OHR BiH Media Round-up, 12/5/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

BiH’s negotiations on SAA continue

EUFOR deactivates explosive in ES

Davidovic on SAA talks

Tihic met US Vice President Chaney

Bomb hoax in Bugojno school

Explosion near school in Novo Sa

EUFOR&EUPM sign cooper. agreem.

2^nd round of SAA talks on economy

Serbs in Kosovo assaulted

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Regional News

War crime suspect Jankovic detained

Reform process monitoring session

BiH Council of Ministers in session

SAA negotiations continue on Friday

CoM on effects of VAT introduction

FBiH Government in session

RS Army marks its day

Memorial ceremony in Bratunac

Project on wind-electrics in BiH

CoM session

Tihic visits Washington

NTV Hayat  (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

SAA talks to be continued

Reform process monitoring session

US urges Mladic’s arrest

BiH Council of Ministers in session

OHR on banking system supervision

SAA negotiations continue on Friday

RSNA adopts recomm. on police org.

RS Government in session

HR on police reform

UN monitoring team in visit to BiH

Tihic visits Washington

Tihic meets Cheney and Rice

Oslobodjenje

Rasim Delic indicted for crimes over civilians and soldiers

Dnevni Avaz

I haven’t spoke negatively about Muslims

Dnevni List

Threw himself of Luski bridge (suicide case in Jablanica)

Vecernji List

Islamic leaders are hushing up Cardinal (Catholic Chuch reacts to reis Ceric’s interview)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Ceric never heard of Croat prisoners (Croat POWs react to reis Ceric’s interview)

Nezavisne Novine

EU had not asked RS MoI to be abolished [Dirk Lange’s statement]

Glas Srpske

It grew out of people [the Day of 3^rd infantry regiment marked]

EuroBlic

September is turning point for BiH Armed forces [14^th anniversary of 3^rd infantry regiment, defense reform to continue]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

Chief BH negotiator with EU satisfied with flow of 2^nd round of talks

RTRS – Igor Davidovic, BiH Chief Negotiator with the EU, is satisfied with the fact that 2^nd round of talks on SAA is conducted in atmosphere of tolerance and respect without any sort of pressure or demands from European Commission. During the break, Davidovic confirmed talks focus on free trade and freedom to form firms.

SiCG Ambassador met with RS Pres. and RS PM

RTRS – In separate meetings today, the RS President, Dragan Cavic, and RS Premier, Milorad Dodik, received SiCG Ambassador to BiH, Grucija Spasovic. According to press release issued by Cavic’ Cabinet, the meetings discussed the current issues of interest in RS and BiH and improvement of economic cooperation. According to press statement released by Dodik’s Cabinet, it is necessary to further improve economic cooperation in all fields.

RS Dodik meets Montenegrin Presidents, discusses referendum

RTRS – After the meeting with Montenegrin PM Mile Djukanovic on Thursday evening, the RS PM Milorad Dodik stated that the relations between the RS and Montenegro would be completely unburdened after the referendum in Montenegro.

SAA talks, police reform

RPM meeting in Sarajevo ; EC’s Lange says Commission never asked for abolishment of RS MoI

BHT1 – Third session of the Reform Process Monitoring [RPM] was held in Sarajevo on Thursday, where the EC and BiH delegations discussed progress of reforms in BiH achieved to date. It was stressed that significant progress has been made regarding in legislation related to the competition in the market. Head of BiH Directorate for EU Integrations Osman Topcagic stated that the EU officials acknowledged good work of the Competition Council. Head of Department for BiH and Albania in EC’s General Directorate for Enlargement, Dirk Lange, commented the RS National Assembly’s Recommendation on the future model of police forces that reject possibility of abolishment of the RS MoI by saying that EC “has never said that the RS Interior Ministry must disappear. This is much more about the role of the MoI.”Full cooperation with ICTY, and reforms in the field of police and Public Broadcasting System remain main conditions for conclusion of the SAA between BiH and the EU. Hayat- “Five months ago, it has been decided that BiH can launch the SAA negotiations; we believe that it is finally time for BiH to present information on what has been achieved in last 5 months”, said Langeand added that the EU expected an update on BiH’s cooperation with the ICTY, police reform and PBS reform. Lange said that in case of negative report on progress, BiH could hardly make a step forward towards the EU. FTV – Upon insisting from journalists, Lange stated that hypothetically EC might not recommend the signing of the SAA with BiH if this report finds there has not been sufficient progress made. The third round of negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement between BiH and the EU is scheduled for Friday. Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘No progress has been achieved in police restructuring in BiH’ by T. Lazovic – Langetold to DA following the first part of the RPM’s session that no progress has been achieved in the police reform to date. “What we plan to do in next few months is to see what kind of progress BiH has achieved, with a goal prepare best possible fro reporting… which would most probably be drafted in November.”   RHB, PINK, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘EC decides on Agreement with the EU’ by M.K.S., Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Finaal report of EC in November’, by D. P. Mandic, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘EU had not asked RS MoI to be abolished’ by M. Cubro, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Lange: There were no pressures’ by D. S.  – also covered.

