Debate on referendum initiative |
| Serbian delegation visits BL to meet Dodik, Cavic, Ivanic and Radojicic; No talk of referendum; RS PM: HR CSS was not correctly informed on nature of discussion; Conclusion: DPA must be respected equally | BHT 1 by Zoran Sarenac – The changes to the agreement on special and parallel relations, and concrete arrangements on economic cooperation between RS and Serbia are the result of the Serbian Governmentdelegation’svisit to Banjaluka. The possible referendum in RS was not discussed; however, guests from Serbia stressed that the stance of the official Belgrade is entirely supportive of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The agreement on special and parallel relations between RS and Serbia has to be revised as soon as possible following the succession of Montenegro, was concluded at the Banja Luka meeting of Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, RS President Dragan Cavic, RS PM Milorad Dodik, BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Mladen Ivanic and RS National Assembly Speaker Igor Radojicic. If there is a country in the region that cares about the international agreements, it’s Serbia, stated Serbian PM Kostunica, mentioning Dayton Peace Agreement, and the UN Resolution 1244 for Kosovo. “Everything that goes beyond that, everything that questions those agreements can provoke different reactions. It is better to avoid those reactions. Therefore, let’s obey the agreements as they are”, concluded Kostunica, and reports comments this obviously refers to the DPA. According to BHT reporter, two Prime Ministers, Dodik and Kostunica, separately held meeting to discuss concrete ways of economic cooperation and not referendum, something the HR Christian Schwarz–Schilling was afraid of. “Well, I think that HR Schwarz-Schilling was not correctly informed about some things regarding those discussions. If you ask us whether we discussed the referendum… we have discussed air traffic, border crossings and some other issues”, stated RS PM Dodik after the meeting with Kostunica. Dodik was commenting to the letter the HR sent to him on Thursday urging him to stop with the talk on referendum. RHB, FTV – In a letter sent on Thursday, HR stressed that he expects Dodik to act in line with his obligations, and to stop giving statements in favour of referendum on secession. HR stressed that RS has no jurisdiction to schedule a referendum on secession: “I hope that You are clear that any concrete plans along that line would represent obvious breaching of Dayton Peace Agreement”, the letter said. PINK by MIlka Mrdja – Also notes RS referendum was not discussed but nevertheless Kostunica stressed that principles and rules of international law, Dayton Agreement included, must be equally implemented. Vecernji list pg 4 ‘Serbian will go to EU through Belgrade, not RS’ – Kostunica noted that if one was to count, he visited Sarajevo many times more than Banja Luka. He also denied the statement of the BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic who said that Serbia is trying to enter EU through Banja Luka. RHB, Hayat, RTRS, FTV, Oslobodjenje cover pg splash, pg 3 ‘Kostunica called on respect of Dayton’ by O.Vukovic, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Serbia cares very much for Dayton’ by N.Diklic, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘New time for economic cooperation’ by V.P., Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Stabilization in the region instead of destabilization’ by Tanja Colic – also reported Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Schwarz Schilling is misinformed’, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Schwarz Schilling is misinformed’, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Schwarz Schilling is misinformed of referendum’ by V.P. – Dodik on HR’s letter. |
| Serbian PM holds separate mtg with RS President Cavic: economic issues a focus of discussion, obligations towards ICTY must be met, Raca border crossing to be jointly used | RHB – The RS President Dragan Cavic and Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica met on Friday in Banja Luka, where they agreed on changing the agreement on special and parallel RS-Yugoslavia relations, signed in 2001. The two of them have not discussed the issue of referendum on RS’ secession. RTRS, FTV – Cavic stated that he and Kostunica agreed to affirm the Dayton Agreement thus sending a message to those who look at Banja Luka – Belgrade relations in a bad way. Kostunica stated that ICTY cooperation was one of main topics of conversation. He stressed that this issue is very important for RS and Serbia. “There is