OHR BiH Media Round-up, 1/6/2005

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

FBiH HoR’s session continues today

War crimes in Zvornik

RS Govt. rejects accusations

BiH de-mining unit departed forIraq

BiH de-miners leave for Iraq

UK dissatisfied with RS NA stance

Madunic candidate for HDZ President

FBiH HoR in session

Branko Grujic surrendered to SCG

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

HR on RS NA decision

HR on RS NA decision

Protests in Bihac

EUPM on RS NA decision

Stojicic on RS NA decision

Protests of the invalids

US Embassy on RS NA decision

BiH CoM session postponed

Car accident near Tuzla

HSS on RS NA decision

RS MoD officials to be investigated

Ashdown on RS NA decision

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

HR on RS NA decision

New SIPA director

HR on RS NA decision

EUPM on RS NA decision

Ashdown on RS NA conclusions

Int. officials on RS NA decision

Stojicic on RS NA decision

Reactions on RS NA conclusions

Arbiter tribunal for Brcko

BiH CoM session postponed

Protests in Bihac

Report on analysis of BIH judiciary

Oslobodjenje

Ashdown gave up on transferring powers

Dnevni Avaz

RS in isolation, price to be paid by whole BiH

Dnevni List

Young man killed by drugs (case of death of overdose in Mostar)

Vecernji List

We must destroy Vatican (interview with one Osama Abu Dujana)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Ljubic v Covic 14 to 7’

Glas Srpske

Paddy threatening again

Nezavisne Novine

Karadzic’s SDS is responsible for disaster in reforms

Blic

Farewell to Andjela

Vecernje Novosti

Features Serbia related headlines

Srpski Nacional

Features Serbia related headlines

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

RS Govt. rejects accusations it has halted police reform in BiH

RS Radio – The RS Government does not accept accusations that RS NA conclusions have halted the police reform in BiH, bearing in mind that previous conclusions demonstrated its commitment to police reform within existing Constitutions of RS and BiH. At today’s session in Banja Luka, RS Government discussed situation in RS following RS NA session and Tuesday’s statement of HR Paddy Ashdown. RS Government stressed that in line with the BiH Constitution and Law on Government, it would continue to implement political decisions passed at RS NA session, and it will also support RS MoI activities related to this Law.

Wartime Zvornik Mayor and war crime indictee Grujic turned himself in to Serbian authorities

RS Radio, BH Radio 1 – The war-time Mayor of Zvornik Municipality from 1992, Branko Grujic, today surrendered to SCG authorities. The Belgrade Court has today announced this, noting that Grujic has been suspected of committing war crimes against civilians in Zvornik in 1992. He was interviewed at Belgrade Court , and is now sitting in detention unit.

Police Reform/BiH road to Euro-Atlantic integrations

Ashdown: RS Government, SDS should be held responsible for failure of police reform

RHB, BHT, Pink, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz cover page‘RS in isolation, price to be paid by whole BiH’, pg 2 ‘Responsibility lies with RS Government and the party established by Radovan Karadzic’, Oslobodjenje cover page, pgs 4-5 ‘Ashdown gave up on transferring powers’, Dnevni List, pg 5, mentioned on front ‘SDS responsible for future of BiH’, by Mensud Zorlak, Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Ashdown: Isolate RS!’, pg 24 ‘Ashdown postpones transfer of authorities onto BiH institutions’, mentioned on front ‘Transfer of authorities onto BiH institutions postponed’, by Dejan Jazvic, Slobodna Dalmacija, back pg ‘RS National Assembly blocks transfer of authorities’, by B. Kristo, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pgs 3-4 ‘Karadzic’s SDS is responsible for disaster in reforms’ by A.Sisic,Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Paddy threatening again’ by N.Z., Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘They work against people’ by D.Stojkovic, FENA – By rejecting the police reform in BiH in line with the European model on Monday evening, the RS National Assembly turned its back on the future of BiH, and in doing so, blocked BiH’s path to the European Union, said the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown. The High Representative told a press conference in Sarajevo on Tuesday that this decision of RSNA is damaging not only for this BiH Entity, but also for every citizen. He said that the main responsibility for this wasted opportunity lies firmly and squarely with the RS Government – and especially with its majority ruling party, the Serb Democratic Party (SDS). Ashdown stressed that he personally cannot break this logjam, because the European Commission has, quite rightly, said that getting to Europe means BiH politicians doing it, not the High Representative. However, Ashdown announced that some consequences would follow quickly, but did not wish get into the detail, stressing that he never speculates about them in advance. He said that it is necessary to see whether the RS Government and SDS can find a way to overcome this situation and show the citizens and the international community whether they are for Europe or for isolation. “BiH’s path to Europe will remain closed as long as the RS Government is not prepared to accept European standards,” said the High Representative, adding that BiH now is the only country in the Western Balkans that does not have a contractual relation with the EU. Ashdown said that due to the latest police reform failure, he had given up on initiatives leading to transfer of his powers to BiH state institutions.

