19.07.2006

OHR BiH Media Round-up, 19/7/2006

OHR BiH Morning Media Brief

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK  (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Raguz meets Seks

World news

Revoked sentence to Ante Jelavic

No BiH citizens injured inIsrael

No killed BIH citizens in Lebanon

Jankovic pleads not guilty

HDZ on Jelavic’s case

World news

RS NA session in Banjaluka

FBiH HoR in session

OHR on police reform

OHR on calls for police reform talks

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

World News

Confirmed acquittal to Prce, Curcic?

OHR on police reform

No BiH citizens injured in Israel

Revoked sentence to Ante Jelavic

RS NA session

FBiH HoR in session

Jankovic pleads not guilty

Live report from RS NA session

Protest in front of FBiH Govt building

FBiH HoR discussed ‘Agrokomerc’

Initiative for Hafizovic’s dismissal

 

Oslobodjenje

First-degree verdict in ‘Jelavic case’ is not understandable

Dnevni Avaz

[FBiH Comm. Minister Brankovic] 51% of BH Telecom for at least €650 million

Dnevni List

More money to Croats from Zagreb (Raguz visiting Croatia)

Vecernji List

Apocalypse (Lebanonrelated)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Dual citizens (BiH-Cro) losing their cars

Nezavisne Novine

Police reform must be a product of the agreement

Glas Srpske

School tuition for headache [Report on high school tuition at Banja Luka School of Economics]

EuroBlic

Panic because of mad cow [Report on possibility of cow madness in village Golici, close to Milici]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

 

BiH proceedings related to Ante Jelavic

BiH Appellate Council confirms first-degree sentence to ex HDZ leads Jelavic has been revoked

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHT1 By Vanja Furtula, Angela CvitanovicBiH Court has confirmed on Tuesday that it revoked a first-degree sentence to former BiH Presidency member and former HDZ leader Ante Jelavic. Jelavic was originally sentenced to ten years of prison, after the BiH Court found him guilty on the indictment for embezzlement of finances Croatian Government sent as a help to Croatian Defence Council [HVO] in BiH. Since the Appellate Council of the Court of BiH decided to revoke this sentence, it is now possible that Jelavic will be prosecuted in Croatia, which – according to BHT reporter – is exactly what he hoped for. “Now, there will be an attempt to open a new court hearing. If Jelavic shows up, the proceedings will start. But if he does not show up, than the second phase will begin, and the case can be transferred to the Republic of Croatia”, explained Jelavic’s attorney Dragan Barbaric. Jelavic is on the run since the day sentence was pronounced last October; according to BHT reporter, it is a well-known fact that he is in Croatia, but the problem is that Croatian Constitution does not allow the extradition of Croatian citizens. Therefore, although BiH has issued an Interpol’s red arrest warrant, Croatia so far did not seem to be interested in dealing with this case. BiH Minister of Justice Slobodan Kovac expressed concern that Jelavic is being protected as a Croatian citizen. BiH Ministry of Justice is entitled to request for Jelavic’s extradition from Croatia, but it can act only upon the official request from BiH judicial institutions. Therefore, concluded BHT reporter, BiH judiciary has the next move. PINK, FTV, RTRS- carried the confirmation odf BiH Appellate Council.

Jelavic: I am not returning to BiH; I am ready to stand trial in Croatia

 

Vecernji List pg 4-5 mentioned on cover ‘Ante Jelavic: I am ready to stand trial in Croatia’ by Zoran Kresic – After the BiH Court Appellate Panel on Monday annulled the first instance sentence against Ante Jelavic, former HDZ BiH President and BiH Presidency member, in an exclusive statement for VL Jelavic said he does not plan on coming back to BiH but is ready to stand trial in Croatia. He added that, ‘for him, the annulment of the sentence which was rendered on the basis of circumstantial evidence means there is hope that a rule of law will be established in BiH’.  Slobodna Dalmacija pg 5 mentioned on cover ‘I am not coming back to BiH, I will stand trial only in Croatia’ by Zoran Sagolj – SD too carries an exclusive statement of similar content.

HDZ: party has expected such decision due to big mistakes in first-degree sentence to Jelavic

 

RHBCommenting the decision of the Appellate Council of the Court of BiH to revoke first-degree sentence to former BiH Presidency member and HDZ leader Ante Jelavic, BiH HZD Spokesperson, Miso Relota said that HDZ expected such decision, due to as he says, ‘huge mistakes which appeared in the first-degree verdict’. “The decision shows in what kind of ambient the trial against former BiH HDZ Chair and BiH Presidency member has been carried out. HDZ hopes that at trial, which is to be carried out before the second-degree Department, Jelavic would be acquitted”, says Relota. He adds that HDZ hopes that everyone who took part in Jelavic illegal arrestment would be punished. Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘First-degree sentence in case Jelavic is not understandable’ by D.Pavlovic, Inset ‘Justice would inlay be served’ by Fena

DL: BiH Court ’s decision means Jelavic is now free man

 

Dnevni List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘Jelavic free?!’, by Erna Mackic – the article claims that after the first degree sentence to Ante Jelavic got annulled, which now implicates renewed trials before the Appellate Council, in practice it now means Jelavic is a free man. DL also notes that legal experts are of opinion that there is no ground to hold renewed trials before the Appellate Council in case indictee is not in the country, stressing that Jelavic’s defence has already noted he (Jelavic) would not show up before BiH judiciary.

BiH Appellate Council confirms revoking sentence to Jelavic; BiH Criminal Procedure Code has no solution for this situation, experts say; other dilemmas

 

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘First-degree sentence in case Jelavic is not understandable’ by D.Pavlovic – Daily carries that Ante Jelavic’s attorney Dragan Barbaric has submitted the appeal to the first-degree verdict, based on the fact that indictment against Jelavic was not understandable, that it was imprecise and that it doesn’t follow regulations of BiH Criminal procedure Code. Inset ‘Legal Dillemma’ by A.S.– Legal experts confirmed for daily that BiH Criminal Procedure Code doesn’t foresee the action in case of revoking of verdict and repeating of the trial when the indictee is “unavailable”. Inset ‘No extradition’ by A.S.– As daily learns BiH Court has never submitted an official demand to BiH Justice Ministry for launching of extradition procedure for Jelavic. Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Jelavic doesn’t attend to appear before BiH Court, mentioned on cover by F.Vele– As DA learns Jelavic has no intention to appear before the BiH Court in new trial in case “Hercegovacka Bank”. New trial date should be scheduled in 60 days deadline, after BiH Appellate Council decided to revoke first-degree sentence. This information was confirmed to DA by Jelavic’s attorney Barbaric. BiH Court’s Spokesperson Emanuela Hodzic told DA that trial will not be held if Jelavic fails to appear before the Court, since “BiH Criminal Procedure Code is excluding the possibility of trial in absentia”.  BiH Justice Minister Slobodan Kovac told DA that all he can do is to ask for renewing of extradition demand and he can do that only if BiH Court asks them to. Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Jelavic’s extradition will not be asked from Croatia’ by A. Djozo– BiH Court confirmed that it did not ask from BiH Ministry of Justice to request extradition of Ante Jelavic to BiH in case Jelavic is arrested in Croatia.

