OHR BiH Media Round-up, 1/6/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

Mesic opens Summit in Opatija

War crimes suspect arrested

War crimes suspect arrested

Sessions of FBiH, RS Govts today

Conference on war crimes in BiH

Positions in Sarajevo Commission

World news

US suspended financial aid to SCG

CoM Chair Terzic on state property

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Broadcasting signal interrupted

PRD SB confirms single police

Special police searching for Selver

PDHR: referendum is not best idea

Problem of post-war syndrome

RS PM Dodik on referendum

PRD in session

Summit on state administration

PDHR Butler on referendum in RS

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Police structure confirmed

Trade Union Forum

PRD Steering Board had session

Dodik on police reform

“Mittal Steel” workers on strike

Butler pays visit to RS

Regional news

Protests of teachers in Herzegovina

Dodik offered internat. audit to ITA

BIH CEC on RS referendum

Butler on referendum in RS

Joint Commission had meeting

Oslobodjenje

[PDHR Butler ] OHR will use Bonn powers in case of referendum

Dnevni Avaz

[US Ambassador McElhaney] BiH is sovereign state and that’s that!

Dnevni List

Tycoons to plead guilty and request settlement (Persons charged with money laundering, tax evasion etc. through company ‘Uzdah’ negotiate on pleading guilty)

Vecernji List

Mujaheddins were members of BiH Army (Testimony of Mostar Mufti Smajkic before ICTY against 6 former Herceg Bosna leaders)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Ilidza in Union of Turkish Municipalities (By forming their own Municipality called Western Ilidza non-Bosniaks react agst Municipal Council decision to join Union of Turkish Municipalities)

Nezavisne Novine

BiH does not need radicalisation

Glas Srpske

Consensus without consensus (PRD SB)

EuroBlic

Kotaran admitted he had committed murder

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

War crimes suspects arrested in Visegrad

RTRS, BH Radio 1 – Acting in line with warrant by the Sarajevo Cantonal Court, former policemen Borislav Berjan indicted for committing war crimes against prisoners of war, was arrested in Visegrad on Wednesday night. Public Security Centre East Sarajevo official Miroslav Popara did not confirm where the crimes were committed.

BiH Civil Affairs Ministry calls on associations to propose candidates for Sarajevo commission

RTRS – The BiH Ministry of Civil Affairs and Refugees has forwarded a memo to the entities’ Government, Sarajevo Canton and NGO’s dealing with war sufferings and other organizations and associations to propose candidates for the members of the Commission for investigating crimes in Sarajevo. Ivica Marinovic, BiH Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs and Refugees, has expressed hope that lists of candidates would be provided so the upcoming session of the BiH CoM could appoint members of the Commission.

BiH Court President Kreso: More work for Court after ICTY ends its mission; Court to focus on individual liability 

BH Radio 1 by Mirsad Bajtarevic – At the Conference on achievements and challenges of processing war crimes in BiH, the BiH Court President Meddzida Kreso stated that this institution must focus on determining individual culpability for it does process neither states nor peoples. She added BiH Court would have even more work after 2010, when the ICTY end its mission. Kreso stressed that issue of war crimes must not be neglected nor suppressed, no matter how difficult or unpopular it might be. She added that Court has to work impartially and independently.

US suspended financial aid to SCG, for it failed to fully cooperate with ICTY

BH Radio 1 by Amir Suzanj – USA suspended financial aid to SCG Government, because it refused to fully cooperate with the ICTY, stated the State Department on Wednesday.The US will hold back $7 million in aid [out of $75 million foreseen for 2006], but will continue to provide money for humanitarian and pro-democracy efforts. US would be willing to reconsider its decision should Serbia show it was cooperating with the Hague Tribunal.

Debate on referendum initiative

PDHR Butler : As long as OHR is in BiH, there would not be referendum; HR would use Bonn powers

