04.07.2006

OHR BiH Media Round-up, 4/7/2006

The OHR Media Monitoring service is being improved. As of 3 July we will be offering you two distinct daily reports; the Morning Brief, covering all BiH’s top stories and the afternoon BiH Media Round-up, containing the latest agency and radio news, summaries of relevant articles published by the international media and summaries of articles published by BiH’s periodicals.

OHR BiH MORNING MEDIA BRIEF

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK  (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

No news broadcast due to strike

Fiscal Council’s meeting cancelled

Deadline for elections registration 

 

German Foreign Minister in BiH

Fiscal Council session cancelled

 

Oil distributors oppose ITA Rulebook

RS Police action against Selver

 

CEC on lists of candidates

Usora river flooded houses

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

BiH Fiscal Council holds no session

Fiscal Council session cancelled

Fiscal Council’s meeting cancelled

October elections, update

Problem of BPC Health Insur. Fund

German Foreign Minister in BiH

Issue of passive voters’ registration

Public work projects 

German Bundestag delegation in BL

German MoFA in visit to BiH

CRA on telephone prices 

Reactions on CoE Resolution on BiH

 

Oslobodjenje

Croatia gave up the PeljesacBridge?!

Dnevni Avaz

Expanding of indictment against Delic rejected [ICTY vs. General Rasim Delic]

Dnevni List

Colak blackmailing HDZ?

Vecernji List

Six towns in Croatia waiting for the Pope (bishops invited Pope to Croatia)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Football related

Nezavisne Novine

Assistant completed Faculty prior to secondary school (scandal at B. Luka Medical Faculty)

Glas Srpske

Crime at auction

EuroBlic

We will provide oil 10 pfenings cheaper (oil importers oppose to dale of Brod Refinery)

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related cover splash

 

Allocation of revenues and other economic issues

BiH Fiscal Council fails to hold session due to absence of Ministers; money from single ITA account again blocked; RS still demands fixed coefficients, CoM Chair says this impossible 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHT1 by Sanita Lisica – BiH Fiscal Council failed to hold the session scheduled for Monday, thus the public revenues collected through taxes will remain blocked on the single account of Indirect Taxation Administration (ITA). Instead of the session, Council members only held consultations because of absence of BiH and FBiH Finance Ministers Ljerka Maric and Dragan Vrankic respectively, as well as RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik. The Council was supposed to reach a final decision on coefficient for distribution of public revenues, which is a subject of a dispute between the members for months now. The Chair of BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic stated he would not schedule another session until three Finance Ministers submit in written form an agreement on future distribution coefficients. The RS Finance Minister Aleksandar Dzombic stated a key problem lies with unreliable VAT tax registrations, which lead to incorrect calculation of coefficient and unfair distribution of public revenues. Brcko District representative Sinisa Kisic stated that the problem could be solved through change of Law on VAT, which would improve the entire VAT system and collection of revenues. PINK – Terzic stated: “I have to say that it’s obvious we have stances which would be very hard to reconcile. I think that RS stance of asking a fixed coefficient of 31.5% [note: under same proposal 66% would be for FBiH and 2.5% for Brcko District]… would be impossible to agree on, at least for now.” Fixed coefficients are not in stipulated by the current law which sets coefficient to be based on tax payment registrations. Hayat – Terzic noted that the FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic accepted a proposal on temporary coefficient: “This meant that the FBiH and District Brcko each should abandon their 0.26 %, allocating it to the RS which would increase the RS’ coefficient to 31 %. District Brcko did not accept this, as well as the RS.” Blockade of the BiH ITA’s single account could endanger the issue of foreign debt, says Hayat adding it would cause a number of problems, but ITA claims that there should not be any. FTV – Terzic commented that in all that money on the account exceeding 3 billion KM, the entire dispute is about allocation of only 6-7 million KM. RTRS – Dzombic stated on Monday that RS had an action plan to withstand the blockade of means for the single account for a certain period of time. Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Fiscal Council: RS does not respect what it agreed to’ by D. P. M.  In the title, the article refers to the fact that the RS budget was exceeded by KM 70 million which shows decisions of FC are not respected. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Money on the single account blocked again’, mentioned on cover by M.K.S., Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Blockade again’ by R.Cengic, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘A blockade again’ by D.Stanisic – also reported.

FBiH PM Hadzipasic expects new session of Fiscal Council to be held next week

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Terzic: Someone wants to prove that single account cannot function in BiH’, mentioned on cover ‘Allocation blocked again’ by M.Kukan, Inset ‘FBiH would not feel the consequences’- FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic told daily that he is certain that the agreement on allocation of revenues from ITA single account would be reached and that “it is not a matter of who would give in, but of settlement of [funds] which belong to everyone”. “I even proposed for the RS to get temporary coefficient of 31%, but that after settlement [of the account] means are returned to one who received less. At this moment I can say that none of FBiH citizens would feel any consequences because the deal wasn’t made,” said Hadzipasic. Inset ‘New session next week?’- Hadzipasic expects for new session of the BiH Fiscal Council to be held next week, but only if Finance Ministers reach the agreement among them. Coordinator of Brcko District for cooperation with the Council of Ministers, Sinisa Kisic stated changes to VAT Law were necessary, together with improvements of system.

RS Fin. Min. hopes Agreement on distribution coefficient close

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Blockade again’ by R.Cengic Aleksandar Dzombic, RS Finance Minister, stated after Mondays’ meeting of BiH Fiscal Council that: “I am of the view we have approached to an agreement on temporary fixed coefficients, according to which RS would get 31.5%, Brcko would get 2.5% and F BiH would get 66%. If this were not sufficient for Brcko, we would then search for new models, but we have not managed as yet to determine how much money belongs to whom on the basis of VAT claims and final consumption.” EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘A blockade again’ inset ‘Dzombic: we can hold out, but not for long’carries Dzombic’ statement on Action plan, adding that owing to latest developments, he ahs asked from Kemal Causevic, ITA Director to ensure payments for foreign debt.

Daily: Tender for audit of allocation of revenues not yet published

 

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Money on the single account blocked again’, mentioned on cover by M.K.S., Inset ‘No tender for the audit either’- Tender to select a company for an audit of allocation of revenues, based on indirect taxes in last year, has not yet been published. Audit was requested by the RS officials who claim last year the entity was damaged for dozens of millions. RS Finance Minister wrote the tender, however other members of BiH Fiscal Council demanded audit to also include collection of taxes.  

OHR to decide on extension of ITA SB’ Chair’ mandate in the next few days, OHR Spokesperson says

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Blockade again’ Inset ‘OHR still without decision on Dixon’ – Daily reports OHR has not decided as yet whether mandate to Joly Dixon, ITA SB Chair would be extended, carrying statement of Oleg Milisic, OHR Spokesperson, saying “HR Christian Schwarz Schilling yesterday met with Dixon, but he will reach decision in the next few days”. Daily reminds of information it obtained that Americans oppose to extension of Dixon mandate. NN further adds that Dixon may be offered a month-extension of mandate, which he would not accept. Frane Maroevic, EC Spokesperson, expects to see OHR extend Dixon’ mandate, noting: “We see no reason why Dixon should not continue working at ITA SB, but the OHR should determine whether to extend his mandate or not and we expect them to do that soon.”