Following annulment of Jelavic sentence, DL editorial says BiH judiciary not independent yet, lenient towards high officials

 

Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Independent judiciary’ op-ed by D. P. Mandic – Editorial brings up the issue of BiH Court Appellate Panel annulling the sentence against Ante Jelavic and finds that BiH judiciary has not yet reached a degree of independence which would make it possible to convict highly positioned officials who flagrantly abused their office. Jelavic case, author says, is not the only one and reminds that BiH judiciary was lenient also in cases of Kemal Ademovic, former head of AID, who was acquitted of charges of buying five apartments for his employees, Hasan Cengic, former FBiH Deputy Defence Minister who was charged with illegally issuing licenses to produce armaments and Branko Dokic, who was charged with abuse of office while he was RS Govt. minister but made a deal with the Prosecutor’s Office, as did Tihomir Gligoric (same charges). Judging by this, editorial ends, it would be surprising if former BiH Presidency member and FBiH Finance Minister Dragan Covic were convicted in the “Lijanovici” trial currently going on before the State Court.

NN op-ed notes case of Ante Jelavic gets character of general confusion with one question – how to proceed further

 

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Jelavic case’ by Aleksandar Sekulic – In regard to decision of BiH Court’ Appeals’ Council, that annulled verdict against Ante Jelavic, the author notes that even the defence attorney of Jelavic was caught in moment. Author observes decision may not have been so surprising if judicial circles themselves had not been confused over fact that in this case, ruling was annulled to a person in a run and who also holds citizenship of another state. After listing a number of issues regarding the case (trial itself, defence claims pointing at omissions), author concludes the entire case – at this moment – gets a character of general confusion where only one question remains – how to proceed further.  

FTV: Court confirms acquittals of Prce and Curcic in Croat Self-Rule case, annuls count of verdict finding Prce guilty of office misuse

 

FTV – According to “reliable sources” of FTV, the Appellate Council of the BiH Court has annulled the first instance verdict which found former FBiH Defence Minister Miroslav Prce guilty and sentenced to 1.5 years of imprisonment for misuse of office in case of “Croat Self-Rule” in March 2001. It also learns the Council confirmed acquittals for Prce and former Senior HVO Commander and Deputy Commander of FBiH Army, Dragan Curcic, for the charges on undermining military and defence forces of FBiH. The annulled part of the verdict would allegedly be subject to new trial proceeding, as ordered by Appellate Council. Representatives of the Court of BiH were able neither to confirm nor to deny this information, saying that the possible decision has not yet been announced. Third suspects in the case was Ante Jelavic. Hayat, Dnevni List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘Verdict to Prce acquitted’, by G. Leko, Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘First-degree sentence in case Jelavic is not understandable’ by D.Pavlovic, Inset ‘Sentence to Miroslav Prce revoked’ by A.S., Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Sentence of year and a half revoked to Prce’ by Agencies, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘An acquittal confirmed to Prce and Curicic’ by Srna – also carried unofficial information.

 

RSNA/CoP disputes; SAA and reforms; other pol. issues

RSNA includes SDS

SDS / SRS initiative for removal of RSNA Deputy Speaker Hafizovic in agenda; initiative to be discussed today [Wed]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTV – After several hours of discussion, the RS National Assembly has decided to include the initiative for removal of SDA’s Sefket Hafizovic from his position of the RS National Assembly, also scheduling initiative to be discussed at continuation of the session on Wednesday. RTRS by Selma FilipovicSDS and SRS [Serb Radical Party] clubs in the RS National Assembly launched the initiative for Hafizovic’s dismissal for his support to Naser Oric, recently released former Bosniaks commander in Srebrenica. SDS deputies deem Hafizovic’s act [of attending welcome ceremony at the Sarajevo airport and statements inviting Oric to come to BL] is an insult to every RS citizen. SDSDusan Stojicic stated that the initiative would show whether an interest to keep majority in the RS NA is above everything else. RS NA Speaker Igor Radojicic [SNSD] says the RS NA is already in the whirlpool of pre-election campaigns, but – as RTRS noted – he wouldn’t make his stance clear. “I think that his presence at arrival of Naser Oric was inappropriate but the main problem was caused by ICTY verdict”, says Radojicic. “They should be the ones who should place their responsibility in front of the citizens for the time and politics in the nineties”, says Hafizovic. PDP’s Veselin Poljasevic stated the latest events in the RS Council of Peoples [Bosniaks invoking vital national interests regarding privatisation of RS Telekom] would probably lead to no confidence vote to Hafizovic. DEPOS deputy Nedjo Djuric confirms party would vote for the initiative to be included in agenda, but only noted their opinion would be “formed accordingly”. Hafizovic, who noted he was not troubled by the initiative as it came from SDS and SRS, concluded SDA would re-examine its participation in the RS Govt if initiative receives support. Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Initiative on replacement of Sefket Hafizovic included in agenda’ by N.Diklic– SDA MP in RSNA Sadik Ahmetovic said initiative was supported by SDS, SRS, PDP, DEPOS, while SNSD, SDA and SBiH MPs were against it. EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘Hafizovic: I do not feel guilty’ by R.Radosavljevic,  Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Radojicic: Parliament in the whirlpool of pre-election campaign’ by not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘I am not burdened with demands for replacement’ by Fena– carries Hafizovic’s statement. Oslobdjenje pg 2 ‘Hafizovic attendance at Oric’s greeting was inappropriate’ not signed – carried Radojicic.

Media: It is not clear whether SNSD would support Hafizovic’s dismissal

 

BHT1 by Zoran Sarenac Reporting live from RS NA, BHT reported stated that it is not yet clear if SNSD would support the initiative of removing Sefket Hafizovic from the positions of the RSNA Deputy Speaker. SNSD leader Milorad Dodik held an unofficial meeting on Tue with Hafizovic and several other SDA delegates; as BHT learns, Dodik believes that Hafizovic should not be removed. [Note that on 17 July, Dodik stated RS (SRS) “is not competent and cannot determine” the eventual responsibility Hafizovic. Asked at the time whether the SNSD would support the initiative, Dodik said he never supported the Radicals and that he would not change his course of action, and added that he has his own opinion about Hafizovic [noting he “went too far by saying things about Naser Oric and for this he should bear responsibility, but this cannot be determined by the Serb Radical Party,” said Dodik at the time] Analysts believe that the initiative for the removal of Hafizovic is directly linked with the decision of Bosniak representatives in the RS Council of Peoples to contest the privatisation of Telekom Srpske.EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘Hafizovic: I do not feel guilty’ by R.Radosavljevic – SNSD’ Krstan SImic claims that demand for removal raised the issue of approach towards ICTY convicts, as some of them were received in neighboring states by top political officials.

DL op-ed: By threatening to reduce role of RS CoP, RS PM Dodik provokes Bosniaks in both RS and FBIH

 

Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Serbs bringing state to its knees’ op-ed by Mensud Zorlak – following statements by SNSD officials, who noted the party would launch an initiative the aim of which is to reduce the role of the RS Council of Peoples (RS CoP), Zorlak notes by doing so, the leader of SNSD and RS PM Milorad Dodik “keeps on provoking Bosniaks in the RS, as well as in the FBiH”. (NB: initiative for change ofRS Constitution came after the Bosniak Caucus in RS CoP invoked vital national interest clause thus blocking the privatization of RS Telekom). The author stresses that the “Council of Peoples is the only guarantee to the Bosniaks and Croats not to lose heads because of hatred the entity Prime Minister Milorad Dodik is imposing”.

