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| On epidemic of flu in Mostar | New RS Govt took over |
| BiH plane captured in | Vlasic region under heavy snow |
| BL Bishop’s Office on Matanovic case | Syria-Iran decision on anti-US front |
TV news broadcast on
| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
| Flu epidemic in Mostar | BiH flying crew kept in |
| Meningitis in Glamoc | Guantanamo-release of 6 prisoners |
| BIH Presidency in session | Investigation on bribing in RS |
| Lozancic on Dzihanovic’s statement | |
| NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) |
| Delegation from | |
| BiH-Turkey Business Council in sess. | |
| Branko Crvenkovski visits BiH | Macedonian president visits BiH |
| BiH Presidency in session | BIH Presidency in session |
Note: Due to bad weather, there was no signal of TV PINK and RTRS
| Oslobodjenje | Scandalous: Raise and good pension to BiH Presidency members |
| Dnevni Avaz | Turkish Premier in BiH: |
| Dnevni List | Taxes: Minister Vrankic responsible for plunder |
| Vecernji List | Secret trials for Mostar shells |
| Slobodna Dalmacija | Organize |
| Glas Srpske | Path to better economic cooperation was opened |
| Nezavisne Novine | Winter related titles |
| Blic | Trade Union representatives demand negotiations, pensioners demand raise, businessmen demand jobs |
| Vecernje novosti | Features Serbian related titles |
| Nacional | Features Serbian related titles |
LATEST NEWS OF TODAY | |
| New RS Govt took over duties | BH Radio 1 at |
RS Government appointment | |
| PSC / District PO B. Luka investigating alleged bribery case in RS NA
| Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Police is investigating whether bribe was offered at RS NA’, announced on cover ‘Prosecutor’s Office launched investigation on bribe?’ – The Banja Luka PSC has confirmed that it has involved in investigation on the case of bribery at RS NA, noting that police has taken the video-tape from the RTRS carrying the statement of Drago Kalabic. BH T 1, Nezavisne novine pg 8, announced on cover ‘Kalabic gave a statement at the Prosecutor’s Office’ by D. Risojevic, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘The prosecutor is checking claims on bribery’ not signed, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Investigation over Kalabic’ by G. Dakic, Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘Prosecutor’s Office has launched investigation on the bribe at RS NA?’ by O. Vukovic , – Banja Luka Regional Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed it was checking on claims of DNS delegate Drago Kalabic with regard to “purchase” of votes. NN reads Drago Kalabic refused to give any details after he gave a statement at the Prosecutor’s Office. |
| Further comments on alleged bribery case at RS NA
| BHT 1 – NGOs also expressed their suspicions in regularity of forming of new RS Government. “Was only Kalabic offered to take the bribe or someone actually took that money, as there were information on that?” asked RS Helsinki Board Director, Branko Todorovic.Milosava Jakovljevic, who supported new RS Government in spite of her party will (Party for BiH),could be questioned in prosecutors’ office. Similar is with Kalabic’s party colleague, Jovan Mitrovic, stated reporter, as well as with SNSD leader who also didn’t deny that some of his colleagues were offered to take bribe or position in exchange for their votes. “Certain privileges or jobs were offered by those who are not political leaders, they are representatives of criminal and mafia lobby that supports such political structure,” stated Dodik. Representatives of the RSNA majority weren’t disturbed with these allegations, commented reporter. “I don’t see reason why Mr. Kalabic would be offered to take the bribe in exchange for his support to this Government, because this Government have agreement with several political parties,” said SDS representative in the RSNA, Stanko Pivasevic. NTV Hayat – Newly nominated RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic is officially going to takeover the duty from Dragan Mikerevic Thursday. But still, the issue of bribery is present. List of persons who were allegedly bribed in order to vote for Bukejlovic becomes larger each day. Stranka za BiH representative Dzevad Osmancevic claims that there were attempts of bribery, adding “In a statutory procedure such representative is not going to be member of Stranka za BiH.” Stranka za BiH representative Milosava Jakovljevic voted for the Government, but she said that she received no money and that it was all about a principle. DNS representative Drago Kalabic still does not want to disclose the name of the person who offered him money in return for his vote. SDS representative Stanko Pivasevic said “There was absolutely no need for political trade, especially not with persons such as Kalabic.” Kalabic says that investigation bodies should especially investigate cases in which bribery succeeded. But still, no investigation has been conducted. Dnevni List pg 7 ‘Investigation on alleged buying of representatives’ votes launched’ by HINA, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 8 ‘New Government of Republika Srpska appointed by through buying of votes?’, by H – also reports. |
