21.07.2006

OHR BiH Media Round-up, 21/7/2006

OHR BiH Morning Media Brief

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

CEC on elections/ BiH HoR in session

305 killed civilians buried in Prijedor

Funeral for 305 Prijedor victims

Sanader on const. changes in BiH

RS Govt. on cooperation with ICTY

Report on war crimes in Prijedor

Monastery opened in Busko Blato

RSNA adopts Higher Education Law

Serbian Gov. adopts Action Plan

Mija Tomic’s monument revealed

A draw for October election

BiH Prosecution denies Tihic’s claims

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

US’ warrants against an RS Minister

Funeral for 305 Prijedor victims

Talks on visa facilitation with the EU

Energopetrol employees’ protest

RS Government in session

Trial against suspected terrorists

Sarabon employees’ protest

BiH Prosecution denies Tihic’s claims

Privatisation of ‘Telekom Srpske’

Trial to terrorist suspects

Trial against terrorist suspects

RS Government in session

 

Oslobodjenje

Privatisation of nationalised apartments started in FBiH

Dnevni Avaz

[Islamic Community leader] Reis ef. Ceric: Crimes cannot remain unpunished

Dnevni List

Grbic went mad and beat up a child (local story)

Vecernji List

Hell (heat wave expected today)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Scotland ’s Hearts next (football related)

Nezavisne Novine

305 murdered civilians buried

Glas Srpske

Immunity stronger than conscious

EuroBlic

Law on delegates’ salaries not adopted 

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related topics

 

War crimes

305 Bosniaks and Croats, killed during the war, buried in Prijedor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHT1 by Zoran Sarenac – Funeral ceremony for 305 Croat and Bosniak victims from Prijedor was held on Thursday in village Rizvanovici. Most of the remains were found in Kevljani mass grave. None of the RS officials attended the ceremony. The religious ceremonies were held by head of Islamic Community, mufti Mustafa Effendi Ceric, and local Catholic priest Marijan Stojanovic. After the ceremony, victims were buried in 16 cemeteries in and near Prijedor. Ceric stressed that the grief of victims’ families also contains hope, because they can be sure that the justice is going to be served. Over 3600 non-Serbs from Prijedor area were killed during the war. So far, 2600 remains were found. Report features story on man who buried ten members of his family on Thursday. Hayat by Vladimir Kovacevic (ATV) – BiH Presidency Chair, Sulejman Tihic attended the funeral and said that such events presented an opportunity for emphasizing that missing persons had to be found and criminals punished. “Reconciliation asks for truth and justice…only on truth and justice foundations we can build better future and reconciliation between people and states”, said Tihic. RTRS – Tihic stated that the future and trust among peoples and countries could be built only upon the foundations of tolerance and mutual understanding. Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 4  ‘Crimes cannot remain unpunished’ by M.Zgonjanin – Daily carries whole page dedicated to funeral of 305 Bosniaks and Croats killed in Prijedor region during the wartime. DA also carries speech of Islamic Community leader Reis Mustafa effendi Ceric who said that no crime may remain unpunished. Nezavisne Novine cover splash, pg 2 ‘305 murdered civilians buried’ by D.Kovacevic – Daily reports on funeral of 302 Bosniaks, including four Roms, and three Croats at Prijedor Islamic and Catholic graveyards Thursday. All victims were civilians, murdered during the war in BiH and whose remains were identified over the past year. PINK, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Precondition for forgiveness is acknowledgement of guilt’ by Besim Kahrimanovic, Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Mortal remains seen off’, not signed – also covered.

RS Govt passes report on coop. w/ICTY cooperation for Apr1/Jun30 2006; says period marked with intense activities of RS MoI to locate war criminals

 

RTRS by Sinisa Mihailovic – RS Government on Thursday adopted a report on cooperation with the ICTY for a period between April 1 and June 30, 2006, and called on all institutions to deliver the documents that could be useful in the process of locating and apprehending persons indicted for war crimes. Report says this period has been characterised by intense activities of RS Interior Ministry aimed to locate, arrest and transfer remaining persons indicted of war crimes. The report underlines RS Government’s determination to completely implement the cooperation with ICTY. Head of RS Government’s Public Relations Office Cvijeta Kovacevic stated that the Government is going to request from all institutions to provide all documents and materials that can be important for processing before ICTY. FTV, PINK, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘To submit all wanted documents to the ICTY’ by Fena, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘To submit all documents that ICTY asks for’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Vladimir Bojat removed’ inset ‘Report on cooperation with The Hague accepted’, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘All documents must be supplied to the Hague’ unsigned also carried.

BiH Prosecution: names of 892 persons from Srebrenica TF report cannot be revealed due to ongoing investigations

 

BHT1 – With regard to the request of the BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic to publicise 892 names of persons brought connection with events in Srebrenica and listed in the Report of the Srebrenica Task Force, the BiH Prosecutor’s Office said on Thursday that its stance of not revealing names is in line with the provisions of the Code on Criminal Procedure. “Announcing the names of persons from the list could jeopardize the ongoing investigations of the Prosecutor’s Office on war crimes committed in the Srebrenica area”, is said in the statement of the Prosecutor’s Office. BiH Prosecution stated that ten investigations are currently being conducted against several tens of persons suspected of having committed war crimes in Srebrenica; two criminal procedures for war crimes in Srebrenica are also in progress. In one case, 11 persons are being prosecuted for genocide; another two persons in custody are being investigated on the suspicion that they had perpetrated in the crimes in Srebrenica, is said in the statement of the BiH Prosecutor’s Office. [On 1 April 2005, Task Force for implementing conclusions from the final report of the Srebrenica Commission submitted OHR and Prosecutor with the list of identified 892 persons brought into connection to the events in Srebrenica in 1995 who are still employed in municipal, entity and state institutions. Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Publishing of names would jeopardize investigations’ not signed, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Names are not for public’ by Z.B., Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Names cannot be published’ by Sn.K.  also carried.

There will be no halt in work of Commission for investigating suffering of peoplrs in Sarajevo , says Comm. Chair

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘There will be no halt in work’ by N.K. Ivica Marinovic, President of the Commission in charge of investigating suffering of Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Jews and others in Sarajevo during the war, Thursday stated that there will be no halt in work of the Commission following tendering of resignation of Commission member Zeljko Rasevic Wednesday. Marinovic noted situation of this kind was regulated by the Rule Book on work of this Commission. Anton Kasipovic, RS Minister of Education and Culture, has stated that Government Thursday did not discuss the issue of appointing new Commission member.

