06/10/2005

OHR BiH Media Round-up, 10/6/2005

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Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 10 June

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

Croat parties to meet today

Floods in Brcko District

Terzic appoints Trisic-Babic

FBiH oil dispatchers disc. fuel prices

FBiH Govt. delegation in Bihac

Harvest operation on going

Mostar City Council session today

World news

BL Mayor supports ‘Harvest’

TV news broadcast on 9 June

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

HDZ Presidency session

Lukic negotiates on surrender

Preliminary list of Srebrenica victims

FBIH Government session

Posters denying crimes in Srebrenica

Posters denying crimes in Srebrenica

OSCE conference

Nicholas Burns inBelgrade

Serbia wants to arrest Mladic

Tihic met with Rycroft

4 Zenica prison inmates on strike

Bojic and Purisic’s case

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Preliminary list of Srebrenica victims

Preliminary list of Srebrenica victims

HR pardons Grabovac and Jevric

Lukic negotiates on surrender

Posters denying crimes in Srebrenica

Case of stillborn baby

Serbian Government on Mladic

Burns on Serbia/Mladic

Trial to Bojic and Purisic

Perisic on pre-trial release

Perisic on pre-trial release

Preliminary list of Srebrenica victims

 

Oslobodjenje

[Dokic:] Reasons for Ivanic’s removal are being concealed

Dnevni Avaz

Mufti Ceric: Our role is not to promote parties; Paddy Ashdown stays as long as needed

Dnevni List

Ferhatovic and Hercegovic are attackers

Vecernji List

We would feel better in Guantanamo

Slobodna Dalmacija

50 000 sheep threatned with death in ice

Nezavisne Novine

8106 names of Srebrenica victims are on the list

Glas Srpske

Administration offers solitary cells

EuroBlic

Milan Lukic negotiates surrendering to the Hague

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

Srpski Nacional

Seselj: Mladic will not surrender

 

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

Croat parties meet in Sarajevo

 

RHB – The 3RD meeting of Croat parties takes place in Sarajevo today. This meeting has been organized by NHI. HDZ, CCD, Croat Block, HKDU, HSS, HDU, HNS, HSP Block, HSP Djapic-Jurisic and some Croat associations have been invited at this meeting.

NHI welcomes HR’s decision on Grabovac

FENA – NHI issued a press release in which they support the decision passed by HR Paddy Ashdown to lift ban on participation in political life for Nikola Grabovac.

 

War crimes

Potocari Foundation publish preliminary list of Srebrenica victims: 8106 missing persons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTV, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 3, mentioned on cover, ‘List includes 8106 missing Srebrenica citizens’ by Sakib Smajlovic, Vecernji List pg 3 ‘List with names of 8106 missing persons from Srebrenica published’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash and pg 4 ‘8106 names of Srebrenica victims are on the list’ by J. Sarac, Vecernje Novosti pg 14 ‘8106 are missing’ by FoNet – The Executive Board of the Srebrenica-Potocari Foundation published on Thursday a preliminary list with the names of Srebrenica Bosniaks who went missing in July 1995. The list, printed on 140 pages, contains 8,106 names of missing persons. According to the foundation Vice-President, Amor Masovic, has warned that information is neither final nor entirely correct, expressing reserves regarding some names. Foundation also concluded that to date 510 body remains of killed Bosniaks from Srebrenica were identified.

BHT 1 Samir Kahrovic – Masovic said that the list is not final as additional checks on approximately 500 victims have not yet been completed. “Those victims will not be left out of this list. We decided not to publish those names now, because we did not want to provoke any kind of doubt in a credibility of the document”, added Masovic.

RTRS by Svjetlana Markovic – This list was based on information submitted by the FBIH and International Commissions for Missing Persons, as well as Red Cross, Srebrenica Commission, Association of families of Srebrenica victims and other official sources. Chairman of Potocari Foundation Executive Board Beriz Belkic stated that the public process of verifying has been opened and citizens can now see the list so interventions regarding the list could be carried out.

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘List with names of 8106 missing Srebrenica citizens published’ by A. Hadzic – Dnevni Avaz will publish the list in its Saturday’s edition [June 11].

