14.05.2006

OHR BiH Media Round-up, 14/5/2006

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RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Croat POW on war camps

SCG MoFA Draskovic on Mladic

Radovanovic on weapons export

Tihic meets Rice

Vekaric on attacks on JNA

Radovanovic meets Dodik

Hrvatski Blok urges coalition

Sljivar on sufferings of SA Serbs

Tihic on constitutional changes

Colak on pensions backlog

Radovanovic meets Dodik

Update on missing Serbs in Sarajevo

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Tihic meets Senator Kerry

Problems of deaf people in BiH

RS PM on const. changes talks

Radovanovic on BIH weapons in Iraq

Problems of mentally disabled

Radovanovic on AI’s report

SA Prosecutor on missing Serbs

International protest rally of mothers

Radovanovic meets Dodik

Sentence in Livno Court

Congress of World Diaspora Ass.

Siljegovic on BiH security structures

 

Oslobodjenje

Patriotism is no longer a motive for investing into BiH [Diaspora Congress]

Dnevni Avaz

Decision on electing Silajdzic for a President

Dnevni List

Thieves robbing houses while owners are asleep [increased robberies in Brotnjo] 

Vecernji List

Mass blockade

Nezavisne Novine

We move in action in two months

 

Political developments

BiH Presidency Chair Tihic meets Senator Kerry; special gratitude for participating Iraqi mission

 

 

BHT1- Last day of his visit to the USA, BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic metUS Senator John Kerry. Senator Kerry expressed support to BiH way toward Euro-Atlantic Integrations, as well as constitutional changes as important step in that. At the meeting, Senator expressed special gratitude on BiH’s participation at peace mission in Iraq and was interested in transfer of BiH experience in establishment of peace and civil society to Iraq. Hayat, FTV- reported. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘John Kerry supported BiH way toward Euro-Atlantic integrations’, mentioned on cover by A.M., Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘On experiences for peace establishment in Iraq’ not signed, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Tihic and Kerry on experiences for establishment of peace in Iraq’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘American Senator supported BiH way to EU’ by Srna

DA: constitutional changes to continue; BiH Presidency Chair Tihic seek help in USA ; RS PM Dodik says no continuance before elections

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Activities on passing of constitutional amendments continue?’, mentioned on cover by A.Malagic– As DA learns activities on passing of amendments to BiH Constitution should continue after were rejected by BiH House of Representatives. Because of that, writes DA, BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic has visited USA asking for support and assistance in continuance of this process. However, Tihic didn’t want to talk what these activities comprehend and whether they would be continued in the BiH Parliament, at the meeting of parties’ leaders or if this would happen before or after elections. “In general, it is not about continuance of negotiations. But I can’t speak of it in more details now” said Tihic for DA. RTRS, Inset ‘Dodik: Talks only after elections’- RS Prime- Minister Milorad Dodik said that continuance is not possible before elections. “It is not realistic for the talks on Constitution to be returned to the procedure now. Elections are scheduled, lead by the activities in accordance to BiH Election Law…I believe that it needs to be talked about integral changes of the Constitution…that all issues are put at the agenda immediately” said Dodik. Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Dodik: About changes of the Constitution after elections’ not signed,

SDS answers SNSD accusations saying SNSD is directing Special Prosecution to find SDS liable for organized crime

 

RTRS By Sinisa Mihailovic – SNSD Secretary General Rajko Vasic’s Friday statements [See Media Round-up Saturday, May 13] were practically directing Special Prosecution in finding SDS and its staff responsible for organized crime, said a member of SDS political council Ognjen Tadic. Namely, Vasic claims that SDS is responsible for blockade in implementation of the RS Government’s politics in fighting organized crime. SDS claims that such statements prove that SNSD was faced with serious political crisis. “The RS Government enjoys majority in the Assembly necessary to bring any kind of conclusion and it is not faced with any kind of resistance in executive authority”, claims Tadic. SDS has serious doubts when it comes to new RS institutions, SNSD administrative politics and loans RS has taken. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Vasic’s statement are vicious’ by D.Bojanic– 