PRD ’s Lisak: no body talks about saving and citizens’ needs

Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Nobody talks about saving 140 million KM and needs of citizens’ by E. Sarac – The member of the Police Reform Directorate Steering Board, Sead Lisak, met with the EC’s delegation on Thursday within the Reform Process Monitoring meeting to brief about the course of the police reform. “Nobody in this moment in BiH has a mandate to make proposals of the plan to implement police reform but the PRD. That is how the thing will be until the current decision on establishment of the Directorate is on force. I heard nobody yet to talk about 140 million KM the state would save once we have single police structure at the state level. The entire process is being politicized without a consideration for needs of police to have better and more functional police, as of the police is needed by politics and not citizens.” Lisak points out that he agrees the reform is to proceed by consensus, however he believes that the consensus is to be achieved by the executive authorities after Directorate prepares the expert proposal by 30 September this year. “Directorate has clearly set tasks and when it finishes its job, than politicians should achieved the consensus on what we propose or explain why… Directorate’s proposal is not acceptable,” says Lisak adding that the rejections of the Opinion by one PRD member [i.e. RS representative] without proper expert explanation is exactly the example of violating third EC’s principle, political interference in police. He concludes that the crisis in the PRD is being deliberately made for purpose of the pre-election campaign. 

Chief SAA negotiator demands from authorities to make progress in police reform, to avoid jeopardizing talks with EU

Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Negotiations with EU are at stake’ by N.D.- The BiH Chief negotiator with the EU, Igor Davidovic, told DA he expects the politicians in the country to make progress in the police reform, as they promised, in order to prevent failure of the talks on the Stabilization and Association Agreement. “There is a real danger for the police reform, which has not yet threatened the negotiations, would become an obstacle to sign the SAA,” said Davidovic. He concluded by reminding all officials in BiH, especially those from BiH, of all warnings which came from the EU because of the slow implementation of reforms: “Therefore it is possible the talks would be interrupted or the Agreement would not be signed if this issue is not solved by the deadline we obliged to respect.”  In addition, Davidovic also pointed out to the importance of the cooperation with the ICTY.

OHR on RSNA Recommendation: Assembly shows willingness to make progress in the reform

FTV – Commenting the Recommendation for model of future police structures, endorsed by RS National Assembly on Wednesday night, OHR Spokesperson Liljana Radetic stated OHR assesses the contents of the Recommendation adopted, but that an initial review suggests that the RSNA has shown a willingness to make progress in the reform. She added that the Directorate will continue to work and progress towards meeting their work plan, concluding it would be up to the Council of the Ministers and the Directorate to consider elements of the Recommendation further. RHB, PINK, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘RS showed that wants step forward in police reofrm’ not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘OHR looks into content of the Recommendation’ by Onasa, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘EU had not asked RS MoI to be abolished’ by M. Cubro Inset ‘OHR: RS showed it wants to have progress’, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Positive signals’ by M. Dz., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘OHR: RS wants to move forward’ by Srna and D. F.– also carried.  

FBiH officials deem RSNA’s Recommendation on police reform is a step backward

Hayat by Elma Kazagic – Hayat says that FBiH politicians deem that the Recommendation on future police forces structure in BiH passed by the RS National Assembly on Wednesday night is unacceptable as it foresees the perseverance of the RS Interior Ministry. “On Wednesday, we faced an impermissible attempt of political pressures despite the fact that one of crucial police reform principles states that no political pressure should be made”, said SDA Co-Chair Sefik Dzaferovic. “This came out as a consequence of failed constitutional amendments in the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, in which, by rejecting the amendments, political parties rejected possibility for BiH to decide on defence issues on its own”, said SDP representative Damir Hadzic. Hayat says that RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik’s statements made the whole issue even worse. Namely, he said that he was going to resign in case of imposed solutions regarding police reform. And while OHR deems that RS NA showed its interest in making a step forward, Dzaferovic said: “It is a step backward; an attempt to return to whole issue to the beginning. I think that the International Community in BiH should finally re-examine its attitude towards the RS Government and the RS PM Dodik”.