Posters denying RS Army’s participation in Srebrenica events appear in Banja Luka

 

PINK, FTV, BHT1, RTRS, Hayat, EuroBlic pg RS3, announced on cover ‘Srebrenica posters in the center of Banja Luka’ by M. Milic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4, announced on cover ‘Crimes in Srebrenica were denied’ by G. A. and Z. S., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘ The police removed posters’ by V. J.  – The Banja Luka police have removed posters denying crimes committed in Srebrenica by RS Army. The police are searching for those responsible for distributing and putting up these posters. Certain posters also carried the picture of Ratko Mladic. Posters titled “Truth About Srebrenica” deny crimes committed in that part of BiH by quoting Milan Bulajic, President of the Fund for researching genocide.

DA op-ed on Srebrenica list

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Masovic’s list of missing’ by Almasa Hadzic – Editorial referring to the list of Srebrenica victims reads that its Thursday’s publishing [following the gathering of the information through the modern technology] is the best way to present the truth through reliable facts.

Tomic: Milan Lukic negotiations on his surrender; RS MoI/RS President neither confirm nor deny Tomic

 

BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Milan Lukic negotiates surrender’ by Srna, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 18 ‘Indictee Milan Lukic negotiates on surrender to The Hague’ by A. Macanovic, EuroBlic cover pg splash ‘Milan Lukic negotiates surrendering to the Hague’ and pg RS3 ‘Tomic: Milan Lukic negotiates on surrender’ by Dusanka Stanisic, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Milan Lukic in the Hague soon’ by A. Durmo and D. Risojevic, Vecernje Novosti pg 14 ‘Milan Lukic will surrender’ by FoNet – Lawyer Dusko Tomic claims to have information that ICTY indictee Milan Lukic has been negotiating with RS and Serbian Interior Ministers and ICTY to surrender to the Tribunal. Tomic told reporters that Wednesday night he obtained information that Milan Lukic is somewhere in the area of the Montenegrin border and will soon surrender. “His hiding became pointless since generals Lukic and Borovcanin went to the Hague,” said Tomic after trial of two special police officers accused of killing Novica Lukic in a police action in Visegrad last year [carried out in attempt to detain Milan Lukic]. Tomic is defence lawyer of police officers and supporting the position that they were sent to kill Milan since he wanted to surrender to the ICTY documents on war events in BiH, including those proving participation of units from Serbia.

PINK by Danijel Vujanovic – “RS MoI neither can nor wants to comment Dusko Tomic’s statement on alleged negotiations on Milan Lukic’s surrender”, said RS MoI Spokesperson, Radovan Pejic. Hayat – RS President Dragan Cavic commented to Tomic’s claims: “I cannot speak in public about RS MoI’s activities. I will repeat this one more, RS MoI is not resting but working, and it is not Ministry of Public Relations but Ministry of Interior. It will inform after having the job done. Till then, any comment is pointless”, said Cavic.

US Under Secretary Burns criticises RS authorities for not condemning Srebrenica tape

 

FTV, RTRS, PINK, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Inappropriate silence by leadership of BiH Serbs following the execution snapshots’ by Tanjug, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘SiCG determined to arrest Mladic’, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘U.S supports Dayton’– U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns on Thursday criticised Serb officials in BiH for not making a statement after the videotape on execution of Bosniaks from Srebrenica had been presented. During a press conference, held in U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Burns said that after Serbian President Boris Tadic and Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica had made a statement on the videotape, BIH Serb officials should have done the same. “Radovan Karadzic has to be aware of the fact that he cannot stay free forever”, said Burns. Burns also said that U.S. high officials’ delegation was to attend the marking of 10th Srebrenica genocide anniversary.

BHT1, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Belgrade decided to arrest Mladic’ – Burns adds that when it comes to SCG authorities, there is a “decisiveness to arrest Mladic”.

Cavic: Qualification of Srebrenica crimes as ‘genocide’ too heavy

 

RHB, RTRS, PINK,Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Qualification on genocide in Srebrenica too heavy’, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Genocide is too harsh word’ by M. Ma RS President Dragan Cavic stated that most legal experts dealing in international law and matters of genocide and war crimes feel that Srebrenica events can be classified as severe war crime. Cavic stated that qualification “genocide” for Srebrenica events is “too heavy”.

Serbian president Tadic: ‘Video showing execution an evidence of monstrous crime’

Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Video showing execution an evidence of monstrous crime’ – In an interview with the Dnevnik Skopje daily, Serbian President Boris Tadic said that the videotape showing execution of people in BiH was an evidence of monstrous crime. Tadic reiterated he was prepared to go to Srebrenica and pay respect to the innocent Bosniak victims.    