 

Political issues

OHR objects to RS Law on Higher Education deeming that it would bring confusion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PINK by Danijel Vujanovic – Representatives in the RS National Assembly on Wednesday evening adopted the entity Law on Higher Education, which was reportedly harmonized with the principles of the law whose adoption on the state level is expected. OHR reacted immediately, and OHR Spokesperson Ljiljana Radeticstated the adoption of entity laws on higher education would only bring confusion as it deals with the same issues alike framework law, and it further damage interests of students. BHT1 – OHR stressed that by passing this law, RS NA has ignored RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik, who had promised that adoption of High education law on state level would be a priority. Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Harming the students’ by Fena, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘European standards’ by G.D. – As for the BiH Law on Higher Education, to be discussed at Friday’s session of the Constitutional and Legal Committee and by the House of Representatives next week, Radetic said: “OHR continues to believe there is a possibility of compromise if the BiH Higher Education Law is adopted as early as next week. The new RS law could then be harmonized with the state law.” Hayat, EuroBlic cover pg splash ‘Law on delegates’ salaries not adopted’ inset ‘OHR: Confusion in education’ by R.Radosavljevic, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Law on High Education is in interest of students’ inset ‘OHR: RS Law on High Education is harmful’ by S.Gojkovic, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Law causes confusion’ by M.Dz. – also mentioned OHR’s stance.

RS officials deem that higher education law would be useful for entire academic community

 

PINK – Following the OHR’s criticism over the adoption of the RS Law on Higher Education, the RS Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Culture, Anton Kasipovic does not think adopted entity law would damage students; and stresses the Govt supports the adoption of the framework law at the state level: “An expert group, along with experts from RS, has worked on a concept of that law, and harmonized almost 99 percent of it. A question at issue was the Agency for Accrediting; we thought, and we still think, that we have offered [adequate] solution – that the criteria for accrediting universities and faculties should be issued by the agency on a state level, that those criteria should be implemented by the entity ministries of education, while the state agency would be in charge of control and, of course, representation outside BiH.” RTRS – RSNA Speaker Igor Radojicic also reacted on OHR statement; adding the RS was tired of waiting for the state law to be adopted, which according to Radojicic has not even been harmonized yet mainly due to “sluggishness” of BiH Civil Affairs Minister Safet Halilovic. He also underlined the all RSNA deputies voted of the RS law. Hayat, BHT1 also reported. Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Law on High Education is in interest of students’ by S.Gojkovic, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Use, not harm’ by G.D., Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Law brings confusion’, not signed, Vecernji List, pg 11 ‘Law in RS contested’, by dju carry Kasipovic.

RS CoP fails to agree on VNI’ motion filed on privatization of Telecom Srpske

 

RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Decision at Joint Commission of Council of Peoples and RS Parliament’ by V.Popovic – Regarding Thursday’s session of the RS Council of Peoples, daily reports that CoP has failed to reach agreement on decision related to “Telekom Srpske” privatisation programme, over which Bosniak Caucus has filed VNI protection. Since agreement was not reached, a Joint Commission of RS CoP and RS NA will discuss one of crucial decisions regarding “Telekom”. According to daily [opposite to other media reports, see below], Club of Bosniaks was close to giving up on procedure. President of Bosniak Caucus at RS CoP Ramiz Salkic stated after the CoP’ session that this Club will withdraw decision on VNI protection if their Conclusions, with which RS Government mostly agreed are accepted. Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Stalemate position over “Telekom”’ by D.Momic – also reported.

Bosniak Caucus in RS CoP withdraws VNI initiative on privatization of Telecom Srpske after talks with RS PM Dodik; agreed some means to be used to help returnees

 

BHT1 by Boris Gagic – After a telephone discussion with the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik, members of Bosniak Caucus at RS Council of Peoples decided to withdraw the veto on privatisation of ‘Telecom Srpske’, reports BHT1. Member of Bosniak Caucus, Ramiz Salkic, stated that the Caucus members were insisting on rights of former Bosniak employees of Telecom. He also stressed that some of the privatisation revenue should be used for reconstruction of homes for returnees. RTRS by Momcilo Ostojic – RTRS reports that in order give up the amendments to decision on privatisation of ‘Telekom Srpske’, delegates of Bosniak nationality have suggested to the RS CoP to adopt the Conclusion, which they agreed with Dodik. The Conclusion foresees that controversial formulation ‘civil war’ is erased from the privatisation program; documents should be delivered in languages and scripts foreseen by the Constitution, while the part of funds obtained through the privatisation of ‘Telekom Srpske’ would be intended for taking care of workers who lost their jobs in 1992, and improving infrastructure in returnees’ settlements. Since RS CoP is not entitled to change anything in documents adopted in the RS NA, Joint Commission of RS NA and CoP should discuss this issue. However, according to RTRS reporter, even the Joint Commission will not easily adopt this Conclusion, because members of Serb Caucus deem that ‘improving infrastructure in returnees’ settlements’ part of the Conclusion would discriminate refugees of Serb nationality who decided to stay in RS. “As you have seen, I was elected member of the Joint Commission… I think this (issue) should be transferred to the Constitutional Court; I’m confident Constitutional Court will rule that Bosniak national interest is not endangered, and that the text should remain as RS NA has adopted it”, stated Head of the Serb Caucus in RS CoP Desanka Radjevic. Joint Commission should hold a session sometime next week.  Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 15 ‘Bosniak MPs withdrew veto on privatisation of ‘RS Telecom’ by FENA – DA also supports that Bosniaks have withdrew the veto.

BiH CEC draw for positions of parties on voters’ ballots; final approval of lists on Monday

 

RTRS By Zorica Rulj – BiH Central Election Commission [CEC] on Thursday organised a draw for positions of political parties, coalitions and independent candidates on voter ballots for the coming October election. RTRS briefly informed about the positions of biggest political parties: SNSD is at number 13, SDS at 16 and PDP at 43; SBiH is at number 25, SDP at 29 and SDA at 38; HDZ 1990 is at number 34, while HDZ BiH is at number 52. However, the order of political parties established during the draw will not be the same on all voter ballots; actual position would depend on the number of parties that are running in certain election unit, explained CEC President Branko Petric. 56 political subjects – 36 parties, eight coalitions and 12 independent candidates – have been registered for October election. PINK-Lists have had various kinds of deficiencies. Most of them – more than a third – refers to candidates who are on a central voters’ list, but not in the same election unit they are running for”, explained Petric. According to Pink reporter, CEC will establish during next few days whether political parties have managed to remove noticed irregularities. CEC will hold a meeting on Monday, July 24, to finally approve the lists of candidates. RHB, BHT1, Hayat, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Final verification of election lists on Monday’ by A.Terzic, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Draw of parties at ballots determined’ by N.Krsman, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘SNSD on 13 place, SDS on 16, and radicals on 24’ by D.S., Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Lot determines draw’ by Z.Domazet, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Strongest parties will not be among first 10 at ballots’ by L.Sinanovic– DA brings whole sequence of parties on voters’ ballots. Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Jurisic in fourth, Ljubic eight, Jovic in twelve’, mentioned on front ‘Draw has been made’, by Dejan Jazvic, Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘No leading parties among first 10’, by D. P. Mandic – notes it is interesting none of leading parties have been drawn in top 10 positions on ballots.