SNSD, SDS, PDP support Recommendation on model of future police structure in BiH / SDP, SDA and Party for BiH criticise it

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Jurisdiction of RS MoI must be defined’ by V. Popovic – The article reports RS NA adopted the Recommendation on the model of future police structure in BiH [see OHR BiH Media Round up May 11] and also carries comments of several politicians: SNSD’s Krstan Simic denied this is an obstruction of police reform and added RS NA showed RS has the capacity to realise police reform and respect the three EU principles, SDS’s Slavko Dunic says RS NA had insisted on consistent implementation of the Agreement on police reform, PDP’s Vitomir Tomic says principles beyond which they are not willing to go had been defined, i.e. they oppose to abolishment of RS institutions, SDP’s Slobodan Popovic thinks the Assembly majority is “buying time” until the forthcoming elections and notes SAA talks must not be brought in question, SDA’s Sadik Ahmetovic says that the Recommendation does not meet requirements of the three EU principles and Party for BiH’s Dzevad Osmancevic says that the Recommendation does not enable a progress in police reform and he doubts any changes would be made.

BiH Presidency member Paravac: it is possible to implement RS NA Recommendation

Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘In accordance with Europe’s recipe’ by M. Dz. – Serb member of BiH Presidency Borislav Paravac stated on Thursday in Banja Luka it is possible to implement the Recommendation of RS NA, in accordance with which RS MoI should exist in the future structure of police in BiH. He added there are enough capacities at the state level in police structure, such as State Border Service, SIPA and OSA, which can meet all interests, as well as all three principles and criteria EU has set. He noted that the police should be decentralised in the interest of citizens that are financing it.

RS PM Dodik: Nobody, not even HR, can impose police reform; Chair Serbian SDP : We’ll support anything RS chooses

BHT1- The SNSD leader Milorad Dodik and President of Serbian Social-Democrat Party [and former Special Coordinator for Kosovo] Nebojsa Covic met in Banja Luka on Wednesday. Among other things, they have discussed police reform and Covicstated that they would support any option chosen by the RS authorities. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Covic: It is not possible for one standard to be applied for Kosovo and another for BiH’ by Fena– On same issue, Dodik said: “Nobody, not even the High Representative [Christian Schwarz-Schilling] could impose legislation for future police in BiH, but consensus is necessary.”

SDA: RS PM Dodik’s behaviour re police reform is detrimental for citizens

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Dodik’s behaviour is detrimental for all citizens’ by Srna – SDA believes behaviour of RS PM Milorad Dodik with regard to police reform in BiH was detrimental for all citizens and peoples in BiH. ‘We are convinced that Dodik’s disputing of necessary reforms of police was not in the interest of citizens he represents because he is additionally complicating the resolving of their basic social, economic, security and other problems’, SDA’s press release reads.

BiH CoM demanded PRD to make amendments to Information on its work

Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Public revenues increase’ inset ‘Directorate”, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘RS MoI authority must be defined’, inset ‘Council of Ministers postponed discussion on Directorate’ – Barisa Colak, BiH Security Minister, Thursday stated that the BiH CoM Thursday demanded from PRD (Police Reform Directorate) to make amendments to Report on its work on first three months of its work with information on its work since it was constituted until now. According to Colak, “key decisions were reached later, therefore we demanded amendments be made to Information.”

DA: RS PM deliberately avoids saying PRD has never discussed abolishment of entities MoIs, appears as RS savior

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘How many times Dodik saves RS?’ op-ed by Edina Sarac – Author comments behavior of the RS Prime Minister, Milorad Dodik, ironically noting that it is “absolutely amazing how he manages to be everywhere”, whereas his omnipresence means his ministers cannot give statements without him, finances in BiH are blocked, he manages Police Reform Directorate, etc. On the latter, author notes that Dodik and some other RS officials overnight became the “self-proclaimed members of the Directorate and they give their own proposal on the model of the police structure in BiH, even though at this stage politicians have nothing to do with of this important reform.” Sarac also notes that RS PM and his allies has pushed a lot to ensure the Serb people “understand” that the PRD “decided to sign for the death sentence to the RS MoI. Of course, they deliberately avoid telling them that the issue of the survival or of the abolishment of the entities’ interior ministries has not even been mentioned in none of 10 meetings Directorate held to date.” Author says that Dodik plays the role of “RS savior”, but concludes that nevertheless Europe would not change its rules for BiH thus underlying “Serb politicians would better do to start doing their job and improve political ambient in the country, and let professionals do their job.” 

Daily op-ed on RSNA session on police reform: Dodik deserves as decisive answer [from IC]

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Dodik’s dictate’ by Zija Dizdarevic – Commenting the Recommendation of the RS National Assembly on police reform and RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik’s statement that he would resign if the RSNA endorsed the Opinion previously adopted by the Police Reform Directorate, author notes that Dodik is trying “to maintain RS ‘statehood’ in the biggest possible extent and the RS control over BiH.” Furthermore, author believes that the RSNA’s request to bring decision through consensus is “a demonstration of the political power in comparison to BiH, but also EU and that High Representative. Insisting on consensus is an answer to the EU High Representative for Foreign Police Javier Solana who demanded the police reform to be de-blocked by brining vote of majority. Dodik also threatened Christian Schwarz-Schilling that his possibility imposed decision would be rejected. By failing to adopt the constitutional reform, entire reform profess in BiH has become vulnerable and possible failure of police reform by end of September would entirely discredit BiH when it comes to European integrations. Answer to Dodik should be as decisive.”   