Milan Bogdanic denies FBiH media re: Serbian units taking part in Srebrenica

 

Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Commission has no evidence’ by G.Klepic Milan Bogdanic, former president of the Srebrenica Commission, in a statement to daily denied claims, according to which Commission collected material evidence during its work indicating military or police units from Serbia took part in Srebrenica events. He reiterated that members of the Commission assessed its work “not as the end but instead beginning of story on Srebrenica events, as well as on all the events that took place during the tragic conflict in BiH from 1992 to 1995.”

Srebrenica Task Force’s Spajic: RS MoI requests ICTY to submit them material on Srebrenica

Vecernje Novosti pg 15 ‘In search of documents’ by TANJUGJovan Spajic, Chairman of the Srebrenica Task Force, confirmed that RS MoI has addressed a request to ICTY to deliver material related to Srebrenica events, which ICTY investigators and prosecutors have seized. He explained this material is expected to hold information regarding members of units, that had taken part in war developments in BiH.

NATO concludes investigation: 24 persons were helping Mladic to hide

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘24 persons were helping Mladic to hide’, mentioned on cover ‘Mladic supporters unveiled’ – NATO Headquarters in BiH has concluded a several months long investigation into involvement of former and active RS Army members in war crime indictee Ratko Mladic’s support network, learns the daily from well-informed sources. It was found that a total of 24 persons some of them still active RS Army members had been helping Mladic to hide or were involved in payment of salary to the wartime RS Army Commander, who has been accused of Srebrenica genocide. According to the sources, a series of apprehensions in the areas of Visegrad, East Sarajevo , Kalinovik and Bileca, where Mladic’s supporters are living or working might follow soon.

Serbian Govt denies it negotiates with Mladic on surrender

 

Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Serbian Government doesn’t negotiate with Mladic’ by Beta – Serbian Government denies speculations that it negotiates with Ratko Mladic on his surrender, as published in Belgrade magazine “Europa”. The Government states that the issue of cooperation with the ICTY is of too great importance for SiCG so to be a matter of sensationalistic speculations.

Covic says information on Gotovina in Mostar is just speculation

 

RHB, Dnevni List pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Covic: Through authority crisis some people want to have constitutional changes’ by M. Karacic, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 8 ‘Covic: Speculation about Gotovina being in Mostar’ by H – Commenting on information that ICTY fugitive Croatian General Anto Gotovina hides in Mostar Dragan Covic said that he trusts less and less to the statements given by ICTY officials. He added: ‘I believe that by speculations about whereabouts of General Gotovina and the others they just want to de-stabilize that area.’

Seselj says Mladic will not surrender; Luka Karadzic: Radovan will not surrender

 

Nacional cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘Mladic will not come’ by P.T.N. – Daily has leant Vojislav Seselj is of the view that Ratko Mladic will not voluntarily surrender to Serbian Government. He said that Vojislav Kostunica may have promised Carla del Ponte he would turn in Mladic by 11 July, and “the wish is father to the thought”.

Nacional pg 13 ‘Radovan will not surrender, I recommend the same to Mladic’ by U.Mrdic – In a brief interview to daily, Luka Karadzic, brother of Radovan Karadzic, says: “The surrender of my brother to ICTY would mark the end of Republika Srpska.” He reiterates his view his brother will never surrender, adding on Mladic: “I wish him all the best and not to surrender. Decisions rests with him.” He does not justify any crime whoever commits it, raising the issue of video-tapes recording crimes committed against Serbs.

NATO defence Ministers: no admission to Euro-Atlantic structures without arresting ICTY fugitives

Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Condition is – Radovan Karadzic in the Hague’, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘There is no admission to EU without Karadzic, Mladic and Gotovina’ by Beta, Glas srpske pg 3 ‘The Balkans’ step forward’ by Beta – NATO Defense Ministers assessed Thursday in Brussels that the latest progress in defense reform and cooperation with ICTY could accelerate admission of all countries of the Western Balkans to Euro-Atlantic structures, however they have warned that the remaining obstacle is the fact that Ratko Mladic, Radovan Karadzic and Ante Gotovina are still avoiding justice.

