| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
| 2 terrorist suspects arrested | Triple murder in | Triple murder in |
| ICMP to visit | SIPA searches for terrorists | “Terrorists”- BiH citizens |
| BIH delegation in | Terzic on VAT | Andan on report for RSNA |
| HR in | Ivanic on Constitution | EUFOR action on Igman |
| NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
| Triple murder in | Triple murder in | Triple murder in |
| Two terrorist suspects arrested | “Terrorists”- BiH citizens | 2 terrorist suspects arrested |
| Terzic on VAT | Commission for monitoring of VAT | Andan on ICTY cooperation |
| Rudolf on Peljesac issue | Issues of returnees | Barbaso on Karadzic |
| Oslobodjenje | More than 100 million KM for social programmes |
| Dnevni Avaz | Terzic announced the fight against illegal profit makers |
| Dnevni List | A [triple] murder |
| Vecernji List | Triple murder in |
| Nezavisne Novine | Triple murder in |
Crime / Terrorism / War crimes | |
| FBiH/
| BHT 1 by Boris Grubesic– Three people were murdered on Thursday night in |
| Two terrorism suspects turned to BiH Prosecution; Serbian state TV: targets were in/outside of BiH including White House, Sarajevo airport; DL: UNITIC was target; NN source: Terrifying things found
| Hayat, FTV, BHT1, |
| BHT1: EUFOR/FMoI search weapons in Igman; NN links search with terrorist suspects: they had camp in Igman
| BHT 1, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘EUFOR and FMoI action in Igman’, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Hidden weapons searched in Igman – Dailies carry information broadcast by BHT 1 that EUFOR together with FBiH MoI Special Police carried out action in Igman mountain area on Saturday in search of larger quantity of weapons and ammunition. Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Police searches for explosive, new arrests possible’, mentioned on cover, by D. Muminovic – NN claims it learned that the action in Igman is connected to this case, saying that the weapons searched for where hidden in area where suspects organized some sorts of training camps. |
| Adnan completely denies RS Govt’s report on RS MoI | BHT 1 by Zoran Sarenac – RS Police Director Dragomir Andan claims that report on RS Interior Ministry submitted to RSNA for discussion by the RS Government is outdated and untrue, adding that information that EUFOR and NATO have searched for Radovan Karadzic in June this year and that Ratko Mladic receives help from RS Army are not true. In addition, report claimed that Karadzic was searched for near Trebinje and that Stojan Zupljanin is hiding in Montenegro. “If that information was true, Mr. Zupljanin, if he was on Montenegrin territory, I am deeply convinced that he would be arrested and surrendered to the ICTY,” commented Andan. As for Mladic allegedly being helped by the RS army, Andan said: “I think that is old information… I responsibly claim that we don’t have that kind of information.” RS National Assembly’s Speaker Dusan Stojicic stated that discussion on the report would continue at the RSNA session. “In composition of that report, in sentences that were wrote I see no reason for opening public debates, or for any political speculations – the report is such as the RS MoI wrote it and as the RS Government passed it,” said Stojicic. Reporter concluded by wondering who mislead who in this situation, whether RS MoI mislead the Government or the Government mislead the RSNA. RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Police would arrest ICTY fugitives if it would know where they are’, Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘We are dedicated to arresting criminals’, Nezavisne novine pg 2 ‘We’ll meet our obligations towards ICTY’– also reported. |
Washington talks / DPA anniversary | |
| BiH officials departed for Washington; DA says RS side offers proposal on HoP, FBiH against it; VL: Rice still considers statement on const. changes
| PINK – Leaders of 9 the strongest BIH political parties departed for Washington on Saturday to participate in ceremony dedicated to 10th anniversary of DPA. On Tuesday they will meet the U.S. State Secretary Condoleezza Rice. RTRS by Sanja Stankovic – BIH Presidency members, Council of Ministers and political leaders departed for Washington. SNSD member Krstan Simic feels that nothing spectacular will happen in Washington. SP RS Chair Petar Djokic stated that citizens of BIH must agree on constitutional changes. Citizens are featured who feel that certain solutions will be agreed upon. Dnevni Avaz pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Washington’s expectations vary from pessimism to hope’ by Sead Numanovic – DA carries that some of the participants, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticized the EU for stretching out the talks by insisting that political