OHR BiH Morning Media Brief
RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
No news broadcast due to strike | Bratunac 14th anniversary | Memorial for Serb victims in Podrinje |
| UK Foreign Ministry re OHR closure | Srebrenica day after memorial |
| EC/ BIH agreement on education | Djuric denies Del Ponte’s accusation |
| EC asses BIH MoCT role in integrat. | Tihic criticizes RS media |
NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
FBiH HoP in session | World News | Bratunac 14th anniversary |
OHR on Law on MPs’ rights/duties | FBiH HoP in session | Depos on Bratunac anniversary |
Hayat on politicians’ language | OHR on Draft law on rights of MPs | Tunjice prisoners stopped strike |
Dokic, Humphreys on a project | Impacts of blockade of ITA account | Families re Comm. on suffering in SA |
Oslobodjenje | 80.000 KM spent to celebrate RS Day [Audit of RS Institutions] |
Dnevni Avaz | I am prepared to answer for all illegalities [FBiH PM Hadzipasic interview] |
Dnevni List | List for termination includes Dodik, Djukanovic and Severina (secret organization threatens with liquidation of several persons from public life) |
Vecernji List | Two thirds of institutions work illegally (interview with BiH Chief Auditor Sego) |
Slobodna Dalmacija | Silence on air, darkness on screens! (feature on bad situation in media in |
Nezavisne Novine | Remembering of 3.262 innocent victims [Bratunac commemoration] |
Glas Srpske | Forgive, but remember [Bratunac commemoration] |
EuroBlic | Negligence, alcohol and bad roads are bringing death [Safety in traffic] |
Vecernje novosti | Features Serbian related titles |
14th anniversary of Podrinje Serbs’ suffering; other war crimes issues | |
14th anniversary of sufferings of Serbs in
| BHT1 by Hatka Hamidovic – The 14th anniversary of sufferings of Serb soldiers and civilians from |
RS President Cavic notes IC bears responsibility for mass war crimes
| BHT1 by Hatka Hamidovic – At the occasion of marking the 14th anniversary of sufferings of Serb soldiers and civilians from |
RS PM Dodik: Victims are being separated; I will personally support right to referendum
| RTRS – RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik said: “As you can see even today no one from IC and “the other side” wants to pay a respect to the victims … I feel that at some places people are separating the victims”. Glas Srpske cover splash pg 2 ‘Forgive but remember’ by K. Cirkovic – Dodik said that it was civil war not aggression or genocide that happened in BiH, adding “I will personally support democratic right for referendum on secession of RS from BiH, which is being made by politicians in Sarajevo exclusively in the interest of Bosniak people”. Dodik also said that reconciliation in BiH couldn’t happen until IC and Bosniaks have double standards regarding victims and crimes. According to inset ‘Dodik: RS is a permanent category’, RS PM stated that RS is a permanent category, adding RS is a result of victims and victims should not be forgotten since RS is their result. Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Memory on 3262 innocent victims’ by V. Radic – Dodik acded that “BiH is far away from normal society until Bosniak politicians accept that Bosniaks also committed crimes and glorify people like Naser Oric”. Dodik was featured in BHT 1 and FTV reports.Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Lots of victims of unpunished criminals’ by S.Smajlovic – Dodik stated: “Nobody from Bosniaks take part in marking Serb sufferings in this territory. Until someone appears on ceremonies of all tragedies, there will be no reconciliation, for all the victims suffered in one factory of death.” Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Dodik: Civil war was led in BiH, there was no aggression’, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Lots of victims of unpunished criminals’ by S.Smajlovic – carried Dodik. |
BiH Presidency member Paravac: When will IC realize tragedy in Srebrenica started on
| BHT 1 by Hatka Hamidovic – At the marking of 14th anniversary of suffering of Serbs in Podrinje area, BHT 1 reporter used the opportunity to ask the BiH Presidency member, Borislav Paravac, [who was present at the mass] why he did not attend the funeral of 505 Bosniak victims of Srebrenica genocide held on Tuesday. Paravac answered he didn’t come because last year, he saw some details that he didn’t like: “I can’t understand why some highly positioned international officials greeted the audience by saying Salaam Alaykum. Also, I wonder when the IC is going to realize that Srebrenica tragedy didn’t start on |
DEPOS: only way to reconciliation is investigation of all war crimes
| RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Criminals unpunished’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Final time for truth’ by N. G. – DEPOS stated Wednesday’s commemoration for 3.262 Serb victims from Srebrenica and Podrinje region warn on crimes committed against Serbs during the war and once again remind public perpetrators of these crimes have not been punished. DEPOS notes it is the final time to establish the truth on the war in BiH and on all sufferings and adds the only way to reconciliation and creation of pre-requisites for coexistence in BiH is to investigate all war crimes and punish criminals. |
DL, SD criticize RS authorities, institutions for not paying respect to Srebrenica victims
| Dnevni List, pg 14 ‘RS celebrating Day of Mourning’, by R. Dautefendic, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 10, mentioned on front ‘Serbs ‘in grief’ by listening to Ceca and Dara Bubamara’, by Z. Tulic – both dailies carry negative comments about the lack of respect for the Day of Mourning on July 11 in the RS (marking of Srebrenica genocide as decided by the BiH CoM) criticizing the RS authorities and institutions for failing to pay respect to the victims. DL underlines that any normal state would penalize transgressors, such as the RTRS and electronic media based in Bijeljina, which were playing the usual, cheerful music. (NB: Headline in SD refers to folk stars from |