CoM in session: SBS becomes BiH Border Police

BHT 1 – At the session on Thursday, the BiH Council of Ministers adopted amendments to the law on State Border Service by which the name of the Service has been changed to BiH Border Police. RHB, Hayat, FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Voting on Law next week’ by M.Cubro, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Public revenues increase’ by Z.D.– also carried.

Other political issues

BiH Presidency Chair Tihic meets US Vice President, State Secretary: US dissatisfied with failure of constitutional reform

BHT1 by Lejla Zvizdic – BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic met the US Vice President, Dick Chaney and US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice on Thursday in Washington. He is also expected to meet the US Under Secretary, Nicholas Burns. The meeting with Chaney was also attended by US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney. After the meeting, Tihic stated that the talks focused on the constitutional changes in BiH, Euro-Atlantic integration processes and the cooperation with ICTY. Officials also discussed the referendum in Montenegro and future status of Kosovo. It was stressed that these issues can’t have any influence on BiH. Tihic once again expressed BiH’s willingness to participate in the international peace missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘USA certainly remain a friend of BiH’, mentioned on cover by A.Malagic– In a phone statement to DA, Tihic said that he discussed the progress of reforms with the Vice President Cheney. On the cooperation with the ICTY, Tihic says Cheney made it clear that “it is a condition without which BiH can’t make a progress towards the Europe.” He added Cheney expressed gratitude for BiH’s help in Iraq mission, and said the US would remain friend to BiH and support it members to the Partnership for Peace and NATO. Tihic added that special attention was given to constitutional changes, stressing that US officials are very disappointed with the failure. “They are convinced that proposed constitutional changes would be good for BiH citizens and BiH” said Tihic. He reveals for DA that one of reasons for his visit to USA is “to do everything possible in order for constitutional reforms to be adopted” said Tihic. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Support to process of constitutional chnages’ by A.M.– Tihic told DA that he also discussed the constitutional reform with Rice. “As all other US officials, Rice was disappointed with failure of the first phase…I asked for the US to stay by our side and to work together on passing of these amendments in order to start the second phase of constitutional changes. I think that I found support and understanding of the State Secretary” said Tihic for DA without explaining further details. Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘BiH prepared to participate in peace operations’, mentioned on cover not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Cheney supported BiH on the path to Europe’ by N. N. – also reported on meeting.

HR visits Foca: Progress achieved/ Chair of Foca Municipal Assembly Sukalo: As far as Bosniaks are concerned HR’s visit did not have any purpose

RHB, FTV – During his visit to Foca on Thursday, High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling met with Foca Mayor Zdravko Krsmanovic who informed the HR about efforts of Municipality authorities made in privatisation process and development of economy and tourism. He stressed that FocaMunicipality needs stronger support of RS and state Government, stressing that some problems can’t be solved on municipality level. Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Schwarz-Schilling requested list of problems that should be resolved’, mentioned on cover ‘I saw that Foca makes progress’ by Al. Bajramovic – The HR stated many things have improved and that Foca Municipality makes progress but that there are also many problems. Following the round table discussion held together with authorities and NGO sector, the HR requested from Krsmanovic to submit a list of problems that that would be discussed with the BiH and RS Govt and the IC. Commenting on HR’s visit, the Chair of the Foca Municipal Assembly Lutvo Sukalo stated that as far as Bosniaks are concerned the HR’s visit did not have any purpose and it did not have to take place at all. Sukalo is dissatisfied because instead of the discussion about the agreement from the period when CSS was a mediator for Foca, they discussed topics that the Municipality is apparently not in charge with.   Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Help of the Government is needed’ by E. Du., Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Visible progress’ by D. T.  – also reported.

Ambassador Rycroft: Destiny of entities, cantons in 2^nd phase of constitutional talks