SDS party rejects blame for police reform failure, says will of a constituent people must be respected

ONASA – Vice-president of the Serb Democratic Party (SDS) Mladen Bosic on Tuesday rejected claims that this party was to blame to the failure of police reforms in BiH. “The statements, such as accusing the SDS for the failure of reforms, could be interpreted as transferring of responsibility for the obvious failure of those who wanted to implement reforms, but only in accordance with their own model,” Bosic told ONASA. He added that “nothing can be solved with accusing” but simply “the political will of one of the constituent peoples in BiH must be accepted.”

RSNA Speaker says police reform impossible without true compromise

Pink, BHT, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pgs 4 and 5 ‘Authority claims that they are not against reforms, while opposition demands compromise’ by O. Vukovic, ONASA – Speaker of the Republika Srpska (RS) National Assembly Dusan Stojicic said on Tuesday that last night’s conclusions of the RS National Assembly did not mean “no” to the process of the police reform in BiH. Stojicic emphasized it was not realistic to expect the RS National Assembly to make a different decision at Monday’s session because the previous work on the issue of the police reform did not give results in the sense of a complete political compromise, which would, according to him, be easy to implement within institutions of the RS. He said that 62 delegates supported the conclusions, including the strongest opposition party – the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD). According to Stojicic, that shows that there is a political consensus in the RS related to issues important for the RS. He said that a true compromise on the police reform must exist within BiH, which means the respect of a minimum of interests of all in BiH, each of the three constitutive peoples in both entities. “If there is no compromise, such solutions could be imposed, they could be found in some other way, but they are not good for this country and its future. In that sense, I believe that the message we sent through the conclusions of the RS National Assembly will be understood in that way and I expect that the talks will be continued,” Stojicic said. He said he does not expects any of the sanctions, measures or consequences from international representatives, because “no one should force the RS on the European road — it has chosen it by itself.” Commenting on Monday’s statement of RS President Dragan Cavic that he is personally oriented towards the European road, Stojicic emphasized that was a politically responsible statement, which is not different from the RS National Assembly’s conclusions.

DNS Kalabic, SDS on RSNA stands on police reform

Oslobodjenje pgs 4 and 5 ‘Authority claims that they are not against reforms, while opposition demands compromise’ by O. Vukovic – Commenting on the police reform issue, DNS representative Drago Kalabic stated that ruling parties brought the reform process to a blind alley and for this reason the RS Government and BiH Council of Ministers should say what would be the next steps. Talking about possible moves of the International Community, Kalabic said that ‘it would be interesting to watch behavior of foreign representatives towards RS President Dragan Cavic, who has been their favorite so far’. He added: ‘The attitude towards Cavic and BiH Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic would determine the stand towards RS ruling parties.’ Osl. inset under headline ‘SDS without comment’ carries that SDS representatives were not willing to give comments after the RSNA’s session.

RS Vice-president Osmanovic on RSNA stands on police reform

BHT, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘SDS is most responsible’ not signed, Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Republika Srpska facing isolation and sanctions’, by Branka Stevandic– RS Vice President Adil Osmanovic and EUPM Advisor for Ministry of Interior Per Ojvind Semb expressed disappointment over the RSNA stands on the police reform.  Osmanovic added: ‘We have concluded together that SDS and RS Government are most responsible for this situation.’ He added that the OHR is on move and we shall see whether there would be some sanctions towards individuals or institutions in the RS. 