SDA’ Hafizovic condemns SBiH leader Silajdzic for visiting Srebrenica memorial center uninvited, ‘collecting’ points before elections
| Oslobodjenje pg ‘Silajdzic collecting political points in Potocari’, mentioned on cover by A.Avdic – RS National Assembly Co-Chair Sefket Hafizovic [SDA] condemned SbiH leader Haris Silajdzic for visiting Srebrenica Memorial Center uninvited, adding Silajdzic insulted the victims for collecting political points in Srebrenica. Article carries that Silajdzic allegedly also attended the award ceremony uninvited and set in the first row and took place reserved for a local or an entity representatives. RSNA deputy Sadik Ahmetovic [SDA] stated that people of Srebrenica would call Srebrenica Foundation Steering Board Chair Beriz Belkic [SBiH] on responsibility for promoting his party. Both Silajdzic and Belkic denied allegations. Silajdzic stressed that Islamic Community leader Reis Mustafa effendi Ceric invited him. |
SDA MPs in RSNA to ask RS Government to publish names of people mentioned in report of Srebrenica Commission | Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Who is hiding names of participants in Srebrenica massacre’ by N.Diklic– SDA MPs in RS National Assembly would ask RS Government, at the session on July 18, to publish names of all that participated Srebrenica massacre and who were mentioned in the report established by RS Government’s Srebrenica Commission. SDA’ Sadik Ahmetovic stressed that this report contains over 1000 names, out of which some are still performing public duties. Chair of the Commission that drafted the lists, Jovan Spaic said that lists were submitted to BiH Prosecution, ICTY and OHR, after which they were labeled as secret. He stressed that RS Government and later OHR supported the secrecy of lists, so that objective investigation could be conducted. |
Audits of institutions; rights and duties of MPs | |
FBiH HoP passes Law on rights and duties of MPs
| Hayat by Snjezana Mulic – FBiH House of Peoples passed the Law on rights and duties of MPs. Reporter says that the MPs were especially interested in the law due to the fact that it foresees for an MP to continue receiving salary a year after his mandate expires. Several delegates opposed the law. “I believe that it is no time for the law to be brought… it is unrealistic out of several reasons”, said Nermin Pecanac, an FBiH HoP deputy [of SDU]. FBiH HoP has not passed amendments to the law proposed by the FBiH House of Representatives, meaning the Commissions of both Houses would have to agree on the final text, which – says reporter – leaves them a chance to add anything else they want. FTV – FBiH Minister of Justice Borjana Kristo stated that the deputies didn’t have any objections against the coefficients for their salaries. The law proscribes that all former deputies are going to receive salaries 6 to 12 months after the completion of their mandate, depending on the length of their service, as well as meal compensations in amount of 2% of salaries. Kristo believes that these benefits are justified. Deputy Igor Rajner disagrees, claiming that the benefits of elected officials are too high. Reporter noted that many deputies were absent during the session of FBiH HoP, which is to be continued on Thursday. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Benefits for advisors as well’ by S.Se. – Article carries that according to the Law on rights and duties of MPs adopted by FBIH House of Peoples, foresees that even advisors to FbiH authorities will have benefits. Author stresses that only a minority of MPs from opposition was against this law. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Prime Minister returned to the procedure changes to the Law on privatisation’ by R. Cengic Inset ‘Law on privileges of officials adopted’ also reported. |
DL op-ed criticizes MPs in FBiH HoP for enacting law that increases their benefits
| Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘All of our officials’, by Danijela Kozina – the author comments on Wednesday’s adoption of the Law on rights and duties of MPs in the FBIH HoP by heavily criticizing the MPs for taking care of their interests only. Kozina argues any increases of salaries or improvements to status of MPs should be result of their diligent work, which is not the case here. |
OHR criticizes Draft law on law on rights and obligations of MPs
| FTV – OHR spokesperson Sanela Tunovic stated at the press conference held on Wednesday that the Draft law on rights and obligations of BiH Parliament Assembly deputies has already been the subject of considerable popular indignation. This law would give the MPs pension payments and other benefits well in excess of those enjoyed by other citizens. According to Tunovic, the question rises whether the parliamentarians have earned the right to give themselves generous pensions and other benefits, relative to what other citizens can expect to receive. |
RS Auditor publishes report on entity institutions: authorities waste money
| Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ’80.000 KM spent for celebration of RS Day’ By Alda Omeragic – The Office of the RS Chief Auditor published the reports on financial conduct of RS Institutions. According to daily, reports showed that authorities are still vague in planning annual budgets, violating regulations and “wasting” money of budget beneficiaries. Audit reports also revealed that RS President Dragan Cavic, exceeded the last year’sbudget, which RS National Assembly approved, for 20.000 KM. However, daily writes, it was not seen as misconduct as Cabinet President’s failed to plan the finances for celebrating the RS Day and instead it got subsequent approval to spend 80.000 KM for the purpose. Auditors also warned on overspending in the RS Council of Peoples, whose delegates, as report reads, “despite being well paid, also received additional daily allowance for every arrival to the session”. Inset ‘About half of million KM to ICTY indictees’- According to audit report, RS Office for cooperation with the ICTY last year planned to pay 200,000 KM from the budget, to families of ICTY indictees, but instead it has paid about 499,541 KM. Daily carries that RS Government decided to pay to seven indictees, who surrendered voluntarily, and it calculates they individually received 44,500 KM. |
