OHR BiH Media Round-up, 11/5/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

RSNA adopts recomm. on police org.

Tihic meets Congressmen in US

RS MP’s discussing Law on income

Radovanovic on weapon sold toIraq

RSNA discusses tax on incomes

RS Govt convened

Tihic to meet Rice, Wolkowitz

RS Gtv. Improvement in priorities

Kosovo update

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

FBiH HoP in session

RS Police arrests war crime suspect

AI on weapons from BiH

RS President Cavic on police reform

4 war crime suspects in BIH custody

RS NA in session

RS MoI Cadjo on police reform

Mladic related arrests in Belgrade

War crime suspect arrested in Foca

Jovic meets Chiarini on defence

Regional news

Mladic’s supporter arrested

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

FBiH Govt on (invalid) pensions

Overdue pensions to be paid out

Unemployment in BIH

RS NA on police reform

FBiH HoP in session

RS NA session

SDA on SNSD

RS NA in session

Live report from RS NA session

Roman Declaration passed

IC on police restructuring process

4 war crime suspects in BIH custody

Oslobodjenje

To precise the role and authority of RS MoI

Dnevni Avaz

Effendi Ceric: Cardian’s claims are immoral

Dnevni List

Division of state in accordance with national criteria (FBiH Ombudsman’s report)

Vecernji List

One could hear cries of children through fire and smoke (fire in refugee centre at Salakovac near Mostar)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Bosniaks were at fault for conflicts in Vares (SD says BiH Army started conflicts between BiH Army and HVO in Vares)

Nezavisne Novine

Englishmen wish to extract oil in BiH [the only request for exploitation of oil in BiH awaits for an approval for a year already]

Glas Srpske

Single stance of delegates [RS NA session on police reform]

EuroBlic

Criminals are teasing police [3 explosions in past month in Trebinje area]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

RS Govt determines list of priorities on the BiH course to EU admission

RTRS – At today’s session in Banja Luka, the RS Government has discussed Information on monitoring process of SAA talks and European partnership with BiH, as well as programme on realization of priorities of European Partnership with BiH. According to Jasna Brkic, RS Minister of Economic Relations and Coordination, the list of priorities has been determined in order to implement these activities as soon as possible. Brkic also said: “One of conclusions reached today was that a topical meeting involving Igor Davidovic, Chief BH negotiator with EU, should be held to discuss the possibility of placing all capacities available in RS in place in order to accelerate the process of stabilization and association with EU.” BH Radio 1 by Brana Markovic– The Government also said it was dedicated to the “improvement of activities currently carried out in this entity as part of the SAA process”. It also deems it has done everything possible on this issue, emphasizing the future activities demand increased personnel, and technical resources.

Chairman of BiH Presidency Tihic to talk with US State Secretary Rice and World Bank Director Wolkowitz

RHB, BH Radio 1 – Chairman of the BiH Presidency Sulejman Tihic should talk with US State Secretary Condoleeza Rice and World Bank Director Paul Wolkowitz today. During Tihic’s yesterday’s meetings with US Congressmen, US Congressman Joseph Bieden supported the arrest of war criminals and promised further US support in order to persist in constitutional changes.

HDZ BiH filed lawsuit agst decision on registration of HDZ 1990

RHB – On May 4, HDZ BiH filed a lawsuit with the Municipal Court in Mostar against the decision of the Cantonal Court in Mostar with regard to registration of HDZ 1990 in the registry of political organizations. HDZ BiH believes that having in mind conditions prescribed by the provisions of the Law on political organizations for registration in a court registry it is incomprehensible that the Panel of Judges with the Cantonal Court in Mostar could pass a positive decision on registration of HDZ 1990.

RS NA in session discussing proposed changes to Law on income

RTRS, BH Radio 1 – The RS NA is holding its regular session discussing proposed Law on changes and addenda to the Law on income of citizens. Ruza Nikic, DEPOS delegate, as proponent of the Law, stated that she made this proposal upon initiative of all regional Associations of Pensioners (regarding low salaries and pensions).

Police reform

RSNA endorses Recommendation on model of future police structure in BiH urging restructuring the PRD

RTRS late news by Momcilo Ostojic – Late Wednesday evening, the RS National Assembly completed the discussion on the Information of the police reform process in BiH by adopting the “Recommendation on model of future police structure in BIH”. It was endorsed by 47 deputies, 16 were against it and 6 abstained from voting. The Recommendation urges the RS Government to demand from the BiH Council of Ministers to adopt a decision by which the Police Reform Directorate would be restructured to ensure the RS is represented in accordance with the Agreement on police reform passed by entities and BiH parliaments in October 2005. RS NA concluded that competence and role of RS MoI in the new police structure must be clearly defined, and the HQ of the police to be in Banja Luka. The RSNA held daylong discussion of the police restructuring upon the request by the RSNA’s Commission for Security and Defence who previously adopted conclusions of not accepting any solutions which were not reached by consensus. BHT1, FTV late news- also covered.