Interview with RS PM Dodik to Russian daily: BiH does not want Srpska as a part of BiH, why IC reacted mildly regarding failure of const. changes

 

Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘BiH does not want Srpska as a part of state’ – In an interview to Russian daily “Nova Izvestia”, Milorad Dodik, expresses conviction grounded on some polls that SNSD will win at upcoming elections. On BiH future, Dodik says: “Unfortunately, I must say I had more trust in BiH future six or seven years ago than I have now. The reason for my pessimism lays in the fact that even now, ten years after war, some circles in Sarajevo have been negating RS and attempting to destroy it at any cost…They should acknowledge that we in Srpska accept BiH as a state, but the mentioned circles in Sarajevo do not accept RS as a part of that state. Hence, it is clear who would be blamed for BiH fall.” On referendum, he says: “As a legalist and optimist, I am aware that referendum in RS now is not realistic. Therefore, we insist on respect of Dayton Agreement and Constitutions of BiH and RS, in line with which RS is recognised as a integral part, entity of BiH.” As far as constitutional changes are concerned, it is clear who impeded this process, referring to Party for BiH and HDZ 1990 and raising the issue why reaction of international officials towards them was so mild. On police reform, he reiterates RS accepts three EU principles, and all RS is asking is that entity police is maintained at local level.

Croatian PM Sanader: Croatia supports idea on another international conference on BiH in order to change BiH Constitution

 

RHB – During his lecture on Croatian foreign politics held in London Institute of Strategic Studies, the Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader said that he supported the idea on holding another international conference on BiH. As ‘Slobodna Dalmacija’ reads, Sanader said that EU, USA, Russia, UN, G8, representatives of three BiH constitutive people, as well as other international organizations’ representatives should take part at the conference which would be dedicated to the issue of constitutional reforms, thus placing foundation to new BiH, which would no longer need international tutors. Sanader said that it was unacceptable for international military forces to provide peace and security in another 10 years in BiH. He emphasized that the IC should not abandon the idea on change in the BiH Constitution, which should provide equality for all three constitutive people. Sanader said that the fact that Croatian representatives failed in accepting constitutional changes should not be an obstacle for new efforts in order for these changes to take place. Commenting the situation in the region, Sanader said that solution to Kosovo crisis was a challenge not only for the whole region, but for Europe as well. According to Sanader, Serbia will not be endangered or destabilized, regardless of what solutions on Kosovo are going to be accepted. Sanader says that Serbian President and Prime Minister, Boris Tadic and Vojislav Kostunica, are democratically-oriented politicians, able to provide Serbia ’s democratic development and stability.

RS Pres did not sign Decree on proclamation of Law on privileges of MPs and delegates

 

EuroBlic cover pg splash ‘Law on delegates’ salaries not adopted’ by R.Radosavljevic – The RS National Assembly will again vote on recently adopted Law on rights and duties of MPs and delegates at Council of Peoples at the session at end of August since Dragan Cavic, RS President, refused to sign the Decree on its proclamation and returned it to parliament procedure. Daily notes that if Law were re-adopted, it would be put into immediate effect even without signature of RS President.

Prof. Slavo Kukic in DL column: SDP’s Komsic is best Croat candidate for BiH Presidency

 

Dnevni List pg 8 ‘Vote for Komsic’ by Slavo Kukic – In his column in Dnevni List, professor at Mostar [west] University Dept. of Economics Slavo Kukic provides his take on some of the presidential candidates in the October elections. He believes that these elections might be the first ones in which people will vote for new names whereas so far they have had to vote for those who ‘marked the bloody nineties’. This, unfortunately, he believes, does not hold true in case of the Bosniak candidates because ‘all of them have the nineties on their conscience’. Kukic expresses a positive opinion on SNSD candidate Nebojsa Radmanovic who Kukic says is not known for intolerance and hatred although this does not mean he can be expected to act in accordance with the wishes of people in FBiH. As for the Croat candidates, Kukic does not put much faith in HDZ BiH candidate Ivo-Miro Jovic, because, ‘this time citizens will vote and this does not suit Jovic’. Finally, Kukic says that the best candidate for the Croat Presidency member is SDP’s Zeljko Komsic from whom changes can be expected and ‘who has no past sins which could be held against him’. For this reason, Kukic ends his column, ‘he has already reserved his vote for Komsic’.

 

European integrations: police reform, IC presence

EC recommends launch of negotiations on liberalization of visa regime with BiH, Montenegro and Serbia

 

 

 

 

FTV  – On Thursday, European Commission recommended the European Council to open negotiations on agreements to facilitate the procedures for issuing short-stay visas and on readmission between the EU and the BiH, Montenegro and Serbia. When adopting the EC’s proposal Vice President Franco Frattini, Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, said: “The EU and these countries will strongly benefit from increased cooperation in the fight against organised crime, corruption, illegal immigration, improvement of border control and security of documents. Therefore I encourage the Member States to follow our proposal and adopt these mandates without delay.” Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn added: “Visa facilitation is a very important thing for ordinary citizens in the region, to travel, to study, to make business easier with the EU. To get easier access to visas would make the European perspective more concrete to all citizens.”  Hyat, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘EU Council should start negotiations on visa regime liberalization for BiH, Serbia and Mntenegro’ by Fena– also reported.

EC’ Humphreys: Police reform is pre-condition for SAA signing; EU will not change conditions it would wait for BiH to fulfil them

 

Hayat – Head of the EC Delegation to BiH Michael Humphreys reiterated on Thursday that the police reform is clearly a precondition for BiH to conclude a Stabilisation and Association agreement with the EU. He reminded the EU Troika last week told the BiH Foreign Minister that the EU will not change its requirements and will wait for BiH to fulfil its commitments. “There have been many discussions on how to move the process forward and the October political agreement reached by political representatives, including those from RS was crucial in allowing the Commission to start the SAA negotiations with BiH and we expect this agreement to be implemented. The Police Reform Directorate as an integral part of this agreement is the technical forum for finding solutions in line with this agreement and the EU principles,” said Humphreys. FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘We expect for applying of the agreement that RS representatives accepted a well’ by Fena, EuroBlic RSpg 1 ‘Authorities tighten nightstick’ inset ‘Humphreys: Reform is condition for EU’ by Rajna Radosavljevic, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Police in service of citizens’, by zeda – reported.

PRD Chair: deadline for police reform plan “must probably be” extended

 

EuroBlic RSpg 1 ‘Authorities tighten nightstick’ by Rajna Radosavljevic – Daily carries statement of Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, regarding police reform (saying that Agreement on Police Reform must be either respected or new talks should be held – for more information see OHR BiH Morning Media Brief, 20 July 2006). On the same issue, Vinko Dumancic, Chairperson of the Police Reform Directorate (PRD), says: “The new meeting of PRD is on 26 July and we will then discuss state model of police structures, but I do not expect something special to happen. Deadline for preparation of concrete plans for reform probably must be extended, since we cannot resolve anything until 30 September.” He is of the view PRD will ask deadline is extended until the end of year, since the issue of local level of police organisation has not been opened as yet. According to inset ‘Accusations for obstruction’, Sead Avdic and Mehmed ZIlic, delegates at the BiH House of Representatives Thursday rejected possibility of seeing political agreement on police reform renewed. At the press conference in Sarajevo, they accused SNSD leader Milorad Dodik and PDP leader Mladen Ivanic of obstructing police reform in BiH by pledging new talks. Dnevni List pg 6 ‘No talks on police reform” unsigned, Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘Dodik and Ivanic are blocking BiH way to Europeby H.O., Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘New negotiations unacceptable’ by FENA – carries Avdic. Dnevni List pg 9 ‘Unprincipled statements on police reform’ unsigned – carries Dodik. RHB – carries Zilic.