SBiH’s Halilovic: SBiH Convention is expected to adopt a decision on election of Haris Silajdzic for a President

 

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Decision on electing Silajdzic for a President’ pg 2 ‘Decision on electing of Haris Silajdzic for a party’ President is expected’ by L.Sinanovic– As it was confirmed for DA by the Chair of SBiH presidency, Safet Halilovic Party’s Convention would be held on May 20 and it is expected that decision on electing of Haris Siljdzic for SBiH President would be passed.  According to this, it is expected that Silajdzic as experienced politician would strengthen the patriotic block, which at the upcoming elections should won the majority for detailed constitutional changes and other reforms, which would lead to more efficient, cheaper and simpler administration. Inset ‘Framework plan for election campaign adopted’- SBiH Presidency has adopted a plan for the election campaign and established an Election HQ, composed of SBiH Presidency members and experts for election campaigns.  

SDA asks BiH CEC to use more appropriate materials in campaigns on informing of voters

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘This year they should inform voters in appropriate manner’ by L.Sinanovic– In a written statement SDA has invited BiH Central Election Commission to use more appropriate manner in informing voters about registration process this year. SDA claims that in last years BiH CEC has “promoted propaganda material with unserious composition”. SDA General Secretary Amir Zukic told DA: “With this approach voters stances toward election are being negative, which in election year is not contributing anyone”. Chair of BiH CEC Branko Petric didn’t want to comment, saying that all that have objections to their work can present them directly. Spokesperson of BiH CEC Maksida Bajramovic confirmed DA that campaign for informing of voters would start in next 20 days. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Against unserious composition’ not signed,

DA: Brajkovic, Tomic, Maric and Primorac joining HDZ 1990?

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Brajkovic, Tomic, Primorac and Maric in HDZ 1990?’ by F.Vele– According to DA unofficial information, beside ‘Aluminij’ Director Mijo Brajkovic who joined HDZ 1990 the same would soon be done by former Mostar Major Neven Tomic, former owner of ‘Mondo’ company Vilim Primorac and former Head of Municipality Mostar/Jug Stipe Maric. According to DA source from HDZ 1990 it is still not clear what role would those people have in the party. Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Brajkovic and Tomic reinforcement to HDZ 1990?’, mentioned on cover by S.Bjelica, V.Soldo– According to DL source in HDZ 1990 they are expecting in these few days for HDZ Board Bijelo Polje [Mostar] to join HDZ 1990. Until now Capljina HDZ Board, Bijeli Brijeg HDZ Board, have done the same and Srednjobosanski Canton supports them.

Osl. op-ed: when highest officials disrespect Constitutional Court or work against others- it is time for elections

 

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Pre-election campaign’ op-ed by Senka Kurtovic– Commenting on recent events regarding the police reform and the fact that “No one except RS President and Prime Minister Dragan Cavic and Milorad Dodik doesn’t understand what is wrong with the Opinion [not decision or conclusion] that, based on a long time signed Agreement, Police Reform Directorate passed…”, Kurtovic stressed that this is just a distraction to buy time, since there is only several months until to elections. Further on, Kurtovic emphasises that election campaigns are a regular thing in BiH, since BiH politicians are always preparing for elections “regardless if they are tomorrow or in few years”. Referring to Cavic and Dodik and their statements on preservation of the RS, as well as statements o BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravc ‘who doesn’t know if the city is named Foca or Srbinje’, Kurtovic concludes: “When highest officials don’t respect decisions of the Constitutional Court or threaten or work against the will, wishes, tradition of others, then there is no dilemma- it is time for changes. so, for elections. Which here last and last”.