OHR: there is no need for new political negotiations on police reform

 

FTV- Office of the High Representative deems that there is no need for new political negotiations on police reform, as BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Mladen Ivanic and RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik have recently suggested. OHR Spokesperson Kevin Sullivan reminded that last year’s political agreement on police reform was supported by entity and state Parliaments; therefore, new negotiations would not be in line with the obligations under this agreement, stressed Sullivan. Hayat- “The RS has three months to create police reform process within Police Reform Directorate…this is of crucial relevance since there won’t be another technical process”, said Sullivan. PINK– “RS representatives as well as all political factors in BIH must bear in mind that political agreements and later a decision of CoM are recognised by the EU”, stressed Sullivan. PINK carries that Sullivan concluded that under the political agreement reached last year, the entities and state should adopt the plan prepared by the Directorate. Sullivan underlined that even though the governments and parliaments would have a chance to discuss the PRD’s report after the elections, their discussions will be on that report and no other.”RHB, BHT1, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘New political negotiations on police reform are not necessary’ not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘No new negotiations’ by Fena, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Reforms are condition for the agreement’ by not signed,Vecernje Novosti pg 4‘Three months for the reform’by D.S., Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘USA announced more active role in the negotiations’ by M.Cubro, G.Golub, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Reforms are condition for the agreement’ by not signed,Vecernje Novosti pg 4‘Three months for the reform’by D.S.also carried.

EU Troika informed BiH Foreign Affairs Minister Ivanic that there will be no signing of SAA until reforms are completed

 

BHT1- Following the meeting of BiH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic with EU Troika [EU High Representative Javier Solana, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn and Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja] in Brussels, BHT1 carries that these officials have expressed content with the quality of negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with BiH. However, they reiterated that BiH would not sign the SAA until reforms – especially the reform of police – are completed. BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Mladen Ivanic in Brussels talked about the actual political situation in BiH in the light of coming elections, and cooperation with The Hague Tribunal. Hayat, Nezavisne Novine cover splash, pg 6 ‘Police reform must be a product of the agreement’ by N. Krsman, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Reforms are condition for the agreement’ by not signedalso carried.

BiH Foreign Minister Ivanic: Major key issue for SAA is police reform; it could hardly be finished before elections

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Europe will not tolerate our indolence’ by Edina Sarac – Following his two-day visit to Brussels, in an interview for daily BiH Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic stated without police reform, BiH will not be able to sign Stabilisation and Association Agreement [SAA] by end of this year. He stressed: “…police reform is the main problem for our state. Everything else, including inevitable cooperation with the ICTY has certain weight, but in these other areas some progress have been already achieved. BiH is now expected to finish the chapter on police reform.” Ivanic also underlined that Europe would not tolerate BiH’s indolence when the police reform is in question: “The stance is clear. Europe has time to wait. Europe is not in a hurry. But BiH has no time anymore.” Commenting OHR stance that further political negotiations on police reform will not take place, ivanic noted that OHR then has a way and answer how to reach the solution, adding: “If there is no political will, then nothing is possible.” Nezavisne Novine cover splash, pg 6 ‘Police reform must be a product of the agreement’ by N. Krsman, Inset ‘Macedonian experience’ – NN carries interview similar to one published by DA with a focus on police reform. Ivanic notes it would be very hard to finish police reform before the elections.

NN: US Ambassador will organize consultations regarding police reform

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘USA announced more active role in the negotiations’ by M.Cubro, G.Golub – According to daily’ source, US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney will organize many consultations with the BiH representatives of power in order to unblock the process of police reform. Daily’ source (which is invited to these consultations) states that McElhaney announced more active role of the US in the police reform during recent talks with the BiH Council of Minister (CoM) Chair Adnan Tezic. RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik said he has not heard about this initiative adding he earlier talked to McElhaney about it and would participate. BiH Foregin Minister Affairs Mladen Ivanic stated that OHR reaction regarding police reform is contra productive adding “I believe it is not right that lower- ranked OHR officials put themselves in the same rank with the state’ ministers and entities’ prime minister and this way comment the things, which are of interest for BiH”. Chair of PRD Steering Board (SB) Vinko Dumancic said that the new PRD SB session should be held in the mid of the next week noting that his mandate ends. Dumancic said that the new Chair should be RS Police Director adding that it is not possible due to his status of the observer.

Opinion poll: 82% BiH citizens in favor of joining EU

 

Vecernji List pg 6 ’83 percent BiH people in favor of joining EU’ by Ivana Brkic-Cubela – VL publishes results of a survey conducted by Gfk BH Market research center on BiH citizens’ opinion related to BiH joining EU according to which as many as 83 % of 967 surveyed citizens of age would vote in favor of joining EU and only 9 % are opposed. 85 % of FBiH and Brcko District citizens favor BiH joining EU as opposed to 75% citizens in RS. Women seem to be more in favor of joining EU than men – 84 vs 82 %.

HDZ 1990’ Raguz meets Croatian officials; asses that constitutional changes should strengthen state institutions

 

BHT1 by Mediha Adrovic – Chair of the BiH House of Representatives and Vice Chair of HDZ 1990, Martin Raguz and Croatian Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks assessed at meeting in Zagreb that constitutional changes in BiH should strengthen state institutions, with the full respect for the rights and interests of all the three constituent peoples in BiH. Raguz and Seks discussed the position of Croats in BiH, economic cooperation between the two countries, conclusion of a cross-border cooperation agreement, property-rights relations and plans for the construction of the bridge between Peljesac peninsula and mainland, and Corridor Vc. Raguz also held a meeting with Croatian President Stjepan Mesic.RHBIn a brief statement for RHB, Raguz said he and Seks discussed relations between the two states. “I am encouraged by firm Croatian Assembly Speaker’s stances as well as other Croatian Government officials’ on necessity for having full and real Croats’ equality in terms of constitutional reforms established”, said Raguz. Dnevni List cover splash pg 5 ‘Croats to get more money from Croatia’ by Dario Pusic – DL reports on meeting in Zagreb at which it was concluded that Croatia will intensify its financial aid to Croat cultural, scientific and other institutions in BiH.   Vecernji List ‘Croats in BiH still deprived’ by N. Z. – Title refers to Raguz’s statement about Croats in BiH not being equal to the other two peoples which he hopes will be rectified by the upcoming constitutional changes. PINK, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Zagreb would insist on full equality of Croats in BiH’ not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘BiH wants to follow the road of Croatiaby FENAalso carried.