EU HR Solana rejected possibility of re-opening negotiations on police reform; RS Gov expected to fulfill given promises

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘There will be no negotiations on police reform in BiH’ by S.N. – On Thursday, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana rejected possibility for opening new negotiations on police reform in BiH. In a statement for daily, Solana said: “As for the police reform, EU stance remains – agreement from October 2005 must be fully implemented, and adopt the reform plan in line with three European principles.” The three EU principles urge for the exclusive state competency over police legislation and budgetary issues, local police areas based of technical policing criteria, and a system that protects the police from improper political interference. Reminding that state and both entity parliaments supported the agreement, he stressed: “EU is carefully monitoring police restructuring process, and expects RS Government to respect given promises. EU decided to continue talks on Stabilisation and Association Agreement [SAA] for it is convinced that BiH politicians accepted EU principles.

EUFOR Commander Chiarini said he would not hesitate to use force to protect peace in BiH; police reform not likely before elections

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘If needed, EUFOR will defend peace in BiH with weapons’ by Sead Numanovic – Commenting range and mission of his mandate, in an interview for daily, EUFOR Commander General Gian Marco Chiarini said: “My mandate is clear and I will not ask anyone to use it, if necessary. This also means that I would even use weapons to protect stabile and safe surrounding in this country.” Commenting police reform, Chiarini said that it is in the matter of fact a political problem, since there is quite enough space for compromise regarding technical issues: “Politically, there is a space for compromise, but it is pre-elections time now and there is lot of hard stances which worsen possibility for agreement and compromise. I am afraid that this issue would have to wait for the period after elections in order for agreement to be reached.” He also noted that police in BiH is getting even better every day, stressing RS police started fight against organised crime. Inset ‘RS arrested 20 criminals’ – Chiarini said that since the new RS Government was established, RS police arrested some about 20 war crime indictees: “Everyone deals with the big ones, indicted for war crimes, but these arrests are very important for local communities.”

UK Ambassador Rycroft: EU offer is clear, when you fulfil conditions we want you as a member

 

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Europe is waiting for BiH’ by Onasa – UK Ambassador Matthew Rycroft expressed hope that the police reform in BiH would be finished before signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement i.e. before end of the year. “That has to be finalized before signing of the SAA. Deadline for ending of police reform is September 30, progress has to be made by then and every day after that deadline is a day wasted for BiH progress on its way toward the Europe,” said Rycroft. In an interview for Onasa news agency, UK Ambassador said he hopes that solution would be passed right after elections, stressing that UK would do everything to help. Rycroft stressed that EU’s offer to BiH is clear: “When you fulfil conditions we want you as a member.”  Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘Establishing of new government must not be waited for police reform’ by Onasa – Rycroft noted that establishing of new government after October elections must not be waited for in police reform process, adding that this would mean only more delays.

HR C. Schwarz-Schilling writes for VL: IC reducing its powers because BiH must become able to solve its own problems

 

Vecernji List pg 11 ‘BiH will be solving its own problems’ by Christian Schwarz-Schilling – HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling writes about the upcoming closing of OHR and says that ‘there were expectations that OHR would extend its mandate and the reason for such hopes is that OHR has been successful’. He continues by saying that the Bonn powers made it possible for OHR to remove obstructionists and reach the stage of being able to negotiate on the SAA agreement. Why then change something that works, HR asks, and answers that ’if BiH wishes to get to the end of its road towards full recovery and Euro Atlantic integrations, it must travel the rest of the road by itself’, which is the reason why HR has refused to use Bonn powers and intervene in terms of running the country to a larger extent than he has. HR continues that IC and he personally will remain in BiH in the form of EUSR and, as for BiH, its political and national resources must take over full sovereignty. As regards IC involvement in BiH, HR ends his comment, ‘in this case less definitely means more’. Inset: Laws will not be passed by HR. HR states that EU has already said only legislation passed by BiH authorities will be considered acceptable, which means HR will not be enacting it. HR finally notes BH has already passed a number of important laws such as those on military forces and VAT. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘BiH has to cross the road toward the EU on its own’, mentioned on cover, by Christian Schwarz-Schilling, Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Less can mean more’ by Christian Schwarz Schilling – daily carries op-ed by HR to BiH, Christian Schwarz Schilling, saying BiH must take over full sovereignty along the same lines as op-ed in other papers today)

BHT1 in possession of EU documents on Kosovo: protectorate over Kosovo with ICM office similar to OHR

BHT1 by Vesna Simic – BHT1 claims it is in possession of the exclusive internal EU plan for establishing EU Protectorate in Kosovo, allegedly prepared by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn and EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Police, Javier Solana.  According to this plan, the protectorate office will be called the International Civil Mission [ICM]. It will be lead by the EU, but it would also include the United Nations. Chair of ICM will be appointed by UN Security Council. ICM will have powers similar to the powers of OHR in BiH, such as corrective power, authority to annul laws and dismiss officials, authority to monitor the work of Kosovo Government and provide technical assistance to the Government. Reporter commented that this plan doesn’t mention the independence of Kosovo, but it also doesn’t mention Serbia. The plan foresees the membership of Kosovo in the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organisation. According to the plan, Kosovo is supposed to sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. Reporter stressed that only independent countries can be members of mentioned organisations, and only independent countries can sign the SAA. Serbian authorities say that they would allow Kosovo’s membership in financial organisations and separate negotiations on SAA, but they will not approve the establishing of protectorate. Head of Kosovo Cooperation Centre Sanda Raskovic-Ivic stated that a protectorate would mean an indirect independence. Reporter stated that the EU plan for Kosovo is probably going to be the base for UN Security Council resolution on status of Kosovo, which should be passed by the end of 2006.

 

Security and judicial issues

Trial on terrorism indictments starts before BiH Court: case attracts media attention in Denmark, Sweden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RTRS by Danijela Djukic – The trial of Mirsad Bektasevic, Abdulkadir Cesur, Bajro Ikanovic and Senad Hasanovic commenced before the BiH Court on Thursday. First three were arrested in Sarajevo in late 2005 under the suspicion of planning a terrorist act, while Hasanovic was charged with the criminal offence of illicit possession of weapons or explosive substances. Amir Bajric, indicted on same grounds at latter, made a deal with BiH Prosecutor’s Office, so he would probably be sentenced to 1,5-2 years of prison. According to the indictment, Bektasevic and Cesur planned terrorist attacks in BiH or some other European country, in order to force BiH and authorities of European countries to withdraw their troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. Prosecutor Ahmet Halebic, said twelve witnesses and twelve experts would be interrogated, including two persons from U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI]. Defence attorneys have rejected all the accusations, saying that the indictment was legally untenable, and calling evidences ‘questionable’. Bajric would be a witness of prosecution. According to RTRS reporter, numerous journalists – including 20 from Denmark and Sweden – have covered the beginning of the trial against Bektasevic, Cesur, Ikanovic and Hasanovic. Ten months ago, four persons suspected of planning terrorist attacks were apprehended in Denmark; it is believed that they were linked with Abdulkadir Cesur. BHT1- Reporter of Danish TV2 Mads Lund stated that this trial is very important for Denmark, because it is linked to a similar case being processed in Denmark. Reporter of “Sydsvenska Dagbladet” from Sweden, Kenan Habul, said that Swedish public is interested in this case, because Begtasevic is Swedish citizen. Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Prosecutor: I have no doubt that I will prove everything’ by N.Jamakovic, Oslobodjenje pg 31 ‘Accepted first deal on guilt of Amir Bajric’ by A.S., Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Prosecution will prove they planned terrorist attack’ by A.Djozo, Dnevni List, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Terrorist gets only two years?!’, by Erna Mackic, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘FBI agents about Bektasevic too’, by Dejan Jazvicalso carried.