BiH Ambassador o SCG Leko: Lawsuit against SCG hasn’t harmed relations between BiH and SCG ; Serbian authorities put in great effort to apprehend Mladic

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Lawsuit for genocide didn’t affect relations between BiH and SCG’, mentioned on cover by Sanja Skuletic– In interview for DA, BiH Ambassador to SCG Tomislav Leko said that BiH’s lawsuit against SCG for aggression and genocide didn’t affect relations between two countries. He said that it is known that official Belgrade was trying to deal with the lawsuit outside the International Court of Justice, but: “honestly I don’t know how Belgrade intended it and what would offer in exchange for withdrawal of the lawsuit”. Ambassador Leko said that he is convinced that political elite in Serbia is aware of obligations toward ICTY and that they would soon apprehend and extradite Ratko Mladic. Asked what is this based on, Leko said: “On my contacts, talks with many politicians and representatives of authority in Serbia. I have a feeling that this is about truly enormous efforts, which are put in here with a goal to extradite Mladic to The Hague…”, adding that Serbian politicians are aware that they can’t continue Stabilization and association talks without that. Asked whether BiH Embassy would be open in Podgorica if Montenegro gets independence, Ambassador said that BiH has said that would respect will of Montenegrin people and that it would be logical scenery if Montenegro would get independent. Inset ‘Unjustified fear’- Asked about frequent statements of Serbian and RS politicians regarding annexing of RS to Serbia, Leko said: “…Fear from that is totally unjustified. Such statements are solely used for daily-politics. They have no real base nor foundation”.

Turkish Foreign Affair Minister Gül: Turky is willing to invest much more in BiH, but BiH has to improve judiciary to protect investors

 

Hayat by Kenan Cerimagic – In short interview Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah Gül stated that BIH and Turkey have good connections that go back for centuries. Gül feels that BIH needs a constitutional reform as well as much simpler administration and added that official relations between BIH and Turkish officials should increase in order for economic cooperation between the countries to increase. He adds that people from economic and financial sector should visit even more often so better business cooperation could be established. Gül concluded that Turkish officials urge their businessmen to invest in BIH but stresses that BIH needs to have a good judiciary system that will protect foreign investments. One again Gül reminded that Turkey strongly supports BIH on its path towards EU and NATO.

 

Defence, security, judiciary issues

Defence Minister Radovanovic: It is not possible for anything to leave BiH secretly; investigations to be carried out based on AI report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHT1 By Zorica Lolic – Commenting the recently published report of Amnesty International, which claims that about 200. 000 pieces of weapons have been exported from BiH to Iraq, speculating that export was illegal and carried out trough several companies that are on USA and UN ‘black list’ and that have ended up in ‘wrong hands’ and not in hands of Iraqi Government, BiH Defence Minister Nikola Radovanovic stated that some additional controls would be carried out. Military analyst Gostimir Popovic claims that the Iraqi troops have enough hand weapons, and they didn’t need the weapons from BiH. Therefore, Popovic doubts that the weapons exported from BiH have really been transferred to Iraq. BiH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic stated the all permissions for weapons export have been issued in accordance with valid laws and regulations. RTRS- Radovanovic says that BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade as well as EUFOR HQ are in charge of the issue and adds that it is the EUFOR that could allow weapons to be moved from one location to the other. Ivanic says that his Ministry is in charge of a single issue; not to cooperate with states faced with NATO or EU embargo. “From what we know, no permissions have been issued for any state faced with embargo”, says Ivanic. Radovanovic said that it was not possible for anything to leave BiH secretly, as the Amnesty International’s report claim, and added that he hoped that additional investigations were going to be carried out. PINK, Hayat– carried similar reports. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Small possibility that weapons ended up in hands of the rebels’ by Srna, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Weapon is not in hands of Iraqi rebels’ by G.Maunaga

RS PM Dodik meets BiH Defence Minister Radovanovic; RS Gov. might pay remaining instalments on pension insurance for those soldiers that have few years to retirement

 

BHT1– BiH Defence Minister Nikola Radovanovic met the RS Prime Minister, Milorad Dodik. They discussed the transfer of authorities of entity Defence Ministries to the state level. Radovanovic emphasized that all persons who lose their jobs during the reform process will be able to use special loan funds in order to start new private businesses. Dodik stated that RS Government might pay the remaining instalments of pension insurance for persons who have three or less years left until the pension. Radovanovic reminded that part of the responsibility for reform process lays with the entity Governments, adding that RS Government has a serious approach to these tasks. RTRS– After the meeting, Radovanovic said that the RS Government approached the implementation of regulations regarding BiH defence reform seriously. PINK– also carried. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Obligations in defence reform precise’ by Onasa, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Problems in defence reform would be solved by end of year’ by G.Maunaga