Daily: Croatia gave up the Peljesac Bridge and would built a Hotel instead?!

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Croatia gave up the Peljesac Bridge?!’ by Josip Vricko– According to daily it seems that “those in favour” of building of Peljesac Bridge [which caused not only disputes between BiH and Croatia, but also between Croatian PM Ivo Sanader and President Stjepan Mesic] have given up. As confirmation of this, daily stresses that all equipment has been removed from the construction area in Komarna [Peljesac]. Emphasising how expensive this project would be for Croatia [because of which the dispute between Sanader and Mesic occurred], Vricko underlines that rumours from one of BiH “coast municipalities” [referring to Neum] say that hotel would be built instead, in order to cover up current expenses. “Furthermore, there are those claiming that Croatia never seriously intended to build the Bridge, but that a Hotel was in plan all along?!” concludes Vricko.

 

EU integrations, reforms and other political issues

German Foreign Ministers meets BiH officials: it would be good if BiH makes important steps towards EU during German presidency; constitutional, PBS and police reforms are necessary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PINK by Jovanka Nina Stevanovic – German Foreign Minister, Frank Walter Steinmeier, paid a one-day official visit to Sarajevo on Monday. After the meeting the BiH officials, Steinmeier stressed: “I would be very happy if we make a decisive step regarding BiH’s admission into the European Union, during German presidency in the first half of 2007.” BiH Foreign Minister, Mladen Ivanic, underlined that a delay in police reform is still the biggest obstacle for finalizing negotiations on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. “What I really believe, and what I’ve been saying for couple of months, is that politicians in BiH have to sit down as soon as possible, before the elections if it’s possible, and reach an agreement on the police reform”, stated Ivanic after meeting his German counterpart. BHT1 Adis Deljkovic – Seinmeier stressed that “it is time for BiH politicians to assume the responsibility and for the political decision on closing down the OHR in July next year to be implemented.” He noted pre-elections period is difficult for any country, expressing his hope that following the elections BiH would have functional government able to achieve progress in constitutional and police reforms. Hayat – “I hope that the October elections are going to be carried out with necessary political preconditions. After meeting the BiH officials I am of the view they are aware of tasks they are about to face and that they are going to take over the full responsibility.”BiH officials and Steinmeier also discussed Public Broadcasting System restructuring and economic cooperation between two countries. FTV – German Foreign Ministers stressed that in addition to friendship between two countries, Germany would certainly expect results which would lead BiH to signing of the SAA. RTRS – Steinmeier also met with BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic and Presidency member Borislav Paravac discussing economic cooperation between two countries. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Police reform can jeopardise BiH path to EU’ by N.Krsman – Steinmeier also met with Adnan terzic, BiH COM Chair, expressing readiness of his state to assist BiH authorities including involvement of its experts in constitutional reform field. German Foreign Minister also met with SDPZlatko Lagumdzija and Zeljko Komsic who informed him on reforms and needs to continue constitutional reform following the elections. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Germany believes in progress after elections in BiH’ by Az.K., Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Germany is continuing the support to BiH European perspective’ by Agencies, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Police reform can jeopardise BiH path to EU’ by N.Krsman, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Support of Germany’, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Agreement before October?’ by Srna, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Steinmeir: It is time BiH politicians took responsibility’, by eme – carries Steinmaier statement on BiH politicians assuming responsibility, Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Problem in halt of police reform’, not signed – also reported.

German Foreign Minister meets HR CSS : It is time for BiH authorities to take over responsibility and for decision on closing down OHR to be implemented

 

BHT1 Adis Deljkovic – During his meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier, the HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling stressed he has full support of the German government. Schwarz-Schilling once again emphasized importance of constitutional changes, police reform and reform of PBS system for the BiH. The HR expressed hope these issues would become priorities after the elections.  Hayat – Commenting his meeting with Steinmeier, Schwarz-Schilling stated: “We have discussed the issue of constitutional reforms and police reform. I hope that this issue will be re-launched after the elections, if crucial decisions and laws do not be passed before the elections. It is necessary to see these things going on, bearing in mind OHR’s transition to the EUSR.RTRSby Branka Kusmuk – RTRS reports that during the talks with BiH officials and the HR, Steinmeier said both he personally and his country would be very happy if BiH manage to sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU in the first half of 2007: “I think we all agree that it is necessary to continue working on the constitutional reforms immediately after the elections… In order to sign the SAA, BiH has to satisfy basic requirements, which are police reform and the reform of Public Broadcasting Service.” Almost 11 years after signing Dayton Peace Agreement, conditions have been created for domestic politicians to take over the responsibility for BiH’s European perspective, was concluded during Steinmeier’s meeting with the HR Schwarz-Schilling. FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Germany is continuing the support to BiH European perspective’ by Agenciesalso reported.

German parliamentary delegation visiting BiH meets top RS officials; President says Dayton has not alternative; RSNA Chair briefs about economy; RS PM talk on police reform

 

RTRS by Sanja Popovic – During their three-day visit to BiH, the delegation of German Parliament, Bundestag, on Monday visited Banjaluka, where they held separate meetings with the highest-ranking RS officials. During the meeting with German parliamentarians, RS president Dragan Cavic stressed that BiH could be a stable country on the path toward Europe, but only if it is commonly accepted that decentralised, Dayton BiH with entities has no alternative. RS National Assembly Speaker Igor Radojicic informed his German colleagues about the RSNA work during last several months. “We talked especially about what we have managed to adopt during last few months in the RS NA, in cooperation with the new RS Government. In other words, certain system laws in the field of privatisation, economy and organized crime”, explained Radojicic. RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik informed German delegation about the negotiations on police reform; he reiterated that RS did not want to contest BiH in any way, on its path to the EU.Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Joint European perspective’ by G. Dakic Inset ‘Combination’ – during talks, Dodik said BiH has a chance as a federal state: “National and citizens’ principles might be combined in it, and these principles would not be abused.”Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘On constitutional changes after elections’ by N.N. – RS PM also said he expects talks on constitutional changes to resume after elections. EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘European path is solution for BiH’ inset ‘CoE Resolution is not at everybody’s suit’ – Axel Shefir, Bundestag parliamentarian, has stated that “Germany, like BiH is one of CoE states and it is clear there has always been and will always be Resolution that do not suit everybody.”BHT1, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘For joint European perspective’ by Fena, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘RS is not considering the principles for police reform as European dictate’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Joint European perspective’ by G. Dakic – also covered.

