OHR BiH Media Round-up, 17/7/2005

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Well Done Mostar

Shooting at Sefer Halilovic’s son

Reactions to defence reform

Turkish Ass. On Srebrenica

RS MoI investigates on Potocari

Trebinje brigade anniversary

ICMP continues its work

Four killed in bomb attack in Turley

Cavic on problems in BIH

Croatian Parl. pass Resolution

Explosion in Skoplje

Feature on BIH poverty

Oslobodjenje

Politicians must unify Mostar

Dnevni Avaz

Who shoot at Sefer Halilovic’s son? 

Dnevni List

Bus drivers banned from smoking inside the bus

Vecernji List

Croatia related

Nezavisne Novine

Lawsuit against SCG cannot abolish RS

Defence issues

BiH delegation headed by Radovanovic visits BiH troops in Iraq

RHB, RTRS, PINK, BHT 1, Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘High ranking officers commend our troops’, mentioned on cover ‘BiH troops are real professionals’ by L. Sinanovic, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Deminers successfully carry out duties’, Vecernji list pg 3 ‘Americans praise BiH troops’ by Dejan Jazvic, Dnevni list pg 3 ‘Satisfaction with work results of BiH troops’ by De. L, Nezavisne novine pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Radovanovic: Successful mission of BiH troops’ – BiH delegated headed by the BiH Defence Minister, Nikola Radovanovic, is visiting BiH troops deployed in demining operations in Iraq. Colonel Alija Kozljak told Fena news agency and Dnevni Avaz that the aim of the visit is to establish direct contact with the representatives of the Coalition and an inspection of the BiH troops. Radovanovic met with the commanding officers of the Coalition lead by US in Iraq , who expressed their satisfaction with the professionalism of BiH soldiers.  

Stankovic: final decision on defence reforms rests with Parliaments

BHT 1, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Entities parliaments to decide on abolishment of the ministries’ by Srna, Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Authorities to be transferred from entities to BiH’  – The RS Defence Minister, Milovan Stankovic, stated that the abolishment of entities MoDs is the issue of transferring jurisdictions from the entities to BiH level, thus the final decision is with the RS, FBiH and BiH parliaments. In an interview to SRNA news agency, Stankovic said that the entities defence ministries, command and conscription are to be abolished and single budget and line of command introduced, under BiH Defence Reform Commission’s proposal. Asked about his opinion on the proposal, Stankovic said that he personally has some doubts: “RS members of the Commission tried… to seek solutions acceptable for identity of RS Army in that future system. However, adopted solutions are not entirely in line with our ideas and thoughts.” Minister concluded that NATO only allowed identification in infantry, which will make up about 50% of future armed forces.

RTRS: Reactions to DRC proposal in RS

RTRS by Marina Marjanovic – RTRS brings reactions to the proposal of Defence Reform Commission, which stipulates abolishment of entity Ministries of Defence by end of the year. Ostoja Barasanin military analyst feels that the proposal will most probably be adopted by entity parliaments. He added that he doesn’t expect any serious resistance to the completion of defence reform. Borislav Bojic from SDS stated that SDS has a constructive suggestion that is acceptable for all participants in the discussion, adding the party will announce its stance towards the proposal once they discuss it. Tarik Sadovic from SDA stated that they will support the proposal. Opposition parties do not agree with proposed solutions. SNSD Chairman Milorad Dodik feels that reforms in BIH can be carried out within the frameworks of the current Constitution. Drago Kalabic from DNS says that this phase of the reform is another political game of ruling parties. Kalabic adds that the outcome of the reform is clear: everything will be in accordance with the wishes of the international community. Reporter concludes that according to analysts the implementation of this reform will take time, at least one year.

UNESCO puts Mostar on world heritage list

Beslic: Mostar, BiH now faces obligations

PINK By Aida Hasanbegovic – The inclusion of Mostar’s OldBridge and OldTown in the UNESCO’s list of world heritage, was helped by Italy, Croatia, France and Netherlands. The project was supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank. Speaking from Durban, Mostar Major Ljubo Beslic stressed that this is historical moment for Mostar and BiH, but he also stressed Mostar and BiH will now face some obligations related to the legislation regarding the heritage.