FTV – The UK Ambassador to BiH, Matthew Rycroft stated on Thursday that it is necessary to discuss all issues related to the constitutional reform, but noted that the sustainable reform demands a decision through consensus. Speaking at the Science and TechnologySchool in Sarajevo, Rycroft discussed possible consequences of recent failure to adopt the proposed constitutional amendments stressing they also meant an opportunity to correct some discriminations in the BiH Constitution when it comes to the election of Presidency members and enable more functional state mechanisms. Rycroft emphasized that constitutional changes, unlike police reform, are not a condition for the Stabilization and Association Agreement, but noted that the issue must be solved to ensure further progress on the European road. “Unfortunately a Dayton status quo remains. The upcoming elections were the opportunity for implementation of the new constitutional solutions, but probably must be awaited the elections in 2010”, has said Rycroft, assessing that it is realistic to expect that the new attempts for the reform of constitution will be launched after October elections. Dnevni List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘Entities and cantons must be abolished’, by Mensud Zorlak – carries Rycroft as saying that the process of building of a stronger state will continue in the future, which will also raise the issue of destiny of the entities and cantons: “This issue could not be raised in the first phase of negotiations on constitutional reforms, it will certainly be raised in the second”. (NB: Ambassador was not explicitly carried in the article that the entities and cantons must be abolished) RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Politicians have to return to issue of constitutional reforms’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Unavoidable return to the constitutional reform’ by A.P., Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Continuation of talks on Constitution after elections’ by A. S., Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Cemented situation’ by Z. Domazet – also covered.

DL op-ed: Catholic Church was right when it questioned proposed constitutional amendments

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Demographically vulnerable’, by Pejo Gasparevic – the author agrees with recent statements by the Catholic Church in BiH, which rejected the proposed constitutional amendments in BiH because the amendments would not be improving, according to Gasparevic, the endangered status of the BiH Croats. Gasparevic argues that the reality on the ground shows that the Serbs have been ‘awarded’ with the RS, whilst in the FBIH, the Bosniaks are in demographically far more superior position in comparison to the Croats.

RS PM Dodik, Serbian SDP ’s Covic meet, discuss Kosovo; Covic: One cannot apply one standard for Kosovo, and another one of BiH

BHT1- SNSD leader Milorad Dodik and President of Serbian Social-Democrat Party [and former Special Coordinator for Kosovo] Nebojsa Covic met in Banja Luka on Wednesday. They discussed the current political situation in the region. Regarding the future status of Kosovo, Dodik stated that citizens might be irritated by unequal standards and practices. He stressed that RS citizens monitor the processes in Kosovo more carefully than the events in Sarajevo. Covic stated that problem in one part of the region cannot be isolated from problems of other parts of the region. He stressed that the rules valid for one part must be applied to al other parts too. Dodik and Covic also agreed the trade exchange between RS and Serbia must be improved through institutional mechanisms. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Covic: It is not possible for one standard to be applied for Kosovo and another for BiH’ by Fena– Covic noted: “It is not possible to apply one standard in Kosovo, and another one in BiH as this is the same region.”On police reform Dodik said RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘To avoid imposing of a solution’ by A. S., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘You choose, we will support’ by Z. M., EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Frustrations over Kosovo and Mladic’ by T. V. – also reported.

Cardinal Puljic’s comment on Reis Ceric’s reaction:  ‘I never spoke negatively about Moslems’

Dnevni Avaz cover pg splash and pg 4 ‘I did not speak negatively about Moslems’ not signed – Commenting on the Reis Mustafa Effendi Ceric’s harsh reaction to the statement given by Cardinal Vinko Puljic when Cardinal Puljic spoke about fear of Catholics and threats addressed at Catholics in Sarajevo (see OHR BiH Media Round-up May 11, 2006) Cardinal Puljic stated: ‘I did not speak negatively about Moslems anywhere or in any possible way but I did speak about some new trends that are not in a spirit of BiH Moslems and BiH culture…I regret that there was such reaction either due to unchecked information or some calculated actions in order to focus things in some other directions.’ Commenting on the Reis’ statement that the Islamic Community will re-examine their attitude towards the Catholic Church, Cardinal Puljic said: ‘No matter how one reacted we have to view reality with a cool head and we have to live together in BiH.’

Catholic Church calls on effendi Ceric to dialogue and “actually read what Cardinal said”

Vecernji List, front pg splash ‘Islamic leaders are hushing up Cardinal’ and pg 13 ‘Ceric: Croats are conducting apartheid in Mostar’, by Zoran Kresic – carries a reaction of the Catholic Church in BiH to the interview the Reis-ul-Ulema, Mustafa eff. Ceric, gave to Thursday’s issue of ‘Avaz’, in which Ceric noted that Croats are conducting apartheid in Mostar and that cardinal Puljic’s statement that Croats in Sarajevo are threatened is immoral and untrue (for details see OHR Media Round-up, May 11). The Church calls on effendi Ceric to a dialogue and to actually read what the cardinal was saying about the position of Croats in BiH during his recent visit to the US and about the cardinal’s statement for VL in which he warned of attempts to impose radical Islam in BiH. Croat member of BiH Presidency, Ivo Miro Jovic, refused to go into polemics with Ceric, stressing that “he is sad because of such rhetoric”.