RS Special Prosecutor Tegeltija: we would dela with most difficult forms of organized and economy crime; RS Law on fighting organized foreseen special mechanisms for that

 

Nezavisne Novine cover splash and pgs 8-9 ‘We move in action in two months’ by Dragan Jerinic– In interview to NN, RS Special Prosecutor Milan Tegeltija emphasised that they would start with work in two months. “Naturally, if we soon get all necessary preconditions, equipment, space and means. Only after that actions of Special Prosecution could be expected” said Tegeltija. He stressed that Special Prosecution has special mechanisms to face most difficult forms of crime, adding that the RS Law on fighting organized and most difficult forms of economic crime foresees them. Tegeltija explained that beside prosecutor’s assistants and prosecutors’ investigators, who would enable faster process and prevent leaking of information, this means that…”This Prosecution would get a cashier register for special operative affairs, whose role is propitious usage of financial means in goal of faster revealing of perpetrators of criminal acts”.  He also emphasised that this Prosecution would use principle of conspiracy in its work, which means that investigation would be secret, adding that they are aware that this Prosecution would be ‘a target’ of many politicians and people from criminal circles, but that no one would have any privileges. Tegeltija said that final decision on who to propose for special prosecutors and their deputies would be issued on Tuesday, stressing that he already have signed confirmations from people in District Prosecutions he talked with, as well as their support. “Structure of Special Prosecution contains of Chief Special Prosecutor, Deputy to Chief Special Prosecutor, six Spcial Prosecutors, 12 prosecutors’ assistants, 13 prosecutors’ investigators, out of which one is head of prosecutors’ investigators” explained Tegeltija, adding that this doesn’t include analysts or other services that prosecution requires. “According to my estimate, Special Prosecutor would count about 60 people in total” said Tegeltija.

Four Albanians arrested during the attempt to cross illegally to BiH

 

RTRS By Bozidar Stajcic – Four Albanian citizens have been arrested while trying to pass the BiH border illegally, as well as a person, suspected of transporting persons illegally. Members of Public Security Centre Trebinje arrested them in village Do, BerkoviciMunicipality on a border crossing with Montenegro. In first four months of 2006 and in 2005, 99 persons, who used numerous local roads, illegally passed BiH border crossing mostly the one with Montenegro. Persons, suspected of such criminal act, have to pay fine in amount of 190 KM and they are forbidden to enter BiH in a year. BiH State Border Service officials state that the fines are to low. Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Four Albanians arrested’ by V.D.

SC Prosecutor Sljivar invited RS Missing Ass. to submit documents on Sarajevo missing Serbs

BHT1- In an interview for ‘Dnevni Avaz’ on Saturday [Note: See Media Round-up, Saturday May 13], Sarajevo Cantonal Prosecutor Branko Sljivar invited RS Associations for Missing Persons to submit the Prosecution documents regarding the missing Serbs from Sarajevo, in order for the truth to be revealed at last. PINK, Hayat, RTRS- carried.

 

Economic issues

Croatian Ministry of Agriculture: story on low quality of BiH milk imported to Croatia was fabricated by Croatian lobbies

 

 

BHT1- In regard to recent claims of some Croatian Farmers Association, who claimed that milk imported from BiH to Croatia is in fact made of powder milk and therefore is of low quality, Mladen Pavic from Croatian Ministry of Agriculture stated that these speculations are false, explaining that the milk made of milk powder would be much more expensive than regular milk. According to Pavic, the whole story on milk exported from BiH was made up by lobbies in order to discredit BiH products. BiH experts claim that all milk that is exported from BiH is passing trough some strict control, adding that BiH doesn’t even have a powder milk factory. Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Our milk unwanted in Croatia’, mentioned on cover by Danijela Kozina,

BiH Farmers to organize boycott of Croatian products

 