BL lawyer Simic and Helsinki Board Chair Todorovic share the view Italy to show how legal state functions on example of “Abazovic” case

 

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Immunity stronger than conscious’ by D.Momic – Regarding of completion of investigation by East Sarajevo Prosecution regarding Abazovic case (in January 2006, EUFOR attempted the arrest of war crime suspect, Dragomir, which resulted in killing of his wife Rada and severe wounding of his juvenile son Dragoljub) showing not only that EUFOR shot at unarmed people, but also shot them in the back, daily carries comments of local officials. Banja Luka attorney, Krstan SImic, stated: “The fact is that Prosecution was restricted in its investigation the reason for which is EUFOR immunity, which is questionable from the aspect of responsibility.” Branko Todorovic, President of BiH Helsinki Board for Human Rights told daily that Report of Prosecution showed members of international troops in BiH have “demonstrated their conscious by failing to announce the entire truth about Abazovic family”.  Both share the view that this is a great test for Italy , where it has a chance to show how a legal state functions.

BiH Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs Tesanovic calls on Presidency to take measures in ‘Abazovic’ case

EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘All responsible should be penalised’, Nezavisne Novine, pg 4 ‘Punish responsible ones’, by N. M. – BiH Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs, Zoran Tesanovic, called on the BiH Presidency Thursday to take all necessary measures in order to have all persons, who caused “the tragedy to the Abazovic family”, punished. Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘To punish persons responsible for suffering of Abazovics’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Tesanovic asks for punishing of responsible for case Abazovic’ not signed – also covered.

 

Economic issues

Privatisation of nationalized apartments started in FbiH; municipalities lack alternative apartments

 

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Privatisation of nationalised apartments started in FbiH’ by A.Omeragic – Article carries that although six-month period for privatisation of nationalised apartments started in FbiH on 11 July, municipality authorities are still not sure how they would manage to accommodate families that did not receive the right to buy their apartments. According to the amendments to the Law on privatisation of apartments, families living in property of religious communities should be given the alternative apartments, but author notes that municipalities are still not sure whether they would have sufficient number of alternative apartments.

PDHR: If BiH Parliament adopts changes to Law on VAT, without approval of ITA SB, it would lead BiH to financial catastrophe

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Parliament is working following recipe that leads to financial catastrophe’ by T.Lazovic – Commenting possibility that BiH House of Representatives could adopt changes to the Law on VAT [SDP and SDS submitted demands] in a statement for DA, PDHR Larry Butler that any change to the Law on VAT, either introduction of zero rate or multiple tax rate, has first to be approved by Indirect Taxation Administration [ITA] Steering Board: “If certain amendment to the Law on VAT passes BiH Parliament, it would undermine the basis of Parliaments authority in this field.” He also warned that multiply tax rate would open new possibilities for frauds, adding it would also mean increase of bureaucratic apparatus that would service such system. Butler noted that this would be a “recipe for financial catastrophe for citizens of this country.”

OHR against changes of Law on Pharmaceuticals: To place Agency in BL and Laboratory in Sarajevo

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘To place State Agency in Banja Luka and laboratory in Sarajevo’ by Fena – The amendments to the Law on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices will be considered by the Constitutional-Legal Committee of the BiH House of Representatives on Friday. This law will regulate the sale and manufacture of drugs throughout the country: one of its principal objects is to make medicine safer and cheaper. OHR Spokesperson Ljiljana Radetictold press conference that OHR notes with great concern that if the proposed amendments are adopted, they would undermine the basic principles of the Law. “Provision for the location of the State Pharmaceutical Agency headquarters in Banja Luka and the Control Laboratory in Sarajevo will ensure that these agencies can be launched quickly and will also ensure an optimal division of labour. In addition, measures have been agreed that will protect domestic manufacturers while ensuring that citizens get the benefits of a free market, safer medicines at fairer prices,” said Radetic.

OHR BiH Media Round-up

Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 21 July

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

Fires in Herzegovina

Salaries of health sector in RS

BiH CoM to have 2 new ministries

Fires in Herzegovina

EUFOR Cmdr – Karadzic not in BiH

Field searches in Gostovici

TV news broadcast on 20 July

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

CEC on elections/ BiH HoR in session

305 killed civilians buried in Prijedor

Funeral for 305 Prijedor victims

Sanader on const. changes in BiH

RS Govt. on cooperation with ICTY

Report on war crimes in Prijedor

Monastery opened in Busko Blato

RSNA adopts Higher Education Law

Serbian Gov. adopts Action Plan

Mija Tomic’s monument revealed

A draw for October election

BiH Prosecution denies Tihic’s claims

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

US’ warrants against an RS Minister

Funeral for 305 Prijedor victims

Talks on visa facilitation with the EU

Energopetrol employees’ protest

RS Government in session

Trial against suspected terrorists

Sarabon employees’ protest

BiH Prosecution denies Tihic’s claims

Privatisation of ‘Telekom Srpske’

Trial to terrorist suspects

Trial against terrorist suspects

RS Government in session

 

Oslobodjenje

Privatisation of nationalised apartments started in FBiH

Dnevni Avaz

[Islamic Community leader] Reis ef. Ceric: Crimes cannot remain unpunished

Dnevni List

Grbic went mad and beat up a child (local story)

Vecernji List

Hell (heat wave expected today)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Scotland’s Hearts next (football related)

Nezavisne Novine

305 murdered civilians buried

Glas Srpske

Immunity stronger than conscious

EuroBlic

Law on delegates’ salaries not adopted 

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related topics

 

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

BiH CoM to discuss changes to Law on BiH CoM

 

RHB– BiH Council of Ministers in scheduled to hold a session today. Among other items on the agenda, the BiH CoM will discuss Proposal of law on changes and amendments to the law of BiH CoM, which foresee establishment of two new ministries, namely the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Ministry of Science, Technology and Protection of Environment.

HDZ BiH to present its programme, candidates in Mostar today

RHB– HDZ Presidency will hold a session in Mostar today in order to discuss issues pertaining to the forthcoming October elections. After that the party will organize “Programme convention” in order to present its candidates and programme. In a statement for RHB, HDZ BiH President, Dragan Covic, noted the HDZ BiH would also present its economic programme, strongly believing in the party’s success in the elections.

