OHR BiH Media Morning Brief
RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
World News | World News | World news |
FBIH HoR in session | FBiH HoR in session | Tihic on Srebrenica genocide |
Hadzipasic on adopted law | RS NA in session | Exhumation in Kamenica |
BiH signs agreement with | “Politika” on Mladic’s whereabouts | Tadic in |
NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
Tihic re Srebrenica genocide | FBIH HoR session | Dodik on police reform |
RS NA to decide on Hafiziovic | FBIH HoR on Agrokomerc | Busek meets |
FBIH HoR in session | Feature on sale of telecom operators | BiH signs agreement with |
Privatisation of RS and BH Telecoms | RS NA session | RS NA in session |
Oslobodjenje | Value of deprived property in BiH – 86 billion KM |
Dnevni Avaz | [ITA SB Chair Peter Nicholl] I examine all possible options |
Dnevni List | Neum port is unnecessary (Stjepan Mesic interview) |
Vecernji List | |
Slobodna Dalmacija | They are calling for return but they built houses for themselves in |
Nezavisne Novine | There are no evidences that Abazovics shot |
Glas Srpske | EUFOR shot on the back |
EuroBlic | They avoid speaker’s platform but not cashier |
Vecernje novosti | Features Serbian related titles |
RSNA session: disputes of Hafizovic and RTRS., etc | |
RSNA includes initiative to dismiss Deputy Speaker in agenda; disagreement over the issue
| PINK by Dragica Tojagic – On Wednesday morning, the RS National Assembly has completed its 37th and immediately commenced the 38th regular session, whose agenda did include an initiative to remove the RSNA Deputy Speaker, Sefket Hafizovic, which however was not discussed. Initiative, allowed by RSNA Collegium to enter the procedure, was launched by |
Sefket Hafizovic’s dismissal to be discussed in beginning of September [when session is to continue]
| Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Hafizovic Deputy Speaker of RSNA until further’ by N.D.– DA carries MPs would most probably vote on initiative to dismiss RSNA Deputy Speaker Sefket Hafizovic it only in September. SDA Vice-President Adil Osmanovic told DA that SDA would continue to be part of assembly majority by then and would support the RS Government, lead by Prime Minister Milorad Dodik. “If this demand gets the necessary support we will withdraw from the majority, our minister would leave the Government and we will withhold support to Dodik,” said Osmanovic. |
| RTRS by Sandra Zrnic – The initiative of |
Oslobodjenje commentary: Initiative for removal of RSNA Deputy Speaker Hafizovic suits every party
| Oslobodjenje, pg 9 ‘Hafizovic games’, by Orijana Vukovic – commenting on the initiative on removal of the RSNA Deputy Speaker, Sefket Hafizovic, Vukovic says it is about heating up of political atmosphere in the RS, which is a part of pre-election campaign and which obviously suits every political party. The author argues the |
RSNA rejects proposal for appointment of RTRS Steering Board members
| RTRS by Momcilo Ostojic – At the session held on Wednesday, RS National Assembly didn’t adopt the proposal of RS National Assembly Commission for appointments of four new members of the RTRS Steering Board. The candidates proposed by Commission are: Zdenka Babic [representatives of Croats], Jusuf Strbic [Bosniak member], Nikola Drca [Serb member] and Ljiljana Najdek [representative of other peoples]. RTRS says that the SNSD deputies didn’t agree with the method of appointment that Commission used. SNSD deputy Krstan Simic suggested requesting of legal explanation of the regulations on appointment of RTSR Steering Board members. |
NN: RTRS Steering Board was not elected,
| Nezavine Novine pg 4 ‘RTRS Steering Board was not elected, |
RSNA adopts Law on high education in line with state legislation
| RTRS late news– Late in the Wednesday evening, the RS National Assembly adopted the RS Law on higher education. Text of the law is harmonised with the principles of state proposal law on higher education. The law regulates organisation and financing of the higher education, as well as principles of work of high education institutions. RS NA also adopted the changes to law on RS Taxation Administration in accordance with decisions of |
Economic issues | |
FBiH HoR passes changes to privatisation law enabling separate privatisation of parts of large companies
| PINK by Zeljko Mandic – At the session held on Wednesday, FBiH House of Representatives adopted the draft amendments to the FBiH Law on privatisation which would enable separate privatisation of parts of the large economic businesses. FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic welcomed adoption of the amendments, stressing that they to solve many economic problems in economy and privatisation of the large companies. FBiH Minister of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry Marinko Bozic state that company “Agrocomorec” should be divided in food industry unit and bio industry unit prior to privatisation. Bozic believes that the separate privatisation of single units should be conducted in several other companies as well, such as “Krivaja”, “Hepok”, “Zeljezara Zenica” and many others. BHT1-Hadzipasic stressed that the sale of these companies would be monitored by members of Managements Boards and Trade Unions. |