parties reach consensus. Others however believe that talks will result with an agreement on base of which the changes will be easier to implement. Journalist [who is in Washington] also reports that RS representatives on Saturday offered new solution to the BiH House of Peoples composition by proposing it has 21 delegates – five form each of constituent peoples and two additional. Five delegates would be elected by entities, while RS would in addition chose two Croats and two Bosniaks, and FBiH two Serbs. Apparently, FBiH officials have rejected the proposal insisting HoP has 30 delegates elected at the state level. It is also possible, says DA, that leaders will reach an agreement according to which BiH must be structured in according to NATO and EU standards. Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Talks on changes to the BiH constitution continued’, Vecernji list pgs 2-3 ‘Only one day about constitution’ by Zoran Kresic – VL comments that Condoleeza Rice still considers the statement on constitutional reforms which would be “an effort of establishing a mini Dayton”. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Terzic in Washington’ Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Prime Minister Terzic to visit Washington’ – CoM Chair Adnan Terzic will visit Washington upon invitation from the State Department, on the occasion of marking the 10th anniversary of DPA. He will meet with Rice and Nicholas Burns. |
| BK TV feature on talks for DPA changes points to differences in stances by leading politicians
| BK TV report from Sarajevo by Nemanja Vrankovic, Ana Roland-Grubic – BK TV broadcast a long feature on the DPA and the current talks on its changes, focusing on whether the proposed changes would lead to unitary. Reporters comment that while preparing for trip to Washington, participants in talks for constitutional changes are less worried about ceremony marking 10th DPA anniversary but more concerned not to recede from their policy and not to loose their political position. Every member of BiH Presidency has his own answer to the question if the country moves towards unitary. Sulejman Tihic, member of BiH Presidency: “Maintaining the present, undefined condition, can affect destabilization more than certain changes of BiH constitution. I am only for those changes that can be achieved by consensus.” Borislav Paravac, member of BiH Presidency: “If RS would get lost, I don’t know what that kind of state would look like. In that case, there would be a majorisation of the largest people and it would mean creating the civil state.” Ivo Miro Jovic, member of BiH Presidency: “There are constant attempts for action from the other side, too – planning of centralized country, with civil rights, where ethnic rights would be abandoned…This country is really nice and rich, and it could be cozy for everybody, if only we were cleverer. But, we are not, so far.” Reporter comments that every time when DPA changes are mentioned, there is a fear in Banjaluka that other two peoples or the IC would abolish their entity. Ten years after Dayton, RS is on the crossroad of different pressures. RS lives between the wishes of local people for natural and strong links with Serbia and the quest from government in Sarajevo for creating unitary BiH. On the third side, there are pressures and warnings from Brussels, as well as remaining condition for full cooperate with the ICTY. RS president Dragan Cavic goes to Washington aware of the fact BiH must become more functional state. But, the country still consists of three equal nations, he warns. Dragan Cavic: “Considering a citizen as an individual, and not as a part of collectivity is the danger that directly produces majorisation, because the majority would decide on minority behalf. Bosnjak nation would govern this country for years and years if there wouldn`t be a national balance among 3 constitutive peoples… For 10 years, [Bosniaks] are trying to go away from constitutional frame, actually, to open Pandora’s box, which would mean going back to the spring of conflict. It is not possible for one simple reason: it can`t be done without Serbs, and Serbs won’t do it.” SNSD president, Milorad Dodik, accepts some suggestions for better functioning of the BiH institutions. He reminds, however, that a wish to dominate has already pushed BiH into the war once and there is a need for consensus of three peoples for every issue. Dodik:“We don’t want to change the basic relationships. For me, RS is lasting category. It can be the part of functional organization of BiH. I am looking for that kind of solution. But, it doesn’t mean RS to be ceased or to be deprived of the rights it has in BiH Constitution. Dayton agreement must be used as a foundation for the future.” |
| Ivanic: RS parties will have single stance on three key issues