 

Political issues

HDZ Presidency holds session; Covic says crisis in CoM politically motivated/ HDZ to assess work of its Ministers/ Colak appointed to HDZ Presidency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTV, Hayat, BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Covic: Great damage to HDZ and Croat people was made’ by F. Vele, Dnevni List pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Covic: Through authority crisis some people want to have constitutional changes’ by M. Karacic – Following the HDZ Presidency session held on Thursday, new party’s leader Dragan Covic held press conference on a number of issues. Commenting the current crisis in authority, Covic said believes that it was politically motivated and that there is a wish to transfer it on the filed in order to run the process of constitutional changes [which would take place by next general elections]. Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘It is questionable will Colak stay in state Government?!’, mentioned on cover ‘Barisa Colak leaves Government?!’ by V. Zivak, Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Audit of work in executive and legislative authorities’ by M. Relota, Dnevni List pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Covic: Through authority crisis some people want to have constitutional changes’ by M. Karacic, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Removals of HDZ Ministers are not a revenge’ by V. Coric – Elaborating on his announcement that some of HDZ ministers could be replaced, Covic said that he would judge the work of HDZ Ministers and MPs soon and those who are willing to work harder would stay at their positions, while those who do not want to work harder would have to withdraw [based on which Oslobodjenje concluded this refers to Barisa Colak, putting this in headline. However, inset reads Covic appointment Colak as HDZ Presidency member].

Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Audit of work in executive and legislative authorities’ by M. Relota – Covic stated that soon HDZ is going to send an extensive letter to the seat of the European People’s Party (ENS) in which they would inform the ENS about the future acting of HDZ.  Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Audit of work in executive and legislative authorities’ by M. Relota – He also said that constituting sessions of HDZ Main Board and HDZ National Council will take place next Tuesday in Mostar. Slobodna Dalmacija pg 14, mentioned on cover ‘Covic: Accusations are nonsense’ by Z. Zekic carries Covic as saying that accusations that HDZ elections were rigged are nonsense.

Feral on relation Covic-Sanader

 

Feral pg 21 ‘Love is myth’ by I. Djikic harshly comments on a newly elected HDZ President Dragan Covic. The author also says that President of HDZ Croatia Ivo Sanader wanted a reliable person (Bozo Ljubic) at this position for two reasons. Feral says that the first reason is control over HDZ electorate in Herzegovina, while the other reason is that Sanader wants to present himself before the people from the European People’s Party as someone who has strong influence on the Croat political leaders in BiH and who can use this influence to direct BiH Croats towards more moderate politics and better cooperation with the International Community. Feral also says that Sanader would not deprive Croats of 300 million Kunas that Croatia gives for Croats in BiH every year because of 4 or 5 positions in the Croatian Parliament that the Croatian Diaspora secures, however it is certain that BiH Croats are bigger ballast for him then he is willing to admit, especially after Covic’s victory. 

Ashdown pardons Grabovac and Jervic

 

RHB, PINK, Hayat, BHT1, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘HR rehabilitated Nikola Grabovac and Blasko Jervic’ by S.N., Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Ashdown pardoned Grabovac and Jervic’, mentioned on cover, by A. Omeragic¸ Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Ban on participating in political life lifted for Grabovac’ by NINA, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘N. Grabovac and B. Jevric returned to politics’, mentioned on cover ‘Grabovac and Jevric rehabilitated’ by D. Jazvic, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 14 ‘Grabovac rehabilitated’ by B. Kristo,, D. Pasic, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Ashdown rehabilitated Grabovac’ by M. Cubro, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Grabovac and Jevric were rehabilitated’ by N. Z., Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘Ashdown abolished punishments’ not signed – The HR, Paddy Ashdown, on Thursday issued a decision lifting the prohibition banning Nikola Grabovac and Blasko Jevric from participation in BiH political life. OHR said that in case of Grabovac, removed by the HR in June 2002from his position as FBiH Finance Minister because he was under investigation by the Sarajevo Cantonal Prosecutors Office, it has been concluded that the reasons for removal no longer apply. As for Jevric, removed in September 2000 from his position as head of the Doboj refugees department because of violation of RS property laws and of Annex Seven of the Dayton Agreement, OHR noted that The prohibition has been lifted under condition Jevric doesn’t run for next elections and he doesn’t hold any public office in the field of refugee return.