PDHR Butler, Stability Pact Coordinator Busek warn of possibility for BiH not to sign CEFTA, because of unresolved relations with neighbours
| BHT1 By Damir Simic – Coordinator of Stability Pact for |
DL: BiH should be careful when signing CEFTA agreement
| Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Market’ by Danijela Kozina – the author argues that the warning by Stability Pact’s Special Coordinator Erhard Busek that BiH might not be able to sign CEFTA agreement has not left anyone in BiH indifferent because everyone is aware if BiH were to stay outside CEFTA, it would prevent possible investments into BiH economy and foremost BiH would not have access to a big, 50-million people strong market that could open possibilities for BiH companies. Kozina however warns that all relevant political and economic figures in BiH should carefully study what BiH is being offered in order not to cause harm to BiH economy once/if CEFTA is signed. |
FBiH HoR rejects proposal Law on income tax
| Hayat By Nebojsa Radulovic – FBIH House of representatives, at the session held on Wednesday, rejected the proposal law on income tax proposed by the FBIH Government, which Govt receives with dissatisfaction. FBIH Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic stated that as consequences “citizens will still have income tax in addition to other 10 taxes on incomes in one way or the other…this is situation that people easily get confused especially foreign investors”. On the other side, delegates expressed dissatisfaction because the law was proposed at the first place. FBIH HoR delegate Zaim Backovic stated that “people have VAT; the final consumer pays VAT so that is a tax”. Mirnes Ajanovic stated that “the law was proposed two months before elections” claiming that the intention was to win some pre-election points. FBiH HoR also discussed the proposal law on lowest hourly wage deciding to return in to Government for additional changes. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Proposal law on lowest hourly wage withdrawn’ by S.Se– FBiH Minister of Labour and Social Police, Radovan Vignjevic has withdrawn the proposal law on lowest hourly wage, on suggestion of FBiH MPs. FTV,PINK, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Introduction of income tax rejected’ by A.Hadziarapovic – also reported. |
Sarajevo Economic Institute suggests natural restitution in BiH possible and desirable
| Oslobodjenje, front pg splash and pgs 4-5 ‘Value of confiscated property in BiH – 86 billion KMs’, by Alda Omeragic – experts of the Sarajevo School of Economy (College) recommended to BiH authorities to give back all the nationalized property, which was nationalized after the WWII (1945), to the original owners, although the value has been estimated at more than 86 billion KMs. The Economic Institute on Wednesday presented the Restitution Feasibility Study [ordered by the State Restitution Commission and BiH authorities], which showed according to the Institute’s director, Ante Domazet, that the restitution in question “is not only possible, but desirable too”. The main argument of the Study is to go ahead with natural restitution and avoid giving financial compensation since the experts estimate the latter would require between 417 and 625 million KMs. Experts also suggest to the state to issue bonds instead of paying the original owners in cash.BHT1, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni List pg 6 ‘restitution in kind, not financial’ unsigned, Vecernji List pg 4 ’15 years for return of property’ by Dejan Jazvic, Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Value of taken property in BiH- 86 billion KM’ by Aida Omeragic, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Necessary to solve ownership over 86 billion KM of property’ by N.J., |
BiH Association of old foreign currency savers invited HR to direct money from sale of telecoms to savers
| Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘To return money within shortest possible time’ not signed – BiH Association of old foreign currency savers invited High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling to undertake measures in order to help their money to be returned in within the shortest possible time. OHR on Tuesday criticized initiative of BiH Parliament on amendment to the Law on old currency saving, according to which the payment deadline is reduced from ten to five years. The Association is of opinion that HR should impose the decision by which the money from sale of telecoms should be directed to old foreign currency savers: “We remind Schwarz-Schilling that owners of foreign money savings are mostly of his age, that cannot live to see year 2020.” FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘Many would not live by 2020, for their money to be turned back’ by Fena – also covered. |