BiH CoM Chair Terzic says RSNA obstructing police reform

BHT – BiH Council of Ministers Chairman Adnan Terzic believe that Monday’s RS National Assembly’s decision is nothing but an obstruction and unnecessary waste of time. “Those RS NA conclusions tell us two things: they are ready for the police reform process – but they are not ready for the Europe. But in that case – what’s the point of police reconstruction?”, added Terzic.

Reactions in RS/Serbian press to RSNA conclusions on police reform

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘RS authority brought RS before isolation’ by D.K. – Apart from carrying statement of Stojicic (Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Agreement is necessary’ by Z.Ma.), Kalabic daily bringssome other reactions of local politicians onto police reform.Petar Djokic, SP RS President, stated that the ruling composition in RS should face responsibility for the cowardice and absence of courage to announce the truth to the people, noting that stances Cavic had on this issue varied. Milorad Dodik, SNSD President, said that RS authority is to face all the responsibility, adding it is up to them to comment on further developments and possible consequences for the RS. Milenko Antasevic, PDP delegate at RS NA, said: “I hope there will be no sanctions and that the IC officials would acknowledge local politicians should resolve their problems, instead of seeing solutions imposed to them.” Adil Osmanovic, SDA Vice President, (Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘A bad move’) said: “RS NA conclusions are disappointing and disastrous, since those symbol the clear “NO” to European integration of BiH.” Beriz Belkic, Party for BiH Presidency member, says responsibility rests with the leaders of political parties from RS. HDZ BIH has no stance regarding police reform rejection.

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 inset “Police Syndicate is satisfied’ – Dusko Jandric, President of RS Police Syndicate, Tuesday expressed satisfaction of the Syndicate over the RS NA conclusions. Slavko Jovicic, Spokesperson of the 11 NGO’s HQ is also satisfied with the conclusions. (Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘They protected constitutionality’ by D.T. carries Jovicic’ statement)

Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘Penalties do not scare them’ by SL.Pesevic – carries statements of Stojicic and Osmanovic.

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 inset ‘Matijasevic: I do not expect sanctions’ – Darko Matijasevic, RS MOI, stated he did not expect any sort of sanctions of the international community, noting that citizens may aim certain sanctions against ruling structures regarding the slowened path towards Europe. He also added that “EU representatives should be called for further dialogue, in order to resume police reform process, since it is inevitable.” Svetlana Cenic, RS Finance Minister, rejected HR’s accusations, adding: “It is inappropriate to accuse RS Government for police reform failure, since Government did not attend Vlasic meeting, but politicians did. Ministers do not run policy, but instead MP’s.”

Glas Srpske cover page ‘Nothing new’ by Z.Ma. – Apart from carrying Cenic statement, daily also carries some other statements. Petar Kunic, Professor at Banja Luka Faculty of Law, stated that Tuesday’ statement of HR demonstrated Paddy Ashdown’s undemocratic approach towards situation in BiH, adding: “Ashdown should know that tasks such as police reform on these principles cannot be placed before RS in such a manner.” He added that RS would go to Europe when it wishes, instead of crawling in front of Ashdown and his likes. Stanko Pivasevic, SDS Spokesperson, stated: “The HR’s move could have been expected, since any progressive move SDS made is forgotten and disdained. Everything we do in order to preserve Dayton Agreement is viewed as obstruction of BiH integration into EU.” Krstan Simic, Head of SNSD Caucus at RS NA, said: “is of the view that it is HR’s right to give assessments he wishes, adding: “The ways leading to Europe differ. We want to go to Europe and we will go towards it.”

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Serious consequences’, EuroBlic RSpg 1 inset “SDA: SDS slammed the door’ – carry statement of Tarik Sadovic, Head of SDA Caucus at RS NA, assessing that RS NA conclusions would result in “serious consequences”.

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Call for punishment’ – The BiH Forum of Parliamentarians expects from the international community to firmly reach for measures to penalize individuals, structures and parties in RS over the rejection of police reform., it also demands from HR to immediately dismiss from duty Dragan Cavic and Pero Bukejlovic.