Grabovac says he has not yet decide on whether to return to politics

 

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Ashdown pardoned Grabovac and Jervic’, mentioned on cover, by A. Omeragic – In addition to OHR’s announcement, daily also carries comment by Nikola Grabovac who confirmed that OHR investigators talked to him about a months ago and that HR Ashdown told him about the decision a day in advance. “I know from day one that I am innocent, however until that is proven one can stay without head,” said Grabovac. Of current situation in the country, Grabovac says: “We have pushed back [in the past]. Everything I warned about, and what foreign officials called socialist attitude, proved to be correct.” Foreign Finance Minister, removed following the ‘Amsped’ affair which was about taxes evasions, said he still doesn’t know whether he would return to the political life.  

FTV by Sinan Saric – “I’m very sorry for all of this, because I know that I could have done a lot for FBiH as a minister”, stated Grabovac for FTV.

DA: Ashdown’s mandate may be extended

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Paddy Ashdown stays as long as needed’ by S.N. – Daily learns in diplomatic circles in BiH that a mandate of the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, could be extended after the end of this year. Several international officials and local politicians speaking under condition of anonymity said it would be good for Ashdown to stay in BiH until the country launches the beginning of negotiations on Stabilization and Association Agreement with EU. “If current blockage in reformatory process is soon overcame – latest in the next two or three weeks – and if CoM, in full composition [regardless of the composition itself], goes back to reforms, and if police reform is implemented in accordance with the three European principles, than Ashdown’s staying would not be necessary,” reads the article. Author concludes that if HR stays, IC could launch more energetic process of reforms, while those “obstructing” especially in RS could “lose much more than they are losing now.” 

Nacional: Ashdown to succeed Petersen in Kosovo, according to western media

 

Nacional pg 10 ‘Albanians in fear’ – The Western media report that Paddy Ashdown is the most serious candidate to succeed Soren Jensen Petersen in Kosovo after his mandate expires in December. His service in Bosnia , where he showed “he has a firm hand”, has been the most serious recommendation of Paddy for this position. It seems the West is of the view this approach is necessary at Kosovo and Metohija and the European politicians are convinced only Ashdown can cope with “the wild Albanians”.

HDZ Presidency: Covic on Novic’s appointment

 

RHB, Hayat, Dnevni List pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Covic: Through authority crisis some people want to have constitutional changes’ by M. Karacic, Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Crisis has been politically framed’ by V. C., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Agreement was not respected’ by Srna – Following the session of the HDZ Presdiency, Dragan Covic stated that appointment of Sredoje Novic to the position of the SIPA Director damaged the Croat people a lot. Covic also said: ‘I would be one of the initiators of a new meeting of the parties’ leaders in order to think about the BiH future through strength of our unity. Those who breached political agreements have tricked the BiH’s future.’

PDP: Terzic should admit mistake or attempt to replace HR

 

RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Mikerevic wants Terzic to remove Ashdown’ by E.M., Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Terzic is acting as if he was a Prime Minister’ by Z. K.., Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Two mistakes’ by S. R. T – PDP Presidency member, Dragan Mikerevic, told pres conference held on Thursday in Bijeljina that it is obvious from the provisions of the Law on BiH CoM that Adnan Terzic had not grounds to dismiss Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic. “Terzic must admit the mistake or try to remove [Paddy] Ashdown,” said Mikerevic. Oslobodjneje pg 5 ‘Removal caused crisis in BiH’ by V. Du. – Mikerevic said that in cases of both crises in the Council of Ministers in past six months a conflict between Terzic and Ivanic takes place.

PDP’s Dokic says real reasons for Ivanic’s removal being hidden

 

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Reasons for Ivanic’s removal are being concealed’ by A. Terzic – In an interview with the daily, BiH Transport and Communications Minister in resignation Branko Dokic said that the latest developments regarding the removal of BiH Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic werea clear indication of a serious crisis in the BiH Council of Ministers that could even deepen further. Dokic emphasized that the two current Serb Ministers in CoM, Slobodan Kovac and Nikola Radovanovic, did not represents any political party so that a question might be raised which political party form RS was a genuine partner (to other ruling parties) in CoM. “These developments are damaging BiH, which is just a step away from starting Stabilization and Association Agreement talks with EU,” said Dokic. Dokic said that BiH CoM Chair Adnan Terzic had not made a decision on Ivanic’s removal alone and that issue of SIPA Director appointment was not the only reason behind the decision.   