| OHR welcomes election of RS Government
| FTV – Newly appointee RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic will officially take over his duty from his predecessor Dragan Mikerevic. OHR expects from Bukejlovic to start with reforms implementation immediately. Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Priority is cooperation with The Hague’, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Cooperation with the Hague remains the priority’, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 18 ‘OHR welcomes new RS Government’ by D.P., EuroBlic pg RS2, announced on cover ‘Trade Union representatives demand negotiations, pensioners demand raise, businessmen demand jobs’ by Nedeljka Breberina and Rajna Radosavljevic, Nezavisne novine pg 8 ‘OHR: full cooperation with the Hague’ by V. Popovic– OHR on Wednesday welcomed the election of the new RS Government, expecting from it to head with reforms immediately, says POHR press statement. |
| RS President Cavic on future work of RS Govt
| Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Tough months to follow’, by bs – Carries the RS President, Dragan Cavic, as commenting on the future moves and work of the new RS Government: “The Government has unpopular issues before it, and I know that the price for it will be paid in the next elections, but I know that is the price for better tomorrow of this people”. |
| Expectations of associations from new RS Government
| EuroBlic pg RS2, announced on cover ‘Trade Union representatives demand negotiations, pensioners demand raise, businessmen demand jobs’ by Nedeljka Breberina and Rajna Radosavljevic – The article reads the new RS Government will have to face a great challenge with regard to economic and social problems. The article lists expectations of businessmen, pensioners, refugees and workers and carries statements of Chairman of RS Chamber of Commerce Mladen Micic, Chairman of RS Association of Employers Damir Miljevic, Chairman of RS Trade Union Cedo Volas, Chairman of RS Association of Pensioners Rade Rakulj, Chairman of Students’ Union Branislav Racic, Association of Veterans of War and Association of Refugees and DPs. Vecernje Novosti pg 4 ‘More of critics than of support’ by V. N. – carries a statement of the President of Party for Herzegovina and Chairman of Trebinje Municipal Assembly, Nikola Sekulovic, as criticizing the new RS Government for failure to appoint citizens of Herzegovina to the new Government. |
| Salkic: Bukejlovic’s new Government is anti-constitutional
| Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘We will dispute appointment of Bukejlovic’s Cabinet’, mentioned on cover ‘Bukejlovic’s new Government is anti-constitutional’ by E. Sarac – The Chair of the Bosniak Caucus in the RS Council of Peoples, Ramiz Salkic, states for DA that “not only the RS Government, lead by [Pero] Bukejlovic, is illegitimate, but it is also anti-constitutional.” He adds: “We will dispute and stop the appointment of the new RS Government, as even in the process of appointing the PM-designate the Council of Peoples was ignored… We will see whether the Council will be submitted the decision on the appointment and affirmation of the Government.” |
| NN op-ed: Economist Bijelic critical of new RS Govt
| Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘RS Parliament as flea market’ by Borislav Bijelic – The author claims Ivanic, Cavic and their followers have turned RS Parliament into a flea market. He refers to promises politicians had given but never fulfilled and says ‘newly elected Prime Minister needs not to worry at all. There is OHR with its administration. It will still prepare laws and reform processes…’. |
| FBiH politicians dissatisfied with the new RS Govt
| Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘New RS Government will turn to obstructions, not reforms’ by L. Sinanovic – DA article reads that the majority of the parties’ leaders are dissatisfied with the composition of the new RS Government. The president of the SBiH, Safet Halilovic, objects against this Government for it doesn’t include elected representatives of Bosniak or Croat peoples. SDA Vice President, Elmir Jahic, says that the Government in this composition will not be able to function, expressing the hope that the people will implement the reforms to the end. SDU leader, Sejfudin Tokic, sees the appointment of the new Government as a big step backwards for BiH. NHI leader, Kresimir Zubak, also believes that the ministers are not competent for their positions. |
Political affairs | |
| BiH Presidency appointed new BiH Ambassadors
| RHB – BIH Presidency held a session today. It adopted the draft statement for participation in the summit of Southeast European state Presidents which will be held in NTV Hayat – Covic said “I believe that we are going to have the exact data on who of nominated persons get the permission, by next week. We are familiar with the fact that ambassadors will leave for FTV, BH TV 1, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘The meeting of five leading parties in Neum’ by M.K.S.;Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Bisera Turkovic is new Ambassador of BiH and USA’, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Process of appointments of ambassadors continues’ by E. Mackic, Vecernji List pg 2 Ambassadors in USA and with OSCE’ by ra,Slobodna Dalmacija last pg ‘Board for marking of 60th anniversary of anti-fascism established’ by D. Pasic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Fifteen seats were vacated’ by Srna– also report on the issue. |
| NTV Hayat features on upcoming Neum mtg of pol. parties
| NTV Hayat – On 22nd and 23rd of February, meeting between representatives of 5 leading BiH parties on constitutional changes in BiH, appointed by member of BiH Presidency Dragan Covic, will be held. HDZ, SDA, SDS, Stranka za BiH and PDP confirmed their attendance. Covic said “The aim of the meeting is to recognize all problems present in functioning of BiH authority. This time we are only going to talk about the state level, for several reasons, and what is of extreme importance is that all representatives are going to propose concrete materials and suggestions on what they see as problem in BiH authority.” PDP informed that it was not going to participate in talks if their aim was to discuss on constitution, in sense of abolishment of the RS. SDS believes that it should be started with the FBiH first. SDS representative Momcilo Novakovic said “First of all I think that it should be better to discuss on BiH Council of Ministers and on BiH authority in general. Of course, when discussing on such issues we have different opinion. My opinion is that Cantons should be abolished, since I think that administration would be reduced in such way and thus way we would contribute BiH the most.” Some believe that HDZ wants to turn the whole BiH into Cantons, in which Cantons would have legislative authorities. On the other hand, SDA and Stranka za BiH have similar proposals on how to improve the functionality of BiH, transfer the authorities at state level, and strengthen position of municipalities and to divide the state in regions only for economic purposes. Stranka za BiH representative Safet Halilovic said “Most of BiH political parties in FBiH share the same solutions; but RS political parties have wrong ideas on entity, they see entity as the one having state attributes, which entity is not.” Member of BiH Presidency Sulejman Tihic said that the greatest change would be to elect BiH President instead of BiH Presidency.FTV carries PDP release. |
| Covic: constitutional changes will not be discussed in Neum
| Nezavisne novine pg 5 ‘Talks on crisis of the authority at BiH level in Neum’ by A. Sisic – BiH Presidency member Dragan Covic denied talks on constitutional changes would be held in Neum February 22 and 23. ‘As the initiator of the meeting in Neum, I can confirm we will discuss problems we are facing at the state level. We have agreed this should be the only item of the agenda’, Covic has stated. |
| RS parties on participation at Neum meeting
| Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Covic’s constitutional irons’ by N. Diklic – reads Serb parties still have not received invitations for a meeting on constitutional changes that will be held in Neum February 22 and 23. PDP and SRS said they would not attend a meeting at which abolishing of RS would be discussed. Mladen Bosic (SDS) and Petar Djokic (SPRS) say they would wait to receive the invitation prior to deciding on whether they would attend the meeting. Krstan Simic (SNSD) says the party would immediately respond to the invitation and would attend the meeting. |