Int with Mladen Ivanic: EU supportive of transforming OHR into EUSR; personal election goal to win executive power

 

Nezavisne Novine cover splash, pg 6 ‘Police reform must be a product of the agreement’ by N. Krsman, Inset ‘Macedonian experience’ – In an interview to daily (similar to one carried in DA with focus on police reform), Mladen Ivanic, BiH Foreign Minister, said his meetings in Brussels also discussed public administration, public broadcasting service and cooperation with the ICTY. On the issue of the RS referendum, Ivanic said he informed Brussels it was reaction on RS abolishment. On EU’ stance regarding the closure of the OHR, Ivanic said EU is supportive of the transformation of OHR into EUSR in July ‘07 unless some big political problems occur. According to inset 1 ‘My goal is executive power’ Ivanic expects to be in the executive power after the elections. According to inset 2 ‘We will pass constitutional changes after the elections’, Ivanic said constitutional changes do not present requirement of Brussels adding that parties that were involved in the negotiations should have two thirds after the elections and would be able to pass the constitutional changes. Dnevni Avaz pg 5 inset ‘Macedonian model’ – Ivanic said stated that Brussels has no clear plan what to do after closure of OHR, adding that they would surely go follow Macedonian experience, i.e. to merge missions of EC and EUSR.

GS op-ed highly commendable of RS PM Dodik

 

Glas Srpske op-ed pg 2 ‘In front of grand doors of small trap…’ by Boro Maric – The author is highly commendable of Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, saying that many Balkans and European papers have published interviews with Dodik, representing him as revered political leader in the Balkans. Author further brings details from RS PM’s life, starting with his early teenage years throughout pre-war, war and post-war years. The headline refers to following quote: “He (RS PM) is now faced with another trap whose paraphrase goes like this: God, give me peace to bare things I cannot change, courage to change things I can change, wisdom to differ one from another…”

GS op-ed calls for the protection of media and freedom of speech referring to recent SDS attacks on RTRS

 

Glas Srpske op- ed pg 2 ‘Democracy, who diminished you?’ by Nikola Vukolic – Author calls all the intellectuals to protect freedom of speech and professional media referring to the recent attacks on RTRS by SDS (SDS published monitoring report of ‘Eter ’Agency by which RTRS is favour of SNSD and critical toward SDS). Author states that intimidating media present characteristics of autocracies and dictatorships to which SDS and Bosniak and Croat national parties belong. According to author, SDS wants to put RTRS in the service of its pre-election campaign. Author made conclusion by saying, “we all need media such RTRS, but democracy does not need SDS and similar parties”.

 

Economic issues

OHR on IMF warning: expenses should be aimed at long-term benefits for BiH citizens

 

 

 

 

Hayat – OHR Spokesperson, Kevin Sullivan, reiterated on Tuesday that the International Monetary Fund’s warning that the present tide of pre-election spending could “produce a post-election hangovers”, with the authorities forced to cut back programmes and services because of a shortage of funds. He added expenses should be aimed at long-term benefits for citizens, not short-term vote- seeking.”Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Payment of old currency savings within five years is not realistic’ by FENA, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘No use of amendments’ –Sullivan also criticized initiative of BiH Parliament on amendment to the Law on old currency saving, according to which the payment deadline is reduced to five years: “The proposal cuts the payment time to five years – but this is a promise that can not be kept. The existing package represents the best possible compensation under BiH’s economic circumstances.”

BiH Finance Minister Maric denies IMF allegations that BiH authorities would face deficit by beginning of 2007

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Empty treasury will not abide next governance’ by T.Lazovic – Responding to warnings from International Monetary Fund [IMF] that BiH authorities could face deficit by beginning of next year due to the increased public spending, BiH Finance Minister Ljerka Maric stated that public spending in BiH is within borders foreseen by the budget. She added: “We are aware and we totally support IMF stances on increased spending, but it all tells us that BiH institutions are stick to plan so far. There were no plans for budget rebalance so far… I firmly believe that there will be no shortages, i.e. that the next Government will not face deficit as IMF predicts.” Maric also estimated that it is a thin line between current positive trends and possible problems. Inset ‘Benefit from blockade’ – Maric added that although it sounds senseless, current blockade of the Indirect Taxation Administration [ITA] single account helped control of spending money at the state level.

Head of OHR Mostar Viktorov meets East Herzegovina Municipal Heads dissatisfied with treatment they receive from state and entity

 

RHBThe Head of the OHR Regional Office in Mostar, Anatoly Dmitriyevich Viktorov, on Tuesday met with Heads of 6 East Herzegovina municipalities. They discussed economic situation in the region. “The meeting confirmed that cooperation between East Herzegovina and FBiH municipalities has improved recently. The meeting emphasized that East Herzegovina municipalities receive no attention and support from entity and state bodies, as well as agencies in charge of promotion of good business. It was also stressed that cooperation with neighbouring Dubrovnik had to be established and Heads of East Herzegovina municipalities are expected to launch an initiative regarding the issue while OHR will offer its full support”, said Viktorov. FTV- Municipal Heads have organized a meeting because of their dissatisfaction with the of lack of engagement by entity and state authorities in this region. They used thus this meeting and presented their problems, which are high unemployment rate, undeveloped infrastructure and inadequate communications with large urban centres. “Herzegovina was always neglected in some way. What we want is an even development of all parts of RS and BiH”, stated Trebinje Municipal Head Dobroslav Cuk. “We have discussed specific measures that should improve the employment rate in the region”, stated Viktorov. Dnevni List, pg 15 ‘Ivanica is still separation line’, by Kristina Spajic – the headline refers to statement of Head of Municipality Trebinje Mr. Cuk, who noted that the Ivanica border crossing (with Croatia) is not established yet and that relations with Dubrovnik were not exemplary. Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 10 ‘Better relations with Dubrovnik’, by Z. Zekic, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Herzegovina outrun by events’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Authorities disregarded East Herzegovina’ by J. Gudelj, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Money in the small amounts’ by Z.J. – also reported.

ITA SB Chair Nicholl: Blockade of ITA single account is exclusive authority of ITA SB which must solve the dispute

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Plan of priority financing done’ by T.L. – Article carries that FBiH Finance Ministry prepared the plan of priority financing of key consumers, so the problems that are expected to occur due to the blockade of Indirect Taxation Administration [ITA] single account. DA’s source said that all the institutions have been financed in full capacity so far. Inset ‘Nicholl and Terzic discussed blockade’ – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic met ITA SB Chair Peter Nicholl on Tuesday and discussed the blockade of the ITA single account. Nichol stated that this issue is in exclusive authority of ITA SB, adding that this body has to solve the dispute, and not wait for Prime Ministers to make an agreement in BiH Fiscal Council.

FBIH Communication Minister Brankovic: To sell 51% of BH Telecom for at least €650 million; 51-56% of HT Mostar for at least €200 million

 

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 2 ‘51% of BH Telecom for at least €650 million’ by M.Kukan – Daily claims it came in possession of privatization proposal for FBiH telecom operators, that FBiH Minister of Transport and Communications Nedzad Brankovic is yet to submit FBiH Government. As daily learns, Brankovic will propose two possibilities for privatizations of both ‘BH Telecom’ and ‘HT Mostar’. According the Brankovic, the only adequate method of privatization is announcing tender. First possibility for selling BH Telecom is that 51% of the total state ownership [90%] is sold for at least €650 million in the first phase of the privatization project, and to keep the remaining 39% for the second phase. Other possibility is to switch order of these two phases, but Brankovic noted it would not be too much attractive for the future strategic partner. When it comes to HT Mostar, its privatization is, according to court’s ruling, possible only after merging this company with ‘Eronet’ mobile operator. After merging these two firms, state ownership would amount 51-56%. Brankovic proposes that either all state ownership being sold in the first phase for not less than €200 million, or not to be sold at all. Inset ‘Government’s session postponed’ – Session of FBiH Government, at which the privatization of telecom operators should have been discussed, scheduled for Thursday is postponed due to the catholic holiday.