EuroBlic RSpg 1 ‘Investments fail, visas and isolation remain’ by EuroBlic team – Daily carries statement of HR, Ivanic, Cenic, Krstan Simic, Marko Pavic from DNS (who claims that story on police reform is still open and talks should resume), Milanko Mihajlica, President of SRS (saying that Parliament stance could have been expected, since it represented the will of people).

NN says Kostuncia ordered Cavic not to accept police reform model

Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Kostunica ordered Cavic SDS should not vote for police reform’ by D.K. – Daily writes that the western openly express suspicion that the official Belgrade has influenced decision of RS NA, mainly of SDS, regarding police reform. According to a western diplomat, the official Belgrade finds the instable political situation in BiH suitable, with an aim to strengthen its own position on the eve of negotiations on the final status of Kosovo. The same diplomat stressed that it is not a secret Dragan Cavic visited Belgrade on 14 May, where he met with Vojislav Kostunica, who ordered him how to act on police reform issues. The source notes: “Immediately after this meeting, Cavic made a radical turnabout his previous stances on police reform. In line with Kostunica’s order, he made this turnabout public via a Belgrade based media. Even the interview with this daily was arranged through Kostunica’s Cabinet.”

NN op-ed critical of Cavic over police reform

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Cavic and SDS are leading RS into isolation’ by Aleksandar Sekulic – The author is critical of RS NA conclusion on police reform, especially of Dragan Cavic, and his statements, which should have publicly called on MP’s to support reforms, instead of leading RS into isolation. The author expresses hope that HR Paddy Ashdown, would implement and aim his warnings efficiently and functionally against those who marked as culprits for police reform failure.

GS supportive of RS NA conclusions

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Destruction does not build up’ by Z.Markovic – The author is supportive of RS NA conclusions on police reform, noting that it would lead to further centralization of BiH.

Glas Srpske pg 5 inset ‘Ivanic’ – carries statement of Mladen Ivanic, saying that RS NA conclusions should not be viewed as final “No”, but instead “interests of all sides should be respected during police reform talks, and RS should take an active role in this.”

Glas Srpske pg 5 inset ‘Government’ – carries statement of Pero Bukejlovic saying that Government supports resumption of police reform talks within the Constitution and Dayton Agreement.

Glas Srpske pg 5 inset ‘Veterans’ – carries statement of Boro Cvjetinovic, President of the RS Veterans Association, saying: “If such a model of police reform is accepted, not only there will not be Serbs in F BiH, but there will be no Serbs in RS either. The aim of this reform is unitarisation of the BiH, which was the aim of one of the sides in conflict during the past war.”

EC on RSNA stand regarding police reform

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Brussels disappointed with politicians from RS’ by S. Numanovic – Christina Gallach, spokesperson of EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Javier Solana, stated in Brussels on Tuesday that the EC is deeply disappointed with the RSNA stand regarding the police reform. She warned that BiH is losing precious time and she strongly appealed on the political leaders, who were not able to pass the decision, do it as soon as possible. DA also quotes an anonymous European official who stated that Brussels and other European capitals blame political parties from the RS for this situation. He also announced that the EUPM’s mandate would be extended for another year and adjusted to new police structures, which should be established. Also, the EUFOR’s mandate might be slightly adjusted with an accent on police activities.

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘EU is very disappointed’ by V.P. – Christina Gallack, Spokesperson of Javier Solana, assessed that rejection of the proposed model for police reform by RS Parliament represented a step backward and further step away from the SAA talks, adding: “We are disappointed over the latest developments. I would like to reiterate once more that police reform is of essential importance for the progress towards Europe and SAA.” Responding to press question whether EU would impose sanctions or isolate RS, she said “EU is not the one, that should make the next step, but instead political leaders of BiH.”

BHT Elvir Bucalo – The officials in Brussels will not accept the partial solutions, and they will insist on the full police reform process in keeping with the three basic principles, is said in the European Union (EU) main office in Belgian capital. According to the BHT reporter, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn expects that BiH organize its police forces according to the real police needs and not in the way it suits local politicians. Until that happens, BiH will not start the negotiations about the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

DL Statement of Day: Ollie Rehn

Dnevni List, pg 2 carries in its ‘Statement of Day’ column the European Commission for enlargement, Ollie Rehn, as saying: “Constitution needs to be changed so a country could join the EU”.