| SDHR Wnendt in Stolac
| Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘All solution in Stolac should be implemented in peaceful and dignified way’, by NINA – Senior Deputy High Representative, Werner Wnendt, visited Stolac on Wednesday where he met the Head of Municipality, Stjepan Boskovic, to talk about the topical issues. Mr. Boskovic stated that the conclusion was that all the decisions that are to be implemented in Stolac should be carried out in a peaceful and dignified manner. Boskovic also noted that the rule of law must be upheld, however he also noted that failures in cases where law was not observed in decision-making processes must be looked into. FTV – “Local authorities have to decide on this, it is not the international community’s decision. But, as I said, that shouldn’t be used as an excuse for delays,” said Wnendt. Reporter reminded that the Peace Implementation Council called on BiH authorities at the beginning of February to support rule of law. Wnendt underlined that this is the pre-condition for all further happening in this country, including European integrations. Still, during his visit to Stolac, the SDHR didn’t show any worries in relation to this, commented reporter. Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Some decisions beyond the Law’, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Local authorities should implement decision on removal of main cross’, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Decision on removal of cross must be implemented’ by V. C. |
| Privileges be assigned to BiH Presidency members
| Oslobodjenje cover pg splash ‘Raise and good pension to BiH Presidency members’ and pg 7 ‘Privileges also to BiH Presidency members’ by V. Zivak – Oslobodjenje learns that apart from the Law on rights and duties of MPs and delegates in the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, the Administrative Commission of the BiH House of Representatives also drafted another law which would refer on the BiH Presidency members. SNSD representative and member of the aforementioned Commission Nikola Spiric says that incomes of MPs and delegates should be legally regulated, but should be in accordance with the economic situation in BiH. Another member of this Commission Momcilo Novakovic (SDS) agrees that the incomes should be legally regulated, adding he would like to know the amount of salaries of the OHR employees. Ivo Miro Jovic (HDZ), who is also a member of the Commission believes that there is nothing disputable in the fact that his salary is 5 times bigger from the average salary in the Federation of BiH since in the Parliament he stands for better living conditions of BiH citizens. |
| Reactions to Proposal of law on rights and duties of MPs
| Vecernji List pg 5, mentioned on front ‘MPs is worth like three professors?’, by Ljuba Djikic – Carries commentaries of Andjelko Barun, the President of HVIDRA of Herceg Bosna (Croat war veterans), and professor Slavo Kukic, to the issue of proposal of law on rights and duties of MPs. According to Barun, it is hard to believe that the political elite has separated itself so much from the electorate, calling the whole issue impudent and unforgivable. Similar goes for professor Kukic, who says the people got what it voted for, in the same time noting that MPs do not deserve pensions that would amount to several professor’s salaries. |
| Danas: Covic attacks HR Ashdown during session of HDZ Main Board
| Danas pgs 8-9 ‘Party members against ‘High Representative’ within HDZ BiH’, by Velimir Begic – Danas claims to have learnt details of session of HDZ Main Board, which was held behind closed doors at Posusje last Friday. Danas says that animosities among the HDZ members came to the fore, many of them being not happy with the party leadership. Among them was a councilor in the Mostar City Council, Goran Bilic, who noted that the HDZ’s problem was not the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, but “the high representative” within the HDZ, who voluntarily changes the HDZ Statute without competent bodies. Danas also writes that Dragan Covic, “being away from the public eye”, felt the need to criticize the work and role of HR Ashdown, “something that he usually does not do in the public, probably in fear of activation of some new indictment”. Covic allegedly also stated that Principal Deputy High Representative, |