ITA SB Nicholl on blockade of ITA single account: examining all possibilities, says Fiscal Council should not be deciding on this
| Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘I examine all possible options’, pg 2 ‘There is no need for Fiscal Council to decide on allocation’ by T.Lazovic – Indirect Taxation Administration [ITA] Steering Board Chair Peter Nicholl confirmed daily he has been discussing the blockade of allocation of revenues from the ITA single account with all the members of ITA SB, Prime Ministers, Finance Ministers and influential politicians that can contribute the agreement to be reached. Nicholl stated he still hasn’t quite defined his opinion regarding the issue, adding that he would not come with his opinion in public before the next session of ITA SB, scheduled for 25 July. He noted: “I examine all possible opinions. Mine stance ]would be that the issue should be solved by the authorized body, which is Steering Board. There is no reason for Fiscal Council to decide on this.” |
Int. with Croatian President S. Mesic: it is better to build tunnel or highway through BiH than Peljesac bridge
| Dnevni List cover splash pg 8-9 ‘Port in Neum is unnecessary’ by Kristina Spajic – DL interviews Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on topics of interest concerning BiH and |
Other political issues | |
BiH signs visa regime agreement with
| BHT1 by Marina Martinovic – On Wednesday, the State of BiH signed an agreement with countries of Benelux on abolishment of visas for diplomats and agreement on readmission of persons, stipulating both sides would have to accept deported immigrants that had illegally entered or resided in Benelux countries [Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg] or BiH. Reporter comments that EU officials have stated once again that visa regime will be improved and added that the agreement with |
RS PM Dodik: if police reform cannot be conduct then one should say that agreement has failed or is not valid anymore
| Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘To respect reached agreement’ by V.Janjic – The press statement released by RS Government Bureau for Public Affairs Wednesday reads that RS Premier Milorad Dodik regards statement and assessment made by Kevin Sullivan, OHR Spokesperson, recently regarding initiative for political talks on police reform as unprincipled, adding: “If they claim there is a political agreement on this issue and use this as argument against political talks on police reform, Sullivan and those on whose behalf he is talking should provide respect of the reached agreement.” Dodik reminds: “All activities regarding the police reform are conducted against the reached agreement, including the model of establishing and decision-making in the Police Restructuring Directorate, while |
BiH Sec Min: Deadline for police reform will be broken
| Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Deadline for police reform will be broken’ by M.C. – Barisa Colak, BiH Security Minister, Wednesday confirmed that deadline for police reform will be broken. After meeting with Belgian Minister of Internal Affairs Patrick Dewael, Colak explained: “It is evident we will implement police reform with certain delay. Restructuring of police forces is of extreme importance for BiH, our attempts to join EU but also for liberalisation of visa regime. It is necessary to implement these reforms on principles European Commission clearly defined.” |
SBiH leader Silajdzic: Half million persons could loose BiH citizenship due to law provision
| Dnevni Avaz pg 9, mentioned on cover ‘Silajdzic: Half million persons could loose BiH citizenship’ by E.Sarac – On Wednesday, SBiH leader Haris Silajdzic told press conference that if the article 17 from the Law on BiH Citizenship is not urgently cancelled, some half a million of people could lose BiH citizenship, which would be a “contribution to ethnic cleansing and [former Serbian President Slobodan] Milosevic’s project in BiH”. He noted that the real motivation of those who oppose abolishing of this article was to take away BiH citizenship from thousands of Bosniak refugees from RS. Article 17 orders the withdrawal of citizenship in cases where BiH citizens have accepted citizenship of some other country with which BiH has not signed a bilateral agreement [except Sweden, Serbia and Montenegro]. Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Half million of people could loose BiH citizenship’ not signed, Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Verification of ethnic cleansing’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Article 17 certifies ethnic cleansing’ by D.Muminovic – also covered. |
Int. with Croatian President S. Mesic:
| Dnevni List cover splash pg 8-9 ‘Port in Neum is unnecessary’ by Kristina Spajic – DL interviews Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on topics of interest concerning BiH and |