RSNA’s recommendation: police regions within current territorial organization of entities/ District; demands police HQ in Banja Luka ; state police symbols to include RS insignia 

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 3 ‘It is necessary to make role and competencies of the RS MoI clear’ by O. Vukovic – Daily brings the main points from the Recommendation on model of future police forces in BiH adopted by the RS National Assembly late on Wednesday which underlines that the role and competencies of the RS Interior Ministry must be clearly defined in the new police structure. The Recommendation demands “symbols of the police forces in the RS to include the symbols of the RS, and the seat of the police forces in BiH to be in Banja Luka.” The Assembly criticized the Council of Ministers for ignoring the warnings from the RS referring to the inappropriate practices in the Police Reform Directorate and tasked the RS Government to immediately demand restructuring of the PRD carried out in line with the Agreement on the police restructuring adopted by the RSNA in October 2005. The Recommendation underlines once again the police reform can be moved forward only through consensus. The RSNA also “understands that there would be a single law at the level of BiH to regulate the police reforms in BiH,” as well as a single budget determined upon proposals from the police regions, adopted in the BiH Parliament and implemented partly through BiH budget and partly through budgets of entities, cantons and police regions. The Recommendations reads the RSNA is aware the police in BiH “would be organized in line with the clearly assigned functions and structure at the state level, but also clearly set… structures in entities, cantons and police region.” It was also underlined that the “organization and establishment of the new local police regions on grounds of efficiency criteria… is necessary and could be realized exclusively within existing entity territorial organizations under the Dayton Peace Agreement, including the special status of police region of Brcko District.”  Finally, the Assembly estimated that in order to ensure depoliticized police process there should be set civil monitoring over the police through Monitoring civic councils.

RS PM Dodik addresses RSNA: threatened to resigned if RSNA were to support PRD ’s Opinion

BHT1 – Addressing the RS National Assembly on Wednesday, the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik stated the RS would continue talks on police reform, but would only accept solutions which were agreed as a result of consensus. He noted the RS would accept single state law on police. Hayat – Dodik also reiterated his stance on the Opinion adopted by the PRD Steering Board [which again endorsed three EC’s principles of the state police, police region organized by technical criteria and depoliticized police adopted without a vote of the RS rep in PRD] and underlined that if the RSNA were to endorse it, he would accept this but also tender his resignation. He added: “Of course, I oppose to such [manner of the] PRD’s work since it is not in line with the Agreement on police restructuring…we are not going to accept a law [on single police] in case the High Representative decides to impose it”, says Dodik. Most of the RS NA representatives claimed that PRD made a lot of mistakes, also demanding it is guided by the Agreement on police restructuring. SDA representatives find the agreement ‘insincerely’ passed, so to weaken the International Community’s pressure. RTRS – Dodik stated that he would accept any stance of the RSNA, however he added: “If RS NA decides to accept this opinion you can have my resignation.”  PINK, FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 4, announced on cover ‘RS finds proposed solutions unacceptable’ by V.Popovic, Glas Srpske cover pg report ‘Decisions solely through consensus’ by G.D.-Z.M., EuroBlic pg RS3, announced on cover ‘Srpska is defending MoI, Dodik offering resignation’ by R. R., Vecernje Novosti pg 18 ‘Fierce discussion on “blue” force’ by M. L. – RS PM Dodik emphasizes that decisions on police should be reached by consensus; Dodik disapproves PRD’s Opinion

RSNA discussion on Police: Bosniak and Serbs MPs disagree on RS MoI, police regions  

BHT 1 – During the discussion on police reform held in the RS National Assembly, the Centre Caucus MPs warned the RS must never stay without its Interior Ministry and the Police. Bosniak deputies did not agree, but said there were convinced of establishing new police regions. SDA deputy Tarik Sadovic believes the work of Police Restructuring Directorate is being abused for purposes of pre-election campaigns. The RS NA Speaker Igor Radojicic stated the Assembly is a relevant institution that makes the decisions and adopts laws regulating the work of police. RTRS- RS Minister of Interior Stanislav Cadjo and Chair of RS NA Board for security and defence issues Velimir Sakan submitted a report and stressed that members of the PRD Steering Board [PRD SB] are in favour of police regions which would cross inter-entity border line. According to the Opinion adopted by PRD SB police would be under the authorized BIH Security Ministry thus meaning that RS MoI would be abolished. Cadjo stressed that the Opinion excluded proposals submitted by the RS representatives. Predrag Kovacevic from DSS, Milan Lazic from SRS and Dusan Stojicic from SDS are opposing the opinion and urge the existence of RS MoI. Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Agreement to lead to efficient police’ by G.Dakic – Lazic warned the warning RS has lost everything so far but police force. Nedjo Djuric, DEPOS delegate, who has stressed that the issue of police reform is now on agenda only because constitutional changes were not passed. Radical Milanko Mihajlica agreed with Djuric, underlining that the Decision at BiH CoM (regarding establishment of PRD) could not have been reached without Serb reps, marking them as being responsible for the fact Agreement was violated. PINK, FTV, Hayat – also brought details of the discussion. Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘A unified stance of MP’s’, Nezavisne Novine pg 4, announced on cover ‘RS finds proposed solutions unacceptable’ by V.Popovic – RSNA discusses the police reform process / Information [carries extracts from Information presented by Cadjo and Sakan]