UNESCOL Mostar is obliged to take care of heritage

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Politicians must unify Mostar’ by Marina Kavaz Sirucic – In a statement to Oslobodjenje, the UNESCO spokesperson, Roni Amelan, commented: “This is the international recognition on universal value and Mostar now has obligation to take care of protected parts and to preserve them. UNESCO’s financial funds are reserved only for urgent interventions…. To be listed doesn’t mean that the country will not receive money from us, as that is not UNESCO’s idea.” FTV also clarifies this point of finances.

Media, citizens enthusiastic about Mostar inclusion in UNESCO list, suggest politicians should unify the city

BHT 1, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Posters saying “Bravo, UNESCO” appeared in Mostar’, mentioned on cover, by F. Vele, Dnevni list pgs 6-7 ‘Mostar in a cover of happiness’ by Sanja Bjelica – Media dedicated long features on Mostar’s inclusion in the World Heritage List, brining enthusiastic comments from the citizens. Citizens of Mostar will celebrate the even on 23 July, on the first anniversary of opening the OldBridge. Vecernji list pg 2 ‘Journalists seizing the city in Neretva’ by Ivana Brkic-Cubela – VL reports of the large increase of journalists in Mostar following UNESCO’s announcement. Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Politicians must unify Mostar’ by Marina Kavaz Sirucic, – Article concludes that politicians now must do everything in their power to unify the city, in order to avoid it to be “the only divided city in the UNESCO’s list” Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Bravo, Mostar!’ op-ed by Sanja Bjelica – DL editorial welcomes the event, also praising the local authorities for the work good in this project.

Ashdown congratulates Mayor and citizens

PINK, RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 4 inset ‘Honour and obligation’, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Ashdown congratulated Beslic and all citizens’ by Srna, Dnevni list pg 7 inset ‘Ashdown: UNESCO’s decision is good news for all people of Mostar’, Nezavisne novine pg 2 ‘Congratulations to Mayor and citizens’ – The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, extended his congratulation to Mayor of Mostar Ljubo Beslic and all citizens of Mostar for achieving well-deserved position on the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage. “The UNESCO Decision is great news for all Mostarians and all of us who love Mostar. This is honour and an obligation  and underlines that we must strive to ensure that a united Mostar  continues to work to better the lives of all who live there“, said High Representative today. Ashdown also thanked to all those individuals and institutions which supported Mostar and gave their maximum effort during the long and exhausting process of putting Mostar to the list of World heritage of UNESCO, as the first, so far the only, location from BiH. Dailies bring that the Chair of the BiH Council of Ministers, Adnan Terzic, also welcomed the event estimating it is very positive for the entire country.

War crimes

Turkish Association visits Srebrenica

Hayat by Nebojsa Radulovic – Association “Initiators of Justice for Srebrenica”, consisting of about 140 Turkish intellectuals, journalists and NGOs, have decided to help survivors of Srebrenica. The Association visited Srebrenica and harshly condemned the war crimes that occurred, stressing that the fact those responsible were still at large is painful but also emphasises the lack of power on part of the International Community. The association wants to help returnees to the region, and will hold the Conference on Srebrenica on Sunday in Turkey. The conference will be attended by legal experts from the Europe, as well as by Amor Masovic, the Chairman of FBiH Commission for Missing Persons. The members of the Association are also critical of the Dayton Peace Agreement, adding situation since signing of the accord has not changed significantly. Group concluded that the prevention of economic growth of the region only continues the genocide. BHT 1, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Genocide against Bosniaks continues’ – also report. Dnevni list pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Turkish citizens want to help BiH economy’, by Erna Markcic – DL article on the visit focuses at the statements given by the members of the Association which expressed their willingness to economically assist the country.

ICMP Forensics Dept Director: ICMP will work until cases of 12.000 still missing are solved

Hayat, BHT1, PINK, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Locating graves using satellite’ by Fena  – Director of Forensics Department of the International Commission for Missing Persons, Mark Skinner told FENA news agency that the marking of 10^th anniversary of Srebrenica genocide doesn’t mean that ICMP will stop its work. He added that, on the contrary, ICMP will continue its work as long as necessary without interruptions, in order to solve cases of 12 000 still missing people. Skinner stated that large problem, when it comes to Srebrenica, are secondary graves, i.e. sites which were not the site of executions but where body remains were later transferred from primary graves. 