PINK – The Principle Deputy of High Representative Lawrence Butler visited Banja Luka, where he and RS officials to discuss a number of issues. Speaking about referendum initiative in the RS after the meeting with the RS PM Milorad Dodik and RSNA Speaker Igor Radojicic, PDHR Butler reiterated that talking freely about referendum is not the best idea underlying there is no space for organizing referendum which would question Dayton Peace Agreement. “In the event someone attempting to organize any kind of referendum HR [Christian Schwarz-Schilling] would use his Bonn Powers to deal with that. That can not be more clear,” said Butler. PDHR added that one has to wonder whether speculation on referendum would appeal to foreign investors, whether it draws attention of BiH politicians from what they should be doing or whether everything is only a pre-election marketing. Oslobdjenje cover splash and pgs 4-5 ‘High Representative would use Bonn Powers in case of referendum’ by O.Vukovic– Butler added: “Politicians and people at public functions have responsibility to affirm Dayton and associate BiH with the EU.” He emphasized Dodik has convinced him that statements on referendum didn’t refer to RS and BiH.Hayat [by ATV] – Butler stated that as long as OHR remains in BiH its citizens wouldn’t have the right to a referendum. However, ATV adds Butler didn’t know the answer as to whether DPA limits BiH citizens to declare themselves through referendum on any issue, and it according to ATV he later remembered referendum could be carried out depending on the question. RTRS, FTV, BHT1, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Referendum in RS contrary to Dayton Peace Accord’ not signed, EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Storm in a glass of water’ by Rajna Radosavljevic and Mirna Soja, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘First hand replies’ by Z. Markovic and G. Dakic, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘As long as OHR is in BiH talks on referendum aren’t possible’ by Onasa – also reported. 

RS PM Dodik says that initiative for referendum is response to calls to abolishment of the RS; RSNA Speaker Radojicic: RSNA could discuss referendum if procedure met 

RTRS – PDHR Larry Butler met the RS Prime Minister, Milorad Dodik and RS National Assembly Speaker Igor Radojicic. Dodik deems that there are no reactions of the international community regarding talks on abolishment of RS that come from FBiH. “I am not adventurer who believes that [referendum of RS separation from BiH] should be done now since there is no support for such thing and there is no possibility for the recognition. But if there are permanent efforts to devastate constitutional and legal system, efforts to burden RS with something negative, it is obvious that people would loose patience over here”, said Dodik. “RS President and certain number of RSNA MPs can propose referendum. There is also legal procedure by which at least 3000 signature should be submitted in order to discuss something in the RS National Assembly. Everything that is in accordance with legal procedure, with Law, Operative procedure and Constitution will be discussed at the RSNA”, said Radojicic. Oslobdjenje cover splash and pgs 4-5 ‘High Representative would use Bonn Powers in case of referendum’ by O.Vukovic – “Referendum is a standard proclaimed by the UN, but it showed that talk about that, even in international circles, can cause more reactions and storm then continue to insist on the RS abolishment” said Dodik. BHT1 – Dodik stated that referendum would be possible only with prior approval of the EU, explaining that the initiative for referendum is a reaction to calls for abolishment of RS in FBiH. Dodik stressed that referendum would be impossible at this moment. SDS stated that this party didn’t discuss this issue yet, explaining that they would be put under pressure to publicly deny their stances, which is very bad for the image of the party. SDS leader Dragan Cavic said that this issue is not a problem of one single party or one single person. FTV, Hayat, PINK, Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘I am not adventurer’ by Sl. P., Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Dodik: I am not adventurer and I am aware that there is no support for referendum’ – also reported of the meetings.

RS PM Dodik: RS was not established based on crime and genocide, as it was founded in 1992

PINK – RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik stated [PINK did not say at which occasion or when] that while he knew there is no support for the referendum on separation of the RS in the international community, such option sill exists as a democratic possibility. “RS is persistently sending a message that it wants to be a partner in BiH. If it is sending the message and participates in the constitutional reform…in which we agreed the package of changes in which everything is not exactly as we wanted, but it is the package that we still stand behind; and if all of that is rejected only in the FBiH then naturally significant number of people here would start to feel as surplus, regardless if politicians said it or not, and they would start thinking about other issues. Concept of partnership in BiH and development that would lead it to be better and more successful part of the BiH on the way to the EU, best suits the RS, but I am truly pointing to one possibility of development, which is possible if Sarajevo doesn’t realize that we haven’t been established on genocide and crime, since the RS was established in 1992 and those event were after,” said Dodik, adding that they all should pay for their crimes before courts.

US Ambassador McElhaney: There will be no referendum!

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘BiH does not need radicalisation’, pg 5 ‘Radicalisation should be avoided’ by Almedin Sisic – In a page interview to daily, Douglas McElhaney, American Ambassador to BiH, says that BiH is a sovereign state and there is absolutely no question regarding its status, adding: “Referendum? No. Not referendum. What we have here at this period are elections. I am of the view it is not useful to radicalise situation at the moment… Stance of my Government is clear. BiH status has been determined, it is a sovereign state.” He reiterates there are many important issues left to be discussed such as constitutional reform, police reform and many other issues related to SAA talks with EU (including employment, opening of new posts and education opportunities). He did not want to respond to press question what reasons made Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, to refer to referendum option. He also reminds of another key issue, which is cooperation with the ICTY. Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘BiH is sovereign state and that’s that!’, pg 5 ‘There will be no referendum!’ by Sead Numanovic – “From the US point of view, situation in BiH is very clear. BiH is sovereign state. There will be no referendum… BiH is sovereign state and that’s that… Debate in the media was a very poor and clumsy effort to redirect people’s attention from the important issues [in the pre-elections period].” Asked why he did not condemn statements Dodik’s, McElhaney said this was not an issue to be focused at this time, repeating that the stance of International Community is very clear. Inset ‘Role of Europeans’ – Asked who would be in charge of the next phase of constitutional changes, himself or the HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling, McElhaney noted: “Schwarz-Schilling and all Europeans are strongly supporting this package and US is very pleased with that. Europeans realized that these changes are necessary and that they have to be done. When we finish this package, then we can move one in talks. I will, of course, take part in that.”