BHT1– Head of BiH Farmers’ Association Ranko Bakic stated that they are going to invite all BiH citizens to boycott Croatian products, all until Croatia stops with discrediting of BiH products. Bakic said that BiH Council of Ministers must do more on protection of exporters, stressing that BiH shouldn’t be the only country that sticks to the Free Trade Agreement literally. RHB, PINK, Hayat– covered. Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘To invite citizens to boycott Croatian products’ not signed,

VL: largest victims of HB provisional administration are guarantors whose accounts are blocked on account of credits that aren’t being paid back

Vecernji List cover splash and pg 3 ‘Mass Blockade’ by Dejan Jazvic– Emphasising the fact that many citizens were guarantors to citizens that took credits from Hercegovacka Bank, Jazvic notices that these citizens are the largest vistims, since their accounts were blocked. Provisional Administrator of HB Toby Robinson said: “Accounts of guarantors were debtors, physical subjects are making regular payments to their credits they taken in HB are blocked”. Further on Robinson says that blockade of guarantors accounts is common in banking, “Banks have done this before and we would continue this practice” said Robinson. Jazvic concludes that it is unknown how long this blockade would go on, underlining: “The goal of provisional administration, obviously, is to collect the money, if not from debtors, then from guarantors”.

 

Miscellaneous

Third Diaspora Congress to discuss BiH image and investment possibilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTV- Third Congress of World Diaspora Association commenced in Sarajevo in organization of BiH Human Rights and Refugees Ministry.  The Congress will discuss problems of Diaspora, protection of BiH culture and heritage, improvement of BiH’s international image and possibilities for investments in BiH. BiH Minister for Human Rights in Refugees Mirsad Kebo announced that a Diaspora Board is going to be established within BiH Council of Ministers. BHT1, Hayat– reported. Oslobodjenje cover splashand pg 3 ‘Patriotism is no longer a motive for investing into BiH’ by Marina Kavaz-Sirucic– Minister Kebo stressed that BiH citizens in Diaspora are a strength that BiH can’t give up, since it sends about KM4 billion a year to BiH. Chair of the Association Namik Alimajstorovic said that fact that authority sees Disapora as source of financing is not a problem, but: “Authority has to be aware that it wouldn’t get it [money] if it doesn’t create conditions for investment. The fact that I am BiH citizen doesn’t automatically mean that I need to give my savings to someone here, because of patriotism”. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Alimajstorovic: We come as partners’ not signed, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘To enable citizenship to a biggest investor’, mentioned on cover by Erna Mackic– It was emphasised at the Congress that largest problems of BiH Diaspora is receiving of BiH citizenship and preserving of it along with the citizenship of the resident country, as well as verification of diplomas.  Vecernji List ‘pg 2 ‘Problem a dual citizenship’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Authorities aren’t solving problems of immigrants’ by A.Djozo, M.Lingo

Traditional Dervish ceremony in Blagaj; Effendi Spahic: This apartheid is harder to fight then it was during the war

 

BHT1- About 20.000 Muslims from all around BiH and region gathered in Blagaj near Mostar for traditional religious dervish ceremony. Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Spahic: It is harder to fight this apartheid then it was at the war’, mentioned on cover by N.H.– Deputy Reisu-l-ulema of Islamic Community, Ismet effendi Spahic addressed the ceremony and warned drowsiness of Bosniak politicians in Mostar. “It is harder to fight this apartheid, which is now in action on the eyesight of the International Community, then it was during the war. Then we could see the enemy clearly and knew where he is, now it is among us and allegedly is for coexistence. All shall pass, the truth must prevail and we are on the path of the truth and justice” said Effendi Spahic. Dnevni List pg 7 ‘Over 20. 000 believers visited Blagaj’ by Esmir Milavic,

Head of EC delegation Humphreys visits Pyramid of Sun in Visoko

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Humphreys and Masovic on Visocica’ by N.O.– Head of EC Delegation Michael Humphreys and Chair of FBiH Commission for Missing Amor Masovic visited Bosnian Pyramid of Sun on mount Visocica, in Visoko. “It is my great pleasure to be here today and things I heard and saw are very interesting. We will see what can we do to bring archaeologists, geologists and scientists to this location” said Humphreys. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘First man of the EU in BiH Humphreys visited pyramid as well’ by S.Subotic,