Croat POWs says reis Ceric is misinterpreting facts

Slobodna Dalmacija, front pg splash and pg 13 ‘Ceric never heard of Croat prisoners’, by Zlatko Tulic – the Association of Croat POWs reacted to reis Ceric’s statement in which he denied the Croat member of BiH Presidency Ivo Miro Jovic’s statement that the BiH Army had had 40 prison camps for Croats. The President of the said Association Mirko Zelenika suspects this is not about Ceric not knowing facts about existence of “Muslim camps, it is his intention to wrongly interpret the already confirmed facts”. Zelenika explains there had been 421 locations, which had imprisoned more than 5 Croats at time.

HDZ raises lawsuit against HDZ 1990

RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Asking for HDZ 1990 to be erased from the court’s register’ by F.Vele,  Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘HDZ asking for erasing of HDZ 1990 name’ not signed, Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘HDZ filed lawsuit over registration of HDZ 1990’, by A. B., Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 13 ‘Court should ‘erase’ HDZ 1990’, by Marko Karacic – 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.

HDZ BiH contests name of HDZ 1990, HDZ 1990 says it is a done deal

Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘HDZ BiH sues because of name of party – HDZ 1990: registration is done deal’, by Zoran Kresic – HDZ 1990 stresses that the HDZ BiH is late with filing of the lawsuit because they should have done in with the FBiH Supreme Court within 15 days of the registration. HDZ 1990 insists the registration is a done deal. Also carries HDZ BiH’s lawsuit.

BiH CoM postponed voting for Law on high education for next session

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Voting on Law next week’ by M.Cubro – Barisa Colak, BiH Security Minister, Thursday stated that the BiH COM Thursday did not set proposed Law on High Education in BiH, although this was announced, adding: “The draft law on high education, which was on agenda, was altered in comparison with the previous proposal – hence, some ministers asked additional time ti carry out necessary consultations. Therefore, we have discussed Draft of this Law, but postponed voting on it for next session.” Adnan Terzic, BiH COM Chair, is of the view that the Draft Law has a majority support at BiH CoM. Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Public revenues increase’ by Z.D. – Information on VAT introduction also reads that “public revenues in BiH in first quarter of this year have been raised for 42% in comparison with the same period last year and they are higher than those collected when Serbia and Croatia were introducing VAT.”

Advisor to BiH civil affair minister: Financing of universities not changed in Draft law on higher edu.

Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Financing of universities with cantons?!’, by Ljiljana Vidacak – according to the advisor to BiH minister of civil affairs, Srdjan Arnaut, the Draft law on higher education does not envisage changes to the issue of financing and founding of universities, “which means that cantons, in other words entities in the RS, remain founders and financiers of universities”.

Osl: Most probably, proposal of Law on BiH Holidays will not get support at BiH HoR’s session next week

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Everything post-Dayton is unacceptable for RS’ by A. Terzic carries that MPs in the BiH House of Representatives will discuss a proposal of the Law on BiH Holidays next week, submitted by the SDP Caucus. Osl. reminds that the Constitutional-Legal Commission (members of the Commission from the RS were against it) has already given a negative report regarding this proposal and therefore BiH will probably miss another chance to get the law on this issue. President of the SDS Caucus in the BiH HoR Momcilo Novakovic stated that proposed solutions cannot get support and that it would be the best if the law does not pass.

IRI survey shows SNSD’s Dodik and SDP’s Lagumdzija are the most popular politicians in BiH

Nezavisne Novine pg 6, announced on cover ‘Dodik and Lagumdzija are the most popular politicians’ by S.Gojkovic – The latest research carried out in April by IRI (International Republican Institute) on the sample of 1550 citizens of BiH shows that Milorad Dodik, SNSD President and RS Premier with 35.1% votes, and Zlatko Lagumdzija, SDP President with 30.5% votes, are the most favorite politicians in BiH. Haris Silajdzic, S BiH founder is on 3^rd place with 27.8% of votes. Poll shows that Christian Schwarz Schilling is the most positive political figure with 24.6%. The poll further shows: 23.1% of interviewees find Adnan Terzic as the most favorable solution, while Dragan Cavic and Sulejman Tihic won equal number of votes, 20.7%. The poll further shows that Dodik is viewed as the most popular politician amongst Serb people, while Silajdzic is the most popular amongst Bosniaks and Dragan Covic is the most popular amongst Croat people.

Security and defence issues

BiH Security, Foreign Ministers before UN SC discussing resolution on Al-Qaeda

RHB– UN Security Council’s Monitoring team is in two-day visit to BiH, in order to be introduced to measures BiH carries out in terms of implementation of the 1617 Resolution, which refers to Talibans and Al Qaida. The meeting was attended by BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak, BiH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic,BiH Ministry of Justice, SIPA, BiH State Border Service, Interpol, entity Ministries of Interior and BiH Indirect Taxation Administration representatives. FTV- As stated by BiH Ministry of Security, UN monitoring team and BiH officials have also discussed the measures of prevention of terrorism undertaken by BiH authorities, as well as BiH’s legal and institutional abilities to respond to possible terrorist attacks. The monitoring team will submit a report on these issues to the UN Security Council. Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Fight against terrorism and measures that BiH is conducting’ not signed, Glas Srpske pg 6 ‘Ramp to terrorism’ by Z. D.  – also covered.