 

Economy: VAT, ITA, privatisation, affairs

DEPOS Co-Chair: attempt to pass Law on determination and distribution of BiH property behind VNI motion regarding “Telekom Srpske”

 

 

 

RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Those responsible for Brod Refinery must provide answers’ inset ‘Trap for Telekom’ by V.Popovic, Fokus cover splash ‘Robbery from Sarajevo under preparation’, pg 5 ‘They seize even the sight of it’ by M.S. – DEPOS Co-Chair Svetlana Cenic claims that the privatisation of Telekom Srpske is being obstructed because of somebody’s intention to pass the Law on determination and distribution of state property between the state of BiH, FBiH, RS and Brcko District. At the press conference, she has showed copy of the proposal of this Law, which says that the state property is composed of all movable property and real estate, which had been at the disposal of former Socialist Republic of BiH until December 31st, 1991. Cenic finds this proposal to be dangerous. DEPOS Co-Chair also condemned Wednesday’s discussion at RS Parliament regarding appointing of RTRS Steering Board, saying it only proved that political parties want to take control over media in RS.

SB: Insisting on unilateral telecom privatization Dodik harmed Mobis first of all

 

Slobodna Bosna pg 15 ‘RS Prime Minister decrease the value of all three telecoms’ by A.M.– Author comments that RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik has lost the “advantage of the first step”, which he expected to gain with accelerated privatization of Telecom Srpske. Not only that, the Author reiterates, Dodik is also in panic because potential investors started to lose interest after Bosniak Caucus in RS Council of Peoples launched the protection of vital national interest. “Unlike Dodik, whose political career solely depends on Serb votes, ‘Mobis’ buyers are counting on entire BiH telecom market, so they are forced to make their business moves with much more attention in order not to jeopardize their market perspectives,” comment the Author. In conclusion the Author claims that with “insisting on unilateral privatization of ‘Mobis’, Dodik has already caused an irreparable damage not only to BH Telecom and Eronet, but to Mobis first of all.” 

Osl: loses after privatization of Telecom Srpske would be measured in hundreds of million euros

 

Oslobodjenje ‘Loses measured with hundreds million euros’ by B.Simic– According the Analysis that daily acquired, based on which FBiH Government has decided to “get into the race with RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik” in privatization of telecoms, possible loses for FBiH [if RS would do it first] would be about 300 million euros. The largest damage, the Analyses, drafted by Consultancy House ‘Deloitte and Touche”, would suffer the BH Telecom, whose essential loses would be about 130 to 180 million euros. Underlining that this would have impact on other spheres, author reiterates that FBiH Government and Ministers are on the test take over the leadership, win over the strategic partners, and in that way stimulate entrance of other investors and “in final line contribute to erasing of entity line in telecommunication services”. 

RS Government dismisses head of RS Geodetic Office Bojat

 

RTRS By Sinisa Mihailovic – At its Thursday’s session, RS Government has dismissed Director of RS Office for Geodesy and Property-Rights Affairs Vladimir Bojat, and appointed Cana Babic as Acting Director of this institution. BHT1- According to Government, this institution is responsible for the fact that the construction permission for highway Banja Luka – Gradiska hasn’t been issued yet. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Vladimir Bojat removed’ inset ‘Report on cooperation with The Hague accepted’ – daily says RS Government Thursday removed Bojat and appointed Cana Babic to the position of Acting Director.

Energopetrol employees protest in front of HVB Central Profit Bank in SA, asking for Energopetrol’s account to be unblocked

 

FTVby Azra Pasukan – Hundreds of “Energopetrol” employees gathered on Thursday in front of the main office of “HVB Central Profit Bank” in Sarajevo. They protested because this bank has blocked the “Energopetrol” accounts due to unpaid debts. Head of the Trade Union Nusret Mamic stated that “HVB Central Profit Bank” has not only blocked the accounts, but also taken away the reserves of “Energopetrol”. He stressed that due to this, the market is left without oil. “Energopetrol” workers claim that in past six years, this company has paid the interest rates in amount of 11 million KM. They stress that the signing of co-capitalization agreement with INA/MOL is scheduled for August 23.  Mamic announced that the workers are going to block all branch offices of “HVB Central Profit Bank” if the “Energopetrol” accounts stay blocked. Hayat- HVB Central Profit Bank officials claim that they had started a legal procedure which could not be interrupted. The bank would unblock the account only if submitted privatization agreement, signed by INA-MOL, as well as signed FBiH Government’s agreement on re-capitalization. “We have been informed about the fact that INA approved the agreement on Tuesday, but MOL still have not done that. As soon as MOL approves it and we receive the document, we will unblock all accounts”, said Almir Krkalic, member of a HVB Central Profit Bank management. Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Energopetrol accounts temporarily de-blocked’, mentioned on cover ‘Special units protected Bank from workers’ by Se.Muslic, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Energopetrol accounts de-blocked’ by A.Av– also reported.

Chair of BiH HoR Commission on budget and finance says it is high time Parliament adopted amendments to VAT Law

 

Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Changes to VAT law inevitable’ by D. P. MandicLjiljana Milicevic, Chair of BiH HoR Commission for budget and finances says for DL that the Commission on Thursday did not discuss the amendments to the Law on VAT proposed by Party for BiH and Deputy Speaker BiH HoR Nikola Spiric because the Commission decided to wait for BiH CoM to furnish its analysis of possible effects of these changes and because Spiric did not attend the session. She stressed however that changes to VAT law are inevitable and that she hopes that ‘Peter Nichol will cooperate with the Parliament better in the future meaning that the Commission will not have to wait two months for his reactions to Commission’s proposals’’. She stressed ‘nobody can usurp Commission’s right to propose laws. It is high time BiH Parliament put itself above ITA Steering Board and adopted changes to Law on VAT after which ITA SB  can request evaluation of constitutionality of the adoption procedure before the Constitutional Court’.

RS Govt rejects ITA initiative for mounting of new measuring instruments at gas stations, saying it is additional cost

 

Nezavisne Novine pg6 ‘Vladimir Bojat removed’ by A.Sekulic,Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Too many measuring instruments’ by D.Vrhovac-Mihajlovic – RS Government has rejected demand of BiH Indirect Taxation Administration (ITA) to install new measuring instruments on gas stations in RS, because owners of gas stations have already done that few years ago and mounting of new instruments would represent additional expense for gas station owners. RS Government on Thursday approved the continuation of the process of privatisation of Tobacco Factory Banja Luka and Rolling Mill ‘Unis’. The buyer of Tobacco Factory Banja Luka is already known: it is ‘Antonic Trade’ company from Laktasi, who promised to pay all TFB debts, invest KM 4.7 million per year, and employ new 400 workers.

Brcko Mayor expects ITA SB Chair will resolve issue of distribution from ITA single account

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 15 ‘Djapo: I believe Peter Nicholl will return process to legal framework’ by E.Razanica – In a statement to daily, Mirsad Djapo, Brcko Mayor, says that although distribution of resources from single account, collected from indirect taxes, is blocked for 15 days now, self-sustainability of District has not been brought in question as yet. He added: “Unless this problem is resolved, Brcko, but also the entire of BiH, will face serious problems…I believe ITA SB (Indirect Taxation Administration’ Steering Board) Chair Peter Nicholl backtrack this process from political arrangements into legal framework.”