UK Ambassador Rycroft: PACE Resolution on BiH not obligatory, UK doesn’t support all its points

 

BHT1 – Commenting recently adopted Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly [PACE] Resolution on BiH, the UK Ambassador to BiH, Mathew Rycroft, stated this document has advisory character, stressing it is not obligatory for the authorities in BiH. Rycroft stressed the UK Government doesn’t agree with all aspects of the Resolution. According to him, British Government welcomes the main topics, the fact that PACE regrets the failure of BiH Parliament to adopt amendments to Constitution and the fact it expects political leaders in BiH to continue the process of constitutional changes after the elections. Rycrofts stressed that the constitutional changes must be based on consensus. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Resolution of PACE is not obligatory’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘CoE’ Resolution is not  binding’

RS President: PACE resolution on BiH does not exist from standpoint of practical use

 

RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘BiH in EU, only if RS exists’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Joint European perspective’ by G. Dakic Inset ‘Resolution’– The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s Resolution on BiH does not exist from the standpoint of its practical use for the RS, was announced from the RS President Dragan Cavic’s cabinet, after his meeting with Maryse Daviet, Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in former Yugoslavia and Albania. Cavic stressed that the Resolution is the strongest stimulus to unacceptable stands of Bosniak and Croat politicians in BiH. At the same time, member of the BiH delegation in the CoE Parliamentary Assembly Ljiljana Milicevic explained that CoE Resolution is not a recommendation, because not enough representatives in CoE Parliamentary Assembly voted in favour of this Resolution. 

PDP’s Poljasevic: RS NA should define its stance on PACE Resolution asap

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘RS institutions should be protected from constant attacks’ by V. P. – PDP’s Veselin Poljasevic on Monday stated RS NA should define its stance on PACE Resolution because a reply on more frequent attacks on RS cannot be postponed any longer. Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘The Resolution on BiH is not obligatory’ by V. D, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Adding oil on fire’ by S. Aleksic – PDP’ Milicevic on PACE Resolution.

OSCE Assembly to pass report on BiH: noted that OSCE presence still necessary

 

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘BiH’ progress toward the EU depends on judiciary and administration reform’ by A. Omeragic – According to the Report that OSCE Assembly should pass at its annual session on Tuesday, BiH’s progress towards EU depends on judiciary and administration reforms. Austrian representative, Wolfgang Großruck,would submit a report and stress some progress has been achieved. According to the Report, OSCE presence in BiH is still necessary, as is in Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia, while the mission in Croatia could soon be closed. Großruck notices that OSCE would be needed in process of closing down the OHR and he added that High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling has already established a working group of OHR and OSCE, which would cooperate on this. This organization, stressed Großruck should provide support in reforms of education, human rights’ protection, judiciary and elections.

Int. with Austrian Amb. W. Almhofer: polarisation of technical issues drives BiH further from EU; no need for Bonn powers any longer

 

Dnevni List pg 9 ‘Politisation moves you [BiH] further from EU’ by Resad Dautefendic – DL runs an interview with Werner Almhofer, Austrian ambassador to BiH [reminder: Austria chaired EU for the past six months], in which the ambassador expresses his opinion that ‘a lot of things which are related to the SAA agreement are of technical nature, but things which should not be tied to country’s territorial organization are often politicized or regarded as being of ethnic nature’. Almhofer believes that SAA talks need to be completed by the end of this year but ratification of the agreement can take up to two years, which, he says, was how things went in case of Austria’s accession to EU as well. Replying to a question about whether there exists a danger for BiH in the fact that OHR will shut down next year, the ambassador says there is no immediate danger for the stability and security in BiH. He also states that there will be a strong presence of the EUSR in BiH, as well as a broad coalition with countries which are not EU members. He also notes that there is no need for Bonn powers any longer and that the EUSR will have in place similar structures as OHR does, but these structures will have to be discussed in more detail. He ends his interview by saying that the media and the voters will play an important role during the forthcoming elections because now it will be up to local people and politicians to solve their problems. Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘International Community remains in full engagement in BiH’ by Fena– Daily carries interview with Ambassador Almhofer, along the same lines as in Dnevni List.

BiH Presidency behind schedule for proposing final text of decision on size, structure and location of BiH Armed Forces

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘National number of soldiers disputable issue’ by D.Muminovic – Daily reports referring at BiH Presidency that the advisors to BiH Presidency members for military affairs have not as yet agreed on the final text of decision of size, structure and location of BiH Armed Forces (AF) although deadline to do that expired on 1 July. Daily’s collocutor at BiH Presidency claims that it is less likely agreement on disputable issues would be reached until Wednesday, when the BiH Presidency should hold session, “unless negotiators gave up on maximalist-like demands”. The source notes: “All disputable issues, bar number of people’s structure at AF has been agreed. The Croat side ultimately requests a higher number of soldiers. Law on Defence stipulates the number of soldiers should be in line with the number of peoples from 1991 census.”

VL: HR Schwarz-Schilling organizes meeting to calm situation in Mostar down

 

Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Schilling calms Mostar down’, by dja – notes that the High Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, is today (Tuesday) organizing a meeting with representatives of political parties participating in the work of the Mostar City Council. VL notes the aim of the meeting is to discuss measures that need to be taken in order to ease tensions in Mostar and continue with integration processes. VL concludes by saying it is expected the HR will support adoption of plan of measures for calming down of situation in Mostar.

HR CSS to attend Srebrenica Memorial Ceremony after all

 

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Schilling in Potocari on July 11’ by S.Sm– Even though High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling announced that he wouldn’t attend the ceremony in Potocari memorial Center on July 11, on demand of Srebrenica Mothers the HR changed his stance. Mother of Srebrenica warned Schwarz-Schilling that there is nothing more important in BiH or in the world on this day, after which he accepted to change his protocol and attend the Ceremony.

 

War crimes

BiH Court orders custody for two war crimes suspects

 

 

PINKBiH Court has ordered one-month custody for Goran Bencun and Zdravko Bozic, which were suspected by the BiH Prosecutor’s Office for war crimes committed against Bosniak civilians in Srebrenica in July 1995. At the time they were the members of the RS Army. Both suspects were deported from the United States of America on June 30 this year, because they violated U.S. immigration regulations. BHT1, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Detention set to two men deported from the USA’ by BIRN Justice Report, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Detention set against Bozic and Bencun’ by A.Dj., EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Detention for those deported’ also covered.

Strong condemnations of sentence to Naser Oric continue

 

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Crime at auction’ by K. Cirkovic – reports on the incident that took place only few hours after verdict against Naser Oric was pronounced, when three Bosniaks intercepted the vehicle driven by Tatomir Gvozdenovic from Bratunac on the road to Srebrenica and threatened him with shouts: “Long live Naser Oric! Serbs should be slaughtered.” Gvozdenovic had to be escorted by Srebrenica police when he was returning home, yet RS MoI still had not issue any statement with regard to the incident. The article also carries strong condemnations of sentence to Oric by PDP’s Mladen Ivanic, PDP’s Veselin Poljasevic, SPRS, SDS’s Borislav Bojic, NGO “Narodni front”, DEPOS’s Radivoje Trbic and features statements of two witnesses of crimes in Bjelovac and Kravice.