Security Minister Colak: Security agencies looking into reports on alleged presence of terrorists

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 12, mentioned on front ‘’Sharia police’ is under investigation’, by Marko Karacic – carries an interview with BiH Security Minister, Barisa Colak, in which he notes that BiH security services are checking into reports about alleged presence of terrorists, members of Wahhabi movement and the so-called ‘sleepers’, including media reports on the issue. Minister Colak could note reveal any details. He also notes that security agencies are checking into allegations that the so-called ‘Sharia police’ (Islamic religious police) are harassing people. “We had certain occurrences in which individuals did unacceptable things. Those were deeds of individuals, now there are reports of groups and all this needs to be checked”, said Colak.

BiH Defence Minister: BiH was exporting weapon to Iraq in transparent way and in accordance with law/NATO’s Political Advisor Gregorian: Everything is being done in transparent way

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Weapon did not end up in wrong hands’ not signed – BiH Defence Minister Nikola Radovanovic stated in Banja Luka on Thursday that during 2004 and 2005 BiH was exporting weapon to Iraq in a transparent way and in accordance with the law and regulations. He added that the Amnesty International’s (AI) claims that this is about secret and non-transparent business deals and smuggling are not true. He also said that it is not true that it was made possible that a part of the weapon ends up in wrong hands. DA inset ‘Gregorian: Americans did not make secret transactions’ – Commenting on the AI’s claims Political Advisor to the Commander in the NATO’s Headquarters in Sarajevo, Raffi Gregorian, stated that EUFOR has regulated each movement or moving of the military equipment within BiH in accordance with instructions and that everything is being done in a transparent way. RHB, Hayat – also carries Radovanovic.

Officials on AI’ report on arms deliveries to Iraq : Investigation likely to be conducted

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Grown up from people’ inset ‘Everything in line with the Law’ by M.Dzepina – Rafi Gregorian, Political advisor to NATO HQ in BiH, Thursday in Banja Luka stated that he has not seen Amnesty International’s Report adding that until 2004, SFOR regulated each and every movement of military equipment inside BiH, while EUFOR took over this duty after SFOR. He rejected AI’s claims that American Defence Ministry was involved in this, stressing “it is neither possible or necessary to be done”.  Bosko Siljegovic, President of BH Commission for defence and security, has told daily that this body will demand information from the BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, announcing possible investigation. Nikola Radovanovic, BiH Defence Minister, has stated that all arms deliveries have ended in the hands of the new Iraqi Government, adding: “A part of arms was indeed exported through firms seated in America, which is good since this state has additional controls and check-ups on arms exports.” EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘September as turning point’ inset ‘Export to Iraq in line with Law’ – Radovanovic stressed that in 2004 and 2005, BiH has been exporting arms to Iraq in line with legal procedure, adding: “It is not true a part of arms has gone in wrong hands, neither that the arms ended in the hands of new Iraqi Government and security structures that allegedly number 200 thousand men.”

BiH MoD: arrangements of structure of new BiH Army currently underway

RHB, PINK, RTRS, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Grown up from people’, EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘September as turning point’, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Structure and seats of units of Army by July’ by D. Risojevic, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Army will represent RS in dignified manner’, by NINA – the articles report 3^rd Infantry Regiment of BiH Armed Forces marked 14^th anniversary of establishment of RS Army in Banja Luka.BiH Defense Minister Nikola Radovanovic stated preparation of development of documents defining the organization structure of the new Army is currently underway.

Economic and judicial issues

CoM discusses first effects of VAT launching; concludes it didn’t caused significant growth of prices

BHT1 – On Thursday, the BiH Council of Ministers discussed the first effects of the Value Added Tax in BiH, and concluded the tax introduction was very successful and to date has not causes significant increase of prices at the BiH market. Yet, several parties still demand introduction of 0% VAT rate. Economic Advisor of BIH CoM Chair Zlatko Hurtic stated that the prices of basic groceries have increased for 6-8% in average, which is acceptable. He added some prices were even reduced as a resultfo VAT. Professor at Economic Faculty in Sarajevo Nikola Grabovac is convinced that the increased medication prices are a direct result of VAT introduction. Grabovac believes that basic groceries and medications should be exempted from VAT system. Parliamentary parties SDP, SDS and SBiH started the initiative for change of Law on VAT and introduction of 0% VAT rate for basic groceries, medications, books, publications and seeds and materials for agriculture. They also demand that young people should be liberated from payment of VAT when buying their first apartment. SBiH’s Beriz Belkic stated that the Indirect Taxation Administration would not be able to ignore this initiative. PINK– BIH Security Minister Barisa Colak informed increase of prices has been lower than expected, whereas the example of the negative effect is publishing sector. RHB, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘SBS changes name into BiH border police’ not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Public incomes increased for 42%’, mentioned on cover by S.Rozajac, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘SBS becomes BiH border police’ by S.R., Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Voting on Law next week’ by M.Cubro, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Public revenues increase’ by Z.D.– also carried.