 

War crimes proceedings and issues

War crimes suspect pleads not guilty to amended indictment for war crimes in Foca area

 

 

FTV – Gojko Jankovic, a war crimes suspect standing trial before the BiH Court, on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to the additional charges of indictments related to events during the war in Foca region. The amended indictment states that Jankovic, as the leader of a paramilitary group, ordered, carried out, aided or encouraged the rape of one Bosniak woman between April 1992 and February 1993. Since Jankovic is already on trial for charges from the first indictment, both the prosecution and defence have agreed to join these two processes. The case of Gojko Jankovic has been transferred by the ICTY to the BiH judiciary on December 8 2005. Jankovic has been in detention since that date. PINK, BHT1, Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Two indictments merged’ by FENA, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Jankovic pleaded not guilty’ by Srnaalso reported.

BiH Foreign Minister Ivanic: Brussels did not put some pressure on BiH regarding ICTY cooperation

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Europe will not tolerate our indolence’ by Edina Sarac – BiH Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic stated in an interview for DA that he discussed the issue of ICTY cooperation with EU officials during his two-day visit to Brussels: “I cannot say that there were certain pressure regarding that issue. Their stance is very clear, they expect continuation of positive trend we had in 2005. BiH institutions are expected to set even better cooperation with Belgrade.” Ivanic could not answer whether BiH would be held responsible for capturing Radovan Karadzic now Serbia presented the Action Plan for apprehension of Ratko Mladic. Nezavisne Novine cover splash, pg 6 ‘Police reform must be a product of the agreement’ by N. Krsman carries similar interview and same line on ICTY.

Spokesperson for BiH Prosecution, Grubesic: List of participants in Srebrenica genocide will not be published

 

Oslobodjenje pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘List of attackers on Srebrenica will not be published’ by A.Avdic – Asked to comment statement of former RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic who said that list of those persons who participated in Srebrenica genocide, which was put together by RS Srebrenica Task Force, could not be published because former High Representative Paddy Ashdown demanded identity protection for all those who appeared on the list, OHR Spokesperson Oleg Milisic told press conference that “OHR will not undertake any actions that could endanger criminal procedures… The report is temporary in BiH Prosecution and it is not up to OHR to decide will it be published or not.” Last week, the chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte stated while attending marking of Srebrenica massacre that she was surprised the list was not published. She added that the Tribunal has not imposed embargo on publishing the list. BiH Prosecution spokesperson Boris Grubesic confirmed that the list would not be published: “Publishing these date could endanger the ongoing investigations. Some people, that are on the list and against whom the investigation is carried, could fun away.”

Oslobodjenje commentary criticizes practice that war crimes suspects get financial compensation from budget

Oslobodjenje, pg 9 ‘Hypocrisy’, by Aldijana Omeragic – the author notes that the recent request of the Serb member of BiH Presidency, Borislav Paravac, that the OHR and BiH Justice Ministry investigate whether monthly compensations that an ICTY indictee Rasim Delic (former wartime commander of BiH Army) receives from the state is in line with the law, is hypocritical and overdue. Omeragic says it is absurd Paravac wants to protect taxpayers’ money since the RS authorities have been both publicly and secretly supporting war crimes suspects and their families for years. The author concludes it is a right of every person to consider himself/herself innocent, however the author stresses it is morbid that citizens, even victims, give money to war crimes suspects, underlining that all three members of BiH Presidency should put criminals to their place and cease any kind of financial compensations to them.

OHR BiH Media Round-up

Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on July 19, 2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

Israeli forces enter Lebanon

RSNA to discuss Hafizovic removal

Not covered – technical difficulties

Heat wave in western Europe

FBiH HoR accept privatization chang.

 

FBiH HoR in session

Investigation in  Abazovic case

 

TV news broadcast on July 18, 2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK  (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Raguz meets Seks

World news

Revoked sentence to Ante Jelavic

No BiH citizens injured in Israel

No killed BIH citizens in Lebanon

Jankovic pleads not guilty

HDZ on Jelavic’s case

World news

RS NA session in Banjaluka

FBiH HoR in session

OHR on police reform

OHR on calls for police reform talks

 

NTV Hayat  (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

World News

Confirmed acquittal to Prce, Curcic?

OHR on police reform

No BiH citizens injured in Israel

Revoked sentence to Ante Jelavic

RS NA session

FBiH HoR in session

Jankovic pleads not guilty

Live report from RS NA session

Protest in front of FBiH Govt building

FBiH HoR discussed ‘Agrokomerc’

Initiative for Hafizovic’s dismissal

 

Oslobodjenje

First-degree verdict in ‘Jelavic case’ is not understandable

Dnevni Avaz

[FBiH Comm. Minister Brankovic] 51% of BH Telecom for at least €650 million

Dnevni List

More money to Croats from Zagreb (Raguz visiting Croatia)

Vecernji List

Apocalypse (Lebanon related)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Dual citizens (BiH-Cro) losing their cars

Nezavisne Novine

Police reform must be a product of the agreement

Glas Srpske

School tuition for headache [Report on high school tuition at Banja Luka School of Economics]

EuroBlic

Panic because of mad cow [Report on possibility of cow madness in village Golici, close to Milici]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

 

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

RSNA in session: Outlook of agenda still unknown, several Caucuses want to discuss replacing of RSNA Deputy Speaker Hafizovic

 

BHT1By Dragan Stegic– RS National Assembly has continued its 37th session in Banja Luka and it is under special attention, due to SDS’ and SRS’ demands for replacement of RSNA Deputy Speaker Sefket Hafizovic. In the mean time MPs have accepted the report of RS Commission for Bonds, along with some conclusions proposed by PDP, among which is the demand for transfer of BiH Central Bank from Sarajevo to Banja Luka. After finishing with this session, MPs should start the 38th session at which they should discuss several proposals of law. However, it is still unknown what the agenda would look like, since several Caucuses has asked for including of few more items, among which is demand for Hafizovic replacement.

FBiH HoR adopts proposal of amendments to law on privatization

 

BHT1By Ljiljana Radl– FBiH House of Representatives held its special session, at which the chamber has passed proposal of amendments to FBiH Law on Privatization. This is directed toward accelerating of the privatization process, because large companies are yet to be privatized and which have to be restructured before privatization. As Radl stresses, amendments to the Law on Privatization were supported by 50 MPs and changes refer to two points. First is separation of company’s parts “which are not competitive” from the “healthy ones” where gained means would be used for restructuring of “weak” parts. Second change refers to giving of authorities to the FBiH Government, where now it can mediate, through agreement, in sale of certain parts of large companies.  After ending the special session, FBiH HoR continues the regular session, at which MPs returned proposal law on lowest hourly wage to the proponent. This proposal law was withdrawn by authorized Minister Radovan Vignjevic. In time of the news, proposal law on income tax was not approved by the FBiH HoR.