Interview with Olli Rehn: The stories on referendum in BiH, i.e. in RS, or anywhere else are not good and EU does not support these

Vecernje Novosti cover splash, pg 2 ‘Will is not enough’ by Gordana Bulatovic – carries an interview with EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn in which he expressed wish of EU to continue SAA talks with Serbia, under the condition of full cooperation with the Hague Tribunal. Inset ‘No new referendums’ – Asked to comment on the recent intentions to organize referendums in RS and Kosovo to resolve their statuses in a similar way as in Montenegro, Rehn stated: The stories on referendum in BiH, i.e. in RS, or anywhere else are not good and EU does not support these. Stability in the region is very important to us. On the other hand, I believe integrity of BiH should be supported and, at the same time, activities should be implemented to improve constitutional framework that would enable citizens of that state to realize reforms in the best possible way’

Serbian reactions: big parties support referendum in RS, differently from what they told HR CSS

Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘Leading parties for independent RS’ by B.Boskov– Serbian party DSS [Democratic Serbian Party lead by Serbian PM Vojisalv Kostunica] as was told by its Spokesperson Andreja Mladenovic to Novi Sad based ‘Dnevnik’ is expecting the consistent application of international laws, in BiH and in the RS, as well as in other parts of Serbia and Montenegro and the region. “If some right belongs to one people on one part of the territory, we don’t see why that right to the referendum wouldn’t belong to someone else as well,” stands in DSS statement. Commenting that after his talks with Serbian officials HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling rejected any idea about referendum and that Serbian President Boris Tadic and PM Kostunica stressed their support to Dayton Agreement, Boskov comments that DSS statement allows different interpretations, since “it is in better rime with stances of SRS and SPS then the statement of Schwarz-Schilling”. Presidency of G 17 Plus and its member Cedomir Antic also stressed that they support stances of Dodik regarding the referendum and self-determination.  Boskov conluds that two most influential parties in Serbia, “one indirectly [DSS] and other openly [g17 Plus] are supporting referendum on RS independence, even though the Government they belong to and that they lead doesn’t approve it officially”.

Oslobodjenje op-ed: It was to expect that Serbian DS is supporting referendum in RS

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Expected move’ op-ed by Edin Krehic – Commenting that it was expected that [Serbian] Democratic Party [DS] spokesperson supports idea of RS referendum on secession, in spite of the fact that leader of that party, Serbian Prime Minister Vojsilav Kostunica earlier supported BiH based on Dayton Peace Agreement.

Party for BiH: BiH is not a product of DPA

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘BiH is not a product of Dayton’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘BiH is a continuity, not Dayton-made’  – Party for BiH denied the statement of HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling, who has stated “BiH was created on the ground of the agreement from Dayton”, reminding him of the fact BiH is not and cannot be a product of the Dayton Agreement. The party quoted Article 1 of the Annex 4 of DPA that reads the Republic of BiH will continue its legal existence as in accordance with international laws as a state, with adjustments of its interior organization within internationally recognized borders.

SBiH: there are double standards in BiH CEC; Why SNSD is not being punished for anti-Dayton advocating for referendum on RS secession

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘SBiH was punished, SNSD is being awarded’ by E.Sarac – SBiH Secretary General Munib Jusufovic raised issue why the SNSD is not being punished for SNSD leader Milorad Dodik’s anti-Dayton advocating for referendum on RS secession, reminding that SBiH was punished in 1998 for slogan ‘BiH without entities’. Jusufovic said that it is obvious that there are double standards in BiH Central Electoral Commission [CEC]: “I have to ask how come that head of BiH CEC Branko Petric explains that BiH Law on elections foresees that every party leader has to sign the statement that he will abide Dayton Agreement, adding that Law does not foresees what now, what are the consequences for not abiding it… As far as I know, BiH CEC is the only body in state authorized to interpret the Law on Elections, so there is no place for Petric’s statement that certain provisions are understated. It is his and task of other CEC members to interpret it.”

