishment of entities and cantons.” List leader for BiH Parliament from RS Dragi Stanimirovic stressed: “Enough of intimidation, false referendums, threatening with new war. It is time for such ideas to be retired. If we have to choose between EU way of our country and political obstructionists, and we have to, then we say: Goodbye Dodik, goodbye Silajdzic – We are heading Europe!” At the convention, the SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija underlined: “No one of the following [political parties] – SDA, SDS, HDZ, SBiH, SNSD, PDP – would be either our coalition partner or opponent… just on the grounds of their names.” Referring to latter statement, author notes this is perhaps the most important change in BiH political theatre in the past 15 years as SDP declared to have neither natural allies nor enemies anymore. Lagumdzija denied allegations that SDP would support SDA leader Sulejman Tihic who is running for Bosniak member of BiH Presidency, inviting citizens to vote only for SDP candidates and for no one else. Author concludes that SDP has a chance to win the elections only if it keep taking care of small local communities, stressing that late SDA leader Alija Izetbegovic knew that very well.

DL source: HDZ BiH MP in FBIH HoR joins HSP Djapic-Jurisic

 

Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Pinjuh defected to HSP’, by Dn. L. – according to DL’s sources close to the HSP Djapic-Jurisic, an HDZ BiH MP in the FBiH House of Representatives, Vesna Pinjuh, has left the HDZ BiH to join the HSP Djapic-Jurisic. DL’s sources in the party note there will be more defects in the following days, without revealing any names.

Serb officials slam request of HSP Djapic-Jurisic to US Congress to have RS abolished

 

Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Serbs opposing to abolishment to RS’, by Dario Pusic – carries comments on the initiative of the HSP Djapic-Jurisic, which has requested from the US Congress to adopt a resolution that would state that the RS Army committed the worst post-WW II genocide in Europe and which would call for abolishment of the RS. In a statement for DL, member of SDS Presidency, Momcilo Novakovic, stated: “In case such resolution gets adopted, there should be an addition to it, which would say that citizens of the entity (RS) have the right to self-determination”. On the other hand, Deputy Speaker of BiH HoR, Nikola Spiric (SNSD), says it would be better for ‘these areas’ if HSP Djapic-Jurisic did not exist at all. SDP’s MP in BiH Parliament Tomislav Limov says the SDP believes the current division of BiH could be overcome through regionalization of country, arguing that calls for abolishment of entities are currently unrealistic.

SB: HR has to meet distasteful duty regarding annulment of decisions on removals of BiH officials HR’s predecessors reached over past years; Dani critical of OHR on this

 

Slobodna Bosna pgs 22-25 ‘Schilling between Petritsch and Ashdown’ by Danka Savic – The author observes that a distasteful duty is ahead of the High Representative to BiH, Christian Schwarz Schilling, which he needs to fulfil by July 2007, when OHR is announced to close. According to Savic, this duty refers to annulment of decisions on removals of BiH officials, which previous HRs reached. The author notes all decisions on removals of officials lose sense through the abolishment of Bonn powers, owing to which reason OHR will have to decide in the coming months what to do with persons “removed” from positions over non-cooperation with the ICTY. Author claims decisions of HRs on removals were political decisions, without legal grounds and as such they are untenable following closure of this Office. Author assumes OHR wants to avoid further complication on the issue such as announcement amongst removed officials (for example Dragan Kalinic) who have announced they would file a suit against OHR before Strasbourg Court for Human Rights. Weekly further lists dates when decisions on removals were reached, including names of those removed, moving onto rehabilitation process starting as of November 2005. author observes Paddy Ashdown, former HR, “(ab)used” Bonn powers and reached approximately 14 decisions per month, most of all HRs. Dani ‘Barometer’ column – Referring to the annulment of removals decisions, Dani assessed the OHR’s move as “terrible” [two black dots] noting that it is becoming contradictory: first uses powers to remove some, followed by powers to annul removals.

Feral comment: PACE resolution came too late, will only deepen antagonisms in BiH

 

Feral Tribune, pg 19 ‘Clear and late’, by Ivan Lovrenovic – commenting on the recently adopted Resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE), which among other issues requests adoption of new BiH constitution by 2010 and objects against the entity voting in the BiH Parliament, Lovrenovic argues that Resolution identified all the shortcomings of the Dayton-based organizational set-up of BiH, underlining that the Resolution came far too late because differences in BiH have strengthened too much in past 11 years. On top of this, Lovrenovic believes “this anti-Dayton document” (referring to the Resolution) will not mean much to BiH’s reality, instead it could only deepen the antagonisms in the country. Finally, the author questions the weight of the Resolution since of 520 delegates in PACE, only 70 attended the voting of which 53 voted in favour of it.

FBiH Statistics Agency: A census in BiH could be organised in 2011

 

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Census by year 2011’ by FENA – FBiH Statistics Agency Director Dervis Djurdevic at the session of the FBiH House of Peoples session in Sarajevo on Thursday that population census in BiH could be organised in 2011. He added that the relevant institutions are carrying out preparations for the process. Djurdevic made this remark as he presented the HoP with the program for carrying out statistics research for FBiH in period of 2006-2009 and answering the question of the MPs as to why plan doesn’t refer to census. “The census needs to be mentioned, but in the program for 2009-2013 period,” Djurdevic said. FBiH HoP voted in favour of the presented document.

GS op-ed argues why RS is a better part of BiH

 

Glas Srpske op-ed pg 2 ‘Why is RS better part of BiH?’ by Tomo Maric – Author argues why the RS is a better part of BiH noting the following: RS people still believes in justice although ICTY indictee Naser Oric was sentenced to two years in prison; RS had strength, political maturity and human dignity to talk about crimes in Srebrenica (author refers to statement of RS President Dragan Cavic) while FBiH denies and ranks crimes as “smaller and bigger”; RS high delegation attended commemoration in Srebrenica while FBiH has never even expressed sympathy for the victims in Podrinje. Moreover, he notes RS alone arrests war crimes indictees while FBiH hides truth on suffering of Serbs in Sarajevo; RS shows stronger commitment toward fighting ultra nationalists and chauvinists; RS fights bribe and corruption, while FBiH does not even approve audit of property’ origin; RS is aware of its problems and weaknesses while FBiH has only one problem that is RS.  

BiH Parliament’s Commission for Defence and Security changed SBS name into Border Police

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Change of SBS name into Border Police adopted’ by H.O. – Joint Commission of BiH Parliament for Defence and Security Chair Bosko Siljegovic told daily that according to the adopted amendments to the Law on State Border Service [SBS], this state institution will change its name into Border Police: “It is important to know that members of Border Police have police authority now.” He added that deadline for implementation of this law would be one year.

Reuters: SAA talks with Serbia might be resumed without arrestment of Mladic

PINK, EuroBlic pg 2 ‘Negotiations without Mladic in the Hague’ by Reuters – The European Union could resume suspended talks on Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia even without the arrest of war suspect Ratko Mladic if it finds Belgrade’s Action plan for the cooperation with the ICTY convincing, EU diplomats said in Brussels. “If the plan is convincing, then there is a great readiness to restart the negotiations,” said a British diplomat. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oli Rehn said that EU is ready to resume negotiations on SAA on the same day when EU determines that Serbia cooperates with the ICTY in full capacity.