Priebe: Cooperation with ICTY, police reform and public RTV system prerequisites for SAA

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘EU will not give up western Balkans’, mentioned on cover ‘We shall not give up western Balkans’ by S. Numanovic carries that talking with a group of journalists from western Balkans Reinhard Priebe, Director for Western Balkans in the EC, welcomed improved BiH’s cooperation with the ICTY and added that still a lot should be done with regard to this issue just like in Serbia. He added that apart from the cooperation with the ICTY, BiH must resolve the issues of the police reform and public RTV system. According to Priebe, without resolving of these issues there would be no negotiations on Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA).   

Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘BiH authorities must implement police reform’, by Zoran Kresic carried Priebe’s statement on police reform in BiH.

US Embassy: RS Government demonstrated lack of leadership

RHB, Hayat, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘RS Government demonstrated lack of leadership’ – USA is deeply disappointed with the lack of leadership shown by RS Government during the session of RS National Assembly held on Monday about police reform in BIH. US Embassy in Sarajevo stated that SDS should take full responsibility and explain to RS citizens what needs to be done regarding that key issue. US Embassy stresses that BIH needs a police reform that will ensure highest standards of police acting as well as BIH membership in NATO and EU. Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘USA: SDS is to face final responsibility’, Glas Srpske cover page splash inset ‘American Embassy’ – carry statement of Douglas McElchany, US Ambassador to BiH.

EUPM: Serious consequences for the future of BiH

RHB, Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘: Serious consequences for the future of BiH’, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 8 ‘Failure in police reform – tragedy for future of BiH’, by D. Pasic, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pgs 3-4 ‘Karadzic’s SDS is responsible for disaster in reforms’ by A.Sisic – EUPM is disappointed with the failure of RS political leadership to say yes to a total police reform in BIH. As stated, that failure means that police will not be able to fight serious and organised crime in an efficient way as well as have better salaries and better working conditions. EUPM stressed that the failure will have serious consequences for the future of BIH.

FTV, RTRS carried EUPM Commissioner Carty statement on the issue.

British Ambassador disappointed over RSNA rejection of police reform

Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Call to British businessmen to invest in BiH’, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Great Britain disappointed over RS position on police reform’, SRNA – The ambassador of Great Britain to BiH, Matthew Rycroft, said on Tuesday that he was disappointed by the fact that the RS had not accepted the proposed police reform in line with EU principles. “Great Britain is to take over chairmanship of the EU shortly and we were hoping that BiH would be opening talks on Stabilization and Association at that time,” Rycroft said in talks with BiH Presidency member Ivo Miro Jovic. The British ambassador and the Croat member of the Presidency stressed during the meeting that they were pleased with the development of bilateral cooperation between BiH and Great Britain and concluded that broad possibilities existed for the promotion of ties, especially on the economic plane. Jovic invited British businessmen to show interest and invest in BiH. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘The British are disappointed’, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pgs 3-4 ‘Karadzic’s SDS is responsible for disaster in reforms’ by A.Sisic also carried British Ambassador’s statement on police reform in BiH/RS position.

SDA’s Kadric on RSNA conclusions on police reform

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘It turned out that their goal is independence of RS’ by E.S. – Commenting on the RSNA conclusions on the police reform, Chairman of the RS Council of Peoples Remzija Kadric stated that these stands show what is the goal of Serb representatives and that is the RS independence. Kadric added: ‘For this reason the reforms, whose goal is BiH’s approaching the EU, would never be implemented in current constellation of political forces and, unfortunately, without more active participation of the International Community.’ 

HNZ criticizes Humphreys’ support to Cavic’s statement

RHB, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 14 ‘Serbs have privileged status’, by M. Landeka – The HNZ (Croat National Community) believes the entities are not the level that should be taking decisions that are of the state importance. The party also criticizes behaviour of parts of the IC, the Head of EC delegation to BiH, Michael Humphreys, in particular, because he assessed as good the option presented by the RS President, Dragan Cavic, who said that the police regions that overstep the inter-entity lines would be an exception, not the rule. Oslobodjenje pg 7 also carried the statement.