political will for it”, says Kostunica noting this issue must not prevent Serbia joining EU. Hayat by Snjezana Mulic – “We mostly discussed on extending our economic cooperation and in that sense we agreed that we should start from infrastructure”, said Kostunica. “I particularly want to emphasize our talks on a project, which would support good relations between BiH and Serbia; namely to jointly use Raca border crossing in terms of customs and transport of goods”, said Dodik. PINKby Milka Mrdja – On the issue of Raca border crossing, RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik says the “RS Government will insist on that at Council of Ministers.” Cavic and Kostunica also agreed that ICTY cooperation is inevitable. Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Serbia firmly with DaytonBosnia’ by V.Popovic – also separately reported of this meeting, while all other press carried single reports. [headlines given above]. |
| BiH Foreign Ministry: visit of Serbian delegation was officially announced | FTV– The visit of the delegation of Serbian Government was officially announced to competent state authorities, in line with the usual diplomatic procedure, representatives of BiH Ministry of Foreign Affairs and State Border Service confirmed for FTV. By doing so, they denied the speculations that the delegation of Serbian Government is paying an unannounced visit to one of BiH entities. |
| HR launches European tour in Moscow , meets Russian PM Lavrov: entities have no authority to schedule referendum | FTVby Sinan Saric – The High Representative in BiH Christian Schwarz-Schilling is on six-day tour of Europe visiting Moscow, Berlin and Brussels. With the European officials, HR will discuss progress BiH has made so far, but also the reforms that have to be carried out in BiH. The implementation of reforms that would improve the living standard in BiH and enable full integration of the country into the European structures, has to be a “clear strategic goal for BiH”, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and HR Schwarz-Schilling stressed at their meeting held in Moscow on Friday. They also concluded that BiH entities have no jurisdiction to schedule a referendum on secession. Minister Lavrov confirmed that Russian Federation is committed to respecting the Dayton Peace Agreement; both officials called upon BiH authorities –especially RS PM Dodik and President Dragan Cavic – to a full cooperation with The Hague Tribunal. Lavrov and Schwarz-Schilling also discussed the process of police reform urging its implementation in line with the EC principles, and the preparations for the coming elections in BiH. PINK HR Christian Schwarz Schilling met with Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Lavrov stated that October elections in BIH should be carefully prepared. BHT 1, Hayat, RTRS – also reports with a focus of conclusion that entities have no jurisdiction to schedule a referendum. Dnevni Avaz pg 2, announced on cover ‘BiH entities have not right to referendum on secession’ by S. Numanovic, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Dayton Agreement is of key importance for BiH’, Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Entities are not in charge of referendum’ by N.N. – also reported. |
| SDS Novakovic on referendum talks: this is obvious election campaign | Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘New proposal for disintegration of BiH’ by A.Malagic – Reacting on statement of Rajko Vasic, SNSD Secretary (that SNSD would agree to resume talks on constitutional changes after elections if changes to constitutional stipulate right to referendum), daily carries comments of political officials. SDS’ Momiclo Novakovic underlines that the SNSD leader Milorad Dodik has not been presenting such stances when discussions on constitutional changes were run, adding this is “an obvious pre-election campaign”. He also noted: “The legitimate right of any people, including Serb people, is to right to decide on its future, but this needs to enjoy support of the international community…It would be good if this were included into constitutions, but the Constitution is a result of agreement between the all, not only desire of one party.” SDA’ Sefik Dzaferovic, firmsly stated: “What Vasic is proposing is a way to disintegration of BiH. We firmly reject it and will not accept it at any cost.” HDZ’ Miso Relota assessed the story on referendum is a result of pre-election campaign in BiH. HNZ also shares this view of HDZ. |