VN describes Kravice massacre / carries further severe reactions against Oric’s verdict

 

Vecernje Novosti pgs 10-11 ‘Blood-shedding feast on Christmas’, announced on cover ‘Verdict washed bloody hands’ by V. Popovic and E. Radosavljevic – The article describes the Kravice massacre, which occurred on January 7 (Orthodox Christmas), 1993 near Bratunac, committed by the unit of Srebrenica wartime commander Naser Oric. Insets ‘Shameful act’, ‘Strong protest’, ‘A slap in the face of justice’ and ‘Strengthening of radicalism’ carry reactions of Trebinje Board of SDS party, Belgrade Association of Serbs from BiH, DSS Spokesperson Andreja Mladenovic and Serbian Forum for Security and Democracy, all condemning ICTY’s verdict to Naser Oric.

ICTY’ Nikiforov: Court Panel was “impressed” with Naser Oric’ defence / possibility to file an appeal to verdict still under consideration

 

EuroBlic pg 2 ‘New evidence getting Oric back’ by D.Vukelic – Daily notes that Naser Oric, former Commander of the Bosniak forces in Srebrenica, should thank to incompetence of the ICTY first of all for the scandalously mild sentence. Anton Nikiforov, Spokesperson of the ICTY Prosecution, has told daily that Court Panel was “impressed” with Oric’ defence, adding that some witnesses of prosecution also testified in Oric’ interest. He has also said Prosecution is “surprised “with mild sentence, since the Court pronounced Oric guilty for war crimes against Serbs in Srebrenica. He has also confirmed ICTY Prosecution is considering the possibility of filing an appeal against Oric’ verdict, noting deadline to do that is 30 days. He reminds that Prosecution may demand new trial but only after Court’s decision on possible appeal.

GS op-ed: Oric’s verdict shameful, Bosniak lobby had done great job

Glas Srpske op-ed pg 2 ‘Justice mocked itself’ by Goran Barac – The author refers to the verdict to Srebrenica wartime commander Naser Oric and assesses that such a mild sentence was scandalous and shameful and he adds there is no doubt Bosniak lobby in the Hague Tribunal had done a great job.

Daily: Is Oric’s case a precedent in ICTY work and what consequences would it have?

 

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Oric’ op-ed by Senka Kurtovic – Commenting Friday’s decision of ICTY Chamber, according to which former Srebrenica Commander Naser Oric was sentenced to two years [released immediately as he spent 3 years in Tribunal’s detention centre], Kurtovic mentions crimes for which he was found guilty and facts [such as his years at the time] taken into consideration by the ICTY for setting such verdict. Author notes that once euphoria caused by his release settles down, one should realistically consider consequences of this verdict. “One should wonder if Oric’s case is not a precedent in current work of the ICTY and how would a constantly divided BiH public react to its verdicts in case of [Croatian General Ante] Gotovina or those before BiH Court?,” wonders Kurtovic.

DL on Oric verdict: ICTY has double, even triple standards

 

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘(In)justice in The Hague’, by Sanja Bjelica – the author ridicules the verdict pronounced to the former commander of BiH Army units in Srebrenica, Naser Oric, who had been sentenced to 2 years in prison for the crimes committed against the Serbs in the Srebrenica area, which was under his command during the war. Bjelica notes this shows the ICTY has double even triple standards because the ICTY judges view crimes differently depending who committed them. The author also notes that the Serb(ian) officials’ negative reactions were to be expected, underlining the statement by the Serbian President Boris Tadic, who noted that even shoplifters get two years.

ICTY Chamber rejects expanding of indictment for General Delic; Delic not responsible for crimes in Grabovica, Uzdol and Bugojno

 

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Expanding of indictment against Delic rejected’, pg 4 ‘Delic would not answer for Grabovica, Uzdol and Bugojno’ by A.Hadzic- On Monday, ICTY Chamber published its decision by which the ICTY Prosecution’s demand for expanding of indictment against former BiH Army’s Commander, Rasim Delic, is being rejected. This decision was passed on June 30, based on the Prosecutor’s demand from May 8 requesting including new counts in the indictment which would refer to war crimes in Grabovica, Uzdol and Bugojno, and accusing Delic of direct commanding responsibility. DA carries that Delic would certainly stand trial for crimes committed by mujaheedin in Maline, Bikosi committed in June 1993, as well as in July and September 1995, committed over Serb inmates in prison Kamenica. DA notes that General Enver Hadzihasanovic was released of the indictment for mujaheedin crimes in Maline, because ICTY concluded they were not under effective command of BiH Army at the time. Inset ‘Vidovic and Whittaker preparing defence’- As DA learns Delic would be defended by Vasvija Vidovic [who defended former Srebrenica Commander Naser Oric] and British Attorney Quincy Whittaker.

Sokolac Court confirmed it forwarded extradition documents for former RS PM Klickovic to BiH Justice Ministry

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘He had been illegally writing-off taxes, excises and fees’ by S. Karic – Sokolac Court confirmed to Nezavisne Novine it had forwarded all documentation necessary for extradition of former RS PM Gojko Klickovic to BiH Justice Ministry on Friday and added it is now up to the Ministry to forward the documentation to Serbian Ministry of Justice. The indictment against Klickovic charges him, among other, with abuse of office and illegal writing-off debts for taxes, excises and fees to Tobacco Factory from Banja Luka.

Presidency member Jovic visiting ICTY on Tuesday: Talks on ‘Prlic and others’ case, processing of crimes against Croats

 

Vecernji List, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Jovic with del Ponte about Herceg Bosna’s six’, by Zoran Kresic – announces that the Croat member of BiH Presidency, Ivo Miro Jovic, will be meeting with the ICTY President and Chief Prosecutor, Fausto Pocar and Carla del Ponte respectively, today (Tuesday) at The Hague. The meeting, organized at request of Jovic, will reportedly focus on the trial to former 6 Herceg-Bosna leaders, ‘Prlic and others’ case that is, since Jovic is not happy with the text of the indictment, which mentions criminal endeavor the aim of which was to eliminate non-Croats from former Herceg-Bosna. It is also expected Jovic will insist on processing of crimes that were committed against the Croats.

 

Elections 2006

BiH CEC : no extension of registration deadline for displaced persons and refugees

 

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Deadline for registering of displaced persons and refugees will not be extended’ by E.S.– The Collegium of the BiH Central Elections Commission on Monday discussed a demand filed by the SDA to extend deadline for registration of displaced persons and refugees and decided that this is not something that needs to be solved in urgent procedure. Head of BiH CEC Branko Petric told daily that extending of voters deadline could lead to extension of deadlines for other activities, which eventually could lead to delays in holding elections. Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘No extending of deadline for registration’ by A.T.– also reported.