DL op-ed on police reform: Blow against IC

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Blackmail with police’, by Ivica Glibusic – Commenting on the rejection of the police reform by the RS NA, the author writes it is in fact a bigger blow against the IC rather than against the BiH citizens. “Let’s remind it was the same IC that created the Republika Srpska we currently have, and today it (IC) does nothing that the republic accepts what is good for the country and its citizens. Shifting of responsibility onto the SDS and Karadzic is just a corny phrase that is used by the High Representative and the IC”, writes Glibusic arguing that the lack of pressure coming from the IC is a product of a strong Serb lobby in the world, which has Britain and Russia behind it.

Scheffer on BiH and SCiG membership in NATO

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘NATO expects closer cooperation with BiH’ not signed – Addressing representatives of the NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly, NATO’s Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer stated that NATO expects closer cooperation with BiH and Serbia and Montenegro when their plans for membership in NATO are in question.

Political Developments

Nedeljni Telegraf: Division of Balkans

Nedeljni Telegraf pg 7, 8  & 9 ‘Hellish scenario for breaking up Serbia, BiH, Macedonia and Croatia’ – Nedeljni Telegraf reports that last week London’s Institute for political studies issued an analysis of tailoring the Balkans’ borders. The analysis undoubtedly says that Serbia , Bosnia , Macedonia and Croatia would not remain in their current borders. The Institute for political studies proposes a new, radical division of former Yugoslavia . According to the proposal, Serbia should get Vukovar, Beli Manastir, Erdut, Borovo and the RS, and Croatia would get Herzegovina including Mostar. Parts of Vojvodina populated mostly with Hungarians would join to Hungary , and those parts populated mostly with Croats should join to Croatia . Serbia should give up Sandzak, and Montenegro should allow Rozaje and Plevlja to join Sandzak region. The Institute also proposes that Serbia gives up Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja allowing these municipalities to join Kosovo that would join Albania . In exchange Serbia should get Leposavic, Zubin Potok and Zvecan populated with Serbs. Western parts of Macedonia should join Albania , and the rest parts of Macedonia would become an independent ‘Republic Ilindenska Macedonia ’. A sort of Muslim’s region ‘Bosnjakija’ would be created in BiH. After all of these territorial exchanges, Serbia , Montenegro , Sandzak and Bosnjakija should form a confederation called Yugoslavia . However, the Institute does not stop here, there is more ‘border tailoring’. Slovenia should give to Croatia villages where Croats live, and in exchange Croatia should give up the idea to control nuclear power plant Krsko. Furthermore, the Institute proposes a new, international conference of Versailles ’ type, that would in details discuss this border tailoring.        

Hayat: Citizens, politicians on possible transfer of HR powers t6o BiH institutions

TV Hayat – Report brings a feature on opinion of BiH citizens on having the High Representative’s authorities transferred to BiH institutions. Most of the citizens said that it was not a good idea since BiH politicians were not able to cope with the authorities the HR had. Some of them said that BiH politicians were smart enough to lead the state. “As you can see, we are no able to agree on some irrelevant issues, not even to mention extremely important ones”, said FBiH Prime Minister, Ahmet Hadzipasic.

CoM session postponed, SIPA Director not appointed again

Pink, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Still without consent for SIPA Director appointment’, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘The appointment of SIPA officials postponed again’ by M.C. – The new State Information and Protection Agency director was not elected on Tuesday, because the BiH Council of Ministers (CoM) session was postponed. The reasons for the posponement are unknown. It is also unknown ahen the session will be held. 

SDP BiH initiates no confidence motion in FBiH Government

Pink, BHT, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Initiative for a vote of no confidence in FBiH Government’, Dnevni Avaz pg 10, Dnevni List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘Initiative for overthrowing of Federation Government started’, by M. Zorlak, D. Kozina, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘SDP raised an issue of vote-of-confidence to F BiH Government’ by Agencies, SRNA – The SDP BiH club of deputies in the FBiH House of Representatives launched an initiative for a vote of no confidence in the federation government at a session on Tuesday. The SDP initiative says that the Federation Government has been ignoring positions, conclusions and initiatives of the parliament, the House of Representatives in particular. The initiative was signed by 22 deputies from the following opposition parties – the SDP, the Democratic People’s Union , the New Croat Initiative, the Working for Prosperity People’s Party, the Croat Peasant Party and the Ecological Party.