PDP’s Djurkovic: F BiH again disputes equal rights of RS

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Federation is disputing RS’ by Srna – PDP’s Jelina Djurkovic warned that the latest reactions from F BiH, with regard to the referendum, is yet another example of disputing of equal rights of RS as a part of BiH, based on obscure thesis that the RS was a result of genocide.

GS op-ed critical of reactions on referendum option / of Tihic’s statement comparing Serbs and Croats in BiH with Muslims in Sandzak or Hungarians in Vojvodina

Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘According to Tihic, Serbs are ethnic minority’ by Veljko Kojovic – Regarding referendum story, the author notes that the very reference to it has raised harsh reactions in F BiH and by the international community, criticising the fact that there has been no single reaction regarding frequent statements promoting abolishment of entities. Regarding OHR criticism on this, he advises it to take the latest statement of Sulejman Tihic, Bosniak member to BiH Presidency, as topic of its next press release at the press conference he gave regarding referendum (when he compared the situation with secession of Sandzak or Vojvodina Hungarians), stressing Tihic may be thinking Serbs and Croats are minority in BiH. He urges biased reactions of the IC, including OHR.

NN op-ed critical of harsh reactions in F BiH re. referendum option / he personally finds those unrealistic and unnecessary

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Directly indirect democracy’ by Miroslav Mikes – Writing about issue of referendum, the author says that referendum is a sort of indirect democracy, expressing surprise over the fact that there are two different approaches towards the issue of potential referendum in RS and Kosovo. He raises the issue as to why some circles in F BiH have reacted upon Milorad Dodik’s statement (regarding referendum option) with hatred and brutally, since he has just referred to it as option. According to author, some poll results show 97% of ATV (TV station in Banja Luka) viewers, 50 thousand signatures and majority of relevant politicians in RS. On the issue, he gives his personal view on the issue saying: “Republika Srpska should not be a means for settling accounts with Serbia or anybody else as a balance for issue of Kosovo…Ideas on secession are unrealistic, unnecessary and harmful for all BiH peoples, including Serb. On the other hand, aspirations to separate from BiH are proportionally equal with attempts to abolish RS. Lesser pressures against RS and attempts to deny it and aspiration for its abolishment, lesser the tensions in line with principle action-reaction learned in primary school.”

Oslobodjenje op-ed: RS PM Dodik’s statements will only make IC extends its mandate in BiH

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Scent of separatism’ op-ed by Gojko Beric – Editorial comments that statement of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik, who advocated for referendum on RS secession, “woke up our friend [High Representative] Christian [Schwarz-Schilling] from his pleasant nap.” Author notes that HR reacted quickly, denying Dodik’s demand. Editorial concludes that such Dodik’s pre-elections campaign will only make International Community extends its mandate in BiH.

DA op-ed: If political parties are speaking now like this, will we go to trenches instead on elections in October?

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Do we need Electoral Commission?’ op-ed by Sead Numanovic – Commenting statement of BiH Central Electoral Commission [CEC] President Branko Petric, who said that that this body “has no capacity to estimate whether certain political statements breach Dayton Agreement”, editorial reads this implies BiH does not need such BiH CEC. Author stresses that such statement is ignorant and shallow, for BiH CEC earlier punished SBiH in 1998 for slogan ‘BiH without entities’: “If they [political parties] are speaking now like this, will we go to trenches instead on elections in October?… So, either BiH CEC has to start doing its job… or everyone will do whatever they want.”

Police reform

PRD SB confirms single police structure, established at two levels, says police cannot be at entity level 

RTRS by Branka Kusmuk – Police Reform Directorate Steering Board [PRD SB] held its session on Wednesday, which was also attended by the acting RS Police Director, Nijaz Smajlovic, but only in a capacity of an observer. PDR SB confirmed earlier Opinion about single police structure organized at two levels: state and local. The Opinion further foresees that decisions on police and budget would be brought at the BiH level and that future police regions should be determined in accordance with technical criteria. Request on existence of entities’ police was not accepted. “Opinion that was earlier accepted will remain. This means police will work on two levels- state and local. We did not accept entity level. Eight of ten members of Steering Board were present so we reached consensus”, said Vinko Dumancic, PRD Steering Board Chair. Dumancic announced that the PRD Steering Board would discuss a decision on organizational models of police forces at the BiH level and local level at its following session. BHT1 – Smajlovic explained that his status in the work of the Board depends on political agreement on police reform, adding that RS National Assembly should decide on many political issues regarding the police reform, before the professionals can start with their work. PINK, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni List pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Nevertheless, entity police is being abolished?!’ by D. P. Mandic, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Organization of police at state and local level only’ by dja, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Organisation of police ascertained’ by M.Cubro, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Consensus without RS representatives’ by D. Stanisic– carried similar reports.