RS Auditor’s report notes many irregularities in spending of RS CoP’s budget
| RTRS by Momcilo Ostojic – RS Audit Office has presented the audit report on finances of the RS Council of Peoples, according to which the CoP has exceeded budget in 2005 and allegedly noted many irregularities. Travelling expenses, car service, expenses for fuel, hospitality costs and accommodation exceeded planned amount and were inefficiently controlled. For instance, the audit report says CoP paid 15,954 KM for accommodation of its Secretary General and his assistant although such practice is against regulations for civil servants. The salary coefficient was not in accordance to 1,347,000 KM was spent for salaries and benefits to CoP delegates. Irregularities were detected regarding the bills for private cell phones. According to first reactions of CoP delegates, reporter stated, they still haven’t read the abovementioned audit report it self but instead only media reports. Desanka Radjevic, Head of Serb caucus at CoP, stated that “the information regarding the allowance, as much I as gathered from press, I do not know what is exactly written in the audit report, but the information is incorrect, since we do not have allowances”. Head of Bosniak Caucus at CoP, Ramiz Salkic, stated that he supports audits and advocates that the work of Institutions is transparent and according to the regulations. “I cannot comment the audit report since I haven’t read it yet” said Salkic. Unofficially, reported stated, CoP might discuss this audit report at the session scheduled on Thursday. |
VL interview with BiH Chief Auditor Sego: It is now up to Parliament and CoM to ‘cure’ shortcomings related to bad operations of BiH institutions
| Vecernji List, front pg splash ‘Two thirds of institutions work illegally’ and pg 6 ‘As many as 28 institutions ‘do business’ illegally’, by Zoran Kresic – carries an interview with the BiH Chief Auditor, Milenko Sego, in which he comments on recent report prepared by the office he is charge (operations of BiH institutions for 2005), which notes that of 41 audited BiH institutions, as many as 28 were not carrying out jobs pursuant to the laws and regulations, foremost related to public procurement. Sego stresses the main problem lies in the public procurement related procedures, arguing that the situation nowadays is far better than in 2000 when audits started, however Sego notes the situation is not as good as “we would like it to be”. Sego’s main conclusion is that it is now up to the relevant institution, foremost to the BiH Parliament and CoM to hold people accountable and ‘cure’ the shortcomings. |
Economic issues | |
Projects on estimating role of BIH Ministry of Communication and Transport in process of EU integrations finished
| FTVby Jakov Avram – Results of the 10-months long project of “Evaluation of the BiH Ministry of Transport and Communications’ role in the European integrations” were presented on Wednesday. The project, worth about €250.000 and a part of CARDS program, was financed by the European Commission and carried out by experts from |
EC to present possibilities for financing construction of Vc corridor; FBiH Transport Min. says project should be financed by telecom operations; BiH Transport Min. disagrees
| BHT1 by Sanita Lisica – In next few days, the European Commission is expected to present different possibilities for financing construction of Vc corridor. FBiH Ministry of Transport and Communications proposes for the project to be financed through privatisation of telecom operators. Authorized Minister Nedzad Brankovic believes that this model would ensure an easy investment of FBiH’s own funds. However, BiH Ministry of Transport and Communications disagrees, claiming that the International Community is not going to support such model of financing. According to the state Ministry, private financing is a good way that could provide foreign investments in amount of 5 billion KM. Assistant BiH Transport Minister, Izet Bajrambasic, stated profit made through privatisation of telecom should be invested in other important sectors which can’t count on direct foreign investments, such as health care and education. Minister Branko Dokic stated BiH is determined to finance construction of Vc corridor through concessions. He underlined that the state will have to look for other possibilities only if there should be no investors interested in concessions. The feasibility study for construction of Corridor 5-C should be completed by the end of July. Talks with the EC on financing of this project are expected to start within a few days. |
Agreement on cooperation for strengthening educational system in BIH signed in
| PINK by Zeljko Mandic – At the conference held in |
FBiH PM Hadzipasic believes that there will be no decisions on sale of telecoms before elections
| Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 5 ‘I am prepared to answer for all illegalities’ by Mirela Kukan – In interview to DA, FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic stated that he understands citizens’ revolt because of slow construction of highways, speed roads and especially of Sarajevo transit road. However, he is convinced that his Government did the most I could by financing the construction of the highway and transit road. Talking about Government’s plans to sell FBiH telecoms, Hadzipasic stated that is a result of RS Government’s decision to sell “Telecom Srpske”. PM couldn’t speak about the model that would be used in privatization, adding he believes that no significant decision would be passed before elections. He also explained this is a “strategy”, which should make foreign investors wonder if it is better to privatize ‘Telecom Srpske’ now or wait for ‘BH Telecom’ which is the strongest company. Hadzipasic once again reiterated that he believes that best solution for ‘Energopetrol’ is contract with INA/MOL Consortium. He denied all allegations that he “took money” for this, adding that he is prepared to answer for all illegalities. |