| Reactions to HoR declaration urging sanctions vs. RS PM; SDP Lagumdzija meets US Di Carlo: Referendum is not an option! | RTRS – RTRS brings reactions of several parties to the Declaration passed by the FBIH House of Representatives requesting for the sanctions to be imposed against those undertaking anti-Dayton activities [following the talk of RS referendum launched by the RS PM Milorad Dodik]. DEPOS condemns the declaration, whilst SDA supports it. SDA member Adil Osmanovic stated that this party would re-examine its stance towards the RS Government. BiH House of Peoples deputy Djoko Pajic stated that Dodik should dismiss SDA and SzBIH Ministers from the RS Government. SRS member in BiH House of Representatives Mirko Blagojevic on the other hand feels that RS Government has caused damage to RS, claiming the issue is a pre-election trick of SNSD and SDA. RS Pensioners Party decided to support Dodik on the referendum issue. SDP Chair Zlatko Lagumdzija as well as Assistant to US State Secretary Rosemary DiCarlo said at their meeting in State Department, Washington on Friday that referendum in RS is not an option. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘The unity of BiH is not in question’, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Reforms need to be implemented faster’ by V.Popovic, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘It is necessary to implement reforms more rapidly’ by NINA – carried Lagumdzija/Di Carlo. |
| BiH CEC Chair: declaration to be discussed at upcoming session | BHT 1 – The President of the BiH Central Election Commission (CEC) Branko Petric confirmed on Friday for BHT that CEC has received the Declaration on unconstitutional activities and plans to undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH, sent by the FBiH House of Representatives Speaker Muhamed Ibrahimovic. The request that CEC reassesses the statements of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik will be included in the agenda, and CEC would discuss it during next week, stated Petric. |
| Oslobodjenje op-ed on referendum talks: Karadzic could be satisfied | Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Karadzic could be satisfied’ op-ed by Mirko Sagolj – Editorial refers to the talks of the referendum, noting that “Radovan Karadzic now can be more than satisfied. Not only he is at large, but also his successors continue with this work, aggression on BiH and [aiming] at its division.” Commenting the latest statements by the RS PM Milorad Dodik, Sagolj notes that it is especially interesting that SDS “is reserved towards the Dodik’s initiative… it is hard to understand whether they do not believe it is realistic or it is only elections trick… Dodik’s initiative on referendum is not only empty talk, but it has long-reaching… goals… Despite the fact that all legal and political circumstances, in addition to the stance of the international community, disable this kind of referendum in BiH, it seems that [Serbian and RS official] are now taking up their start positions for desired political climax… – dissolution [of BiH.]” |
War crimes |
| BiH Court : ICTY suspect Zelenovic to be transferred to Hague ASAP; Media speculate Russians use this to improve relations with IC | FTVby Zeljko Tica – According to the order issued on Friday by the Court of BiH, Dragan Zelenovic would be extradited to The Hague Tribunal within 36 hours of passing this decision. Zelenovic would be kept in detention until NATO transfers him to The Hague, as was decided by the pre-trial hearing judge of the Court of BiH Marie Tuma. Zelenovic was indicted by the ICTY for the crimes against humanity and violations of the laws and customs of war committed in Foca; he was extradited to BiH from Russia on Thursday afternoon, only two days after Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte expressed discontent with the cooperation of the Russian Federation in her report to the UN Security Council. ICTY spokesperson in BiH Mathias Hellman expressed hope that he would be transferred to The Hague as soon as possible. Russian Embassy wouldn’t comment on this issue. The Hague Prosecution has already asked ICTY to transfer Zelenovic’s case to BiH; ICTY judges have not yet discussed this request, since Zelenovic was not in The Hague. BHT 1 by Marina Boskovic – BHT reporter comments that Zelenovic will be extradited to The Hague exactly ten years after the indictment for war crimes committed in Foca has been launched. He was arrested in Russia in 2005 for possession of forged passports. “After we received the request for extradition from The Hague Tribunal, he was handed over to the country whose citizenship he’s got – that is, BiH”, stated Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. According to BHT reporter, Russian media speculate the extradition to BiH