Hercegovacka bank future uncertain, clients yet to decide on method to withdraw their deposits

 

Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Sale of bank to Varazdin buyers uncertain’ by Zoran Kresic – Following the invitation of Hercegovacka banka’s provisional Administrator Toby Robinson to HB clients weeks ago to choose a method of withdrawal of their deposits (small percentage now which would mean bank liquidation or gradual payment over several years by bank’s prospective buyers from Varazdin), VL reports that bank clients have not yet replied to this invitation for which reason the deadline for them to provide their answers has been extended. FBiH Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic believes it would be better to sell HB than to liquidate it; in other words, it would be better for FBiH to give up some of its money deposited in HB than to possibly lose all of it.

 

Elections and other political issues

13 political parties promised to protect the interests of refugees and displaced persons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHT1by Zumra Arnautovic – After GROZD’s and Youth Association’s platforms several BiH political parties signed yet another one; namely Association of refugees introduced the parties with their requests, one of such being reconstruction of 40,000 returnees’ housing units. Several parties signed the platform, promising that, if win the elections, they would meet their requests. “I do not believe that the requests would be 100 % met, but we will make an effort to do as much as possible“, says SDA’s Sead Jamakosmanovic. “We are going to do all in our power for some of the requests to be met… we must neither prejudge nor forget it, but object when face statement that Annex 7 has been implemented“, says Stranka za BiH’s Beriz Belkic. “Our party is aware of the fact that solution to these issues is an expression of political will of all parties in BiH which means that neither political party can guarantee solution“, says SDU’s Sejfudin Tokic. Returnees’ representatives are rather sceptical regarding politicians’ promises. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Took over the responsibility to renew 40, 000 houses’ not signed– DA carries names of 13 political parties which signed the agreement: GDS, SDU, BOSS, Politicki pokret mladih, BH Demokrate, LDS, HSS, SDA, SBiH, NHI, Republikanci, Posansko-Podrinjska narodna stranka, Pokret za promjene BiH. PINK -According to the Chair of the BiH Association of Refugees and DPs Mirhunisa Zukic, the is a result of refugees and displaced persons’ common stance that political parties should stop wit the corruption and criminal in the field of reconstruction of returnees’ housing facilities. FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘To end the agony’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Parties promised realisation of demands of refugees’ by M.Rener, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Expelled and forgotten’ unsigned– also covers.

15 NGOs to organize ‘street election’, on which young people would elect four biggest problems they are facing in BiH

 

PINK by Dragica Tojagic – On Saturday, July 22nd, 15 non-governmental organisations will organize ‘street election’, on which young people would have the opportunity to elect four biggest problems they are facing in BiH, which domestic politicians should immediately solve. Travelling with no restrictions, modernisation of educational system, admission into European Union, creation of environment in which it would be possible to buy an apartment or to find a job, bigger participation of young people in political life are among the priorities BiH politicians should work on; “The final goal is to awake the conscience of our politicians, to make them fulfil what they often promise to young people”, explained Zeljko Milinkovic from the Youth Initiative for Election 2006. The results of ‘street election’ will be announced on July 26; during this campaign, a whole series of round tables, forums, interviews and debates will be organized in August and September. Participants at those gatherings will try to encourage BiH politicians to develop a strategy for solving the problems of young people in BiH. RTRS- also covered.

Prizma survey shows: over 50 % of BiH citizens are going to vote at October elections

RHB By Irena Ivanovic-Lasta – In interview to RHB, Dino Djipa, Director to ‘Prizma’ Agency said that since 1998, Prizma had carried out a number of pre-election researches and one of the most important questions they have asked citizens was “Are you going to vote?”. “According to the latest results, we suppose that over 50 % of citizens are going to vote at October elections”, says Djipa.

SDP’s Masic: Law on rights of MPs enables non-institutionalized increase of MPs salaries

 

Dani pgs 12-15 ‘MPs and Ministers want raise on their large salaries’ by Vildana Selimbegovic– In interview to BH Dani, FBiH House of Representatives’ MP from SDP, Damir Masic mostly commented the Law on rights of ministers and MPs, which was passed last week in FBiH House of Peoples, while earlier was passed in FBiH HoR. Masic harshly criticizes the passed Law, stressing that it crates possibilities for non- institutional increases of MPs salaries, as it happened two years ago, when their salaries were increased and the FBiH Parliament never voted on that. Very critical about the law and MPs that voted for it, Masic denies media claims that only two deputies voted against the Law [himself and BOSS’ Mirnes Ajanovic]. He admits that many of MPs haven’t attended the voting, but stressed that there was about 70-80 MPs present and the Law was passed with 60 or 61 vote. He criticized Ajanovic “for being a such a man of principles” while he failed to prevent a member of his party to propose the law, which “is at least catastrophic and which is worst i.e. better for MPs, even then this one is”. [NOTE: Please note that beside this interview, Dani brings addition on 16 pages dedicated to SDP’s Convention in Zetra, held on July 8, where SDP presented its election program].

SB: ‘Aluminij’ CEO Brajkovic rejected HDZ 1990’s offer to be candidate in elections

 

Slobodna Bosna, pg 13 ‘Mijo Brajkovic rejected HDZ 1990’s offer’, by S. M. – reports that ‘Aluminij’ deputy manager for legal-staff issues, Jure Musa, will be ‘Croat Unity’s’ (coalition led by HDZ 1990) list leader for the FBiH Parliament. This happened after the ‘Aluminij’ CEO, Mijo Brajkovic, allegedly refused the same offer by the HDZ 1990 leader, Bozo Ljubic. Allegedly it is the HDZ of Croatia, foremost its senior member Luka Bebic from Metkovic, which insisted the HDZ 1990 should be recruiting as many successful business people from BiH, since it would be a wise pre-election trick.

SB op-ed: Whoever does not play by rules of ‘schizophrenia’ set by SBiH leader Silajdzic, stands no chance at October elections

 

Slobodna Bosna pgs 4-5 ‘Pre-elections political schizophrenia’ op-ed by Senad Avdic – Condemning BiH authorities for negligent attitude regarding EU integrations, editorial reads that BiH is ill society created by ill elites, adding that the name of illness is schizofreny. Harshly slamming SBiH leader Haris Silajdzic, calling him a initiator of the illness, author tries to prove that Silajdzic’ behavior is a paradigm of schizophrenia: “He is in power for 15 years, being at the same time the most prominent critic of the authorities. He took part in creating Dayton Peace Agreement, claiming at the same time that it destroyed BiH. He claims that the RS is fascist-made product – four of his ministers are members of the Government of that fascistic product.” Condemning Silajdzic for starting an avalanche of politicians similar to him [listing then names of politicians, mostly from SDU and BOSS coalition], Avdic underlines that SBiH leader helped SNSD leader Milorad Dodik to become an absolute winner of October elections in RS. Editorial reads that any party that refuses to play the game “imposed by schizophrenic political lobby” will stand no serious chances at the forthcoming elections, concluding that the elections would be just another step towards the abyss.