BiH CoM Chair Terzic: BiH enters CEFTA in October; BiH can only profit from it
| Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘BiH enters CEFTA in October’ by S.Numanovic – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic told daily that BiH could enter Central European Free Trade Agreement [CEFTA] in October, which would mean entering market of at least 50 million inhabitants and a step towards EU. He added: “CEFTA proved to be perfect mechanism for Central European countries in their preparation for approaching the EU… BiH can only profit from entering CEFTA.” Article carries that |
President of BiH Parliament Commission on budget and finances claims SDA obstructing changes to Law on VAT
| Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘SDA obstructing changes to Law on VAT- by A. Terzic – Ljiljana Milicevic, President of the Commission on budget and finances of the BiH Parliament, on Tuesday sent a letter informing the Parliament that the Commission had not reached an agreement on changes to the Law on VAT. In a statement for daily, Milicevic says that the SDA party, which used to be the loudest when it comes to requests to change the Law on VAT, is now opposed to changing the Law which makes it unlikely that SDA will vote in favor of changes proposed in Parliament. In the next session of the Parliament, Milicevic says, she will vote in favor of changes proposed by |
Political issues | |
UK Foreign Ministry on OHR closure: domestic authorities to take over full responsibility
| PINK – At the meeting between the UK Foreign Ministry officials and BiH Chief |
CEIS’ Slatina: OHR closure plans and agenda for 12 last months prove dramatic shift in IC relation toward BiH
| Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘International Community is making a dramatic shift toward BiH’ by S.Numanovic– Representative of Centre for European Integration Strategies [CEIS Sarajevo based NGO with a focus on the work of the IC], Senad Slatina told DA that the decision [to set withdrawal date of the OHR and abandoning the practice used until now of linking this process to reforms] is problematic and alarming. He emphasized that even more disturbing is OHR’s agenda for last 12 months, which doesn’t foresee launch of any politic initiatives or completion of reforms. Slatina said that in police reform, OHR will be content with “mere existence of Directorate” regardless to the fact that its work is blocked. “When it comes to constitutional reform, the issue of all issues, OHR’s ambition goes only to the point in which current proposal would once again be forwarded into the parliamentary procedure,” said Slatina. He stressed that the decision to close down the OHR and some of its reactions to “the biggest challenges BiH is facing now since Dayton” in the past two months indicate dramatic shift in the IC’s relation towards BiH. Slatina stressed that international community has to stay engaged in BiH and warned that in last 12 months OHR has to focus on key issues. He invited OHR to take active part in constitutional reform. “It is legally questionable whether OHR can be closed down with the current constitution. |
OHR: HR will not use
| Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Decision on closing of the Office is not final’ by S.N.– OHR Chief Spokesperson Chris Bennett estimated that CEIS report could be a start of the debate on the OHR transition into the Office of the EU Special Representative. “I believe that there would be many such reports. There are some strong arguments in it, especially when it comes to reforms, but some mistakes as well. First of all, decision that OHR is closing next year is not final and we do not deal with that alone,” said Bennett. He underlined that High Representative is not using |
DA:
| Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘BiH into Partnership for Peace trough the small doors’ by S.Numanovic– According to DA’s anonymous sources, BiH could get a chance, even by end of this month, to obtain observer status or conditional membership in the Partnership for Peace. DA sources said NATO member states have been consulting about this for a long time about status of three Balkans countries [Montenegro, BiH and Serbia], whose relations with NATO haven’t been institutionalized due to lack of full cooperation with the ICTY. DA sources said that they want to see how this status could change, without dropping condition of the ICTY cooperation. All DA’s sources stressed that main reason why NATO is “so yielding” toward these countries is Kosovo. “Following |
EC’s Maroevic warns of no progress in police reform
| Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Implementation of reforms is not glittering’ by M.Cubro – |
BiH Justice Minister Kovac announces BiH CoM expected to set proposal of Law on 2 new Ministries at Thursday’s session
| Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Ministers conflicted over powers’ by M.C. – Slobodan Kovac, BiH Justice Minister, Wednesday confirmed that BiH Council of Ministers is today (Thursday) expected to set proposal of the new Law on CoM, enabling establishment of two new ministries of Agriculture and rural development and Science, technology and environmental protection. According to Kovac, the function of second deputy to Defence minister will be abolished, Mladen Ivanic, BiH Foreign Minister, has stated there is an agreement regarding establishment and name of two ministries, but not regarding powers of ministries, noting: “One demand stronger role of state ministries in these sectors, while others insist on coordination role. I am not certain we will be able to overcome these differences so soon.” |