Oslobodnje brings details of Opinion on police

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Entities cannot preserve the police’, mentioned on cover by Az.Kalamujic – After it adopted the previously passed Opinion, Police Reform Directorate Steering Board has started discussion on model of the future police structure organization in BiH, which would be established at two levels. PRD Executive Body proposed model of police structure and members of the PRD SB have committed themselves to write objections and suggestions in next ten days. Member of the PRD SB Sead Lisak said that there were no major objections to the proposed model, but only few professional suggestions. According to the proposed model, police structures would be under authority of BiH Security Minister, but his role would be reduced to political affairs and will have no influence to operative work. Main operative function would be of a General Director, who would have a coordinating role on head of the directorial with chiefs of all police agencies and institutions in the state. State level of police structure would be composed of State Border Service, SIPA, and forensic institute, police academy and as novelty there is an agency for police administration, which would deal with personnel issues and training. “At the lowest level there are local police regions, whose number and appearance would be subject of the talks after determining of police structure at the state level” said Lisak.

RS PM Dodik: RS is not obstructing police reform

RTRS – RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik said that RS does not want to be out of the police reform and for that reason keeps the position of the observer at the meetings of PRD Steering Board. Dodik added that RS Government respects the Agreement on police reform: “I am inviting everyone who calls on that Agreement to read it from the beginning not from the middle. Establishment of the Directorate is explained at the beginning. In our opinion Directorate is not established in accordance with the Agreement. Agreement also says about the decision-making process. And it is different way of decision-making process today. In order to talk about the full implementation of the Agreement, we have to adjust organization and way of work of the Directorate to that agreement.” BHT1 Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Organisation of police ascertained’ inset ‘Dodik: RS is not obstructing police reform’ by M.Cubro – also carry.

PRD SB member Smajlovic says politicians should let professionals to their job

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Organisation of police ascertained’ by M.Cubro – Nijaz Smajlovic, RS representative at PRD SB, who attended Wednesday’s session as observer, has stated after the session that: “Politicians should agree about disputable issues, in order to enable professionals to do their job.” Vinko Dumancic, PRD Steering Board Chair, has stated that the SB has Wednesday forwarded Recommendations RS NA enacted (demanding consensus way of decision-making process) to BiH COM, since “this is a political issue and therefore, this Document had to be forwarded to politicians.” Oslobodjenje pg 3 inset “Smajlovic waits agreement of politicians’, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Eight members against entity police’ by E.sarac, Inset ‘Smajlovic waits for green light of RS politicians’- also reported.

Interview with RS MoI Cadjo: We have prepared new model on police, that are in harmony with RS NA conclusions, Agreement on Police Restructuring and 3 EC principles

Novi Reporter pgs 14-17 ‘Equality is not obstruction to efficiency’ by Sasa Bizic – In a lengthy interview to daily, Stanislav Cadjo, RS Interior Minister, speaks of many issues related to police reform, police work. He disagrees with the OHR statement that RS representatives have withdrawn from PRD work, stressing: “We have not withdrawn, but instead our representatives have placed themselves in the position of observers, since they assessed their work under current framework is senseless.” He also notes: “We have prepared a new proposal of model, even the law on police force, those proposals have been in harmony with conclusions of the RS NA, Agreement on police restructuring and much-vaunted three European principles.” He reiterates that the first phase of work of PRD saw negative approach towards demands from RS representatives that the work of the PRD should be harmonised with Agreement on police restructuring, that consensus as principle of decision-making is respected and changes be embodied into Directorate’s Opinion. He adds: “We cannot accept the fact that term “entity” is ignored   in such a rude manner. It is not just a word, but instead it is one of major points in organisation of future police force in BiH.” He does not want to reveal any detail related to media reports on assassination plot against RS Premier. (NOTE: Headline was not further elaborated in the text.)

Economic and judicial issues

Trade Union Forum would call employees and pensioners not to vote for political options that have no adequate economic and social programs

FTV By Zlata Behram – The first BiH Trade Union Forum was held in Sarajevo on Wednesday, and its representatives discussed main problems of workers, especially stressing difficult working conditions, violation of labour rights and low salaries. Head of BiH Trade Union Edhem Biber warned the politicians that they might be very surprised at the October elections if situation doesn’t change. FBiH Minister of Labour and Social Issues Radovan Vignjevic stated that the best solution for economic problems lies with strengthening of state and fight against black market and economic crime. Vignjevic stressed the need for joint approach of workers in fight for their rights. PINK– Biber stated that goal of this Forum is to point to dramatic level of unemployment rate and underline that main political action should be pointed toward employment of people. Therefore, Independent Trade Union stressed that in case nothing is done on these issues, they would invite employees and pensioners not to vote at upcoming election for political options, which are not proposing adequate economic and social programs that would lead out of the crisis. BHT1, Hayat, Dnevni List pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Politicians cooperate with criminals!’ by R. Dautefendic, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘To replace war chants with working places’ by A.Omeragic, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Call on employees not to vote for parties that are not offering better life’ – also covered.