Deputy to Special Envoy for Kosovo Rohan: EU has to be clear that instability of Balkans cost ten times more from enlargement costs

 

Der Standard ’Balkans is also Europe’ – Commenting the EU enlargement process, in an interview for Vienna-based daily, Deputy to Special Envoy for future status process for Kosovo Albert Rohan said: “It is a general assessment, that there are certain ‘bad feelings’ regarding both deepening and enlargement of the EU, but people has to be clear that the enlargement also brings stability to this region [West Balkans]. Instability in Balkans cost as ten times more as the help for enlargement.” He also noted that the approach of Turkey and Western Balkan states is a mid-term issue, adding that taking the enlargement perspective from these countries is a catastrophic idea, because “they suffer significant sacrifice for putting efforts to fulfil conditions.” 

BiH MoFA Ivanic meets newly appointed French

Ambassador to BiH

 

RHBBiH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic received in an inaugural visit newly appointed French Ambassador to BiH Maryse Berniau in Sarajevo on Thursday. Ivanic informed her about reform process in BiH aimed at moving our country closer to Euro-Atlantic structures, and the upcoming general election in BiH. He expressed hope that France will continue to support BiH on the road to the EU. He also stressed the need to improving economic cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Berniau said that France considers BiH its priority in the Balkans and expressed readiness to help BiH in fulfilling conditions for joining Euro-Atlantic structures. She expressed hope in the successful fulfilment of her mission in BiH, and stressed that improving economic cooperation, as well as ties in the field of culture and education would be among her priorities. Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘For French, BiH is the largest priority on the Balkans’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘BiH is French prioriy in the Balkans’ not signed, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Our country as priority’ unsigned – also covered. 

 

Legal, audits and security issues

Dani points finger at judge Simmons, prosecutor McNair because Jelavic is at large

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dani, pgs 18-20 ‘Failed attempt to have rule of law in BiH’, by Dzenana Karup-Drusko – comments the recent decision of BiH Court’s Appellate Council to annul the first-degree verdict to former leader of HDZ BiH and member of BiH Presidency, Ante Jelavic (Jelavic was found guilty of embezzling money Republic of Croatia was sending as aid to BiH Croats, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Verdict was overturned because of ‘considerable violations of BiH Criminal Procedure Code’). Dani underline this case is probably the biggest judicial scandal, which came to be because the process was run by foreign judge (Malcolm Simmons) and foreign prosecutor (John McNair) and Dani argue that the two were not competent enough to take on the ‘Jelavic’ case although there were many evidence that show Jelavic is guilty. The weekly also notes that domestic judges, when processing similar, high-profile cases, are far better professionals than foreign judges, as evident in ‘Sarovic and others’, ‘Okic and others’ cases, since domestic judges schedule trials almost every day, unlike their foreign colleagues, who have a practice of postponing trials, which led to Jelavic getting out of detention (after maximum duration of detention of one year expired). In this context, Dani remind of the story it was the UK Ambassador to BiH, Matthew Rycroft, who insisted with the BiH Court President Meddzida Kreso, that Simmons stays as a BiH Court judge. Dani conclude it is uncertain what will happen next to Jelavic, whether he would face trials in Croatia (where he is in hiding), whether the whole case will be hushed up, or whether the truth will be finally revealed what happened to the Republic of Croatia’s money.

SB blames annulment of Jelavic sentence on BiH Court and Prosecutor’s Office

 

Slobodna Bosna pg 6-9 ‘Jelavic’s crime was not sanctioned because of court’s dilettantism’ by Suzana Mijatovic and Senad Avdic – SB article blames the annulment of Jelavic sentence on BiH Court judge Malcolm Simmons and state prosecutor John McNair and specifies what their principal mistakes were: McNair, whom SB calls a ‘dilettante prosecutor who ruined all the major cases‘, made a number of mistakes during the proceedings e. g. indicting Jelavic for actions during his term in the BiH Presidency but failing to provide any evidence of that. He also charged Jelavic of actions during his membership in the bank management but failed to prove Jelavic was on the bank’s board of directors in the first place. Court panel chaired by Malcolm Simmons found Jelavic guilty for damaging the FBiH budget without specifying the amount of the damage; it also completely “overlooked” three items in the indictment concerning payment of monies to HDZ and Hague indictees which means Jelavic was neither found guilty nor acquitted of these charges.

BiH Prosecution to take over investigations on “Vitol” and Brod Refinery cases

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘BiH Prosecution taking over investigation in “Vitol” affair’ by G.Maunaga Izudin Berberovic, Prosecutor with Doboj District Prosecution, has stated that following consultations with BiH Prosecution, Organised Crime Department, this Department is expected to take over cases of “Vitol” and Brod Refinery until the end of this month. Berberovic stated that 22 persons, including five foreigners, are included into investigation on business dealings of Refinery since 1999 until present time.

BH Jus Min: Inspectors examined documentation regarding payments to Delic

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Inspectors controlled payment of salaries to Delic’ by N.K. – BiH Justice Ministry Thursday confirmed that the Inspection of BiH Justice Ministry Thursday examined documentation on basis of which BiH Presidency paid 60% income to Rasim Delic, Hague war crime indictee and former advisor to BiH Presidency member, SUlejman Tihic. Slobodan Kovac, BiH Justice Minister, has stated he is not familiar with inspection results as yet.

Audit established RS Def Ministry left behind debt of BAM 150 million

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘They left behind over BAM 150 million in debt’ by D.Gavrilovic – The RS Chief Audit Service has determined that the abolished RS Ministry of Defence has left behind a debt of approximately BAM 150 million. Hence, RS Government will have to pay out BAM 110 million to implement court rulings in suits Ministry lost. Apart from this RS Government is also to pay out debt of BAM 46 million to employees and suppliers, piling up over last few years.

SIPA and BiH Prosecution taken over investigations on murder cases in E. Sarajevo over last 7 years

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘SIPA has engaged in investigations on unresolved murder cases’ by D.Muminovic Zoran Mandic, recently appointed Head of the Public Security Center East Sarajevo, Thursday stated that the SIPA (State Investigation and Protection Agency), together with BiH Prosecution, has taken over investigations in some cases of unresolved murders in East Sarajevo over the last 7 years, and East Sarajevo police will continue to actively work on resolving these cases. He did not want to go in details regarding these cases, saying some have political or Mafia background.

SB: ‘Islamic Army in Bosnia’ invited BiH Muslims to exterminate those who are, like SDA leader Tihic, traitors of Islam

 

Slobodna Bosna pgs 14-15 ‘Islamic hackers put threatening messages on SDA web-site condemning Sulejman Tihic to death’ by M.Pargan – Weekly carries that on 18 July, hackers of ‘Islamic Army in Bosnia’ breached SDA web-site, warning voters to take care whom they will give their votes at the forthcoming elections. ‘Brigade Bera ibn Malik’ brigade, who took over the responsibility for this act, had no public statements prior to this. “This religious or pre-elections pamphlet of Islamic Army in Bosnia… explicitly invited BiH Muslims to exterminate all of those, who like [SDA leader] Sulejman Tihic, became traitors of Islam.”