SD: Situation in (Croat) media in
| Slobodna Dalmacija, front pg splash and pg 9 ‘Silence on air, darkness on screens!’, by Marko Karacic – the article notes that after journalists of Radio Herceg Bosna went on strike some two weeks ago (due to unpaid salaries among other reasons), it would appear that journalists of Mostar-based ‘Hercegovacka TV’ ( |
SD criticizes Croat politicians for not caring about situation in media
| Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 9 ‘Stupidity and ignorance of Croat politicians’, by Zlatko Tulic – the commentary is heavily criticizing the Croat politicians in BiH for their policy towards (Croat) media in Herzegovina or lack of it, underlining the case of Radio Herceg Bosna, whose journalists have been on strike for two weeks already. Tulic concludes that the Croat politicians’ request for establishment of a third, Croat channel in BiH is nothing but a pre-election trick to hide their incompetence. |
SzBiH critical of SDA’ Tihic: Tihic revealed his political platform
| Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Tihic revealed his political platform’ – The Party for BiH (SzBiH) Wednesday released a press statement stating that by giving up on its motion filed with BiH Constitutional Court for assessment of constitutionality of the name of RS, Sulejman Tihic, SDA leader has finally revealed his real political platform, which was the essence of his role during talks on constitutional changes. SzBiH views that “Tihic’ game with initiative on constitutionality of RS name can be regarded as agreed political move to evade any confrontation with future partner in future division of authority”. SzBiH noted: “Potential danger of such Tihic’ move is hidden in possibility that he is preparing grounds for the most fatal move – withdrawal of suit before International Court of Justice against SiCG.” Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Tihic prepares public for settlement in lawsuit against |
RS Education Minister Kasipovic: education reform within constitutional solutions
| Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Education reform within constitutional solutions’ by |
DL: Croats will once again be in inferior position after October elections
| Dnevni List, pg 5, mentioned on front ‘Croats without their Prime Ministers after elections’, by Zvonimir Jukic – the author argues that the Croats will again be inferior to the Bosniaks and Serbs after the October elections owing to the Dayton Constitution. Jukic underlines that the Croats will not be filling any of the three PMs’ offices (BiH CoM and entity governments), whilst their position in the BiH Parliament will be the same (bad), since they will not be in position to influence the voting in the BiH HoR because they cannot use the entity voting the way Serb and Bosniak MPs can, due to small number of Croat MPs. |
RS NA Chair Radojicic met with reps of Twinning project, noted better coordination between state and entities is needed
| PINK, RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Through numerous obstacles to laws’ by G. D., Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Better coordination between the state and entities is needed’ by Srna, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Cooperation of state and entity parliaments must be better’ by Fena – RS National Assembly (RS NA) Chair Igor Radojicic met with representatives of the Twinning project [the European Commission is financing the project, Governments of France, Slovenia and BiH are implementing it, it deals with reform of state administration] on Wednesday in Banja Luka. Radojicic said he informed the Twinning project representatives on complexity of BiH’s state apparatus and its internal organisation and added they also discussed what BiH might face next year is Stabilisation and Association Agreement is signed, in which case BiH might have to implement a thorough standardisation of its legislation with the legislation of EU. Radojicic said one of the tasks of the project is to establish a better coordination between two levels of decision-making in BiH and added currently BiH Parliamentary Assembly sometimes enacts laws that are not in its jurisdiction. |
DL: Secret organization ‘Punitive expedition Keks’ threatens to kill politicians, journalists who ‘work against Serb interests’
| Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 3 ‘List for termination includes Dodik, Djukanovic and Severina’, by Sanja Bjelica – notes that journalists in BiH and public in general were disturbed when a secret organization called ‘Punitive expedition Keks’ sent a letter/list, which contains names of 20 journalists and politicians from the region, who allegedly are to be assassinated by November 1, 2006. The list among others, includes the RS PM Milorad Dodik, Montenegrin PM Milo Djukanovic, several prominent journalists and editors-in-chief of BiH media and Severina Vuckovic, a Croatian pop star. The listed people, according to ‘Keks’, have been working against Serb national interest. DL notes the letter was (originally) forwarded to ‘Slobodna Bosna’ weekly, however the letter was being distributed to mailboxes in Pale, as confirmed by an MP in RSNA Pedja Kovacevic ( |
OHR BiH Media Round-up
Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 13 July
RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs) | BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs) | RTRS (12,00 hrs) |
No radio news owing to strike | FBiH HoP on lowest hourly wages | SA Comm programme to be adopted |
| | Criticism agst Serb delegates at CoM |
| World News | Serbian Pre Kostunica before UN SC |
TV news broadcast on
RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
No news broadcast due to strike | Bratunac 14th anniversary | Memorial for Serb victims in Podrinje |