Blic: Journalists and public critical of RS MPs
| EuroBlic cover pg splash ‘They avoid speaker’s platform but not cashier’, pgs 12-13 ‘They do not interfere in their work, but still do not evade cashier’ office’ by Rajna Radosavljevic – The daily criticizes the RS Members of Parliament for the fact the public does not recognize faces of many of them, since they do not go out to speaker’s platform, but still collect pays and allowances assigned to the them as MP’s. Daily carries two vox populi, one amongst journalists and second amongst common citizens, all noting always same politicians go out to platform. |
Leading political parties in RS talking part in elections independently, coalitions to follow after elections
| Vecernje Novosti pg 4 ‘First elections then coalitions’ by Sl.Pesevic – The daily observes the pre-election campaign has entered the phase of slow heat-up, adding leading parties (SNSD, |
NN oped: Author discusses pre-election agreements between nationalist parties focusing on SDA and | Nezavisne Novinre op-ed pg 7 ‘Already seen’ by Pero Simic – Author discusses upcoming elections and nationalist parties (focusing on |
War crimes and judicial issues | |
BiH Presidency member Tihic demands Prosecutor to publish list of Srebrenica genocide perpetrators
| BHT1- BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic requested on Wednesday from the BiH Prosecutor’s Office to publish the names of the perpetrators of genocide against the population of Srebrenica and Zepa in July 1995. In his public statement, Tihic reiterates that the BiH Prosecutor’s Office has not launched a single investigation for genocide and war cries although it has been two years since the announcement of the RS Government’s Report on genocide against the Bosniak population of Srebrenica and Zepa. Additionally, the Prosecutor’s Office does not allow revealing the names of the perpetrators of genocide, thus, enabling at least 892 persons suspected of war crimes and genocide to continue performing functions in municipal, Entity and State institutions. “This method is only disabling investigations and allowing the criminal to flee, primarily because they know their names are on the list,” said Tihic. He said that the RS Government made the list of 28.000 perpetrators of genocide against the Bosniaks of Srebrenica and Zepa, of which at least 892 persons are still performing public functions in municipal, Entity or State institutions. Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Tihic on criminals’ by md , Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Names of Srebrenica genocide perpetrators should be published’ unsigned, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Publish the names of the suspects for Srebrenica crimes’ by M.C., Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘To publish names of genocide perpetrators in Srebrenica’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje og 2 ‘Tihic submitted demand to Prosecution to publish names of criminals from Srebrenica’ not signed – also covered. |
Sarajevo Commission Co-Chair Rasevic resigned from Deputy Chair of Sarajevo Commission
| Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Zeljko Rasevic resigned’ by S.S. – Zeljko Rasevic, Co-Chair of Commission to investigate suffering of Serbs, Croats, Jews, Bosniaks and others during the war in Sarajevo, resigned from his position because of, as he stated, health problems. Daily learns that the real reason for his resignation was the great pressure from the RS leadership on Rasevic to leave. BiH Council of Ministers will be informed about the resignation, so a new member of Sarajevo Commission can be appointed. Author concludes that conditions for continuation of Commission’s work still exist, due to the presence of two other Serb members. RTRS – also reported. |
NN op-ed: author refers to the Sarajevo Comm. session due to which journalists were not allowed to enter the building of BiH institutions
| Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Order from the top’ by Natasa Krsman – Author refers to the Wednesday’s session of Commission to investigate suffering of Serbs, Croats, Jews, Bosniaks and others during the war in Sarajevo, due to which journalists were not allowed to enter the building of BiH institutions. According to the author, security guard explained that journalists made troubles during the Commission’ last session. Author states that Commission should regulate this issue by some book of rules since it was only working on adoption and ratification of acts during its last four sessions. Author also states Commission should schedule press conference noting that media reported much earlier about suffering in |
Investigation on Abazovic case completed: no one can say for sure that Rada and Dragomir were using fire arms