Hayat: disagreement over police could jeopardize RSNA majority

Hayat by ATV Banja Luka – Hayat comments that the differences in stances regarding police reform in BiH have also brought to the discussion on the recently established RS National Assembly majority. SDA members are now re-examining the attitude towards the leading political party, SNSD led by Milorad Dodik. According to speculations, withdrawal of the RS Deputy Prime Minister Omer Brankovic could come out as the result of re-examined relations. “They should not re-examine a thing, they can leave immediately”, explains Dodik.  RTRS- SDA stressed that it will re-examine its relation with SNSD if RS NA fails to adopt the opinion to which Dodik said that they could leave RS Government immediately. PINK– reported.

Foreign Minister Ivanic: CoM voted in line with stances of previous RS Govt, PM

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Prime-Minister Dodik threatened with irrevocable resignation’ by N.Diklic– Representatives of DSS, SRS ‘Dr. Vojislav Seselj’ and DEPOS demands explanation and liability of Ministers and Deputies in Council of Ministers, asking their explanation why the decision on establishment of Police Reform Directorate was supported. BiH Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic told DA that members of the CoM have voted in accordance with the stance of former RS Government and Prime- Minister Pero Bukejlovic. “Former Government gave legitimacy to the PRD by appointing RS representatives. It shouldn’t have done that, if they saw that it is not in accordance with the agreement. We are not to blame in that” said Ivanic.

DA: At categorical EC’ demand Reform Progress Monitoring will discuss today police reform, coop. with ICTY and PBS reform

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘EU requested police reform to be at agenda’ by T. Lazovic – DA learns that at the meeting of the Reform Progress Monitoring (RPM) that takes place on Thursday (today) at the categorical demand of the EC the issues such as the police reform, cooperation with the ICTY and PBS reform would be at the agenda. DA explains that since this is about the RPM meeting, which takes place prior to the technical round of the BiH’s negotiations on the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU it is not usual to talk about political issues that are a part of the political negotiations with the EU. DA added that, nevertheless, quite unexpectedly an agenda envisaging one-hour talk on reforms in BiH arrived from Brussels. Director of the BiH Directorate for European Integration Osman Topcagic confirmed this information. DA says that this might be a reaction of the EC to the current halt in the Police Reform Directorate’s work. 

EC: SAA could be suspended because of lack of progress in police reform

BHT1 – The international community has warned that the police reform is a key condition for signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. Spokesperson of EC Delegation in BiH Frane Maroevic stated once again that the future police structure in BiH must be financed by state budget and its work regulated by state laws. He also stressed that the work of police must be free of any political influences and organised in functional regions. FTV– FTV comments that it is now obvious that one of the major factors of electoral campaign is going to be the police reform issue. The international community warned again that the work of Police Restructuring Directorate must continue. If there is no progress in this process, the negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU might be suspended.

EC’s Humphreys: Police reform is an imperative for signing SAA

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Free trade priority’ by M.K.S., Inset ‘Police reform is an imperative’ – Commenting the next round of the SAA talks with the EU, the EC Head of delegation to BiH, Michael Humphreys, said that while the constitutional reform is not a formal condition for to sign the agreement it certainly would influence BiH capabilities to meet the SAA conditions: “Proposed amendments would support European integrations and give state more authority to conduct necessary reforms.” However, it was emphasized that unlike constitutional, police reform and establishment of full cooperation with ICTY are the condition for signing of the SAA .

HR Schwarz Schilling says he will not undertake concrete measures

Nezavisne Novine pg 4, announced on cover ‘RS finds proposed solutions unacceptable’ inset ‘Schwarz Schilling: Reform without imposition’ by V.Popovic – carries extract from statement HR to BiH, Christian Schwarz Schilling gave to RTRS saying he would not undertake concrete measures if no consensus on police reform is reached, adding; “Politicians in BiH must know they bear full responsibility in regard to their decisions.”

RS President Cavic: Police reform could suffer fiasco if there is no consensus; no acceptance of imposed solutions at cost of SAA

RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘RS is not against efficient police’ not signed– The RS President, Dragan Cavic pointed out Tuesday that he found the opinion the Police Reform Directorate passed recently unacceptable since no consensus was reached. Cavic reiterated that he was not going to accept imposed solutions on the police reform, even if Stabilization and Association Agreement talks were to be interrupted with the EU. Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 14 ‘Reform of MoI facing fiasco’, by A. Macanovic – In a statement to ‘Crvena linija’ (Red-line), Cavic noted that the police reform in BiH could face a fiasco if solutions are not reached through consensus. He also labelled as ‘arrogant’ opinion of some representatives of the IC, who noted that solutions within the Police Reform Directorate could be reached by simple majority vote (NB: such statement recently came from EU’s Javier Solana).