| UK Foreign Ministry re OHR closure | Srebrenica day after memorial |
| EC/ BIH agreement on education | Djuric denies Del Ponte’s accusation |
| EC asses BIH MoCT role in integrat. | Tihic criticizes RS media |
NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
FBiH HoP in session | World News | Bratunac 14th anniversary |
OHR on Law on MPs’ rights/duties | FBiH HoP in session | Depos on Bratunac anniversary |
Hayat on politicians’ language | OHR on Draft law on rights of MPs | Tunjice prisoners stopped strike |
Dokic, Humphreys on a project | Impacts of blockade of ITA account | Families re Comm. on suffering in SA |
Oslobodjenje | 80.000 KM spent to celebrate RS Day [Audit of RS Institutions] |
Dnevni Avaz | I am prepared to answer for all illegalities [FBiH PM Hadzipasic interview] |
Dnevni List | List for termination includes Dodik, Djukanovic and Severina (secret organization threatens with liquidation of several persons from public life) |
Vecernji List | Two thirds of institutions work illegally (interview with BiH Chief Auditor Sego) |
Slobodna Dalmacija | Silence on air, darkness on screens! (feature on bad situation in media in |
Nezavisne Novine | Remembering of 3.262 innocent victims [Bratunac commemoration] |
Glas Srpske | Forgive, but remember [Bratunac commemoration] |
EuroBlic | Negligence, alcohol and bad roads are bringing death [Safety in traffic] |
Vecernje novosti | Features Serbian related titles |
Latest news of today | |
Sarajevo Commission in session discussing programme of its work
| RTRS – The Commission in charge of investigating truth about suffering of Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Jews and others in |
FBiH HoP postpones vote on lowest hourly wage
| BH Radio 1 – FBiH House of Peoples has discussed the proposal Law on lowest hourly wage. This proposal law was priory discussed by FBiH House of Representatives, which postponed voting on the proposal law. Therefore, FBiH HoP has also postponed its voting for July 25. Text of the proposal law was modified, so the proposal for lowest hourly wage was changed from 1. 25KM to 1. 50KM. If approved by the Parliament, the new hourly wage would refer to people with first employment or have up to one year of length of service. According to FBiH Labor and Social Policy Minister, Radovan Vignjevic this law is important, since it prevent employer to pay lower hourly wage then foreseen by the law. |
RS Association of former detention camp inmates asks from Serb members of BiH CoM to say who voted for proclamation of 11th July of BiH Day of Mourning, solely marking suffering of Bosniaks
| RTRS – The RS Association of former detention camp inmates has today asked from Serb members of the BiH Council of Ministers to publicly say which ones of them voted for proclamation of 11th July as BiH Day of Mourning, which solely marks suffering of Bosniaks. The Association is of the view that Serb members of the BiH CoM are main culprits for possible sanctions of Communication Regulatory Commission (CRA), which threats to media RS, especially RTRS, that have failed to respect decision of BiH CoM since they were not aware of that. Association had asked from BiH CoM last year that 11 and 12 July are declared Days of Mourning in order to pay due respect to Bosniaks who were killed in Srebrenica and all Serbs who were killed in the areas of Srebrenica, Skelani and Bratunac and the entire of BiH. Association also reminds in press statement it has proposed Croats in BiH should also propose a day when respect should be paid to victims. |
| Srna – The |
Advisor to Serb member to BiH Pres: BiH suit vrs SiCG was a political act whose aim is to declare one people genocidal | Fena –Legal advisor to the Serb member of BiH Presidency, Slobodan Radulj, stated on Wednesday night for RTRS that BiH’s lawsuit against |
Political Developments | |
“Danas” says SDA stirring up incidents in Mostar to cover up its failures ahead of elections
| Danas pg 30-33 ‘Nationalism returns to Mostar’ unsigned – Magazine analyzes recent unrests in Mostar, namely the riots after Brasil-Croatia football match, the attack on imam at Balinovac and the Croat-Bosniak clash (related to the laying of a plaque to fallen Bosniak soldiers on Croat land) and concludes that these incidents started shortly after the recent visit of reis-ul-ulema Mustafa Effendi Ceric to Mostar. During his visit, article reads, Ceric held a speech and said that ‘Croat politicians in areas with Croat majority are applying apartheid against Bosniaks which is proven by their ignoring of Islamic Community’s request for construction of an Islamic center in Mostar’. “Danas” finds that incidents such as these serve SDA and HDZ in their election campaigns, but this time, like never before, it is Islamic Community that is initiating them. Incidents ceased only after ‘HR came to Mostar and taught local politicians a lesson.’ Article names Zijad Hadziomerovic, SDA Mostar President, as the one whom SDA radicals in Mostar selected to escalate the tensions in Mostar. |
Mostar weekly Danas praises HR for giving deadlines to Mostar authorities
| Danas pg 10 ‘Problems in Mostar to be solved by end of July’ unsigned – Mostar biweekly Danas writes about HR |
| Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘ |
Former FBiH Deputy Minister for Defenders’ Issues Jonjic argues Ministry is dominated by Bosniaks
| Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Crnkic’s ethnic cleansing in Ministry’, by Mensud Zorlak – former FBiH Deputy Minister for Defenders’ Issues, Dobrica Jonjic, protested against decision of the current FBiH Minister for Defenders’ Issues, Zahid Crnkic, who appointed a Bosniak (Ibrahim Ganibegovic) to the office of Assistant Minister. Jonjic refers to violation fo ethnic representation within the Ministry. On the other hand, Crnkic says 30% of staff in the Ministry are Croats, adding that he would have appointed a Croat as the Assistant Minister had he been given a worthy candidate. |