Agencies: NATO releases Sasa Karadzic this morning

SRNA, FENA news agencies – This morning [Sunday], the NATO has released Aleksandar Sasa Karadzic, son of Radovan Karadzic, from detention. Karadzic was held by NATO in unknown location since 7 July under suspicion of assisting persons indicted for war crimes at large. NATO has handed Aleksandar to the Public Security Center East Sarajevo together with the things they have confiscated when he was detained.

Security issues

Pejic announces results of Potocari explosive investigation soon

BHT 1, Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Investigation on Potocari explosive progresses well’ by Fena, Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Soon results on explosive in Potocari’ – The Spokesperson for the RS Police Director, Radovan Pejic, told FENA news agency that the RS Interior Ministry estimates the field activities to mark good progress which will soon lead to concrete results in investigation of persons who planted the explosive in Potocari in the even of Srebrenica commemoration. Pejic added that good cooperation between all security agencies in BiH in this case of 35 kilos of explosive found on 5 July in two separate locations near Memorial Center in Potocari. 

Unknown person[s] fired at Sefer Halilovic’s son

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 23 ‘Who shoot at Sefer Halilovic’s son?’ by B.C. – On Friday evening in Sarajevo settlement of Grbavica, unknown persons fired at Semir Halilovic, son of Sefer Halilovic, former head of BiH Army HQ currently standing trial for war crimes before the ICTY. Semir did not sustain any injuries in the incident, and DA says that the crime is being related to his father’s trial. “I believe that this is related to the trial in the Hague and that someone wiretaps our phone,” said Semir Halillovic to DA adding he informed police about threats he received prior to this incident. Spokesperson for the Sarajevo Cantonal MoI, Dragan Miokovic, says that the police carry out the investigation in the case.  

FTV Dzenana Zolota – FTV says Semir believes that this was attempt of politically motivated murder, as some fear of what his father might say before the ICTY. Lawyer of Halilovic family, Kadrija Kolic, challenges police written statement from the crime scene, which qualified the incident as ‘security threat’, adding this was an attempted murder comparing it with the unsolved murder of Sefer Halilovic’s wife 12 years ago.

Oslobodjenje pg 39, mentioned on cover ‘Unknown persons fired at Sefer Halilovic’s son’ by I. Sofrandzija – also reported.

Political issues

SCG rep in Hague says RS cannot be abolished through BiH lawsuit vs. SCG

Nezavisne novine cover splash, pgs 8-9 ‘Lawsuit against SCG cannot abolish RS’ by Vesna Popovic – Legal representative of Serbia and Montenegro before the International Court of Justice in the Hague, Radoslav Stojanovic, claims that RS cannot be endangered with the BiH lawsuit against SCG. In an interview to NN, Stojanovic strongly dismissed such possibility presented by the former head of BiH legal team in the Hague, US professor Francis Boyle, at the international academic conference on Srebrenica. Stojanovic also repeatedly stressed he believes that SCG should put forward the official proposal for the BiH lawsuit against SCG for aggression and genocide to be solved in diplomatic ways. Otherwise, says Stojanovic, the verdict, regardless in whose interests, would bring to tensions in SCG-BiH relationship: “If the lawsuit would be rejected by the Court, dissatisfaction of the Muslim population would be in increase, contributing to strengthening of extremists. Vice versa, if the verdict would be condemning SCG, than extremists in Serbia would be in raise.”

Madunic says he will fight against FBiH Health Minister’s replacement

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘We will not allow Tomo Lucic to leave’, mentioned on cover, by M. K. – DA follows up on the Thursday’s session of the FBiH leading figures in Mostar, reporting that politicians have discussed the replacement of Tomo Lucic, FBiH Health Minister. DA says it learns that doctor Vejkoslav Mandic is the strongest candidate [NOTE: Vecernji list also reported this on Saturday, see BiH Media Round for July 15]. The Head of HDZ Caucus in the FBiH Parliament, Ivan Maduci, comments that the appointment of the new Minister in the parliamentary procedure will not go that easy: “If I can influence the decision, I will not let Tomo Lucic to leave, which is also a stance of all other HDZ delegates. In this case, I will listen to the experts and all doctors in the Parliament are very happy with Lucic’s work.”