RS MoI Cadjo: RS insists not only on respecting of EC principles, but on existing BiH Constitutions as well

RHB– The RS Interior Minister, Stanislav Cadjo said that allegations that the RS representatives did not come up with a proposal on police reform in BiH at discussion in the Police Reform Directorate were not true and that the RS still supports the idea of consensus. Cadjo pointed out that the RS and its representatives insisted that, in line with the police reform agreement, the PRD had to come up with a proposal which beside European standards had to respect existing BiH Constitution; namely entities’ constitutional authorities.

DA poll on police reform: 63% of people questioned believe reform should be in hands of experts

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Research of the public opinion’- DA carries a poll conducted on a sample of 300 people in Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka, Bijeljina, Zenica, Bihac, Tuzla and Travnik. Asked whether they support the IC’s stance that the process of police reform at this phase should be left up to the experts for them to offer solutions on which political politicians would declare, 63% answered ‘yes’, 31% were against such practice and 6% was not sure.

War crimes

One month detention for Mejakic and others; transferred from ICTY to BiH Court on Tuesday

RTRS – BIH Court ordered a one-month detention for Zeljko Mejakic, Momcilo Gruban, Dusan Fustar and Dusko Knezovic, indicted for war crimes committed in war camps Omarska and Keraterm near Prijedor. Four of them have been transferred from ICTY on Tuesday, to stand trial in BiH and BIH Prosecution has to coordinate the indictment against them according to BIH regulations within 30 days. RHB, PINK, BHT1, Hayat, FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Detention ordered for Mejakic and others’ by D. Muminovic, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ’30 days of detention for Mejakic, Gruban, Fustar and Knezevic’ by Fena, Dnevni Avaz pg 12‘Mejakic, Gruban, Fustar and Knezevic detained’ by N.J., Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘One month detention for Mejakic and others’, not signed, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Detention for Mejakic’, by vr – reported.

RS Police arrests war crime suspect in Foca

RTRS – The RS Interior Ministry arrested war crimes suspect, Zivko Miletic, on Wednesday in Foca. Miletic, accused of crimes committed against Bosniaks in Foca, was arrest upon the warrant issued by the Sarajevo Cantonal Prosecution. Miletic was handed over to the Trebinje District Prosecutor’s Office. Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Zivko Miletic arrested for war crimes’ by E.Sarac – DA learns that during the war Miletic was member of reserve police and is suspected for murders and persecutions in the villages in Foca vicinity. PINK, BHT1, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Zivko Miletic arrested in Foca’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Zivko Miletic arrested’ by A. Da., EuroBlic pg RS1 ‘Zivko Miletic arrested’ by Srna – also covered.

Serbian MoI continues with arrests of alleged Mladic’s supporters

PINK- In continuing arrests of suspected supporters of Ratko Mladic, Serbian Interior Ministry has arrested about 11 persons and Belgrade media speculates that the 11^th person is retired SCG Army officer Blagoje Govedarica. Former RS Army officer Marko Lugonja, suspected of helping Ratko Mladic remains in custody. RHB, BHT1, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Mladic’s wartime driver arrested’ by Beta, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Blagoja Govedarica arrested’ by Agencies, EuroBlic pg 13 ‘Another Mladic’s helper arrested’, Vecernje Novosti pg 11 ‘Driver in war, helper in peace’ by E. B. N., Vecernji List, pg 18 ‘Mladic’s driver arrested’, by H– carried.

ICTY: If Mladic is arrested he would be standing trial for Srebrenica first

PINK, Vecernje Novosti pg 11 ‘Mladic in Belgrade’ – ICTY Spokesman Anton Nikiforov stated that if Ratko Mladic were arrested he would be trialled for genocide in Srebrenica first. He also stated that other items in the indictment against Mladic would be dealt with accordingly. Nikiforov also stated that he is not sure whether ICTY will continue to work after 2008.

President of BiH Helsinki Committee appeals to FBiH PM to take care of law on rights of defenders, destiny of missing Sarajevo Serbs

FTV, Hayat, BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘To send Law on defenders to the Parliament as soon as posible’ by Onasa, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Establish truth on Sarajevo Serbs’, mentioned on cover, Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Rule of law and respecting of Constitution questionable’, by NINA – The President of BiH Helsinki Committee for human rights, Srdjan Dizdarevic, has sent the FBiH PM, Ahmet Hadzipasic, an open letter in which he appeals that decisions of the FBiH Constitutional Court and Human Rights Chamber related to the anti-constitutional articles of the Law on rights of defenders and their families and establishment of mechanisms that would help reveal destiny of missing Serbs of Sarajevo be taken care of in accordance with the already passed decisions by relevant institutions.