is an attempt to shift the responsibility to BiH authorities, and to improve relations with the International Community. “[Dragan Zelenovic] believes that he has become a political issue, that he is used to improve the relations between Russia and The Hague”, stated Zelenovic’s attorney Slavisa Asceric. Commenting the request for the transfer of the case to BiH Court, Hellman says: “That request is yet to be discussed; it will be discussed only after Zelenovic arrives to The Hague.” PINKby Zeljko Mandic – BIH Court Chair Meddzida Kreso explained that Russian authorities are not recognising ICTY thus meaning that Zelenovic was transferred to BIH first. RTRS, RHB, Hayat, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Dragan Zelenovic today in The Hague?’ by E.Mackic, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Dragan Zelenovic to be transferred to The Hague’ by A.Omeragic, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘NATO to transfer Dragan Zelenovic to Hague’ – also reported of the transfer. |
| Daily: ‘ Russia got frightened of Carla del Ponte…or G8?’ | Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Russia got frightened of Carla del Ponte…or G8?’ by E.Kamenica – In regard to extradition of Dragan Zelenovic, daily reports that some realistic people think the extradition of this Hague indictee which was received in BiH and Russia as top news occurred owing to the upcoming G8 Summit at Sankt Petersburg and hence improvement of image of Russia, but also in order to satisfy domestic public, which is not glad to hear its Government was directly cooperating with the The Hague Tribunal. |
| BiH Court confirms indictment against Dajmanovic brothers | FTV, PINK, BHT 1, RTRS – The pre-trial hearing judge of the Court of BiH confirmed indictment against Goran and Zoran Damjanovic, which holds them responsible for war crimes committed against civilians in June 1992. According to the indictment, as members of RS Army, Damjanovic brothers ‘actively participated’ in the beating of the group of between 20 and 30 prisoners of Bosniak nationality in the settlement of Bojnik, in the suburbs of Sarajevo. |
| “Heliodrom” case: Trebinje PSC files report against Croats suspected of committing war crimes | Dnevni List cover splash story, pg4 ‘Three new indictments for Heliodrom?!’ by A.K. – Daily learns from the sources close to Trebinje Public Security Centre that the Trebinje PSC has filed a report with the BiH Prosecutor’s Office in Sarajevo against three identified persons of Croat nationality from the area of Mostar on grounded suspicion they have committed a criminal act of war crime against humanity, war crime against civilian population and against prisoners of war. The report reads according to unofficial information that by violating Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law, they had planned and organized systematic assault against civilian population at prisons for Serbs “Rodoc” in Mostar during the war. Daily learns at Prosecutor’s Office that this Report has been received, but no further information was available owing to ongoing investigation. |
Other political issues |
| BiH Bishops urge Catholics to vote, Croat parties to make coalitions | RHB– Due to upcoming elections in October, BiH Catholic Bishops issued a pastoral letter in which they called on all Catholics to vote. Bishops also expressed the regret with the fact that numerous Croat political parties are going to take part at the elections independently, instead of having two or three parties that would gather voters and offer quality programs. “We are making an appeal to conscience and responsibility of Croat politicians to joint and make coalitions, especially at state level, in order to prevent any Croat vote from failure”, reads the letter. FTV– The letter titled ‘It is Your right and obligation to vote’ urges Catholics to vote especially in this “historical moment”, when a constituency of Croat people “is seriously endangered in BiH”. RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘DO not let the others decide on your destiny’ by KTA, Vecernji list pg 7 ‘It is your right and duty to vote’, mentioned on cover, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Bishops: Vote at elections’ by A.Beus – also reported. |
| Reis Ceric calls on Bosniaks to vote for those who can ensure return | Dnevni Avaz cover pg splash, pg 4 ‘The return is the issue above all issues for Muslims’ by MINA – In his address to believers in the settlement of Kramer Selo near Riogatica, Reis-l-ulema Mustafa effendi Ceric, says that the Islamic community is concerned with insufficient concern for returns to Drina and Nerevta. The Islamic Community appeals that the issue of the mandate at the upcoming elections is examined concerning those who know, want and can ensure sustainable return, especially to Drina and Neretva. |