Deadline for submission of lists of candidate for October elections expires

 

BHT 1 by Lejla Redzovic Medosevic – Deadline set for the political parties to submit the lists of their candidates for October elections expired on Monday. The BiH Central Elections Commission is expected to verify lists submitted by 23 July. Some of the candidates for the BiH Presidency members are: Sulejman Tihic (SDA), Haris Silajdzic (SBiH), Mirnes Ajanovic (Patriot Block BOSS/SDU), Mladen Bosic (SDS), Nebojsa Radmanovic (SNSD), Zoran Tesanovic (PDP), Jugoslav Jovicic (SDP), Slavko Dragicevic (Patriot Block BOSS/SDU), Ivo Miro Jovic (HDZ), Zeljko Komsic (SDP) and Bozo Ljubic (HDZ 1990). SDP President Zlatko Lagumdzija stressed that SDP’s lists include over 35% of female candidates. SDA’s candidates for BiH Parliament Assembly are, among others, Sefik Dzaferovic and Bakir Izetbegovic. Reporter noted that Chair of BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic is not included in any of the lists. SDA leader Tihic explained that Terzic was not proposed by any of party’s bodies. SBiH’s list holder for state Parliament is Beriz Belkic, and FBiH Parliament Safet Halilovic. SBiH leader Silajdzic expressed his hope that the elections are going to be fair and that the October elections are going to prove that democracy is part of BiH peoples’ heritage. SDSDragan Cavic will again candidate for RS President. SNSD’s Milorad Dodik and PDP’s Mladen Ivanic are list holders for positions in the RS National Assembly. SNSD’s Velimir Kunic expressed hope that SNSD is going to be the strongest party at the state level. Some of HDZ candidates for state Parliament are Niko Lozancic, Dragan Vrankic and Borjana Kristo. HDZ has entered a wide coalition in RS. HDZ President Dragan Covic stated that HDZ had invited all parties with similar interests to join a coalition at the RS level. Head of BiH CEC, Branko Petric, said that following the verification of the lists, candidates will be asked to submit evidence on their private property within 15 days. Dnevni list pgs 2, 4 and 6 carry a series of articles individually reporting of the parties submitting their lists for the upcoming elections. PINK, Hayat, FTV – also reported. 

BiH CEC: 47 parties with almost 9,000 candidates applied for October elections

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘47 parties with almost 9,000 candidates coming for elections’, mentioned on cover, by E.Sarac – Dedicating entire page to issues related to the forthcoming elections, daily carries that BiH Central Electoral Commission [CEC] confirmed that 47 parties with some 9,000 candidates are taking part in BiH General elections in October. CEC also announced that there would be 8 coalitions, formed out of 11 parties; 12 independent candidates also submitted their candidacies. Inset ‘SNSD in Sarajevo Canton as well’ – SNSD’s Velimir Kunic confirmed that SNSD applied for elections in Sarajevo Canton.

New rift in HDZ?: Colak unhappy with D. Covic not nominating him as election list holder

 

Dnevni List cover splash & pg 5 ‘Colak blackmailing HDZ?’ by I. Stanisic – DL claims there is a new rift in HDZ, this time between the current and former party presidents Dragan Covic and Barisa Colak. Daily states that Colak demanded to be nominated as a state list holder but Dragan Vrankic, FBiH finance minister, was selected for the position instead. DL ends story by saying that the Colak’s name  was not seen on the party election lists in the course of yesterday, which confirms that a thesis of an intra-party conflict.

HDZ BiH: Security Minister Colak is not leaving the party

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Barisa Colak is not leaving HDZ’ by Fena– BiH Security Minister and HDZBiH Presidency member, Barisa Colak, remains a member of this Party and is not going over to any other, not even to the HDZ 1990. This was stated by the HDZ BiH spokesperson, Miso Relota, who denied media speculations on Colak leaving the party: “This is nothing but media speculations and the minister himself denies such allegations.” According to him, the media are speculating because Colak’s name does not appear on any of the candidate lists for all government levels, which were finalised during a session of the HDZBiH Presidency on Monday. Relota explained that the reason why Colak is not on the HDZ candidate lists is that, upon the implementation of the election results, a position in the executive power is designed for him.

SPD Lagumdzija: ‘our list is like a 505 candy’

 

Dnevni list pg 6 ‘Lagumdzija: our list is like a 505 candy’ by R. Dautefendic – During presentation of the SDP candidate list, party President Zlatko Lagumdzija stressed that SDPhas already won the elections because polls (UNDP) show SDP is the no. 1 party’ and that ‘SDP list contains exactly 505 names’ (505 is a brand of popular candy).  

SD comment: SDA and SDP working together against SBiH and HDZ 1990

 

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 11 ‘Lagumdzija and Tihic bringing Silajdzic and Ljubic down’, by Zlatko Tulic – commenting on the names of candidates for the October elections, especially for the future composition of the BiH Presidency, Tulic insists that the SDA and SDP are working together on securing the victory. Namely, SD says that by failing to nominate a credible candidate for the Bosniak member of BiH Presidency, Zlatko Lagumdzija’s SDP is trying to help SDA’s Sulejman Tihic to defeat SBiH’s Haris Silajdzic, whilst in the same time the SDP is really targeting the office of the Croat member of the Presidency by nominating Zeljko Komsic with an aim to defeat, according to SD, the HDZ 1990’s Bozo Ljubic.

SDA’s Tihic: SDA to reconsider support to RS PM Dodik because of police, Fiscal Council and marking of Kozara battle

 

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘We would reconsider a support to Dodik’s Government’ by A.T– SDA leader Sulejman Tihic stated on Monday that SDA would reconsider future support to the RS Government, lead by Milorad Dodik [RS PM]. Tihic stressed that Dodik is one of reasons why police reform and BiH Fiscal Council are endangered. As most recent example of Dodik’s “unscrupulous” behaviour Tihic pointed to marking anniversary of Kozara WWII battle during which the Orthodox mass was served. Dnevni Avaz pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘47 parties with almost 9,000 candidates coming for elections’ by E.Sarac, inset ‘Tihic: Dodik is acting nationalistic’ – also reported.

DA: Dodik is making a mockery of WWII Serb victims, by dividing them by nationality

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Dodik’s forgeries’ op-ed by Mirela Kukan- Commenting on statements the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik gave at the occasion of marking the anniversary of Kozara and Sutjeska WWIII battles in which he said most of WWII anti-fascists were Serbs and during which Orthodox mass was served, Kukan sees it as surprising that anti-fascism is so much celebrated lately “by those who, following the criminal ideology of cetnik movement and Draza Mihajlovic, participated or calmly observed the most horrible massacres committed during the aggression to BiH.” Stressing that Dodik has forgotten that “true anti-fascists” were never distinguished by their ethnicity, Kukan  emphasises that in this way Dodik is “making a mockery” of all Serb victims from the WWII, who stood up against crimes committed by “chetniks”. 

SDA first time with multiethnic elections lists

 

Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘First time multiethnic candidates’ by A.T. – SDA leader Sulejman Tihic stated this is the first time this party’s elections lists are multiethnic. He noted that it is still not the way he would love to see them, adding it is important this process has commenced. Note: Oslobodjenje dedicated whole page to elections.