ICTY not satisfied with Russian relation toward war crimes, because of Zelenovic released on bail

PINK- ICTY announced that he is not pleased with the decision of the Russian Court by which Dragan Zelenovic was released on bail. Zelenovic is suspected of committing crimes in Foca and he spent few years in Russia. ICTY has asked additional information from Russian authorities on the issue and stated that in general is not satisfied with relation of the Russian Federation toward arresting of war crime suspects. On the other side, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Friday, that Russia is dedicated to ICTY goals. Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Explanation for Zelenovic asked from the Russian Embassy’ not signed – also covered.

Danas: Former member of BiH Presidency Ganic to be tried for war crimes in BiH

Danas, pg 8 ‘Ganic will be tried by BiH Court’, not signed – notes that former (pre and wartime) member of BiH Presidency, Ejup Ganic, whose name was mentioned in the media as a likely candidate for war crimes trials in the ICTY, will not be tried in The Hague. Instead, says Danas, the latest information have it Ganic could be tried by the BiH Court. Ganic is linked to crimes against Serb prisoners committed in Sarajevo’s Dobrovoljacka Street on May 2, 1992.

Osl. op-ed: In order to each justice for victims, BiH needs judiciary without any political influence

Oslobodjenje pg 9 “The Hague in Sarajevo’ op-ed by Daniel Omeragic– Commenting transfer of ICTY cases to BiH Court, author notes that at the time when the trial for genocide has also started [Kravice case] there is a lot of work before the BiH Prosecution. Noting that BiH Prosecutor Marinko Jurcevic has stated that about ten thousand people is suspected for war crimes, author concludes: “It is of the outmost importance for the Prosecution to document every case of war crime committed in BiH, who ordered it and executed it. That could be done only by judiciary entirely independent of political influence. Current work of the Court and the Prosecution gives hope that after all it is possible to reach justice for the victims that would restore trust among peoples”. 

Political and economic issues

FBiH HoP rejects FERK’s report for 2005, plan for 2006 but supports Govt’s works; decision completely contrary to HoR’s

FTV – At the session held on Wednesday, FBiH House of Peoples didn’t endorse the work programme of Federal Electricity Regulatory Commission [FERK] in 2006 due to the FERK decision to increase the electricity prices while the FBiH House of Representatives has recently endorsed all the FERK’s documents. Additionally, after long discussion the FBiH HoP endorsed the report on work of the FBiH Government in 2005 and plan for 2006 which was recently rejected by the FBiH HoR. Commenting this controversial situation, the FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic stated that the Government can work efficiently only if it has the support of the Parliament. He stressed that the Parliament should have more trust in work of Government, adding that the Parliament must have very strong reasons in order to request dismissal of the Government. FBiH Government’s 2006 work plan includes adoption of laws that regulate economic development, social support, agriculture support, promotion of investments and public administration reform. FBiH Government will also give its full support to the police restructuring process. Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘Hazdipasic announces new mandate for Government’, by Mensud Zorlak – carries report from FBiH HoP and statement by the FBIH PM Hadzipasic, who says that despite many objections that certain MPs have against the Government’s work, it is certain the Government will have the mandate to keep on working. Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Lozancic, Dzihanovic and Radivojevic asked to submit report on the work’ by A.Hadziarapovic– The FBiH HoP has also asked the FBiH President Niko Lozancic, and Vice-Presidents Sahbaz Dzihanovic and Desnica Radivojevic to submit reports on their work. RHB, PINK, BHT1, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Parliament passed report on Government’s work’ by S.Se, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Report on the work of F BiH Government adopted’ by R. Cengic – also covered.

FBiH Ombudsman’s report claims BiH is divided along ethnic, religious lines

PINK, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Even the legislative power is violating human rights’ by Onasa, Oslobodjenje, pgs 4-5 ‘State of human rights is disastrous’, by A. Terzic, Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 5 ‘Division of state in accordance with national criteria’, by D. P. Mandic, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Executive power is the biggest violator of human rights’ by R.Cengic – In their annul report presented on Wednesday, the Institution of FBiH Ombudsman noted, among other claims, that a big number of citizens are disoriented and hopeless, arguing that BiH is completely divided in accordance with the national and religious criteria. The report also heavily criticized all levels of authorities for not observing human rights and laws and not building multi-ethnic authorities.

Tihic meets IMF Directors; further role and fiscal policy to be related to constitutional reforms

BHT1, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Further role of the IMF in BiH related to constitutional changes’, mentioned on cover not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Special attention on building of Corridor Vc’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Construction of 5C corridor is of strategic importance’ by Agencies– During the meeting with the IMF top officials Jeroen Kremers and Ann Krueger in Washington, the BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic talked about economic development in BiH, construction of the Vc corridor and the fiscal policy. They have also discussed further role and according to the press release by the Presidency, it was said this would depend on the constitutional changes.