RS PM Dodik offers ITA international audit; says that he would give up the charges

RTRS- RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik offered to Indirect Taxation Administration [ITA] that an international audit conducts check of the resources’ allocations in the last year. Dodik said that in this case he would give up the charges against Joly Dixon, ITA Steering Board Chair and other responsible persons whom Dodik blames for reduce of coefficient on allocation of resources from single account.  Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Dixon: A blockade again’ INSET ‘Dodik demands foreign audit’by R.Cengic, EuroBlic pg RS ‘Dodik is offering audit’ by R. R.

FBiH Minister of Finances Vrankic: RS blackmails with VAT

Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Vrankic: RS blackmails with VAT’ by zk – Commenting on failure of the agreement on coefficients for distribution of VAT incomes, FBiH Minister of Finances Dragan Vrankic accused the RS authority that they want to pull down the Indirect Tax Administration and he added: ‘Blockades and blackmails continue and beneficiaries and citizens would suffer consequences of it. There is no reason for such behaviour…Probably, such decisions have political background.’

ITA SB Chair announces another blockade of ITA single account

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Dixon: A blockade again’ by R.Cengic – Joly Dixon, President of the ITA Steering Board, Wednesday confirmed to NN that if members of the ITA SB failed to agree on principles regarding distribution of public revenues in BiH as of 1 June, the distribution of money would be automatically halted, since there would be no rules in line with those should be divided., adding: “I do not need to make decision on blockade of resources, since it no principles are agreed until 1^st June, the distribution will be suspended and we will face with situation we had experienced before 26 April.” (Following meeting of ITA SB session Tuesday in Sarajevo , the VAT application of “BH Telekom” on final utilisation remained debatable, since RS representatives assessed it as incorrect. RS Finance Minister announced that he would file a complaint which may result in blockade of resources unless BH Telekom corrected its application.)

BiH CoM Chair Terzic: I will not listen to OHR and I will establish Office for state property

Dnevni Avaz pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘I will not listen to OHR and I will establish Office for state property’ by H.Orahovac – After assessing state has to take upon itself more significant role in solving issues of state property, BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic told daily: “Everything regarding state of BiH has to be job of BiH Council of Ministers. I noticed that everything that has been done so far in solving issue of state property did not have results. This is why I brought decision on forming Office for property of BiH and I intend to put it on agenda for the next session of BiH CoM.” Commenting that SDHR Peter Bas-Backer demanded him to remove this issue from the BiH CoM agenda, for the establishing the Office is not in accordance with decision on moratorium on managing state property [earlier brought by former HR Paddy Ashdown], Terzic noted: “I am deeply convinced that the decision I intend to put on BiH CoM agenda is in any way in discordance with previous decision of Paddy Ashdown. For the state without the property is not a state. In this moment, nobody knows the list of state property, who is managing it and how it should be done.” Terzic explained that the Office would be primarily oriented on making list of state property: “Any other approach is not good because there is no transition state that proceeded otherwise. Why would BiH be an exemption?”

PDHR Butler meets RS PM, RSNA Speaker, says no disputes over economic issues important for SAA

PINK – PDHR Lawrence Butler visited Banja Luka, where he and RS officials to discuss a number of issues. Speaking about referendum initiative in the RS after the meeting with the RS PM Milorad Dodik and RSNA Speaker Igor Radojicic.  Meetings were also focused on strengthening banking control system, necessity to pass new Law on Obligations, agreement on single management system, railroads in BiH, etc. He told the press conference that majority of mentioned issues were not controversial as businessmen in both entities support those, and they are related to the obligations under the Stabilization and Association process. “None of this can nor will be imposed. These are the issues that have to be passed voluntarily and in accordance with the will of the peoples in the entities. You are those that need to judge whether your politicians are leading you in European process that would lead you faster to the integration with the EU” said Butler.

Persons charged with money laundering, tax evasion etc. through company ‘Uzdah’ negotiate on pleading guilty

Dnevni List cover pg splash and pg 20 ‘Tycoons to plead guilty and request settlement’ by E. Mackic carries that the beginning of the trial before the BiH Court against Ivica Culjak and others charged with tax evasion, money laundering and falsifying of documents through company ‘Uzdah’ has been postponed for June 27. State Prosecutor Ismet Suskic confirmed that the trial has been postponed since the indictees are negotiating on pleading guilty. 