| PINK by Ljubisa Davidovic – PDP leader Mladen Ivanic repeated at the press conference prior to his departure to Washington, that RS political representatives will have the unanimous stand on the three key issues regarding the change of the Constitution, namely, the reform of the Presidency, role of the Council of Ministers and establishment of one state Parliament. Ivanic stated that RS Parties advocate for three-member Presidency unlike the parties from FBIH. He added that the powers of the Presidency should be decreased and transferred to the CoM adding that he is also against transforming CoM into Government. RS parties are against the reform of House of Peoples said reporter. “I think that is the maximum RS parties can offer. Every attempt to change the core of the Constitution will not be supported by PDP and I presume by other RS political parties” added Ivanic. BHT 1, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘More efficient BiH institution, but not at the cost of entities’– also carried. |
| Tihic expects agreement in Washington | Dnevni list pg 3 ‘Signing agreement on Monday’ by Ivana Rozic – SDA leader Sulejman Tihic commented for DL that he expects the Washington to result with the basic agreement on the Presidency, parliament, CoM and state authorities. |
| DA: Covic not going to Washington because he is not satisfied with proposed changes
| Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Covic disappointed with the minimal changes to the BiH Constitution?’ by F. Vele – HDZ leader, Dragan Covic, will not go to Washington, instead Croats will be represented by Ivo Miro Jovic and Barisa Colak. HDZ did not elaborate on reason for this, however DA says that HDZ unofficially says that Covic’s absence is not accidental and that it is a political statement as he is disappointed that the entire process will result with minimal corrections. |
| Stojicic: No radical changes in Washington to be accepted
| Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Entities cannot be questioned’ by Fena – RSNA Speaker Dusan Stojicic stated the changes to the BiH Constitution would come from the domestic politicians, adding he expects no spectacular solutions and radical changes to be agreed in Washington. Stojicic underlines that fundamental postulates of DPA – including two entities – cannot be brought into question. |
| Tadic: I will oppose any unilateral agreements;
| BK TV – Dayton agreement had a great role in stopping the war in BiH, Serbian president Boris Tadic said. He underline that the agreement can be changed only by consensus of all 3 nations in Bosnia, Tadic concluded. Nezavisne novine pg 9 ‘I will oppose unilateral decisions which change BiH structure’, mentioned on cover ‘Dayton’s purpose fulfilled’, by Divna Vidakovic – In an interview to NN, Tadic underlines that he would oppose to any unilateral changes to the DPA, especially of the RS. He adds that Belgrade and Zagreb must support everything agreed by three peoples in BiH even if it means fundamental changes to the Dayton agreement. As long as BiH peoples reach consensus, Tadic says |
| Mesic: DPA changes to enable BiH to function normally
| Nezavisne novine pg 10 ‘Third entity is not good for BiH’, mentioned on cover, by Marko Roknic – In an extensive interview to NN which mainly focuses at the history of DPA, Croatian President Stipe Mesic says that the 10th anniversary is a reason to celebrate but stressed that one cannot be entirely satisfied as BiH has no all necessary state mechanisms. He adds that establishment of the third entity would not be good for BiH. BK TV, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Make BiH to function normally’ – Mesic added that constitutional changes will make possible BiH political emancipation. Croatian PM Ivbo Sanader adds that it will enable country to be less dependant on the international community. |
| Hayat int w/ Rosemary Di Carlo: reforms already changed DPA to some extent; US hopes to adoption of measures leading BiH to EU
| NTV Hayat by Elvir Camdzic – In an interview to Centralni Dnevnik, Rosemary A. Di Carlo, the assistant of US Under-Secretary for Europe and Eurasia, stead that Government of US President George Bush has articulated policy of offering the support to the entire Balkan. Regarding the changes of Dayton Agreement, Di Carlo stated that DPA was not meant to be engraved in stone and the adopted reforms have already done some changes to it. “Adoption of Defence Reform and Value Added Tax introduction are some of the reforms that have changed the DPA as well as implementation of the police reform that is to happen” said Di Carlo. She explained that in order for BIH to become EU member it has to meet some of the EU standards such as one-member Presidency, more authorisation given to the PM and more efficient state Parliament. “Obviously