Bosnia and Macedonia aim to boost economic cooperation

BHT1- The leaders of Macedonia and Bosnia agreed Wednesday to increase economic cooperation between the two Balkan countries. “Our goal now is to find ways to increase trade and to boost economic cooperation,” said Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic after meeting Macedonian Prime-Minister Vlado Buckovski. Macedonia and Bosnia signed a free trade agreement in 2004. Trade between the two countries in 2005 was around A20 million (US$25.5 million). Terzic also met Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski. Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Imporvement of cooperation in the region’ not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Prime-Minister Terzic talked to Crvenkovski and Buckovski’ not signed – also reported.

Chief BiH negotiator on next round of SAA negotiations: economy is a priority

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Free trade priority’ by M.K.S.– Talking about the next round of the negotiations between BiH and EU on Stabilization and Association Agreement, the BiH Chief Negotiator Igor Davidovic said that accent would be on liberalization of the trade with the EU. He added this time BiH would propose concessions in area of industry and agriculture, which foresees an establishment of time frame and percentages in which custom taxes on import of such products from the EU would be gradually decreased until they are entirely abolished.

Politicians’ assessments on first 100 days of HR CSS’s mandate: he gained sympathy because he had not removed anyone nor imposed any law

EuroBlic pgs RS2-RS3 ‘Completely the opposite to Paddy Ashdown’ by Nedeljka Breberina – Article carries that the first 100 days of the HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling’s mandate passed without him having removed any politician or imposed any law, which is the reason why he had already gained sympathy of local politicians and citizens. RS President Dragan Cavic welcomed the so far work of HR and noted that during the first 100 days of his mandate he acted in accordance with the decision of PIC, which reads that the international presence in BIH would cease mid 2007. Chairman of HoR of BiH Parliament Martin Raguz says HR CSS has a different approach towards BiH institutions, i.e. he respects these. Member of BiH Presidency Borislav Paravac says it is too early to make any assessments but welcomed HR’s efforts, especially with regard to economic issues, and noted HR CSS is obviously not a person that puts his own work in focus but he rather transfers the responsibility onto domestic politicians. Deputy Chairman of BiH HoR Sefik Dzaferovic says he thinks HR used the first 100 days to get acquainted with the situation in BiH and he thinks he started his work well, adding; ‘It is too early to estimate when he would takeover the role of EU Special Representative because all of that depends on us’. BiH Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic thinks HR CSS differs from his predecessor because he is not using the Bonn powers and he added he thinks this is good for BiH and for developing more responsible domestic institutions. RS PM Milorad Dodik agrees HR CSS has introduced a new practice, which is refreshing ‘in comparison to domineering Ashdown who left behind him many problems with which BiH will have to struggle for a long time’. Political analyst Tanja Topic assesses HR CSS approached his role as an advisor and mediator, but she notes domestic politicians are not mature enough as yet to achieve consensus on any issue. Inset ‘Politicians are taking over the responsibility’ HR Schwarz-Schilling noted domestic politicians must start taking over a full responsibility for their activities and ‘BIH citizens should not wonder what steps would the HR take, but what are the issues BiH politicians intend to deal with’. He noted that, following the non-adoption of constitutional reforms, BiH is facing even greater pressure to accelerate reforms if it wishes to sign SAA by the end of the year. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Serbs again in the valley of Neretva’ by M. Bestic, Nezavisne Novine pg 10 ‘Herzegovina neglected’ Inset ‘Cavic commended Schwarz-Schilling’ by V. D. – also carry Cavic’s assessment.

DA int with new Turkish Ambassador: BiH – Turkey economic cooperation to improve, no details on OHR transformation have yet been agreed

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘We’ll help reconstruction of Ferhadija [mosque] in Banja Luka’, mentioned on cover ‘Turkish companies want to invest here’ by Tarik Lazovic – In an interview to DA, newly appointed Turkish Ambassador to BiH, Bulent Tulun, says that the relations between BiH and Turkey are very good enabling improvements in economic relations and increasing a possibilities of investments. Tulun further on talks about individual companies in which Turkey has invested, including salt factory in Lukavac and Natron from Maglaj. Inset ‘OHR transformation’ – Commenting the transformation of the OHR and the role of the Peace Implementation Council, Ambassador says: “Transformation has been announced, but no details have yet been discussed on how it could be done. In addition to Turkey, PIC Steering Board includes US, Russia, Japan and other countries which are not EU member states, so I am certain that a modus would be found to maintain the position of our country in this context.”  