SD: Ljubic receives support of HDZ in Central Bosnia Canton as candidate for HDZ leader

Slobodna Dalmacija, front pg splash and pg 15 ‘Ljubic v Covic 14 to 7’, by Zvonimir Cilic – Reports that the majority of members of the Cantonal Board of HDZ of Central Bosnia Canton supported, at a session held on Monday night, the candidacy of dr. Bozo Ljubic for the office of HDZ president. Of 22 members of the Board, 14 voted for Ljubic, 7 for Dragan Covic, 1 for Ivan Madunic whilst Barisa Colak received zero votes. According to the article, things are not looking good for Covic in Zenica-Doboj Canton too.

DL interview: Hadziomerovic (SDA) on Herzegovinians in SDA top, political processes in Mostar

Dnevni List, pg 9, mentioned on front ‘Nobody must give up Bosniaks of Herzegovina’, by Nermin Bise – Carries an interview with former member of SDA Presidency, Dr. Zijad Hadziomerovic, who was recently elected the president of SDA Mostar, but subsequently resigned from the post “after interventions by the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, and SDA president, Sulejman Tihic”. Hadziomerovic notes that Bosniaks of Herzegovina are no longer represented in the SDA top, however he believes that someone from Herzegovina will be entering senior structures of the SDA. In that context, he believes Tihic will create space for a Herzegovinian in the SDA top. Asked to comment on the political processes in Mostar, Hadziomerovic says he is not involved in political events, however he believes the approach of the parties involved has to be more sincere. “It is simple, one must not cheat in this city. The High Representative’s decision on Mostar must be implemented. If it is not implemented, than everything becomes questionable”, says Hadziomerovic.

London conference on Brcko District Status to take place in June

Dnevni Avaz, pg 9 ‘Sontheim: Status of Brcko District will not be changed’; Glas Srpske, pg 3 ‘Owen’s measures again’; Blic pg RS6 ‘District authorities to be asked about reforms’  – OHR Brcko spokesperson Suzana Bursac said on Tuesday that OHR has embarked on a process of consultation and discussion on a number of legal issues relating to Brcko District’s status and its relationship to the State, but refused to specify those legal issues. Glas Srpske reports that the status of Brcko will be discussed at a conference on 13 and 14 June in London.The conference was summoned by presiding arbitrator Robert Owen, who reached decision on declaration of Brcko District on 5 March 1999. Deputy head of OHR Brcko Gerhard Sontheim said that regardless of the outcome of the conference, it would not include any change to the status of District. He emphasised that the RS and Federation BiH had voluntarily transferred their competences on the District which status is in accordance with the BiH Constitution and Final Arbitral Award. Sontheim did not want to talk about details of the conference, saying that the Arbitral Tribunal ‘performs the role of an international court’. “The District’s competences could be transferred only if there is an agreement of District’s authorities,” Sontheim said. The Brcko District Mayor Mirsad Djapo and Assembly president Milan Tomic expressed the same opinion, emphasizing that the District only wants to keep its competences given by the Arbitral Award, but that the position of the Republika Srpska, Federation and the joint institutions is not clear to them. They say that Brcko District is asking for is recognition of the District institutions by the state and entities, and that the District has never been considered as an isolated part of BiH by people in Brcko.

Dnevni Avaz quotes Sontheim saying ‘the status of Brcko District, as a unit of the local self-management under the sovereignty of BiH, will not be changed regardless the conclusions of the Arbitral Tribunal session n London on 13 and 14 June.” He added that loyalty of the District and its readiness to support reforms in BiH should not be doubt.