| Nezavisne Novine cover splash, page 2 ‘There is no evidence Abazovics made shots’ by D.Mu. – Investigation of District Prosecution of East Sarajevo regarding the EUFOR attempted arrest of war crime suspect Dragomir Abazovic, (in January 2006, which resulted in killing of his wife Rada and severe injuring of his son Dragoljub) showed that no one can say for sure that Rada and her son Dragoljub used 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. Colovic added that this case was sent to the Italian judiciary last week due to BiH and NATO agreement by which NATO members are not under BiH jurisdiction. The investigation determined that Rada and her son were injured by weapons of Italian Carabineers. Glas Srpke cover splash ‘EUFOR shot in the back’ by Z. Domazet -In his statement to GS, Abazovic’s attorney Dusko Tomic welcomed the report of the Prosecution. According to inset ‘We will press charges against |
BiH Justice Minister Kovac: Jelavic cannot be tried in
| Vecernji List pg 4 “Hercegovacka banka trial will not be transferred to Croatia’ by Zoran Kresic – VL says there are opposing opinions on whether the trial of Ante Jelavic, former BiH Presidency member and HDZ BiH President, can be transferred to Croatia and quotes BiH Justice Minister Slobodan Kovac as saying that, legally, the case cannot be transferred to Croatia contrary to what his defence lawyer says because the maximum possible sentence for charges in question exceeds ten years. Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘Extradition is not asked and |
Croatian State Prosecution investigates Hercegovacka Bank case with regard to responsibility of former BiH Presidency member Jelavic
| Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Croatian Chief State Prosecutor has been investigating Hercegovacka Bank case for two months’ by F.Vele – Croatian Chief State Prosecutor Mladen Bajic confirmed to Croatian media on Wednesday, that there has been an ongoing investigation in case of Hercegovacka Bank, with regard to responsibility of former BiH Presidency member and former HDZ leader Ante Jelavic and others. Jelavic was originally sentenced to ten years of prison, after the |
EX BiH Presidency member Jelavic said he will not go back to BiH, but would stand a trial in
| Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Jelavic: I do not intend going back to BiH’ Radio Free Europe – Following the decision of the Appellate Council of the BiH Court to revoke the first-degree sentence against him, former BiH Presidency member and former HDZ leader Ante Jelavic stated for Radio Free Europe on Wednesday that he does not intend to go back to BiH, where his human rights were breached. Jelavic was originally sentenced to ten years of prison for embezzlement of finances Croatian Government sent as a help to Croatian Defence Council [HVO] in BiH. Jelavic also noted that he would appear on trial in |
VL op-ed: Annulment of Jelavic sentence will show IC it cannot treat Croats as it has so far
| Vecernji List ‘End of Wild West’ op-ed by Petar Grubisic – Editorial comments on the decision by the BiH Court Appellate Panel in the case against Ante Jelavic, former BiH Presidency member and HDZ BiH President, and notes that the first instance sentence was brought about by a prosecutor and a judge appointed by IC who in the course of the proceedings made a number of mistakes. Author finds that, before Jelavic trial actually started, a mob atmosphere was created and it was only a matter of what kind of sentence he would get. Grubisic concludes that Jelavic trial is typical of how Croats in BiH have been treated by IC and reminds of the accusations against Croats for the murder of Jozo Leotar (former FBiH Interior Minister) and the raid of Hercegovacka banka carried out by means of tanks. Fortunately, he says, the Appellate Panel with its brave decision showed that such times are behind us which will prove to IC that court decisions cannot be rendered based on someone’s wishes but only on evidence because everybody has the right to a fair trial. |
OHR BiH Media Round-up
Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 20 July
RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs) | BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs) | RTRS (12,00 hrs) |
St. Elies celebrations in BiH | Funeral in Prijedor | No news : technical difficulties |
RSNA to pay pensions to chetniks? | Jovic on visa regime |
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CEC to draw order for Oct elections | Israeli attacks continue |
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TV news broadcast on
RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
World News | World News | World news |
FBIH HoR in session | FBiH HoR in session | Tihic on Srebrenica genocide |
Hadzipasic on adopted law | RS NA in session | Exhumation in Kamenica |
BiH signs agreement with | “Politika” on Mladic’s whereabouts | Tadic in |
NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
Tihic re Srebrenica genocide | FBIH HoR session | Dodik on police reform |