Court reject lawsuit against East Sarajevo filed by Robinson, Robinson to appeal

BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Toby Robinson’s lawsuit rejected’ not signed, Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Lawsuit by Toby Robinson rejected’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Robinson to file complaint in “Matres” case’ by N.Krsman– Sokolac District Court rejected the lawsuit against City of East Sarajevo filed by Administrator of “Privredna banka” East Sarajevo Toby Robinson for payment of debts of “Matres” company in amount of 2,3 million KM. “Matres” was founded by City of East Sarajevo. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Robinson to file complaint in “Matres” case’ by N.Krsman – Daily learns at the Provisional Administration of PB ES that this organization would immediately file a complaint against the decision of Sokolac Basic Court which rejected its suit against “Matres” company of BAM 2.3. million worth. Robinson in June 2005 sued SDS as owner of “Spekta” company and East Sarajevo City Administration as owned of “Matres” company over millions debt these companies made towards this Bank.

FBiH Parliament’s Comm. to harmonize proposals of law on amendments to nationalized apartments next week; OHR supports allowing purchase?

Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Commission squeezed in between interests and politics’ by S. Se. carries that next week the Joint Commission of both Houses of the FBiH Parliament will try to harmonize proposals of the law on changes and amendments to the Law on sale of nationalized apartments. President of this Commission Ante Boras stated that this body has been tasked to resolve the things that politicians and parties involved could not agree upon for 10 years. Inset ‘OHR supported the amendment?’ – Daily carries that the latest session of the Commission was attended by the OHR and OSCE, who expressed their stances on the amendments verbally. It carries that OHR unofficially supported the amendment of the House of Peoples, which allows purchase of all nationalized apartments regardless of their previous owners.

War crimes

ICTY Chief Prosecutor Del Ponte expands indictments against former general Delic

Hayat- The Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla del Ponte has signed it on Monday changed indictment against former RBiH Army Commander and ICTY suspect Rasim Delic. Namely, the Prosecution expanded the indictments including charges for crimes former RBiH Army Commanders Amir Kubura and Enver Hadzihasanovic were suspected of but later on cleared of. Oslobodjenje cover splash and pg 7 ‘Rasim Delic indicted for crimes over civilians and soldiers’ by Asim Beslija – New indictment charges him with the responsibility for a series of massacres carried out by the BiH Army as he performed the duty of the supreme commanding officer at the time. Specifically, Delic is indicted for violation of war customs and laws, meaning for murder, rape and cruel treatment with prisoners.

Police arrests war crimes suspect, court sets detention

PINK, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Zoran Jankovic, a Serb from Kalesija, arrested’ by E.Huremovic, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Zoran Jankovic arrested’ by V.J.,, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Jankovic suspected of murder of 36 Bosniaks’, by mpe, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Jankovic in detention over murder of civilians’ by J.Sarac, Glas Srpske pg 11 ‘Zoran Jankovic detained’ by S.R.T.– Zoran Jankovic from village Dubnica near Kalesija was arrested on Wednesday near Bijeljina under suspicion of taking part in murder of 36 Bosniaks on April 29, 1992. Cantonal Court in Tuzla has ordered one-month detention for Jankovic. Victims were exhumed from the mass grave in March this year..

Another deadline for Mladic’s extradition expired

FTV- The deadline set by ICTY for arrestment of Ratko Mladic expired on May 11 without any significant results. ICTY Spokesperson Anton Nikiforov stated that this day is a regular day, now that Mladic hasn’t been arrested. Nikiforov said that ICTY is not going to set a new deadline. He added that ICTY Prosecution expects the Belgrade authorities to keep their promise and transfer Mladic to Hague. ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte will present her regular report on SCG’s cooperation with ICTY to the UN Security Council on June 7 and 8.  BHT1, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘The Hague is not interested for actions but for results’ by Fena, – also covers.

Hayat: Serbian public more interested in Montenegrin referendum then Mladic arrest

Hayat by Senka Hadzovic– Report brings feature on situation in Serbia. ICTY war criminal at large Ratko Mladic is no longer main topic; Serbian medias are far more interested in the forthcoming referendum on Montenegro’s independency. Belgrade based ‘Kurir’ published a Serbian official’s statement according to which Mladic was supposed to be arrested on February 21, but the action was suspended as ordered by Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica. Kurir furthermore reads that Mladic is hiding in an abandoned house in Belgrade , which is being supervised by police.