SDS members will not replace Ivanic, Dokic

 

BHT 1 Gvozden Sarac – SDS announced that it will not appoint their members in the BiH Council of Ministers to fill vacant posts after CoM Chairman Adnan Terzic have accepted Mladen Ivanic’s and Branko Dokic’s resignation. “Let me be very clear – none from SDS will replace PDP Ministers”, stated SDS President Dragan Cavic. In the meantime Ivanic, who is currently in Spain taking part in the OSCE conference on anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance, stated that he would remain BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs until BiH Parliament confirms his dismissal. “The only thing Terzic can do is to release me from this post. But for that he has to have Parliamentary support. I will obey his decision as soon as Parliament confirms is”, said Ivanic in his telephone statement for BHT. “I believe that Ivanic is not in Spain as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, but I’m not sure”, said Terzic.

Covic: Issue of Ivanic’s resignation solved in Neum months ago

 

Hayat, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 14 ‘Covic: Accusations are nonsense’ by Z. Zekic–In terms of the Chair of BiH Council of Ministers, Adnan Terzic’s decision to accept BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Mladen Ivanic’s resignation, HDZ leader Dragan Covic said that the issue was solved several months ago, at the meeting in Neum. “There is nothing about this issue I could or could not support. This is a matter of the BiH CoM Chair, as well as of Mladen Ivanic”, said Covic. In terms of the crisis in BiH, Covic said “I am convinced that the crisis has political background and that it is trying to be used in order to introduce changes to BiH Constitution”, said Covic.

SNSD’s Anan Trisic Babic takes over as Acting BiH Foreign Minister

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Anan Trisic instead of Ivanic’ by S.N. – The Chair of the BiH Council of Ministers, Adnan Terzic, told DA that Assistant for bilateral affairs in the Foreign Ministry, Ana Trisic Babic, will perform a duty of a head of BiH diplomacy. Terzic said he talked with SNSD leader, Milorad Dodik, on this issue as Babic is a member of his party.  Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Ana Trisic-Babic is acting BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs’, announced on cover ‘CoM can function normally’ by M. Cubro and V. Popovic – also carries.

Terzic says Presidency has already rejected his resignation 

 

Slobodna Dalmacija last page “Presidency had rejected my resignation” by B. Kristo – Chairman of the BiH CoM Adnan Terzic stated: ‘On my request, Presidency discussed my then resignation and unanimously concluded that it does not accept it. With that my request was put ad acta, so that it is not possible for it to be reactivated again.’ Asked whether it is realistic that he puts his mandate at disposal to the BiH Presidency, which would give it back to him under obligation to reconstruct of the BiH CoM, Terzic said that would not agree to do it.

V. Sehic: Constitution does not envisage dissolution of BiH HoR

 

Dnevni List pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Constitution did not envisage dissolution of authority’ by N. Bise – Talking about the possibility of early elections due to the current authority crisis, President of the BiH Election Commission Vehid Sehic stated that the BiH Constitution did not envisage as to who passes the decision on dissolution of the elected body. Talking about dissolution of the BiH House of Representatives, Sehic said the BiH Constitution does not deal with this issue at all and the question arises whether the BiH HoR can be dissolved at all. 

Terzic’s appearance in FTV’s Forum on crisis, police reform, constitutional changes

 

FTV ‘Forum’ current affairs program – Appearing in the TV show on the current political situation, the BiH Prime Minister Adnan Terzic noted that stoppage in reformatory process was noted once former RS PM Dragan Mikerevic, whom he described as very cooperative,resigned leaving RS Government composed of SDS members. On the other hand, PDP participating in BiH Government, says Terzic, used CoM to promote Serb interests trough obstruction of reforms. Terzic said that he will go to Banja Luka on Friday to meet officials from RS assuming until till next session of the BiH Parliament a position on Mladen Ivanic’s replacement will be more clear. On the police reform, Terzic said that there are some hints from RS that negotiations from Vlasic could be continued, stressing that it is important to understand reform as such is a long term project. Terzic explained that once politicians reach the agreement on police, and after the Law is passed the experts will need 3-5 years to conclude all points on the police. BiH PM also said that he attended a round table in Banja Luka two months ago on constitutional changes, expressing his concern as political subjects in RS do not accept a notion that there is any need for the changes.