RS NA to decide on Hafiziovic | FBIH HoR on Agrokomerc | Busek meets |
FBIH HoR in session | Feature on sale of telecom operators | BiH signs agreement with |
Privatisation of RS and BH Telecoms | RS NA session | RS NA in session |
Oslobodjenje | Value of deprived property in BiH – 86 billion KM |
Dnevni Avaz | [ITA SB Chair Peter Nicholl] I examine all possible options |
Dnevni List | Neum port is unnecessary (Stjepan Mesic interview) |
Vecernji List | |
Slobodna Dalmacija | They are calling for return but they built houses for themselves in |
Nezavisne Novine | There are no evidences that Abazovics shot |
Glas Srpske | EUFOR shot on the back |
EuroBlic | They avoid speaker’s platform but not cashier |
Vecernje novosti | Features Serbian related titles |
Latest news of today | |
BiH HoR’ delegates accuse SNSD’ Dodik and PDP’ Ivanic of obstructing police reform
| Srna – Sead Avdic and Mehmed Zilic, delegates at the BiH HoR have today rejected possibility of seeing political agreement on police reform renewed. At the press conference in |
Funeral of wartime victims in Prijedor
| BH Radio 1 – Bodies of 305 Bosniaks and Croats, victims of war crimes in Prijedor area, have been escorted from Prijedor settlement Rizvanovici. During the day funeral ceremonies would be held on 16 local cemeteries. Religious ceremony was led by leader of Islamic Community in BiH Mustafa Effendi Ceric, who said that truth cannot be hidden. Prijedor local Priest Marijan Stojanovic said that this last farewell must not be the reason for hatred and revenge, but stimulus for forgiveness. BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic attended the ceremony, but he didn’t address it. He told journalists that he will do everything in his power for the missing persons to be found and culprits for the crimes punished. |
BiH Presidency member Jovic underlines need for liberalization of visa regime
| BH Radio 1 – Member of BiH Presidency Ivo Miro Jovic, GRAS [Sarajevo City Transport] Director Sacir Boskajlo and Representative of “Veola” for South- East Europe Heinrich Gilmer met in |
Economy | |
Telecom privatization: FBiH Minister claims that documents are prepared | BHT1- FBIH Government will discus the proposal on the privatisation of telecom sector at a session next Thursday. FBIH Minister of Transport and Communications Nedzad Brankovic claims that privatisation of BH Telecom and HT Mostar will not be late in comparison to privatisation of RS Telecom. He added that the documents and studies for the privatisation are ready. |
FTV: 51% of BH Telecom to be sold for 650 million Euros
| FTV- By Sanjin Beciragic – FTV brings a feature on the sale of telecom operators in FBIH. FBIH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic considers the whole issue to be confidential despite the fact that the sale model has already been published in the media. Reporter comments that proposal is to sell 51% of state capital in BH Telecom for 650 million Euros and Eronet for 200 million Euros if FBIH Government decides to sell it. Hadzipasic didn’t want to confirm or deny these allegations whilst FBIH Minister of Transport and Communications Nedzad Brankovic stated that the figures in question are presented in the report on sale of telecom operators in FBIH. Deputy Prime Minister Dragan Vrankic stated that he is for the sale of telecom operators but in his opinion FBIH should keep some capital in them. Reporter comments that the sale of RS Telecom has caused FBIH Government to react. Vrankic says that FBIH Government has to react swiftly and make a decision on the sale of telecom operators. Reporter continues by saying that the sale of first telecom operator will reduce the selling price for other 2 and concludes that the final word on the issue is up to members of FBIH Parliament. |
Hayat: Government that sells telecom first would gain foreign investments of hundred million euros | Hayat By Asim Beslija – Commenting on announced sales of telecoms, Reporter comments that the Government that sells Telecom first will get the tax growth of 200 million KM, decide in transferring the technology, set the standards of quality in entire BiH and have foreign investments of hundred million euros. Reporter stated that this is RS Government’s goal and that in return FBIH government has to make contacts with interested. |
Bosniaks Caucus asks for the linguistic corrections in the RS Telekom’ privatization program
| Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Bosniaks ask for the linguistic corrections in the program’ by A. Sekulic – Chair of Bosniak Caucus at RS Council of Peoples (CoP) Ramiz Salkic said RS Telekom’ privatization programme should be done urgently adding that Bosniak Caucus would not give up the minimum of the vital national interest (VNI), which was violated by the text of program for the RS Telekom’ privatization. Salkic also said Bosniak objections refer to language and alphabet, certain qualifications and incompleteness noting BiH Constitution sets use of three languages. Bosniak Caucus found unacceptable qualification ‘after the civil war in BiH’ and asked for the change. Desanka Radjevic, Chair of Serb Caucus at CoP believes that Bosniaks would not withdraw their initiative for the protection of VNI and that Joint Commission of CoP and RS National Assembly would discuss this issue adding that in case that Joint Commission does not pass the decision on privatization of RS Telekom, this issue would be sent to RS Constitutional Court. Pero Krnjic, Chair of Croat Caucus at CoP stressed that RS Telekom’ privatization is an urgent issue, which should not be conditioned. |
Collection of direct taxes in FBiH increases for 12%
| BHT1 – Collection of direct taxes in FBIH has increased by 12% when compared to last year. Increased measures implemented by FBIH Tax Administration resulted in discovering of 500 citizens that failed to report their income taxes. Director of FBIH Tax Administration Mithat Arifovic stated that these citizens would face sanctions. Arifovic also stated that citizens in question are various Ministers, municipality officials, attorneys, singers, managers, sportsmen and agency directors. FTV By Indira Sehic – FBIH citizens are obliged to pay income tax. Reporter comments that the tax assessment bases differ from one |
DA op-ed: Real aim of VAT was to bring BiH closer to EU, not to make profit for BiH politicians
| Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘What is the real objective of VAT?’ op-ed by |
Council of Foreign Investors holds inaugural assembly
| BHT1, |
OHR’ Day had meeting with
| Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Authorities might influence economic development’ by S.T. -After the meeting with the Head prijedor Municipality Marko Pavic, Head of OHR Office in Banja Luka Graham Day said the authorities can make influence on economic development’ climate adding it depends on their behavior whether this climate would be satisfactory or would suffocate economic. Day states that talks included development and problems of economy in the process of transition, plans on agriculture and industry, investments, employment and security issues. Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘New bridges of cooperation’ by D.B. – Pavic informed Day that Prijedor wants to build bridges with all municipalities. Day informed Pavic that OHR would end it mandate by June 2007 adding that EUSR would continue many OHR’ activities regarding contacts and connections. EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Prijedor is an opened city’ by G.S. |
Former RS Custom Officials reiterate their request for an audit regarding new employments at ITA | Glas Srpske pg 7 ‘Custom officials request an audit’ by D.Glisic – Former custom officials reiterated their request for an audit of the decision on employment of new employees at the BiH Indirect Taxation Administration (ITA). Former 200 employees of RS Customs pressed charges against BiH ITA due to irregularities during process of hiring new employees in 2005. |
BiH HoR Speaker Raguz: BiH institutions should solve bilateral issues with
| Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Another meeting and borders will be agreed’ by A.T. – Following his official visit to Croatia, BiH House of Representatives Speaker Martin Raguz told daily that the BiH state institutions should concentrate onto solving the remaining bilateral legal and property issues with Croatia [borders, Peljesac bridge, Port of Neum, Corridor 5-C]. He noted that it is necessary for two countries to hold another meeting to put an end on the issue of borders. |
Professor Tanovic believes 5C Corridor should end in Neum
| EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Neum is the best solution’ by V. Mihojevic – After the meeting with the Trebinje Municipality Head, Professor Bakir Tanovic, Chair of the Initiative Board for the change of 5C Corridor project told daily this Board tries to use help of the municipalities’ heads to influence deputies from the area to support proposal by which 5C corridor should end in Neum and port should be opened in this city. |
Political Developments | |
Serbian President Tadic: Kosovo independence might question existence of state in the region with complex system
| BHT1 By Elvir Bucalo – Serbian President Boris Tadic stated in |
BiH CoM Chair announced meeting with PMs regarding two new ministries
| Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Next week about new ministries’ by M.C. – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic confirmed that he would discuss competences of the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment next week with the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik and FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic. BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Mladen Ivanic said that there are conceptual differences regarding the competences of the two new ministries adding that some insist on central competences while others insist these ministries have coordinating role. |