BIH HoR Commission on human rights met Turkish Parliament delegation; both countries have similar mechanisms for protection of human rights
| FTV – The delegation of Turkish Parliament arrived to visit to BiH. The delegation met with members of BiH House of Representatives on Wednesday. They discussed the issue of protection of human rights. Turkish delegates promised that |
Crimes | |
Osl: It is not possible that Kostunica didn’t discuss the ICTY in
| Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Kostunica wants Mladic’s arrest’ by B.Boskov, Belgrade – Reacting on statement of ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte [at Srebrenica commemoration] that Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica doesn’t want to arrest Ratko Mladic, Chief of Cabinet of Serbian Government, Srdjan Djuric, who is accompanying Kostunica in visit to USA said “That simply isn’t true.” Referring to Kostunica’ statement that ICTY wasn’t discussed during his Washington meetings, daily underlines that Washington has invited Belgrade to extradite ICTY indictees [statement was carried by AP]. Daily also comments that Kostunica, obviously, has put Kosovo on the first place, but daily stresses that it wasn’t possible to avoid the topic of ICTY cooperation, especially because the establishment of action plan for Mladic’s arrest is in process. BHT 1 – also carries Djuric’ denial |
EuroBlic learns that the Action Plan for arrest of Ratko Mladic contains nothing that would lead to the arrest
| EuroBlic pg 3 ‘Action plan is empty story’ by T. Nikolic-Djakovic – Daily learns that the Action Plan for arrest of war crimes suspect Ratko Mladic was submitted to the ICTY noting that this Action Plan would be presented by Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica before the European officials in Brussels on July 17th . Daily’s source close to the ICTY stated that this Action Plan contains nothing that would lead to the arrest of Mladic adding that the Action Plan represents propaganda and buying of time. Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Ivana Dulic-Markovic said that the arrest of Mladic is more important than the content of the Action Plan. |
Assistant to UN Secretary General Arria met with Islamic Community leader Ceric: Hatred was not to be seen in Potocari | Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Hatred was not to be seen in Potocari’ by MINA news agency – During his unofficial visit to BiH, Assistant to UN Secretary General Diego Arria met Islamic Community leader Reis Mustafa effendi Ceric on Wednesday. Ceric stated that people like Arria are the ones that can revive credibility of International Community [IC] in BiH. Arria stated he was very touched after he saw no hatred during the ceremony of marking 11th anniversary of Srebrenica genocide [on Tuesday]. |
| Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Lukic’s ‘Avenger’ was killing in Visegrad’ by E.Aganovic– One month detention was set by the decision of |
HJPC to issue vacancy for RS Special Prosecution next week
| EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘Disagreements smoothed out’ by Tijana Veselinovic – Daily reports that High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) is expected to issue a vacancy for RS Chief Special Prosecutor, his deputy and six prosecutors at the end of next week, since RS Parliament and RS Government have accepted remarks HJPC made upon Law regulating establishment of RS Special Prosecution. HJPC Press Office told daily “vacancy will be issued after Changes and Addenda to Law on fight against organised crime and other economic frame are published in “RS Official Gazette”.” |
Bosnian immigrant to USA found guilt on charges after concealed he took part in Srebrenica massacre when applying for immigration
| Washington Post, New York Times ‘Man Convicted of Concealing Massacre Role’ by Denise Lavoie, AP – US federal grand jury found Bosnian immigrant Marko Boskic [Croat and a Roman Catholic] guilty of two charges he concealed his Bosnian Serb military record on his applications. Boskic said he only fulfilled mandatory Yugoslavian military service and did not admit he was part of a Bosnian-Serb military unit involved in the killings of Bosniaks at Srebrenica in 1995. Boskic’s lawyer, Max Stern, maintained that he had been a prisoner in a Bosnian Serb concentration camp who was threatened with death if he did not participate in the massacre. Stern said after the verdict that jurors believed Boskic did not act of his own free will in the massacre at Srebrenica on July 11, 1995. Boskic faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on each of the two document-fraud charges. He could face deportation to BiH after he serves his sentence, said US Attorney Michael Sullivan. Boskic was not charged with war crimes. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Final words stated’ by A.P. – also reports |
DL: ‘Prlic and others’ will be released from detention until further notice
| Dnevni List, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Six are coming back home’, by V. Soldo – DL learns from sources close to the ICTY that six former senior Croat military and civil officials charged with ethnic cleansing of Croat majority areas during the war, namely Jadranko Prlic, Bruno Stojic, Valentic Coric, Berislav Pusic, Slobodan Praljak and Milivoj Petkovic will return to Croatia on August 1 due to summer break at the ICTY. They have been standing trials at the ICTY since |
Families of missing persons from | RTRS – Families of missing persons from |
Economy | |