Media comment on CoM crisis

 

Hayat Denis Zaimovic – NTV Hayat journalist comments the situation/crisis in the BiH Council of Ministers saying Ivanic uses all media to revenge to Teriz, at least verbally. Meanwhile, BiH House of Representatives tasked Terzic to consult with political parties represented in the HoR in order for the crisis in the CoM to be overcome. This means that Terzic has to find RS Political party wanting to propose two its candidates to fulfil ministerial positions. Reporter says that PDP would hardly do this. According to a source, SDS is also not going to do this.

FTV Blazica Kristo – FTV reporter says unless SDS, HDZ and SDA reach an agreement in the next few weeks, CoM could fall.

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 18 ‘State Government does not rule’ by B. Kristo carries a a commentary which says that the BiH Council of Ministers does not work as the BiH CoM at all and those whose positions are not under question mark, at least for the time being, are Ministers from SDA and SBiH.

BHT 1 ‘Frankly Speaking’ current affairs program – BHT 1 comments that Terzic’s decision to accept Ivanic’s resignation proves that BiH politicians act as if BiH was their private company, and notes Terzic doesn’t want to admit that he had caused a new crisis in BiH government.

Butler meets Dodik in Banja Luka , urges progress in police reform

 

BHT1, PINK, Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘RSMNA stopped a path towards Brussels’ by O. Vukovic – PDHR Larry Butler warned in Banja Luka on Thursday that the RS National Assembly has with its conclusions on police reforms stopped the process of integration of BiH into the EU. Following the meeting the leader of SNSD, Milorad Dodik, Butler said that they both agreed that the police reform is an activity that has come to a halt, and stressed that this is a process to which politicians have to return in order to unblock and ensure talks with the EU on the SAA. Dodik also pointed out to some of his earlier proposals on police according to which Mostar region should be split into Trebinje and Mostar, while Tuzla region should have HQ in Bijeljina, which would ensure 6 regions in FBIH and 5 in RS.RHB Butler stated in Banja Luka that BIH has not time for extraordinary elections.

Tihic meets Rycroft

 

RHB, BHT1, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘EU officials in Srebrenica’, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Britain hopes BiH will start moving towards EU’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Tihic talked with Rycroft’ by Agencies – BiH Presidency member Sulejman Tihic and British Ambassador to BiH Matthew Rycroft discussed in Sarajevo on Thursday the taking over of the presidency of the EU by Great Britain in July, and in that context the improvement of relations between the two countries. “We hope that talks will continue on the fulfillment of conditions for launching the Stabilization and Association Agreement during this presidency”, Ambassador Rycrof has stated.

Head of BiH Islamic Community Ceric: It is not our job to promote political parties

Dnevni Avaz pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘It is not our job to promote political parties’ Husein Orahovac – In an interview for the daily, Head of BiH Islamic Community Mustafa Ceric said that there had been no Islamic Community representatives at the recent SDA Congress because it was not their job/role to promote any political party.

 

Economic issues

FBIH Govt on Alumij

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTV, RHB,Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Serious negotiations on Aluminij to take place’ by M. Zorlak, Oslobodjenje pg 2, mentioned on cover, ‘Compensation for those dismissed’ by A.O, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Brankovic: Moves to be made are politically unpopular’ by L. Sinanovic, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Status of workers and privatisation of company are priorities’ by eme, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 8 ‘Discussing of starting ground for talks of FBiH Government and Aluminij’ by D. Pasic, Nezavisne novine pg 6 ‘It was promised Aluminij workers would be taken care of’ by M. R.  – In order to resolve the Aluminij issue the FBiH Government formed a working group which together with the Aluminij Supervisory and Steering Boards would try to reach the joint document. This document would be submitted to the Parliament together with the report on failed arbitrage regarding the Aluminij issue. PINK by Jovanka Nina Stevanovic – Government and Aluminij have started talks on solving the issue of approximately 4000 dismissed Aluminij employees. Hayat by Nebojsa Radulovic – The Government discussed on Thursday proposal for solving social status of 3.400 Aluminij workers, as well the issue of company’s ownership. FBIH Minister of Social Policy and Labour Radovan Vignjevic said that all the workers would have no problems in having their social status solved if they had not started working elsewhere or retired. “All dismissed workers, as well as all those who are still working in the Aluminij, who were 50 years old in 2000, are going to be permanently employed”, said Vignjevic.