| SD: Organize
| Slobodna Dalmacija cover pg splash and pg 17 ‘Organize Sarajevo according to model of Mostar’ by Z. Tulic says that Croats in |
| Cavic with CoE Secretary General
| Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Council of Europe is for cooperation with all BiH institutions’ by Srna – The special representative of Secretary General of the Council of Europe to BiH, Hugh Chatwind, has said in Sarajevo that CoE is ready to cooperate with all institutions of BiH and to put at disposal its resources and knowledge in order to accelerate accession of BiH towards European integrations. BiH Presidency stated Chatwind held separate meetings with Borislav Paravac and BiH Presidency member Dragan Covic to discuss adoption of the Law on High Education at BiH level and fulfillment of post-accession obligations of BiH in CoE. |
Economic affairs | |
| Turkish delegation led by Premier visiting BiH
| BH TV 1 – On first day of FTV, NTV Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 3, announced on cover ‘If it does not have to, Turkey will not introduce visas for BiH’ by V. Zizak; Dnevni Avaz cover pg splash ‘Turkey has always and without reserves been with BiH‘ and pg 3 ‘Erdoan: I came with 100 businessmen, which shows how important BiH it to us’ by A.M., Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Agreement on double taxation evasion signed’ by M. Zorlak, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Path to better economic cooperation was opened’ and pg 3 ‘Turkey gives its support to BiH for the admission to EU’ by M. Cubro Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Turkish Bank provided US 60 million for investment in BiH’ and Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Premier Erdoan met with successful businessmen’ of BiH’ – report on the meeting between the Turkish entrepreneurs and BiH officials. |
| DL on taxes in WHC: “Minister Vrankic responsible for plunder”
| Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 3 ‘Taxes: Minister Vrankic responsible for plunder’, by Arijana Beus – The article notes that four municipalities in West Herzegovina Canton (Siroki Brijeg, Ljubuski, Grude and Posusje) enacted three years ago illegal decisions according to which companies have to pay taxes amounting to 0,2% of complete turnover, which is used for development of communal infrastructure. DL notes that the decisions were verified by the cantonal Finance Ministry and that the same are being supported by the FBIH Finance Minister, Dragan Vrankic. |
| Oslobodjenje: EFT claims that with OHR’s blessing they made business deal with RS Govt
| Oslobodjenje pg 6, mentioned on cover ‘EFT claims that with OHR’s blessing they made business deal with RS Government’ by A. Omeragic, A. Kalamujic – Company EFT, which has been under the investigation of the BiH Prosecution and the British Government department for serious crimes, signed with the RS Government a week ago a contract on joint investments in colliery ‘Stanari’. EFT claims that the OHR and International Community were supervising the business deal and EFT is satisfied with their support a lot. Commenting on this situation the following was stated from the EFT seat in |
| New study on “Buk Bijela” influence on environment to be developed
| Nezavisne novine pg 4 ‘Development of a new study was ordered’ by V. Duka, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Experts are again measuring’ by M. Bestic – A council of experts for an audit of ecologic study on influence of “Buk Bijela” power plant on environment has ordered developing of a new study on influence of this power plant on environment. UNESCO representatives are also expected to participate in development of the study. |
| HT Mostar says Toby Robinson tries to influence Supreme Court’s decision
| Dnevni List pg 6, mentioned on front ‘Prlic: HT Mostar appeals to RAK’, not signed – HT Mostar (Croat Telecommunications Mostar) have filed an appeal with the RAK (Communications Regulatory Agency) claiming that the ‘Centralni Dnevnik’ on NTV Hayat aired last Saturday, when the show hosted the Provisional Administrator for Hercegovacka Bank, Toby Robinson, was biased. HT Mostar notes that the statement of Ms. Robinson, who stated that 50.5% of shares in Eronet would be sold if the Supreme Court accepts the appeal submitted by Hercegovina Osiguranje, |
| RS PIO Fund illicitly lowered pensions
| Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘They have been making unauthorized plans on lower pensions’ by P. Klincov – The report of the Head Service for Audit on RS public sector reads RS PIO Fund had been making unauthorized plans on lowering of pensions in 2003, it had been paying already paid obligations towards certain firms and had continued with making individual contracts on distribution of pensions. Ostoja Kremenovic, who had been the Director of RS PIO Fund until |
| Update to “Elektrobosna” affair
| Dnevni Avaz announced on cover and pg 5 ‘The biggest post-war theft in BiH took place at “Elektrobosna”’ by F. Cardzic – Tomislav Mihalj, Director of “Elektrobosna N” from Jajce, says in a statement to DA that “the biggest post-war theft in BiH has taken place at “Elektrobosna”. Zlatan Istvanic and Zvonko Matijas are in charge of it. However, the problem is not them neither office abuse they committed, but rather years-long inertia of the state institutions, including prosecutor’s office, whose task is to protect the state property and capital.” |
Military/security/ judicial issues | |
| ‘Mostar shells’ case: Public excluded from further proceedings
| Dnevni List, pg 5, mentioned on front ‘State and military secret over Mostar shells’, by Nermin Bise – Trial Chamber of Municipal Court in Mostar, presided by judge Romela Skobic-Coric, took a decision Wednesday to exclude the public from further proceedings in the ‘Mostar shells’ case. The decision came to be after an appeal of the indictees’ lawyers, who noted that the indictment included documents that carry labels ‘state’ and ‘military’ secret. It has not been made clear as to who classified the documents that way. DL notes that representatives of the OHR and OSCE were excluded from the hearing too. (also covered by Vecernji List, front pg splash ‘Secret trials for Mostar shells’, not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 22, mentioned on front ‘Truth about shells without media in courtroom’, by A. Vlaho, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Trial was closed for public’ by V. Coric) |
| Barasin: misinformation on Mladic aimed at abolishing RS authorizations | Glas Srpske cover pg ‘Overthrowing of the Army’ not signed, EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Barasin: Aimed misinformation’ by Srna – Military-political analyst Ostoja Barasin thinks the real goal of misinformation on General Ratko Mladic’s stay in Han Pijesak was to abolish all forms of activities and authorization of RS in field of defense and Army. |
| Mtg Cavic-Gregorian: Armed forces based on principles of collective security’
| Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Armed forces based on principles of collective security’ by Srna, Vecernji List pg 3 ‘Covic talked with Gregorian’ not signed – The future structure of armed forces needs to be based on principles of collective security, which includes accession to the Partnership for Peace and eventually to NATO, BiH Presidency member Dragan Covic and Defense Reform Commission Chairman Raffi Gregorian agreed in Sarajevo on Wednesday. The existing defence structure in BiH needs to be made more cost efficient and effective, which requires an all professional staff in the armed forces and stable funding that needs to be ensured from the state level. |
| VL: SBS hushing up irregularities in eastern
| Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Leader suspended’, by dja – The daily claims that principals of the State Border Service, in an attempt to hush up the “anarchy” that goes along the BiH-Serbia and Montenegro border line, has launched a disciplinary proceedings against the Chief of SBS in eastern Bosnia, Nermin Mrkaljevic. According to VL, he will be subjected to the disciplinary proceedings because he has sent most senior officials a letter in which he warned of numerous irregularities in functioning of the SBS in eastern |
| Bishop conference on Matanovic case | BH TV 1, RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Further investigation in “Matanovic case” requested’, Slobodna Dalmacija, back pg ‘RS authorities blamed for murder of Catholic priest’, by H, Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘‘RS authorities blamed for murder of Catholic priest’, by NINA – Bishop Conference in Banjaluka stated it respected decision Banja Luka Basic Court reached in the case of illegal detention of Catholic priest Tomislav Matanovic and his parents. Still, Bishop Conference does not accept that nobody is responsible for the murder of the priest, demanding further and more thorough investigation to be conducted. Conference also said that Matanovic was not an accidental victim of the unknown group, but of the then authorities. |