Reis Ceric: Cardinal’s claims on threats against Catholics in Sarajevo are immoral, we shall re-examine our relation towards Catholic Church

Dnevni Avaz cover pg splash ‘Effendi Ceric: Cardinal’s claims are immoral’ and pg 4 ‘Effendi Ceric: Cardinal’s claims are immoral, unacceptable and untrue’ by F. Vele – During his visit paid to Mostar on Wednesday Reis-l-Ulema Mustafa Effendi Ceric stated that ‘there is apartheid of Croat politics over Moslems only because of their religion and nation’ and that Bosnaiks ‘are not a constituent people on the territories where the Croat authority exists.’ He added that the International Community does not react to such situation. Reis also said that apartheid is present in Mostar and a part of it is ignoring of the Islamic Community’s demand for construction of the Islamic Centre in Mostar. Reis also talked about Bosniaks in Stolac ‘who are discriminated and deprived of their rights’. Talking about Cardinal Vinko Puljic’s statement about fear and threats against Catholics in Sarajevo, Reis said that these claims are immoral, unacceptable and untrue. Asked whether these claims would disturb an inter-ethnic dialogue in BiH, Reis said that ‘irrelevant statements will not discourage Moslems in the dialogue’, but that they would certainly re-examine their relationship towards the Catholic Church because of these statements.

Danas: IC will support Lagumzija-led opposition for October elections

Danas, pg 4 ‘International community will stand behind Lagumdzija’, by Danas – according to Danas’ sources ‘close to western diplomatic missions’ in BiH, European countries together with the US will strongly support the current opposition led by SDP’s Zlatko Lagumdzija for the October elections. This came to be after Lagumdzija showed readiness for compromise with parties from the RS during the constitutional reform talks, therefore the IC sees in him a person who can carry out a painless transition of power from the OHR onto domestic institutions.

SDS President Cavic: SDS got out of crisis, consequences still visible

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘SDS managed to get out of crisis’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Serbs again in the valley of Neretva’ by M. Bestic – During his visit to Trebinje, where he met with with Bishop Grigorije on Wednesday, SDS President Dragan Cavic said SDS, in spite to the imposed sanctions, had managed to get out of problems and added consequences on infrastructure of the party are still visible. EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Cavic: difficult situation’ by V. M. – Cavic added they are facing lots of work in order to bring back the party to the position that belongs to it.

Danas: IC controlling HDZ’s Covic through criminal charges

Danas, pgs 14-17 ‘New ways how to control Covic’, by Marijana Malic – reporting that the BiH Prosecution returned the ‘Soko’ case (suspicious privatization of company which involves HDZ leader Dragan Covic as one of alleged suspects) to the Canton 7 Prosecution, Danas says this comes as a surprise given that the Prosecution originally took away the case from the Canton 7 Prosecution. However, magazine speculates that the BiH Prosecution’s prosecutor Eric Larsson made the move under pressure of diplomatic representatives in BiH, as a sort of award to Covic for his cooperation during constitutional reform, since it is believed that Covic can influence the judiciary in Canton 7. However, Danas notes the IC is still controlling Covic, namely the BiH Prosecution has taken upon itself the ‘Eronet’ case, which charges Covic (in capacity of Chairman of HT Mostar Steering Board) of illegally transferring ‘Eronet’s’ shares onto three private companies close to HDZ BiH back in 1999. The transfer was ruled as illegal in 2004 by the Cantonal Court in Mostar, therefore Danas argues Covic is clearly responsible for this case too.

Danas: ‘Return of International Community to Mostar’  

Danas pgs 22-25, mentioned on cover ‘Return of International Community to Mostar’ by Z. Jukic – A western diplomat accredited in BiH stated that the HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling intends to involve the OHR again in resolving of Mostar issues due to complete paralyses in functioning of the city and non-adoption of the budget is the last failure in a series of Mostar authorities’ failed actions. The weekly’s source also said that all international reports talk about a progress in all parts of BiH apart from Mostar where not a single segment of the Mostar Statute has been fully implemented. The source added: ‘International authorities would give support to Mostar Mayor Ljubo Beslic, however they would demand from him to clearly locate the problems and give deadlines for their resolving. An additional demand would be that he truly becomes a Mayor of all Mostar citizens and acts independently and that he does not, as it was the case recently, represents city projects in premises of Dragan Covic’s HDZ.’

Chair of BiH Election Commission Petric: changing of Election Law at this moment would be undemocratic

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Changing of Election Law is not good’ by Srna – Chairman of Central BiH Election Commission Branko Petric has stated that changing of Election Law after October elections had been signed out would be opposite to European democratic standards and recommendations of Council of Europe’s Venice Commission. “This would be precedent in democratic practices, which would be assessed as an undemocratic act,” Petric stated.

Op-eds on Day of Victory over: Fascism in BiH/ criticising hypocrisy of local authorities

Dnevni Avaz op-ed pg 3 ‘Day of Victory over fascism’ by Lana Sinanovic – Commending the fact that BiH has this year also showed it is a part of anti-fascist Europe by marking 9^th May, Day of Victory over fascism, the author further points at the hypocrisy of local authorities, that have so far failed to alter the names of street names like Mile Budak or Draza Mihailovic, pro-fascist oriented during WW II. She further exemplifies by referring to Borislav Paravac, Serb member to BiH Presidency, saying he has never disassociated from Chetnik’ movement. According to her, this is the example of double standards of BiH officials, concluding that as long as local authorities fail to enact Law on prohibition of fascist movements, “the anti-fascism is fed with oblivion rather than memories”. Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘In forests and mountains‘ by G. Beric (the headline is a line from to partisans’ song from World War 2) says that May 9, the Day of victory over fascism has been pretty much neglected in BiH and the author concludes that now, over 60 years after the end of the World War 2, BiH has been endangered from inside by its own nationalism.