PDHR Butler to meet Stability Pact’s Busek, focus on creating jobs

RHB – Principal Deputy HR Lawrence Butler and Stability Pact Special Coordinator Gerhard Busek will meet in Sarajevo today to discuss how regional cooperation can be best used in order to augment investments and job creation.

Sarajevo Commission to meet today, discuss program of work

 

RHB – Sarajevo Commission for suffering of Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Jews and others during the war is today scheduled to adopt its work program which should define the scope and method of the commission’s work, after which scientific and research projects should be produced and the research work itself should start. In the last session the Commission requested that BiH CoM urgently approve funds for the work of the Commission.

Prosecutor Colovic on Abazovic case: No one can say Rada, Dragoljub Abazovic used firearms

 

BHT1 – Investigation of District Prosecution of East Sarajevo regarding the EUFOR arrest action of Dragomir Abazovic, showed that no one can say for sure that Rada Abazovic and her heavily injured son Dragoljub were using fire arms or that Dragomir shot himself. Chief District Prosecutor Rajko Colovic said that no gunpowder residue was found on hands of the boy, for whom EUFOR claims that he was using the firearms. (In January 2006, EUFOR attempted to arrest war crime suspect Dragomir. Attempt resulted in Dragomir’s wife Rada getting killed, son Dragoljub injured)

 

Economy/Social Affairs

Serb Caucus in RS CoP asks for special session regarding Bosniaks’ objection to sale of Telecom Srpske

 

Hayat– Serb Caucus in the RS Council of Peoples asked for a special session of the RS CoP. Session should be dedicated to the fact that Bosniak Caucus in RS CoP has launched vital national interest protection thus opposing the privatization of Telecom Srpske. RS CoP Deputy Chairman, Momir Manic said that Serb delegates decided to ask the CoP Chair to schedule the session for Thursday, July 20. Glas Srpske PG 3 ‘Extraordinary session requested’ by G.D. – also reported

RS CoP Chairman Kadric: session to be announced according to Rules of Procedure

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Council of Ministers should be included as well’ by H.O.– Chair of RS Council of Peoples, Remzija Kadric, told Avaz that he would schedule the session (of RS CoP) in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the RS CoP. This follows the demand of Serb Caucus in RS CoP for special session dedicated to privatization of ‘Telecom Srpske’. Expressing regret that BiH executive authorities didn’t take participation in this process, Kadric said: “I am convinced that just privatization cannot happen without Council of Minister getting actively involved in the process (…) I deem that state executive authorities have to react immediately and try to save what can be saved and most practical solution would be simultaneous privatization of all three telecoms.” 

Bosniak Caucus in RS CoP: we will support changes of RS Constitution that would provide changes of RS name

 

RTRS– With regards to announcements of SNSD that the party would initialize changes to the RS Constitution in order to review the role of RS Council of Peoples, Bosniak Caucus in RS CoP announced that it would support every initiative for change of RS Constitution that provides the change of name of RS. SNSD made this announcement following the vital national interest protection that Bosniak Caucus launched on proposal for sale of ‘Telecom Srpske’. Bosniak Caucus stresses that the name RS is an obstacle for progress in BIH and Caucus repeated once again that all 3 peoples living in RS should benefit from the sale of ‘Telecom Srpske’. (also reported by Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘They would support all initiatives that lead to change of RS name’ by FENA, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Name of RS is root sticking point of BiH’s progress’, not signed, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘RS is stumbling block’ by D.Mo.,  Fokus pg 2 ‘Erasing RS’ name’ by not signed)

SNSD’s Simic explains procedure for changes to RS Constitution may last up to six months

 

EuroBlic RS pg 2 ‘SNSD announces initiative for change of RS Constitution’ by N.B. – Daily reports that SNSD intends to launch initiative for change of RS Constitution after elections, which should examine the role of RS Council of Peoples and define the issue of vital national interest. In a statement to daily, Krstan Simic, Head of SNSD Caucus, explains that “urgent change of Constitution stipulates period of six months at least.” (NOTE: Serb delegates were revolted over invoking of VNI re privatization of “Telekom Srpske”.) Tarik Sadovic, Head of SDA Caucus in RS Parliament, stated: “When anger leaves SNSD representatives, they will realize changes of Constitution are not issue of daily politics, but instead a serious work of various political subjects.”

RS Telekom Director Krunic: privatization of RS Telekom is political issue

Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Politization does not bring good to BiH’ by Srna – Director of RS Telekom said that prevention of privatization of RS Telekom by Bosniak Caucus at RS Council of Peoples proves that all issues in BiH are of political nature.

BH Telekom CEO argues all 3 telecommunications companies should be sold as one

 

Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Three telecoms under one cap’ by D. P. Mandic – In a statement for DL about privatization of telecommunication companies, Hamdo Katica, BH Telekom general manager, says that state property should not be sold at a bargain price and that a better deal would be achieved by selling all three companies as one. He believes to sell 3 telecoms to different foreign companies might lead to better service for customers but could also deprive state of its income for which reason it should be considered whether telecom operators should remain state owned.

Energopetrol accounts to be de-blocked on Wednesday; FBiH Government hopes privatization process would be finished in less than two months

 

BHT1 By Damir Simic – After FBiH Government adopted the proposal of the contract on the co-capitalisation of ‘Energopetrol’ with Croatian-Hungarian consortium INA-MOL at its last session, bank accounts of this company have been blocked for five days. According to BHT reporter, during the talks between representatives of Energopetrol Trade Union and HVB Bank, it was agreed that the blockade is lifted on Wednesday. Representatives of FBiH Government deem that the privatisation of Energopetrol should be completed in less than two months. “Everything was done in line with the Law on Privatisation”, stressed FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic; however, Minister of Culture and Sport Gavrilo Grahovac – who voted against the sale of Energopetrol – claims that the contract is full of irregularities, and that it will not be implemented. “Persons who allegedly worry about 1,059 Energopetrol workers, and who persistently insist on this project, are in fact persons who would bring those 1,059 workers into a very difficult situation”, stated Grahovac. PINK– also reported.

Trade Union of Energopetrol threatens with protests if accounts aren’t de-blocked

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Unblocking of the account or protests before HVB Bank’ by M.Kukan– Following the verbal agreement between HVB Bank and ‘Energopetrol’ Trade Union regarding the lifting of account blockade on Wednesday, Trade Union representative Nusret Mamic told Avaz that they would organize protests on Thursday before the HVB Bank if the blockade is not lifted. At the same time, Avaz learns from the HVB Bank that they haven’t made any promises, stressing that pre-condition for lifting of the blockade are guarantees from the Consortium INA/MOL, which haven’t arrived yet. Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘De-blockade of Energopetrol accounts today’ by A.Av– carries Mamic’s statement that they reached a verbal agreement.