Economic/Social Issues

Protest rally in Bihac against BiH Constitutional Court decision

BHT, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Defending the truth’, Oslobodjenje pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘Krajina people are again left alone’, Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Defenders and aggressor will not be equal’, by Rusmir Karat, Slobodna Dalmacija, back pg ‘Disgraceful decision by Constitutional Court’, by M. Mulic – More than 15.000 people protested in Bihac against Constitutional Court’s decision that members of People’s Defence of so-called Autonomous province Western Bosnia should have the same rights as the BiH Army members. Although they believe that members of People’s Defence soldiers’ families should be taken care of, protesters urged Constitutional court to change this decision. “Those who wanted to tear BiH apart cannot have the same rights as the ones who were defending it” stated Almir Tutic, President of the Demobilized soldiers Association. If their demands are not satisfied, protesters announced mass protests in other FBiH cities.

Disabled persons held protest rally in front of FBiH Parliament building in Sarajevo

RHB, Pink, BHT, Hayat, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Disabled persons request for implementation of the law’, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Civilian invalids request application of law’, not signed – Several dozens of invalids protested in front of the FBiH Parliament building in Sarajevo, demanding that the implementation of the law on their rights should start on July 1^st. This law, adopted almost eight months ago, guarantee bigger incomes and better social care for the invalids, but its implementation has not started yet. “We will hold out to the end. We are stronger than the ones who can walk, although our health is not good”, said Zula Selimovic, Canton Sarajevo Association of Paraplegics President. However, FBiH Government claims that there is not enough money for the full implementation of this law, so they want to postpone it until the beginning of 2006. “We simply cannot do that. If somebody believes it is possible, that person should form the new government”, said FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic. In the meantime, the discussion on this issue is postponed for Wednesday.

FBiH HoR fails to adopt Law on Inspections

Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘Croats against dis-empowering of municipalities and cantons’, by N. Bise – The Law on Inspections did not receive the necessary majority at the yesterday’s (Tuesday) session of the FBiH House of Representatives. According to the President of HDZ-HNZ-CCD Caucus in the FBiH HoR, Ivan Madunic, several SDP MPs and the said Caucus did not support the Law. Madunic notes that the SDA and SBiH want to abolish rights of municipalities and cantons because the new Law would transfer all possible inspections onto the FBiH level. All other BiH media reported on the issues as well.

Crime/Legal Proceedings

RS Interior Minister Matijasevic vows to prosecute police officers involved in Srebrenica

BHT, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Police officers involved in Srebrenica crime will be prosecuted’, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Policemen responsible for Srebrenica will be processed’ by Agencies, FENA – RS Interior Minister Darko Matijasevic has told FENA that the entity police have been consistently working on all the demands set by the Srebrenica Commission, and that he has no doubt that all the requested information in connection with the Srebrenica events has been submitted to the working group for the implementation of the Srebrenica Commission’s report. On should recall that 31 May is the deadline by which the RS Interior Ministry should have submitted to the working group additional information on RS police members involved in the events in Srebrenica between 10 and 19 July 1995. The working group for the implementation of the conclusions from the Srebrenica Commission’s final report met on Tuesday in Banja Luka, while Matijasevic underlined that any member of the RS Interior Ministry involved in the crime committed in Srebrenica must be held individually responsible and prosecuted. “This will continue to be the sole guideline for the RS Interior Ministry,” the minister said.

VL interview with one of terrorist leaders in Iraq

Vecernji List, front pg splash and pgs 20 and 21 ‘We must destroy Vatican’, by Hassan Haidar Diab – Carries an interview with “one of most wanted terrorists in the world”, Osama bin Dujana (spelling?), which was done in Iraq, and in which he explains reasons why he is fighting against the US and its allies. He admits he was taking part in the war in BiH and that several prominent members of Al Qaeda were killed in BiH

BiH Prosecution interested in information in possession of alleged former Al Qaeda officer

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Ali Hamad will testify against general Delic!?’, not signed – Former Al Qaeda officer Ali Ahmed Ali Hamad, who is in prison in Zenica, intrigued the BIH Prosecution and ICTY regarding information he has on the existence of terrorist groups and individuals in BIH. His lawyer Dusko Tomic stated that arrests around Europe were carried out on basis of Ali Hamad’s information given to ICTY investigators. Tomic stressed that his client is ready to testify about the crimes committed by the El Mujahid unit and against former BiH Army commander Rasim Delic.