Security and defence reform

AI report claims thousands of small arm pieces left BiH with NATO’s knowledge and never reached Iraq

BHT1 by Boris Grubesic – According to Amnesty International report, the BiH exported thousands of pieces of the small weapons and ammunition to Iraq with knowledge of the NATO, however AI has not confirmed these weapons reached Iraq.  AI investigator Hugh Grifits stated that some NATO officers have confirmed that over 200.000 “Kalashnikov” guns were exported from BiH to Iraq, adding that it is difficult to control the weapons once they leave BiH. Therefore, stressed Grifits, AI insists on more transparency in weapons sale in order to prevent possible smuggling to countries under the UN embargo. BiH Defence Ministry claims the weapons have been sold over some US companies to the Iraqi Government. Minister Nikola Radovanovic stated that sale of weapons and ammunition sold by BiH to Iraq was in accordance with the law. He refused to comment the AI report. FTV – BiH Ministry of Defence stated that it doesn’t have the full information on AI report, and therefore it can’t make any comments on it. The Ministry confirmed that 200.000 guns and 28 million pieces of ammunition have been exported to Iraq for the needs of Iraqi government in 2004 and 2005. The export has been conducted under supervision of SFOR and EUFOR, and in full accordance with valid laws and legal regulations. RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Defense Ministry without comment’, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘200. 000 guns transported from BiH to Iraq’ by BHT1, Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Weapons went to Iraqi army’, not signed – carries bits of AI’s report. Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Surplus for Iraq worth million KMs’, by eme – according to official data of Bih Foreign Trade Chamber, in first 6 months of 2005, BiH companies exported weapons to Iraq worth 1 million KMs. Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 5 ‘Denial from BiH: Weapons to Iraq were legal’, by D. Pasic – carries BiH MoD’s reaction.

Amnesty International (AI) investigator Griffits: Pentagon and not BiH authorities is to be blamed for sending of weapon from BiH to Iraq

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘RS did not give information about warehouses of weapon’ by S. Numanovic – With regard to the Amnesty International (AI) report on weapon sent from BiH to Iraq, AI investigator Hugh Griffits stated that RS representatives were obstructing the AI investigation on warehouses of weapon in this entity while the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations and FBiH authorities were more cooperative. Griffits stressed that all weapon was not sent to Iraq, that a part of it went to the USA and it is not clear where it arrived at the end. DA inset ‘BiH is not to be blamed’ carries Griffits as saying: ‘I do not believe that the BiH authorities should be blamed for anything. They simply did what Americans asked them to do. If someone is to be blamed then it is Pentagon which allowed that companies such as ‘Aercom’ get involved in this business.’ DA explains that ‘Aercom’ is a company related to former KGB officer Vikor Bout.

DA; EUFOR and NATO are looking for documentation, which proves that weapon was transferred from BiH to Iraq in legal way 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘NAT0 waits for official report’ by L. S. carries that NATO refused to comment on the Amnesty International report on sending of weapon from BiH to Iraq since they have not received a full copy of the report yet and they would comment on it after the official publishing of the report on Thursday (today). DA also learns that EUFOR and NATO officials have already started to go through documentation to determine what exactly happened with the weapon in that period of time. According to DA, they are looking for the documentation, which proves that the weapon was transferred to Iraq in a legal way.  

Presidency member Jovic to EUFOR Cmdr Chiarini: Defence reform deadlines must be observed

RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Progress in police reform’ not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘All deadlines would be fulfilled’ not signed, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Respect deadlines for reforms’, by NINA, Vecernji List, pg 5 ‘Deadline for defence reform must be observed’, by ra – Member of BiH Presidency, Ivo Miro Jovic, on Wednesday talked with the EUFOR commander, Maj-Gen Gianmarco Chiarini. “Our dedication is to observe the deadlines and transform forces within the defence reform in BiH”, stated Jovic.

SD: BiH Army responsible for BiH Army-HVO conflicts in Vares

Slobodna Dalmacija, front pg splash and pgs 14-15 ‘Bosniaks were at fault for conflicts in Vares’, by Milo Jukic – SD claims to be in possession of documents that allegedly clearly show it is the BiH Army units that are responsible for start of conflicts between the BiH Army and HVO in the Vares area, which is contrary to the popular belief that puts the Croats at fault. According to SD, the then BiH Army commander, general Rasim Delic, did nothing to prevent attacks of his units on HVO positions although he was aware of them.