BHT: ITA prepared Rulebook to control oil market in BiH, RS opposes to it

 

BHT1 By Damir Simic – In order to regulate oil market in BiH, Indirect Taxation Administration has created a Rulebook on Compulsory Use of Measuring Instruments in a sale of oil and oil derivates. However, this rulebook is not in effect, due to opposition from RS. “It would certainly mean almost complete control over the turnover of oil and oil derivates. Because those measuring instruments would enable ITA to monitor both the entry and the exit of every litre of oil on gas stations, and in the same time to monitor the quality of all those fuels”, explained ITA Director Kemal Causevic.

FBiH HoR to vote on proposal law on income tax at Wednesday’s special session

 

FTV– Since there was no quorum, FBiH House of Representatives did not vote on the law on lowest net hourly wage, and the new concept of taxation of physical persons’ total income, at its Tuesday’s session. It is expected that these laws will be on the agenda of Wednesday’s special session. RHBBy Zana Rebo – During the continuation of the session of FBiH HoR, MPs have discussed proposal of law on the law on income tax. Namely, the proposed text of the law foresees four taxation rates, instead of recently proposed two. The first 5 % rate refers to monthly incomes in amount of 400 KM; second 10 % rate to amounts of 400-800 KM; 15 % refers to 800-1.500 KM, while the highest income tax rate would be 20 % and it would refer to monthly incomes higher than 1.500 KM. An MP in FBiH House of Peoples, SDP’s Svetozar Pudaric, submitted an amendment, asking for monthly incomes in FBiH not to be taxed since they are not in line with an average FBiH salary [namely 557 KM]. FBIH House of Peoples should take a stance on the law by the end of July. Hayat– carries that FBiH HoR didn’t vote on the proposal law.

FBiH HoR to discuss amendments to law on privatization of companies on Wednesday’s session, MPs ask for dismissal of Minister Bozic over ‘Agrokomerc’ case

 

FTV By Azra Pasukan – Members of the FBiH House of Representatives of Tuesday discussed the general situation, and preparations for privatisation of ‘Agrokomerc’ company from Velika Kladusa. Among other things, representatives requested the dismissal of FBiH Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Marinko Bozic, because they deem FBiH Government and this ministry have done nothing to protect the property of Agrokomerc, and revitalize this company. “FBiH Government promised last year to solve the situation in ‘Agrokomerc’ by using the budget funds – approximately KM one million”, stated member of the FBiH HoR Husein Nanic. According to FTV reporter, privatisation of ‘Agrokomerc’ has been stagnating for a long time; proposal of the law amending the law on the privatisation of companies, which FBiH HoR should discuss during a special session on Wednesday, should enable restructuring of ‘Agrokomerc’ and other strategic companies before they are privatised. During Tuesday’s session, FBiH HoR tasked FBiH Government, Ministry in charge and Agency for Privatisation to come up with the proposal for solving problems of ‘Agrokomerc’ by the next session. (RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Changes of the Law on privatization’ Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Return Agrokomerc to strategic companies’ by S.Se, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Extraordinary session on company privatization’ unsignedalso covered)

FBiH PM Hadzipasic: de-blocking of privatization process through amending of the law

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Parliamentarians needed the round table to see where is the problem’ by M.K– FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic told DA that in his opinion, the only way to unblock the privatization process in FBiH is passing of amendments to Law on privatization. He reiterates that these amendments are very important for future status of former large systems and resolving of internal obligations between employees and companies. Hadzipasic is unsatisfied with the fact that only the recently held round table (on privatization related matters) has persuaded MPs in necessity of these changes, even though the FBiH Government has proposed these amendment twice and were rejected both times.

BiH Ministry of Traffic and Communications confirms feasibility study for Corridor Vc will not be completed by July 26, Minister Dokic believes deadline will be met on time

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 15 ‘Feasibility study will not be completed on time’ by D.Muminovic  – BiH Ministry of Traffic and Communication confirmed that Corridor 5C feasibility study would not be completed by July 26 as planned due to backlogs of duties. According to NN source from the Ministry, feasibility study will not be completed before August. Ministry reported that Road Directorate that would run the construction project has not been established yet. Ministry also reported that RS Government and ModricaMunicipality do not agree with the proposal that the road goes through this municipality.

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Feasibility study would be finished by July 26’ by L.S. – Following the meeting with directors of institutes that are preparing the documentation (on feasibility study on Corridor Vc), the BiH Minister of Transportand Communication Branko Dokic says he expects that the feasibility study for Corridor Vc would be completed by July 26 as planned. Dokic also added that he should receive draft Law on Roads, crucial for realization of Corridor 5-C, which would be then submitted to the BiH Council of Ministers.

RS NA adopted strategy for development of agriculture up to 2015

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Duties regarding roads and agriculture accepted’ by V.P. – RS National Assembly deputies adopted a strategy of agriculture development by 2015. According to the strategy, 6% of budget resources will be allocated to agricultural incentives in the following 3 years. Strategy also provides for establishment of 500 dairy farms, new orchards, construction of small irrigation systems and support to modern capacities necessary for finalisation of farming produce. RS Minister of Agriculture Slaven Pekic is very pleased with this decision. RS NA deputies also adopted a decision on a US$ 7.6 million loan with International Fund for Development of Agriculture that will be used for improvement of rural businesses. RS NA also adopted decision regarding loan taking of EURO 40 million with European Investment Bank, intended for rehabilitation of roads in RS.

Russian Embassy to BiH confirms Russia is concerned over its investments in RS/BiH

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Russian investments in jeopardy’ by SRNA– The Russian Embassy in BiH Tuesday confirmed that Russian investments are facing problems in this area, of which Nikolay Kurjanovich, Russian Federation Duma delegate, warned in a letter addressed to authorities of RS and BiH. As an example of withdrawal of Russian investment from BiH, press release Russian Embassy to BiH issued Tuesday refers to project “Juzuralozoloto” related to revival of production at Mine of lead and zinc Sase in RS (project planned investment of US $ 7 million). (also reported by Hayat, RTRS, Vecernji List pg 7 ‘RS does not want Russian money’ by Eldina Medunjanin)

GS wonders whether ITA SB session on 25 July would identify key to distribution of resources from single account

 

Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘BAM 181 million blocked’ by D.V.M. – Daily wonders whether the key to distribution of resources from ITA (Indirect Taxation Administration) single account would be found at the next meeting between representatives of the RS, F BiH and Brcko District, which is to take place on 25 July, when ITA Steering Board is to hold session in Banja Luka. The session is to be chaired by Peter Nicholl for the first time. Ratko Kovacevic, Head of ITA Communication Department, has stated that “owing to blockade that has been lasting for 18 days now, the amount of BAM 181.2 million has been ‘frozen’ on the account.”

 

Judicial Issues/Investigations

‘Covic and others’ trial continues: defense witness tries to discredit protected witness

 

 

Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Imamovic: I was blackmailed by protected witness’ by E. Mackic – ‘Covic and others’ trial continued before the BiH Court on Tuesday with defense witness Nihad Imamovic saying that prosecution’s protected witness Zoran Nikolic tried to extort KM 100,000 from Imamovic back in 1999 and that he tried to blackmail Lijanovici company as well. After this, expert witness Marko Galic testified and ascertained that Lijanovici company did not give any gift to the-then FBiH Finance Minister Dragan Covic and that the company paid all excise tax on the goods it imported. (trial is related to alleged tax evasions involving ‘Lijanovici’ company and Dragan Covic) (also reported by Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Covic got neither apartment nor a million KM’ by Z. K.)