War crimes and security

OHR would insist on Palic case as long as it exists in BiH:  RS PM Dodik to undertake measures and raise issue of personal liability

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Even with the pressure to the truth on Avdo Palic’ by O.V.– Principle Deputy of High Representative Lawrence Butlertalked on Wednesday in Banja Luka with RS prime Minister Milorad Dodik on solving Avdo Palic case. BHT1- OHR stated that as long as it exists in BiH and has the authority to implement the Dayton Peace Agreement, OHR is going to insist on investigation of truth about missing Colonel Palic [who went missing during the negotiations with RS Army on evacuation of Zepa in 1995 with the RS Army; BiH Human Rights Chamber obligated RS Government to locate his body remains]. OHR explained that Dodik has determined a number of measures, which will be undertaken in the future. FTV- Dodik stated that he is committed to having the case resolved as soon as possible, and announced that he would raise the issue of personal responsibility should there be any obstructions regarding in the course of the investigation. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘As long as OHR is in BiH talk about referendum is not posible’ by Onasa, Inset ‘Locating Avdo Palic is extremely important’

Mostar Mufti Smajkic before ICTY as witness in case agst 6 former Herceg Bosna leaders: Mujaheddins were present in BiH Army in large number

Vecernji List cover pg splash ‘Mujaheddins were members of BiH Army’ and pg 4 ‘Mujaheddins were present in all BiH Army units’ by Z. Kresic carries that Mostar Mufti Seid Smajkic testified on Wednesday before the ICTY as a prosecution witness in the case against 6 former Herceg Bosna leaders. VL says that this testimony discredited Smajkic since the defence presented his cooperation with UDBA (former Yugoslav Secret Intelligence Service) and Smajkic confirmed that mujaheddins were present in the BiH Army units in a large number just like mercenaries existed in HVO and Serb military units. Talking about his cooperation with UDBA Smajkic said that religious leaders were invited for informative talks but it was never demanded from him to cooperate with UDBA but just to give information that UDBA was interested in. Also reported by Dnevni List pg 6, mentioned on cover ‘Mufti admitted existence of mujaheddins and cooperation with UDBA’ by V. Soldo, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Defence accuses Smajkic for being UDBA aid’, Oslobodjenje pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘Prlic’ attorney accused mufti for cooperation with security service’ by A.Beslija – also reported.

RS NA conclusions on BiH lawsuit vs. SiCG forwarded to RS Constitutional Court

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Conclusions on BiH lawsuit vs. SiCG before RS Constitutional Court’ by S. G., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Without consent on conclusions’ by D. Mo.  – A joint commission of RS Council of Peoples and RS NA on Wednesday did not reach consensus on RS NA conclusions on BiH lawsuit vs. SiCG before the International Court of Justice in the Hague and it forwarded it for a discussion to RS Constitutional Court, which will determine whether the RS NA conclusions were endangering vital national interests of Bosniaks. Chairman of Bosniak Caucus at RS CoP Ramiz Salikic said RS NA has no competences with regard to the issue of BiH lawsuit vs. SiCG and added only state level bodies have competences with regard to this matter.

BiH CoM Chair announces BiH COM to re-appoint OSA top

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Re-appointment of Dzuvo, Zaric and Cosic’ by M.C. – Adnan Terzic, BiH COM Chair, has confirmed that at today’s session, the BiH CoM should extend mandates and appoint Almir Dzuvo, Risto Zaric and Ivan Cosic to the positions of OSA Director, Vice Director and Chief Inspector respectively. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘They supported proposal that Dzuvo, Zaric and Cosic remain at OSA top’ by H.O. – Eight out of nine members of the Joint Commission of the BiH Parliament for supervision of work of Intelligence and Security Agency (OSA) have supported proposal of Adnan Terzic, BiH COM Chair to extend mandates for above mentioned people.

Other political issues

HDZ 1990: Party was registered in accordance with legal regulations; Central Election Commission was under HDZ pressure/Sehic from CEC : CEC was not under pressure