the forthcoming changes should be in the interest of the BIH peoples but I have to emphasize that faster BIH implements the reforms the faster it becomes the EU member,” added Di Carlo. Being asked what US Government expected from the talks, Di Carlo stated that the talks were lead by NGO and not by US Government but US fully supports the discussion since it is focused on the key issues that have to be solved by consensus. “We hope for the dedication to this process to empower the institutions and allow the adoption of the measures that were to aid BIH on its way to EU” said Di Carlo. She stressed that it was time for BiH citizens to take over the control of the Government which will lead to decreasing the powers of High Representative to BIH. “But we will not put pressure on the participants. This is something that has to be agreed on their own and they will have our support on this matter” concluded Di Carlo. |
| Hayat int w/ Hitchner, Hays: Agreement possible
| Hayat by Elvir Camdzic – In an interview to Centralni Dnevnik, Bruce Hitchner, Chairman of Dayton Peace Agreement Project and one of the organizers of the talks on constitutional changes, stated that the goal of the process was to create amendments that would enable more efficient state organisation to be adopted by March 2006. He added that the participants are close to reaching the agreement. ”They have been working on this past 8 months and this was not served from the outside” added Hitchner. He denied that they have received any specific instructions from US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice regarding the DPA changes. Hitchner stated that in the case of BIH politicians reaching the agreement on the changes, CoM will present the amendments to the Parliament that will decide on it in the three-month period. |
| Hayat int w/ Ashdown: State apparatus must be decreased
| Hayat by Elvir Camdzic – In an interview to Centralni Dnevnik, the outgoing HR Paddy Ashdown stated that adoption and implementation of the laws should be BIH’s number one priority in order to become EU member. “Other priorities are more investments in BiH, liberalisation of visa regime and interests of BIH citizens should be taken into consideration without concentring on ethnicity” stressed Ashdown. He stated that opposition and ruling parties must find the compromise regarding these issues if progress is to be made. The BIH progress might be slowed down by focusing on the opposition after the forthcoming elections instead on agreement noted Ashdown. He added that BIH first must cut the expenses of the Government. “I have been told that it was agreed upon doubling the size of the BIH parliament, which is a positive decision, but I haven’t been told on any decision on decreasing the size of Entity Parliaments. You have to decrease the number of politicians in BIH in order to be able to invest in education” said HR. He added that the lack of such agreement would seem foolish and irresponsible on BIH’s way to EU. Ashdown stated that IC will not punish the obstructions from RS regarding the Constitutional changes. “Do not expect IC to come in and enable the consensus amongst BIH politicians. There are politicians in BIH, particularly amongst the Bosniaks, that truly believe that IC will… take the Constitution and change it instead of them” concluded Ashdown. He stated that IC will from now take the role of observer and let BIH, as independent and democratic state, to take control over its future. “This is not an exist strategy of IC but the entry strategy of BIH to EU” explained HR. |
| Hayat int w/ Clark: DPA must be changed
| Hayat by Elvir Camdzic – In an interview to Centralni Dnevnik, former NATO commander Wesley Clark stated DPA was an attempt to create modern and democratic state. “If I had the opportunity to change DPA, I would have changed the electoral lists based on the issue of ethnicity,” said Clark. He believes that BIH is moving towards the EU. He thinks that US Government should have more active role in BIH. “There is no reason for two Armies, two entities, it is time for BIH to be united and part of the EU” noted Clark. |