President of Brod Refinery Union accuses RS Pres and former Refinery Manager of obstructing investigation into “Vitol” affair

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Cavic and Mujicic influence investigation in “Vitol” affair’ by G.Maunaga Danilo Brocilo, President of the Union of Brod Refinery Tuesday stated that the RS President, Dragan Cavic, and former Refinery Manager, Vojin Mujicic, are influencing investigation in “Vitol” affair, noting: “They are doing all they can that persons against whom criminal reports have been filed are freed of responsibility. I believe Minister (of Energy in RS Milan) Jelic will not give in to pressures and that he is clear regarding the situation in the Refinery.” (British “Vitol” company has accused Refinery of having violated contract it signed with this company, demanding high compensation.)

Former RS PM Klickovic’s lawyer announces lodging of complaint re extradition of his client to BiH

 

Oslobodjenje pg 7, mentioned on cover ‘Klickovic to complain before Serbian Supreme Court?’ – BiH Justice Minister Slobodan Kovac told daily that although there are “no official information from Belgrade, it seems like Serbian authorities are ready to extradite [former RS Prime Minister] Gojko Klickovic.” BiH Prosecutor’s Office has delivered a request for extradition of Klickovic suspected of abuse of office and illegal writing-off of debts for taxes, excises and fees to Tobacco Factory from Banja Luka. He was also indicted for war crimes. Klickovic’ lawyer claims that Belgrade County Court approved the extradition, announcing complaint will be submitted to Serbian Supreme Court.

SD argues acquittal of Alispahic et al. proves judiciary reform failed, AID still rules BiH

 

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 9 ‘AID shaping independent judiciary’ by Milo Jukic – SD article comments on the recent court decision to acquit former FBiH Interior Minister Bakir Alispahic and 4 other AID (ex-Bosniak secret service) and MoI members of charges of attempted murder of Fikret Abdic. Jukic reminds that this trial started out as a trial of organizers of the Pogorelica terrorist training camp in which SFOR in 1996 found large quantities of explosives (planted into children’s toys) and military equipment and arrested 8 MoI and AID members as well as 3 members of Iranian intelligence services who were there in the capacity of instructors. Commentary argues Pogorelica trial proved that Alispahic et al organized terrorist training but when the public thought that state sponsored terrorism was about to come to an end, those responsible were actually rewarded and not sanctioned.  Author concludes that the money the IC put into judiciary reform in BiH was wasted because it turns out that AID, although officially does not exist any longer, actually still rules BiH.

Alleged terrorist Alicic says 2 years ago he was offered money to destroy Hum cross and US Consular office

Vecernji List pg 7 ‘Wahhaby’s confession: They offered me 9000 US$ to destroy cross on Hum’ by Robert Soldo – VL reporter visited the home of Elviz Alicic, who was questioned and imprisoned by the police for what some media described as a terrorist attempt to destroy the cross on the Hum hill in Mostar. Alicic, aka Abu Dzafir, informed VL that two years ago he was offered US$ 9000 to destroy the cross and that he was also offered to plant explosive at the US Consular Office [not specified whether in Mostar or elsewhere], both of which he says he refused. According to Alicic, money was offered to him by one Seih Husein whom Alicic threw out of his house. He says he did fight in the “El Mujahid” unit during the war but today he is merely a religious man and not a terrorist which is why Islamic radicals are trying to kill him today; he says sharpshooters are deployed around his house who already fired two shots at him.

 

Political Developments

Belgium Deputy PM visits BiH, holders of BiH diplomatic passports to enter Benelux countries without visas

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Benelux countries abolishing visas to our diplomats’ by S.S. – Belgium Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Patrick Dewael is visiting BiH on Wednesday. Minister Dewael will meet with BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak, and sign the agreement on readmission and exchange notes on the agreement for abolishing visas for holders of diplomatic passports between Benelux states and BiH. Readmission of persons means both sides would have to accept deported immigrants that had illegally entered or residing in Benelux[Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg] countries or BiH.

BiH CEC: Deadline for fixing shortcomings re election candidates expires on Wednesday

Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Deadline for removal of irregularities expires today’ by FENA Maksida Bajramovic, Spokesperson with the BiH Central Election Commission, has stated that deadline of five days, which was given to political subjects to remove irregularities at their candidates’ lists, expires on Wednesday. She said that of 7500 proposed candidates, 663 of them failed to meet all legal requirements.

 

Miscellaneous

Round table on missing persons ended in Banja Luka

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘On half way’ by M.Dizdar – Two-day round table dedicated to search for imprisoned and missing persons, which was organized in Banja Luka by the RS Association of families of fallen and missing soldiers ended on Tuesday. Participants expressed discontent with the results of search and processing of war crimes suspects. The Chairman of the Association Nedeljko Mitrovic said the process is at its halfway stage adding this Association is not satisfied with the work of competent institutions (Army, Ministry of Interior, BiH institutions, SIPA, OSA etc). Mitrovic also said this Association is not satisfied with the work of the ICTY noting that neither one case regarding war crimes over Serbs has been solved. RS Chief Prosecutor Amor Bukic stated that the task of the Prosecution is to raise indictments and reminded that war crimes have been in competence of BiH Court since March 1st 2003. Chief RS Crime Police said that the main priority of RS Ministry of Interior is to find all missing persons

Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Institutions do not help in search after missing’ by G.M. – also reports on Round Table

Banja Luka Major Davidovic condemns incidents in Banja Luka’s Vrbanja district, calls for reasonable behaviour

 

BHT1 By Boris Gagic – Numerous incidents, such as shooting near the local mosque, insulting graffiti written on the walls of famous BiH poet Nasiha Kapidzic-Hadzic’s house, and the walls of elementary school at Banja Luka’s district of Vrbanja, are probably linked with ‘Days on Banjaluka Diaspora’ manifestation. Local authorities condemned those incidents. Banja Luka Mayor Dragoljub Davidovic called on all people in Vrbanja to behave reasonably. “They have to cooperate, to obey the principles of tolerance and mutual respect”, stated Davidovic. Representatives of local police emphasized that they were doing all they can to find the perpetrators of those crimes. “Public Security Centre Banjaluka has already taken certain measures to solve those cases. We have also taken measures to prevent further incidents from happening”, stated PSC Banjaluka Head Zoran Stanisljevic, adding that security measures would be strengthened until the end of ‘Days on Banjaluka Diaspora’ manifestation. (also reported by Dnevni Avaz pg ‘Mayor invites to tolerance’ by D.T.)

Avaz op-ed: Celebrating late Chetnik movement leader in BL is message that genocide would happen again

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Followers of Draza’ op-ed by Almasa Hadzic – Commenting recent raising of monument to late (WW II) Chetnik movement leader Draza Mihailovic in Banja Luka, only seven days after marking anniversary of Srebrenica genocide, editorial comments: “Celebrating his name is message to everyone that point their fingers at crime and its perpertators that this crime would happen again, because Draza, and they unfortunatelly still believe in it, is not dead not even 60 years after [his death].