Oslob op-ed: Condemning RS for leading political war and other responsible for mild reactions

 

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘RS on solitude’ op-ed by Zija Dizdarevic – Author notes that the RS is being politically isolated, and that the last Thursday was very bad for the entity. Editorial reads that on same day the Serbian President Boris Tadic clearly stated official Serbian stance that referendum on RS secession is impossible, and Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe [PACE] adopted resolution on BiH demanding abolishment of entity vote. Condemning RS officials stances on referendum and on resolution, Dizdarevic notes that since RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik came into power, RS is the key obstacle in efforts of taking the BiH from war-time logics and putting it in direction of democracy and EU integrations: “There is no political alternative in RS that would raise from interest of BiH Serbs in line with BiH and Euro-Atlantic way of thinking.” Author condemns both BiH and international authorities, including High Representative, for their mild reaction regarding the referendum issue: “It seems like not even USA are authority for him [Dodik].” Editorial concludes that RS is again in political war against BiH and international institutions: “The responsible for BiH integrity and its Euro-Atlantic perspective are obliged to use all means to defend its integrity and democratic future, and thus peace.”

 

OHR BiH MEDIA ROUND-UP

Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 4 July

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

No news broadcast due to strike

RSNA MPs increased own pensions

RS NA enact Law

 

FBiH HoR continues session

Cavic: Pol. Ref. through consensus

 

World News

ICTY PO to appeal Oric’ verdict

TV news broadcast on 3 July

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

No news broadcast due to strike

Fiscal Council’s meeting cancelled

Deadline for elections registration 

 

German Foreign Minister in BiH

Fiscal Council session cancelled

 

Oil distributors oppose ITA Rulebook

RS Police action against Selver

 

CEC on lists of candidates

Usora river flooded houses

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

BiH Fiscal Council holds no session

Fiscal Council session cancelled

Fiscal Council’s meeting cancelled

October elections, update

Problem of BPC Health Insur. Fund

German Foreign Minister in BiH

Issue of passive voters’ registration

Public work projects

German Bundestag delegation in BL

German MoFA in visit to BiH

CRA: no rebalance of T prices now

Reactions on CoE Resolution on BiH

 

Oslobodjenje

Croatia gave up the PeljesacBridge?!

Dnevni Avaz

Expanding of indictment against Delic rejected [ICTY vs. General Rasim Delic]

Dnevni List

Colak blackmailing HDZ?

Vecernji List

Six towns in Croatia waiting for the Pope (bishops invited Pope to Croatia)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Football related

Nezavisne Novine

Assistant completed Faculty prior to secondary school (scandal at B. Luka Medical Faculty)

Glas Srpske

Crime at auction

EuroBlic

We will provide oil 10 pfenings cheaper (oil importers oppose to dale of Brod Refinery)

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related cover splash

 

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

RS MPs enact Law on rights and duties of parliamentarians

 

 

 

 

RTRS – Resumption of 36th session of RS NA has seen adoption of Law on rights and duties of MP’s at Parliament, delegates at RS CoP. RS NA has started with 37th regular session with adoption of agenda. Discussion is ongoing on the issue of proposed Law on realization of decisions of Commission for protection of national monuments. During previous discussion, MP’s raised numerous issues addressed to RS Government, including the inquiry whether RS Government has forwarded an official protest to the ICTY over verdict pronounced against Naser Oric, to which Anton Kasipovic, RS Vice Premier, responded by saying that RS Government did not discuss the issue and hence could not address any protest. Regarding adopted Law on rights and duties of MP’s, RTRS says it is interesting that during discussion before RS NA, RS Government opposed to it. Namely, Aleksandar Dzombic, RS Finance Minister, opposed to its adoption, but in spite of it MP’s have enacted it.  BH Radio 1 also reported.

FBiH HoR in session, to discuss law on income tax

 

BH Radio 1 by Ljiljana Radl – FBiH House of Representatives has continued its session to discuss the proposal of the law on lowest gross wages whose amendments set lowest hour wage of KM1.25 for internship. The Law was proposed by the FBiH Government and it foresees lowest wage of 1.75 KM for all others. Head of BiH Independent Trade Unions, Edhem Biber, deems the regulation discriminatory and not in accordance with EU standards. The MPs are also discussing the proposal Law on Income Tax, which is part of the set of laws on tax reform. Adopting of this Law was urged by the U.S. Ambassador to BiH, Douglas McElhaney, who sent a letter to MPs today, insisting on this law.

RS President with EC Head to BiH: police reform main topic of discussion

 

RTRS Dragan Cavic, RS President, has told Head of EC delegation to BiH, Michael Humphreys, that solution to police reform can be reached through consensus and within EU principles. During meeting with Cavic today in Banja Luka, Humphreys has warned that EU will not most likely sign SAA until BiH reaches progress in police reform. According to press statement released by Cavic’ Cabinet, Humphreys has assessed that SAA talks between BiH and EC proceed well, with good chances to complete by the end of year.

Preparations for Srebrenica commemoration ongoing

RTRS – As a part of preparation for marking of 11th Srebrenica anniversary, the digging for approximately 500 grave-sites for approximately 500 exhumed bodies of Srebrenica people, who will be buried at Potocari Memorial Centre on 11 July. 1937 identified persons have so far been buried at Potocari.

 

Economic issues

RS Association of Oil Distributors calls on RS Govt to avert implementation of ITA Rulebook on Compulsory Use of Measuring Instruments in a sale of oil derivates

 

 

PINK by Ljubisa Davidovic – The RS Association of Importers, Producers and Distributors of Oil and Oil Derivates called upon RS Government to avert the implementation of the Indirect Taxation Administration’s Rulebook on Compulsory Use of Measuring Instruments in a sale of oil derivates. Association President Vukasin Vojinovic deems that the implementation of this Rulebook would cause large expenses and significantly hinder the work of oil distributors, while ITA would take over the authorities of the RS Trade Ministry. In addition to that, according to Vojinovic, it would take at least four or five years to check the fuel tanks on all 750 gas stations in BiH, in order to be sure they are in line with the Rulebook. Vojinovic added that, despite the fact that oil suppliers are expected to increase the prices of oil on Tuesday, domestic distributors would not change the prices of oil in BiH. Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘There will be no increase of oil prices in RS’ by Fena – also covered.

RS PM Dodik says RS Govt would persist on return of 30 mil KM for which it was damaged

 

Ekstra Magazine pgs 15-17 ‘I am fed up with parasites at Prosecutor’s Offices’ by Dragan Colic – In an interview to magazine, RS Premier, Milorad Dodik, reiterates RS Government will persist on demanding return of BAM 30 million for which RS budget has been damaged and for which they have filed a suit against Joly Dixon, ITA SB Chair. On this, he adds: “If Mr. Dixon identifies mechanism to re-examine this and money is returned, we will drop charges. Otherwise, charges remain in place.” On post-election possibilities, he does not respond to press inquiry that many people see him as leading BiH COM, noting: “The most important is election result (of SNSD) and after that Milorad Dodik will be where it is the best for RS.”