Dnevni List pg 8 ‘Covic’s influence exerted on Election Commission’ by D. Pusic – With regard to the decision to change its name HDZ 1990 issued a press release which says that HDZ 1990 has been registered with the authorized court and in accordance with legal regulations. The press release also says that HDZ 1990 is aware that the Central Election Commission (CEC) was under strong pressure of HDZ BiH exerted in order make impossible registration of HDZ 1990 for the elections. HDZ 1990 is also convinced that they would resolve this issue with the CEC in the next 2 days. A member of the CEC, Vehid Sehic, stated that they acted according to the BiH Election Law in order to protect voters and he denied that any kind of pressure was exerted against the CEC. Slobodna Dalmacija pg 13 ‘Ljubic: Change of name is not necessary’ by M. Karcic carries HDZ 1990 President Bozo Ljubic reiterating things from the HDZ 1990 press release and SD announces today’s meeting between HDZ 1990 and CEC. Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Struggle for 3 letters in name of HDZ’ by zk learns that after today’s consultations HDZ 1990 would send a reply to the CEC with a proposal to add to HDZ 1990 addition ‘People’s Party’. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Will HDZ 1990 have to appear at elections with addition in its name?’ by F. Vele carries Ljubic as saying that the HDZ 1990 Presidency would decide today on the possibility that HDZ 1990 partly changes its name and, most probably, ‘People’s Party’ would be added to it. Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Change of name or they cannot go for elections’ by A.T.  – also carries.

SD commentary: ‘HDZ President Covic- Master of deception’

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 10, mentioned on cover ‘Covic master of deceiving’ by E. Karamatic comments on HDZ BiH President Dragan Covic’s statement that he would not put forward his candidacy at the October elections (see OHR BiH Media Round-up, May 29, 2006) and at the next year’s HDZ Convention and the author says that such statements are just Covic’s political marketing that only Croat voters in BiH buy. The author also reminds that Covic was removed from the position of the Croat member of the BiH Presidency and the author wonders as to why Covic would put forward his candidacy for the position that he might be immediately removed from.  

Ekstra Magazine: German Chancellor and Pope Benedict support entirely clear relations in Balkans

Ekstra Magazine ‘The time of referendum to come’ by Slobodan Vujicic – Following referendum results in Montenegro, Bijeljina seated bi-monthly reports referring to its diplomatic source that it is clear to US Department of State this would instigate Albanian separatists in Kosovo, which could further cause many other disputable and open regional issues to move, such as western Albania and status of RS inside BiH. The source further notes there are some other “winds” blowing at the EU HQ, reflected through Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, and Pope Benedict, who oppose to further expansion of EU until entirely clear relations are established in western Balkans states. According to source, clear relations also include realistic fact that Serbs, as the biggest people in the regional states, cannot lose all the political battles. According to source, the mentioned doublet was the one that prevented the American democrats in an attempt to cement BiH as a state through constitutional changes, from which Croat would never be able to pull out or achieve any sort of influence.

Ekstra Magazine: HR to BiH supports continuation of constitutional talks after elections

Ekstra Magazine Bijeljina seated bi-monthly ‘The time of referendum to come’ by Slobodan Vujicic – Regarding constitutional changes process in BiH, author reports referring to a diplomatic source that the purpose of the recent visit HR to BiH, Christian Schwarz Schilling, paid to Croatia was to reconcile Ivo Sanader, Croatian Premier, and Dragan Covic, HDZ President, in order to ensure a single Croat platform after elections, which would be based on demands for establishment of a third entity. Hence, source notes Schilling did not hesitate to confront American Administration and state there will no nothing from constitutional changes before elections. Source also says that Schilling supports Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, and Pope Benedict, who oppose to further expansion of EU until entirely clear relations are established in western Balkans states.

DA: RS reps again oppose to establishment of any institution at state level, this time concerning high education

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Hadzagic: What RS representatives demand does not exist in Europe’ by S.S. – According to daily, BiH Council of Ministers session today will once more discuss the proposed Law on high education, to which RS representatives oppose, stressing that once more RS side has opposed to establishment of any institution at the state level (referring to establishment of state commission for accreditation and licencing). Esma Hadzagic, Assistant to BiH Minister of Civil Affairs, has stated: “What RS representatives are pledging for does not exist in either European law or BiH Constitution. Out legislation does not include inter-entities institutions as legal subject and on this concept only an association of citizens can be formed. In this manner, the Agency would be equated with association of bee-keepers.” She stressed Ministry will not accept division of high education.

Supervisor Johnson sent a letter to CoM Chair Terzic, asked from CoM to include the District in BiH Draft Law on High Education

EuroBlic pg RS6 ‘Brcko wants to have a university’ by L. Stefanovic – Supervisor of Brcko District Susan Johnson has sent a letter to CoM Chair Adnan Terzic in which she expressed her regret over the fact the existing draft law on high education ‘in its current form seems not to include the District’. The letter reads that the District, in spite of all its achievements, was omitted from the Work Group for development of the draft law. The Supervisor noted: ‘Having in mind the importance of the law and in light of the forthcoming CoM session, I would like to ask you to use your authority to initiate introducing of changes… in order for Brcko District to be included as legally established unit of local self-governance that, although it is not under the administration of any of the entities, is a part of BiH’.