| DA learns members of Sarajevo Commission will most likely be appointed Thursday | Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Members of Sarajevo Commission will be appointed Thursdy’ by H.Orahovac – Daily learns at the Cabinet of the BiH CoM Chair, Adnan Terzic, that at its Thursday session, the BiH CoM will most likely complete the entire procedure related to the appointment of the members of Commission for Sufferings of Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Jews and others in Sarajevo. After F BiH Government also proposed candidates for the Commission, all conditions for further procedure have been fulfilled. It is most likely that the Danilo Nikolic, proposed by Jewish Community Sarajevo, will occupy the seat of the Commission member from “Others”. The FBiH Government proposed Smail Cekic, Enes Pelidija, Mirko Kupresakovic, Enes Zeljkovic, Dzemaludin Mutapcic, Djordje Miseljic, Mario Nenadic, Zvonimir Janecek and Anton Zelic. The Sarajevo Canton Government has proposed Smail Cekic, Amor Masovic, Jasmin Odobasic, Enis Pelidija, Fadila Memisevic and Amir Ahmic. The RS Government has also made a list of candidates: Zeljko Rasevic, Dobrislav Planojevic, Miroslav Jankovic and Slobodan Skrba, while East Sarajevo Mayor proposed Milan Jovanovic. |
| BiH HoR’s Gligoric critical of SDA demand to PIC to sanction RS delegates at BiH Parliament over blocking its work | Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5, announced on cover ‘De-blockade after the appointment of Sarajevo Commission’ by Almir Terzic – Tihomir Gligoric, President of the Mixed Club of delegates at the BiH HoR, has stated that the decision of the SDA Club at the BiH Parliamentary Assembly to address PIC and demand sanctions for the Serb delegates from RS who are blocking the world of the state Parliament clearly shows that the SDA has actually has always been a conflicting political factor in BiH. He has stressed it is now clear that “actions of SDA has an aim when it is not done their way, they immediately demand action of their friends at the OPHR and abroad”. According to him, such SDA’ stances (that introducing discipline to Serb delegates would lead to obedience) is a bad political assessment, and it will not happen. He underlines: “Neither SDA or OHR observe causes but rather consequences. Whay SDA did not react so firmly to see conclusion of the BiH PA implemented and Commission, whose establishment has been obstructed for two years and a half, is formed…Where was Schilling then to say it could not be done.” BiH HoR Co Chair, Sefik Dzaferovic has stressed that he will meet with Martin Raguz, BiH HoR Chair Monday and discuss the latest developments, since he is of the view this is a “a classical obstruction and blocked of state institutions”. According to inset 1 ‘Gligoric opposes to Masovic’, Gligoric says that statement of Amor Masovic (that he would become a Commission member out of spite) are astonishing. According to isnet 2 ‘Ungrounded statements’, Masovic responds back to Gligoric criticism saying he should better re-examine his past adding: “In line with all moral principles, this man does not belong to BiH Parliament.” |
| BiH Central Election Commission: Not a single application for coalitions submitted as yet | Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Not a single application for coalition arrived as yet’ by I.S. – Maksida Bajramovic, Spokesperson of the BiH Central Election Commission (CIK) confirmed to daily that although deadline for submission of the applications for verification of coalitions and lists of independent candidates expires on Tuesday, 13 June at 17:00 hrs, not a single application on this kind has been submitted to the CIK so far. |
| DEPOS’ Cenic distributed copies of documents related to PRD to press | Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Declaration of F BiH Parliament is absurd’ by V.Popovic – Svetlana Cenic, DEPOS Co Chair, Friday condemned F BiH HoR’s Declaration (demanding penalizing SNSD), viewing it as absurd. According to inset ‘Documents on police reform’, Cenic distributed to the press copies of entire documentation reflecting correspondence and stances of former RS Government led by Pero Bukejlovic, during the process of police reform. She stated that these documents prove Bukejlovic’ Government strongly opposed to the current way of decision-making through out-voting and also finding the Directorate Steering Board composition unequal from the Serb stance. |