Chairman of RS Council of Peoples Kadric opposes to privatization of ‘RS Telekom’, announces raising of VNI

 

Dnevni Avaz, pg 11 ‘Dodik’s idea to sell ‘Telekom Srpske’ is detrimental to Bosniaks and Croats’, by H. Orahovac – The Chairman of RS Council of Peoples, Remzija Kadric, says he is against the privatization of ‘RS Telekom’, which was prepared by the RS PM Milorad Dodik’s Government and which will be discussed by the RSNA today (Tuesday). Kadric insists the plan to privatize the ‘RS Telekom’ is against vital national interests of the Bosniaks and Croats, namely of ‘RS Telekom’s’ former Bosniak and Croat employees. Kadric explains that the ‘RS Telekom’ had been built long before, on foundations of former PTT and that as many as 2000 Bosniaks and Croats worked for the then PTT, who nowadays do not work for the ‘RS Telekom’ since they were expelled from the RS, arguing that former Bosniak and Croat workers will not benefit from the privatization. Finally, Kadric assesses the ‘RS Telekom’ is worth 1 billion KMs.

Int with RS Finance Minister Dzombic: Banja Luka will be financial center of BiH 

 

Ekstra Magazine pgs 30-31 ‘Banja Luka will be financial center of BiH’ by Dijana Vuleta – Apart from elaboration of project of IRB RS (Investment and Development Bank of RS, Aleksandar Dzombic, RS Finance Minister, in an interview comments the issue of the banking supervision stating that he personally do not mind such concept and adds: “I professionally think it should not be at Central Bank…Future Agency should be organised as juristic body, unified with a seat in Banja Luka. We have a desire and an interest to see financial center in Banja Luka and we will strongly pledge for this.” He further notes there are two options: “to consolidate banking supervision in entities, and then to unite them, and second is to form a joint Steering Board for 2 Agencies, second round should see unification of Agencies and third phase should see recognition of other supervisions. This model is not unrecognisable in the world.”

MPs in FBIH HoR not keen on law on income tax

Dnevni Avaz, pg 11 ‘We have too many taxes, we do not need new tax on salaries’, by A. Hadziarapovic – prior to Wednesday’s session of the FBiH HoR, which should be discussing the FBiH Government’s proposal of law on income tax, Avaz notes majority of MPs are not keen to introduce the income tax just like that since they believe that the current taxes in the FBIH are too high, in fact higher by 15% than taxes in the RS. According to the head of SDA Caucus, Semsudin Mehmedovic, the SDA Caucus is not happy with the Government’s proposal and will present its own solutions, which basically foresee that people who earn more should be paying more taxes. President of SBiH Caucus, Ismet Briga, is of similar position.

 

Judicial issues

The trial to MomciloMandic and others indicted in the case of ‘Privredna’ Bank Srpsko Sarajevo resumed on Monday

 

 

 

 

 

 

RTRS by Dejana Radovanovic-Sarenac – The trial against Momcilo Mandic, Milovan Bjelica, Milorad Govedarica and Mirko Sarovic in the case of ‘Privredna’ Bank Eastern Sarajevo resumed on Monday. Defence attorneys interrogated temporary administrator of PBES Toby Robinson. She confirmed that she had received information on fictitious companies ‘Spekta’ and ‘Matres’ from Bjelica. However, she said that she had no information about the recurrence of KM 150,000, which PBES has given as a bail for the former RS Prime Minister Gojko Klickovic. Although Mandic presented documents that show that this money was paid back in August 2000, Robinson said that ‘it was not the same thing’. Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Investigation against Provisional Administrator suspended’ by E. Mackic – State prosecutor Eric Larson said the BiH Prosecutor’s office on 24 Feb 2006 received a criminal report against Robinson and another person, alleging illegal granting of loans amounting to KM ten million. Larson added that the Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into these allegations but on June 1st the investigation was closed for lack of evidence. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Five loans to “Spekta” by A.Djozo – Robinson testified that PB ES approved five loans to “Spekta” company, registered in Court and whose founder is SDS. Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Toby Robinson was not investigated by BiH Prosecution’ by A.S., Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Principal defendant denied report of Toby Robinson’ by N.Jamakovic – also covered.

RS PM Dodik says courts and judiciary are not independent

 

Ekstra Magazine pgs 15-17 ‘I am fed up with parasites at Prosecutor’s Offices’ by Dragan Colic – In an interview to magazine, RS Premier, Milorad Dodik, reiterates his stances regarding referendum option, noting RS aspires to be a better part of BiH. He says judiciary in BiH is not independent, aspiring for situation when we will free courts and prosecutor’s offices to deal with concrete issues and reach verdicts in the best way possible. He reiterates RS commitment to fulfilment of ICTY duties, underlining those responsible for crimes must be tried. Headline was taken out of context. Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘RS is not considering the principles for police reform as European dictate’ by Srna– During the meeting with group of Parliamentarians from German Bundestag, RS PM Dodik informed German Parliamentarians about the police reform  informed them about the course of negotiations on police reform in BiH. Dodik stated that three European principles in RS are considered as possibility for finding of most suitable solutions and not as European dictate.

Avaz: BiH without Public Attorney’s Office

 

Dnevni Avaz, pg 10 ‘BiH State has no Public Attorney’s Office as of today’, by H. Orahovac – notes that in reality the State (BiH) Public Attorney’s Office does not exist anymore as of today (Tuesday) because it has lost two of its three members since decisions require consent of all three members of the Office. Avaz explains that the now already former State Public Attorney, Monika Mijic, started working as BiH’s agent with the European Court for Human Rights at Strasbourg, whilst her former deputy in the Public Attorney’s Office, Zikreta Ibrahimovic, is Mijic’s deputy in Strasbourg. The remaining deputy Public Attorney, Dragica Miletic, cannot take decision alone. Jusuf Halilagic of the BiH Justice Ministry notes it is the BiH CoM that is responsible for the appointments to the State Attorney’s.

Appellate Council within the BiH Court to discuss Ante Jelavic’s first-degree verdict

 

Hayat by Snjezana Mulic – On Tuesday, the Appellate Council of the the BiH Court is going to discuss appeal on first-degree verdict in Ante Jelavic’s case, by which he was sentenced to 10 years for misuse of office. According to the law, the Council could uphold the first-degree verdict, change it or reject it and schedule new trial. Report brings feature on Jelavic and his escape to Croatia. Reporter ridicules the whole story by saying that there is no use in discussing Jelavic’s case, bearing in mind the fact that he is not going to return to BiH. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Today on sentence against Jelavic’ by Onasa – also covered.

 

Political issues

HDZ finalizes candidates’ lists for upcoming elections

 

 

 

 

 

Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Ivo Miro Jovic candidate for member of BiH presidency’ by A.O.– At October elections, HDZ would nominate Ivo Miro Jovic for Croat member of BiH presidency, as was decided on Monday at the session of party’s leadership. HDZ candidate for [Vice] President of RS would be Davor Cordas. List holders for BiH Parliament would be [current FBiH president] Niko Lozancic and [current FBiH Ministers] Dragan Vrankic, Borjana Kristo, Slavko Matic and Franjo Saravanja. List holder for BiH HoR from the RS would be Antun Horvat, while list holder for RS National Assembly would be Marija Rapo. List holders for FBiH Parliament are: Vjekoslav Mandic, Mladen Bevanda, Marinko Cavara, Mato Franjicevic, Josip Pojavnik, Marinko Bozic, Dragan Piljic, Jozo Banovic, Vid Santic, Zoran Vuksic, Srecko Zekic and Zoran Andric. HDZ leader Dragan Covic, as was announced is not included in any list. Dnevni list pg 5 ‘We publish HDZ candidates lists’ by D. Pusic – also reported.