SD commentary: Croat politicians in BiH advocate return but they themselves have properties and bank accounts in
| Slobodna Dalmacija cover splash pg 9 ‘They call for return and they built houses for themselves in Croatia’ by Petar Milos – Milos writes that it would be very difficult to find a Croat politician in BiH without an apartment or a house in Croatia and whose children are not going to university there. He continues by saying that when such politicians talk about return of refugees, education, health or infrastructure, such talk cannot be deemed credible knowing that they themselves are trying to leave this country and steal its money. This in turn has an effect on ‘little people’ who are not only unwilling to return to their pre-war homes but are leaving towns in which there was no war at all; however, unlike the politicians, they do not have properties and bank accounts in Croatia. Milos concludes for this reason, property sheets of all politicians should be published before elections. Author concludes “politicians are smart for having registered their property in their relatives’ names, but the people are not stupid either and they will be able to recognize the truth.” |
Elections | |
Oslob op-ed: No miracles would happen at October elections; IC also does not have solution for BiH
| Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘White dove, black hat’ op-ed by Gojko Beric – Commenting on pre-election period in BiH, editorial reads that political parties still do not know what they would like or be able to do in the next four years period. Author notes no miracles should be awaited for, adding: “This pre-election theatre would also be like the previous ones, when party leaders were pulling white doves from black hats. Not even international sponsors know how to deal with our ill society. They point finger at domestic politicians, expecting voters to punish their disobedience by leaving them without mandate at the next elections. That seems logical. But this is neither Europe nor America.” Editorial concludes that there are low chances for a significant change of political developments in BiH unless education is placed on first place of priority list. |
DEPOS receives money from the budget
| Fokus pg 4 ‘Members of Parliament carries wallets’ by E.R.F. – RS Member of Parliament Milenko Antesevic said although DEPOS did not participate in the last elections and did not invest in the previous campaign, DEPOS gets money from the budget on the basis of the members of parliament who joined this party. In line with existing Law, in case that MP decides to leave the party or establishes his own party, the money from the budget is assigned to the member of parliament not to the party. |
| Fokus pg 5 ‘Fatal consequences of power’ by not signed – Chair of New Force of Srpska Party ( |
BiH
| Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘All parties and coalitions submitted corrected lists’ by L.S.– As it was confirmed to DA, by BiH Central Election Commission Spokesperson Maksida Bajramovic 34 parties and 8 coalitions have submitted corrected election lists. However, Bajramovic couldn’t say whether irregularities were corrected. She added that public casting of lots would be organized on Thursday, in order to determine the sequence of political subjects on election ballots. |
War Crimes | |
Mladic was hiding in
| PINK- Referring to recent indictment raised by Belgrade Prosecution against ten supporters of ICTY indictee Ratko Mladic, Belgrade-based newspaper “Politika” wrote that Mladic was hiding in five different apartments in |
Del Ponte and Vukcevic signed memorandum on access to ICTY database | Hayat, RTRS, FTV –Belgrade Chief Prosecutor for war crimes Vladimir Vukcevic and ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte would sign today the memorandum on access to electronic base of evidential material of the ICTY Prosecution which would enable Serbian Prosecutors access to 500, 000 documents of the ICTY. |
Serbian Deputy PM:
| Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Mladic has to be arrested by September’ not signed – Serbian Deputy PM Ivana Dulic Markovic stated that based on the Action Plan, Serbia has to arrest ICTY indictee Ratko Mladic by September or document all of the actions. She stressed that this has to be done so that |
BiH Justice Minister Kovac issued a warrant for investigation of working-legal status of ICTY indictee General Delic | Oslobodjenje pg 3 ’Inspectors examine status of Delic’, mentioned on cover by R.I. – Daily learns that BiH Justice Minister Slobodan Kovac issued a warrant for investigation of the working-legal status of the ICTY indictee General Rasim Delic, who is still receiving a salary from the budget of the BiH institutions. BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravac earlier invited the BiH Justice Ministry and OHR to take their stance on the issue. |