| Hayat by Nebojsa Radulovic – A two-day conference titled ‘USA-BiH, partnership of government and industry’, organised by the BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations and the BiH Ministry of Trade in cooperation with US Embassy, opened in Sarajevo on Wednesday, US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney praises law regulations in BiH in terms of export and import of ammunition. Namely, International Community is satisfied with the way BiH issues licenses and controls export of military equipment. “BiH has developed a very firm system of issuing licenses and control of laws on weapon trade. It might appear as if this control slows down the trade but the effects are positive, since trade, as well as relations within the EU are being improved”, said McElhaney. There are 94 companies in BiH registered as companies dealing with foreign-trade ammunition and weapons exchange, out of which 73 are of permanent while 21 of temporary character. RTRS By Zorica Rulj – “Arms spread threat is more dangerous than it used to be thus it is very important that two Governments like ours cooperate in order to prevent that weapons for mass destruction end up in wrong hands” said McElhaney. Dragisa Mekic, Assistant to BIH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, stated “BiH laws are in accordance to EU laws especially because it was officially confirmed in January when certain restrictions have been lifted explaining that BIH is respecting its obligations”. Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Control of weapons pursuant to regulations’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Stronger control of weapon export’ by S. Lemo – also report |
F BiH PM Hadzipasic sent changes to Law on privatisation back to F BiH HoP for discussion
| Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Prime Minister returned to the procedure changes to the Law on privatisation’ by R. Cengic – Reporting on the Wednesday session of Federation of BiH House of Peoples [for more info see OHR Morning media Brief for 13 July), daily reports F BiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic forwarded back to the delegates the Law on changes and addenda to the Law on Privatisation of Firms in F BiH, which the delegates of F BiH HoP had previously rejected. F BiH HoP should discuss these changes at the session on July 25. |
FBiH Parliament to discuss income tax law by end of July; Government proposed four rates
| Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Government proposes progressive rates’ by A.Terzic– FBiH Government has submitted FBiH Parliament with the proposal of four different rates of income taxes. Daily carries that FBiH Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic has accepted the solution according to which there would be annual rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20% for salaries upto 400 KM, from 400 to 800 KM, upto 1, 200 KM and over 1, 200 KM. This proposal would be discussed by FBiH Parliament by end of July. Daily also carries statement of Chair of FBiH Administrative Commission [SBiH’s]Ismet Briga, who said that this is necessity, which is “result of entrance to capitalism”. At the same time Head of SDP’s Caucus in FBiH Parliament, Nermin Niksic deems they shouldn’t accept the implementation of the law as of |
Auditors determined that BiH Ministry of Transport and Communication did not respect BiH Law on pubic procurement in 2005 | Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Suppliers selected without announcing tenders’ by N. Krsman – BiH Auditors determined that BiH Ministry of Transport and Communication did not announce tenders and respect BiH Law on public procurement in 2005. BiH Minister of Transport and Communication Branko Dokic said that BiH Law on public procurement has many illogical things adding that obligation to hire commissions complicates and makes process of procurement more expensive. |
Bosniac Caucus at RS HoP might block decision on privatisation of RS Telekom | Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Possible blockade of privatisation’ by V. Popovic – RS Minister of Traffic and Communication Nedeljko Cubrilovic said tender for RS Telekom would be announced in ten days if RS House of Peoples (HoP) does not block RS Parliament’ decision on RS Telekom’ special privatisation program by launching protection of vital national interest (VNI). Cubrilovic also said that RS HoP should decide regarding this issue by Friday adding tender would be announced in two months if HoP launches VNI protection. Bosniak Caucus at RS NA believes that all three telecoms should be privatised at the same time. Daily reports that Croat Caucus at RS NA would probably support decision on privatisation of RS Telekom. Serb Caucus confirmed it would support decision on privatisation. |
Media/Elections | |
BiH Presidency Chair Tihic asks CRA to penalize RTRS for not respecting BiH Mourning Day
| Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘To penalize media which doesn’t respect state decisions’ by Fena– BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic requested on Wednesday from the Communications Regulatory Agency [ |
Danas feature on elections for BiH Presidency:
| Danas, front pg splash and pgs 12-15 ‘Zeljko Komsic closest to victory, Jurisic, Jovic and Ljubic shoulder to shoulder’, by Zvonimir Jukic – carries a feature article on the elections for future members of BiH Presidency in which Jukic argues it is likely that the Serb member will come from the SNSD (Nebojsa Radmanovic), whilst the Bosniak member will be elected among two candidates, Sulejman Tihic (SDA) and Haris Silajdzic (SBiH). The author goes on to say that the most interesting race will be for the Croat member, underlining that according to some preliminary polls, it is |
Croat Association of refugees wants deadline for registration of voters to be prolonged | Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Elections rules and ethnic cleansing’, not signed, Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Asking for extension of deadline for registration of voters’, by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 12 ‘Extension of deadline for registration of voters out of BiH’ by Fena – Association of Croat refugees and displaced persons of BiH has sent the BiH Central Election Commission ( |