Ethnic political parties to face losses due to passive voters registration?

 

Hayat by Novica Mitrovic – Following the passive voters registration, persons that have no CIPS IDs are obliged to submit requests for new personal documents by 17 August. Some claim that due to this, ethnic political parties could face losses in votes. Namely, such parties were mostly supported by people from rural areas, where a number of persons have no IDs at all. Political analysts claim that the registration process has been made easier, adding that it excludes a number of voters. Political analyst Tanja Topic noted: “I do not know the exact number of voters who are being excluded in this way, but it is not right to deprive certain people of their right to vote. I am well aware of the fact that, in certain municipalities, it takes 2-3 months for a new CIPS documents to be issued.” SNSD’s Igor Radojicic stated: “I think that this is a better solution than the previous one, since every person of age should have ID… those with no IDs are in a way out of law.

Ekstra Magazine says top RS officials Cavic, Dodik and Ivanic already divided positions amongst themselves

 

Ekstra Magazine pgs 12-13 ‘The last act of Dragan Cavic’ by Slobodan Vujicic – Bi-monthly notes compilation of candidates lists for October elections has turned into a real nightmare for party leaders in RS, mainly because Dragan Cavic, Mladen Ivanic and MJilorad Dodik – for the sake of preserving their good personal and political relations (established during talks on police reform and constitutional changes) had an obvious intention to rig election game prior to its completion. Hence, Cavic was nominated for RS president, Dodik as SNSD list holder for Election Unit 1 (with determination to remain RS premier for another 4-year mandate). According to magazine’s source, Ivanic has managed to reach agreement with Dodik regarding post-election coalition, owing to which reason PDP did not propose candidates for RS president and BiH presidency but will instead support SNSD candidates, and in exchange, Ivanic will ask position of BiH COM chair after elections.

RS Pres met former HR Ashdown in London complaining to him there is no firm international hand in BiH

 

Ekstra Magazine pg 5 ‘One does not turn against his own’ – During his recent visit to London, the RS President, Dragan Cavic, was one entire day guest of former HR to BiH, Paddy Ashdown, RS bi-monthly reports referring to sources close to these two politicians. According to report, Cavic complained to Ashdown situation in BiH is getting radicalised, since there is no firm international hand, that would implement police reform and constitutional changes. Sources claim that Cavic asked Ashdown to continue lobbying for him in the circles of British and American politicians in order to ensure support to Cavic after elections.

Head of OSCE Mission Davidson: Law on higher education will initiate important changes

 

BHT1 Mirela Cosic – At the public discussion ‘Adoption of Law on Higher Education’, Head of OSCE Mission in BiH Douglas Davidson stated that the Law on Higher Education cannot solve all problems, but it represents a significant step forward. He stressed that without this law, it is difficult to event think about the start of changes. The discussion was organized by the Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies Sarajevo and Open Society Fund BiH BiH. Law on higher education is supposed to clearly define the role of the state in sector of high education and would enable all the necessary systematic changes in high education. Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Education has to be a priority’ by An.S. – Professor Lamija Tanovic [LDS leader] questioned why OHR in cooperation with OSCE does not impose the Law, adding it was a big mistake not to put education on top of priority list. Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘The Law should have been passed sooner’ by Fena – also covered.

Announcements of Radio Herceg-Bosna shutting down due to lack of funding

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 10 ‘Radio Herceg-Bosna shutting down’, mentioned on cover, by Marko Karacic – SD writes about the strike of Radio Herceg-Bosna journalists and blames the Croat politicians in power, meaning HDZ BiH, as being most responsible for the radio’s poor financial standing. In this case, Karacic says, HDZ behaves like an opposition party rather than as a ruling party. Karacic also reminds of the fuss Croat politicians made over Croats in BiH not having a TV channel in Croatian language and concludes they were only trying to score political points. He also writes about the verbal support HDZ BiH gave to the radio but without any concrete assistance – in that way, the party washes its hands of the radio, as does HDZ 1990 which has not done anything to help the radio either. ‘They cannot be expecting Sulejman Tihic or Milorad Dodik to resolve the issue.‘ Inset: in a Radio HB labor union session yesterday, employees were told Canton 7 Minister of education Jago Musa is to blame for late salaries because he failed to sign the Cantonal Government grant to media outlets for which reason the funds are still frozen.  Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Money shuts down Radio Herceg-Bosna’ by Zdenko Jurilj Jurilj too criticizes Croat politicians and parties in BiH for failing to help Radio HB which ‘as the biggest Croat electronic media outlet covering over 70% of the BiH territory, might shut down if it is not able to comply with the financial sustainability clause contained in the Law on public broadcasting in BiH‘.

 

War crimes

Standard: After verdict against Oric, not even pro-EU oriented Serbian politicians can argue that ICTY is ‘anti-Serb political institution’

 

Standard ‘Serbian resentment after verdict against Oric’ by Andrej Ivanji – Commenting rather resent reactions of the Serbian and RS officials to the ICTY verdict against Srebrenica wartime commander Naser Oric [sentenced to two years and released immediately as he spent 3 years in Tribunal’s detention centre], Austrian daily Der Standard reads that general remark of Serbian nationalistic circles is that “ICTY proved again it is not a legal, but rather an ‘anti-Serb’ political institution”. Author stresses that after the verdict against Oric, even pro-Europe oriented politicians, like Serbian President Boris Tadic who was advocating for the cooperation with the ICTY, could not argue against it.

NGO Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights: Sentence against Oric means only that he was not proven responsible

PINK – Serbian officials strongly condemned the verdict to former Bosniak Army commander in Srebrenica Naser Oric, who was sentenced by The Hague Tribunal to two years in prison. On the other hand, NGO Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights Chair Biljana Kovacevic-Vuco stated that this verdict did not mean the amnesty for committed crimes, but only that it has not been proven Oric was responsible for them.

Serb NGOs condemn sentence against Naser Oric

 

RTRSby Tijana Velic – The RS Association of Veterans from Eastern Herzegovina deems that the verdict to former commander of Bosniak forces in Srebrenica Naser Oric is ‘shameful’, and another one hypocritical act of The Hague Tribunal. RS Socialist Party and Democratic Party also condemned the verdict to Oric, saying that it shows how ICTY ignores crimes committed against Serbs in BiH. Non-governmental organisation ‘People’s Front’ stated that ICTY obviously acted in line with whishes of SDA and its leader Sulejman Tihic. Belgrade Association of Serbs from BiH strongly condemned ICTY decision to sentence Oric to only two years in prison, because such decision basically acquits ‘this hardened criminal’ of any responsibility for the death of hundreds of Serbs in Srebrenica and Bratunac.