| Hayat int w/ Holbrooke: Neglect of const. changes allowed Serbs pretend to live in separate country, thus satisfied with talks; Karadzic probably hides in monastery in BiH | Hayatby Elvir Camdzic – In an interview to Centralni Dnevnik, creator of the Dayton Peace Agreement, Richard Holbrooke, stated that he has been supporting the change of DPA. He expressed satisfaction that US Government is finally taking care of this issue. “The biggest mistake we made was to allow three Armies in BIH, we knew that it will create problems but it was imposed by NATO HQs which refused to take responsibility over Armies integration” said Holbrooke. According to him police reform is also necessary. “Srebrenica is the biggest tragedy that was allowed to occur. I have received instructions to sacrifice Srebrenica, Gorazde and Zepa and I felt that was wrong” admitted Holbrooke. He added that he is looking forward to the day when Srebrenica will be again populated by Muslims. Regarding the increasing interest of US Government in the affairs of Balkan, Holbrooke said the neglect of the Balkan crises will not help the stability of Europe. Regarding the issue of Radovan Karadzicand Ratko Mladic, Holbrooke stated that DPA allowed their arrest but NATO forces never attempted to arrest them which shows the imperfection of DPA implementation. Regarding the issue of abolishment of entities, Holbrooke stated that primarily Karadzic should be arrested in order to be able to carry out this. “He is probably hiding in a monastery in Eastern Bosna protected by para-military thugs while attempting to create the mini-state out of Srpska which shouldn’t be allowed since Srpska, the RS which was a mistake from the beginning, is just a part of the State” commented Holbrooke. “The neglect of the Constitutional changes allowed Serbs to pretend to be a separate country which, they are not, so I am satisfied with the start of the DPA talks in the Washington” added Holbrooke. Regarding the OHR and its authorization, Holbrooke stated that its power was ensured by DPA in order when Serbs and FBIH couldn’t reach the agreement; OHR was there to solve the issue and it worked. He stated that he would like to see the diminished powers of OHR but it shouldn’t be done too soon. |
| Hayat int w/ Silajdzic: It is not good that talks on DPA changes are at the same time of Kosovo status talks | Hayat by Senad Hadzifejzovic – As the guest of the Centralni Dnevnik, Haris Silajdzic, member in Sarajevo Delegation in Dayton in 1995 stated that he did not like the fact that BIH was undergoing the Constitutional changes at the same time when it was being decided on Kosovo status. He stated that this situation was abused by some SiCG politicians claiming that they can afford loosing Kosovo because they have RS as alternative. Regarding the issue of DPA changes, Silajdzic stated that these were only superficial and cosmetic changes. “All I have seen is the increase of number of BIH Ministries which could have been adopted through reforms” said Silajdzic. He added that concerning the issue of Presidency, the novelty was the proposal to elect the President in the Parliament which automatically denies the citizens of their civil and democratic rights to participate in the election of their President. “Everything is put back to the political parties to decide on” explained Silajdzic. |
Economic issues | |
| Terzic, Hadzipasic, ITA discusses VAT introduction; FBiH Govt needs 100 mil KM for social programs; Terzic announces punishments against all illegally using VAT
| PINK by Aida Hasanbegovic – Chairman of BIH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic, FBIH Prime Minister Ahmed Hadzipasic and Chairman of Indirect Taxation Agency Kemal Causevic have organised the meeting with cantonal officials regarding the introduction of Value Added Tax. They have discussed the issue of powers of market inspection agency and the possible increase of prices after the introduction of VAT. Terzic stated that with cooperation with Entity Government BIH can overcome the possible VAT crises without creating a chaos. “We will ensure that merchants do not increase prices under the pretext of the introduction of VAT. State has mechanisms to punish the abusers of the VAT regulations” explained Terzic. Hadzipasic stated that FBIH Government has proposed the program on protection of the socially endangered population groups such as children, retirees and unemployed people. He added that FBIH Government has presented the VAT protection programme to Cantonal PMs. BHT 1 by Mirela Cosic– Hadzipasic added that the FBiH Government’s social programs will cost about 80 million KM, while specific VAT programs will cost additional KM25 millions. Terzic announced that on Monday he would start procedure to change the Law on VAT, in order to satisfy demands of publishers. Terzic announced he will carry out the same meeting with RS PM Pero Bukejlovic and representatives of RS Municipalities. |
| DL: Based on McNair’s info, Croatia to raise charges against Media, Azinovic, Rojs
| Dnevni list pg 4 ‘Indictment against Medic, Azinovic and Rojs’, mentioned on cover, by N. Dedic – DL writes that the Croatian Prosecution will file charges against Ivan Medic, Ivan Azinovic and Ljubo Cesic Rojs for illegal reallocation of the money Croatia approved for assistants to Croats in BiH. According to DL, the indictments will be raised based on the cooperation with the BiH Court’s Prosecutor John McNair who lead the case against Ante Jelavic in case of Hercegovacka bank. |