BHT 1 int. w/ PDHR Butler on economic situation: main obstacle is RS refusal to accept conditions necessary to move to EU

 

BHT 1 ‘Frankly Speaking’ current affairs program by Duska Jurisic In an interview to BHT1, the PDHR Lawrence Butler commented on the present economic situation in BiH stating the unemployment rate was increasing in past two years, whereas situation has been getting better again. The exchange deficit is also decreasing, and number of foreign investments is increasing. Butler emphasized that the deficit is lower in BiH than in RS, and most of the foreign investments are also coming to FBiH. However, these improvements are not sufficient, says Butler , and much more needs to be done. Butler stated that the internal fiscal situation in BiH is not sustainable, and there are several possible solutions for this problem – BiH can try to increase the budget income, reduce state administration or open new work places. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the private sector and creating conditions for more foreign investments. According to Butler , main obstacle for development of private sector and foreign investment is the political instability caused by RS’ refusal to accept the conditions necessary for association with the EU.

Nicholl emphasizes importance of the Law on Debt

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘The Law on debt’ by Peter Nicholl – Former BiH Central Bank Governor Peter Nicholl says the adoption of the Law on Debt had been postponed for too long time now. During this time, development of capital market in BiH had fallen behind all other countries of former Yugoslavia.

 

Security and defence issues

Zanice prisoners talk to journalists

 

 

 

 

 

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Administration offers solitary cells’ by S. H. and O. M., Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘Prisoners fear for their safety’ by A. Mujkic, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Ferhatovic attacked Pusara because of Srebrenica video, wile Herceglic attacked Bakovic for being arrogant’ by A. Dzonlic, Dnevni List cover pg splash ‘Ferhatovic and Hercegovic are attackers’ and pgs 4 ‘We would feel better in Gunatanamo’ by Zeda, Vecernji List cover pg splash ‘We would feel better in Guantanamo’ and pg 5 ‘We want to go to Guanatanamo, they have better prisons’ by M. Beogradlija, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 6 ‘We would feel better in Guantanamo!’ by I. Milesic – The Management of Correctional Facility Zenica made possible on Thursday for journalists to talk with 4 prisoners who started hunger strike in this prison. The 4 prisoners reiterated again that they want transfer to another prisons for security reasons and one of them stated that it would be better for them if they were in Guantanamo .

Glusac says RS MoI to guarantee security for all those to attend Srebrenica anniversary

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘RS MoI guarantees security to everybody’ by E.S. – In a statement for daily, Zoran Glusac, chief of the RS Interior Ministry’s Cabinet, said that RS MoI will “will make maximum efforts to ensure complete security for all those who come in Srebrenica on 11 July.” He added that the preparations are undergoing and that the number of police officers to provide security may be increased as it has been speculated that over 50.000 people may attend the ceremony.

GS says Madrid terrorist trials mention Zenica

 

Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Zenica – permanent liaison’ by D.Majstorovic – Daily concludes that testimonies of several police officers, who were wire-tapping and surveilling Abu Dada, Edin Jarkas Barakat, one of organizers of terrorist attack in Madrid, prove that Zenica was not by accident mentioned 19 times in the indictment against Spanish members ‘f AL Q’Aeda cell, standing trial for Madrid attack. Daily reports that policemen testified before Spanish Supreme Court that Abu Dada in November 1995 by phone called, as they referred to it, “mujahedeen training camp” in Zenica, trying to get hold of a certain person named “Isa”. Policemen presumed it was Isa of Karachi, head of personnel unit of “El Mujahedeen”, who complained during one of talks of “young men, which Barakart sent to camp”. 

NATO Commander Schook says local nationalistic military commanders cannot prevent formation of a single BiH defense structure

 

Dani pgs 28-32 ‘Local nationalistic commanders cannot threaten us; we will make a single defense structure in BiH’ Danka Savic – In an interview for the magazine, Sarajevo-based NATO Headquarters Commander Steven Schook reiterated the necessity of the measures taken following oath-taking incidents in the RS military facilities in Bileca and Manjaca and he also expressed his optimism that one of the top war crime indictees, Ratko Mladic, would be arrested soon. Speaking on the ongoing defense reform, Schook said that the entity defense ministries would be abolished and following legislation implemented by the end of this year. According to Schook, his optimism is based on good cooperation on the issue established within the multi-ethnic BiH military committee as well as significant support to the defense reform solutions by the BiH Presidency. Schook also emphasized active approach to the reform by RS Defense Minister Milovan Stankovic expressed through his engagement in the Defense Reform Commission.