OHR BiH Media Round-up, 20/7/2005

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

FBiH HoR in session

RHB, BH Radio 1 Aida Terzimehic – The FBiH House of Representatives is holding its session in Sarajevo today. Currently the deputies are discussing the amendments to the FBiH Law on Civil Service in urgent procedure. The amendments are to correct failures in the initial version of the Law. In the course of the session, the deputies are expected to discuss the draft law on planning and usage of land in the entity also in urgent procedure. The members of the Dom association representing occupancy right holders living in nationalized apartments are holding another rally in front of the FBiH Parliament Building in Sarajevo today protesting against another postponement of discussion on their right to purchase the apartments.    

Mostar Mayor Beslic says putting Old Bridge on UNESCI list means further prosperity for the town

BH Radio 1 – Mostar Mayor Ljubo Beslic sad upon return form the South African town of Durban that Mostar should experience further prosperity since its Old Bridge and Old Town complex have been put on the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. Beslic said that it had been very hard to achieve this but Mostar had done it. According to Beslic, now everything has to be done in order for the Old Bridge and Old Town to remain authentic and preserved for the future generations.

Supervisor Johnson disapproves of constructing mosque in compound of former military barracks in Brcko

SRNA – Brcko Supervisor Susan Johnson sent a letter to the Brcko District Assembly stating she disapproves of constructing a mosque in the compound of former military barracks in Brcko. The Assembly Speaker Milan Tomic ordered a half-hour break at which the heads of caucuses of the Assembly will discuss the Supervisor’s letter. The letter reminds that the former military barracks, which have been rehabilitated and converted to civic use in the context of the demilitarisation of the District, today houses the Judiciary, multiethnic schools, a Youth Centre and other public institutions.  Letter says the compound is not an appropriate/acceptable location for a new mosque. The reconstruction of former military barracks in Brcko was financed by the US Government with 2 million dollars.

Political issues

HR Ashdown addresses BiH HoR: Obstacles are unsolved PBS legislation, police reform and Mladic/Karadzic

RHB, RTRS, FTV, PINK by Zeljko Mandic – In address to the BiH House of Representatives on Tuesday, the HR Paddy Ashdown said that the basic aims BiH is facing refer to the admission into the Partnership for Peace and launching negotiations for signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU. If and when those negotiations start, the Peace Implementation Council should launch the process of closing down the OHR and replace it with the EU led mission, said Ashdown. EU Special Representative would be without the Bonn powers. BiH HoR on Tuesday discussed the conclusions of the HoR’s Commission for Foreign Policy on relations between BiH institutions and OHR. “BiH Institutions – Parliament, Council of Ministers and the Presidency, along with the OHR, should make an action plan on transferring the HR powers to the BiH authorities, but we must not forget the fact that we will need the institution of HR on our path to Europe”, said Martin Raguz, the Chair of the Commission. Ashdown stressed that only Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic now stand in BiH’s way to join the Partnership for Peace. Ashdown also said that the country need constitutional reforms: “Constitutional reform is something you have to deal with, not me. BiH must become more functional country; therefore, those constitutional changes must happen. But this is the issue which is up to BiH citizens to decide.” BHT 1 Marina Boskovic – Addressing the HoR, Ashdown said that they have two months to adopt laws on Public Broadcasting System and police reform, as that was the only way to create conditions to launch SAA negotiations. “When negotiations begin, the process of transition can slowly commence on 10^th anniversary of Dayton Agreement. OHR could be replaced with the EU mission already in October 2006,” Ashdown said. RHB by Zana Rebo – Commissions’ report concluded that it is too early to abolish the function of HR but stressed that the weakening of his function should occur in constitutional changes. HR was also said to have had overstepped his authorities, especially in dismissing members of BIH Presidency.

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Bosnia and Herzegovina is not protectorate’ by V. Zivak, Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘OHR already transfers its work to domestic institutions’, pg 4 ‘Constitutional changes must happen’ by H. Orahnovac, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘BiH close to goal’ by N. Bise, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘To resolve problems through consensus’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 3 ‘OHR: EU mission in 15 months’ by E. Medunjanin, Slobodna Dalmacija last pg ‘Ashdown announced abolishment of OHR’ by H, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Europe takes over BiH’ by Dusanka Stanisic, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Destiny in your hands’, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Less powers maybe as of October’ by M.Cubro – also report.

HR answers delegates questions [Reactions from FBiH delegates]

Hayat by Alem Karamesic – Hayat says that a number of politicians still believe it is too early to abolish the High Representative’s powers, alike it was concluded by the BiH HoR’s Foreign Policy Commission. “It is a question whether the HR position in BiH could be transformed, or even abolished, without the constitutional changes in BiH”, said Martin Raguz, Chair of the Commission. “BiH, its institutions and people, should bear more responsibility. What International Community showed us so far is that it can control the crisis, but it cannot find the solutions for the crisis”, said BiH Presidency Chair Ivo Miro Jovic. “I believe that HR decided to be the attorney for his own project. Therefore, today we had to listen to his tirade, in which he practically tried to show us how we great we are doing”, sarcastically noted SDP President Zlatko Lagumdzija. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘An answer to Lagumdzija: You get to the power through elections’ – Ashdown stated he was surprised with statements by Zlatko Lagumdzija who accused his of brining nationalists parties to power. “No, I have not brought them. Voters did,” concluded Ashdown. RTRS by Zorica Rulj – Sefik Dzaferovic deputy in BIH HoR feels that as soon as BIH joins PfP and signs SAA there will be less need for presence of international community in BIH. FTV Rasim Borcak – HDZ delegate, Ruza Sopta, said that the HR exceeded his authorities in removing certain Croat politicians and accused him for discrimination of the Croatian language in relation to proposals of PBS law. Ashdown answered that he will withdraw all of the proposals if the Constitutional Court says that the Constitution has been violated. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Words of both praise and criticism’ – also brings Sopta.

HR answers delegates questions [Reactions from RS delegates]

FTV, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Equal partners’- Commenting on the statement made by delegate Petar Kunic, who said that the HR favours one side over the another when it comes to the police reform, Ashdown said that the European Commission set the condition and insist on respecting of their standards, adding that nothing can be changed there. Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Equal partners’ – Milos Jovanovic from SDS said the party was mostly effected with HR’s decisions, concluding it is not good for BiH either that anybody removes its officials, especially HR. BHT 1 – “OHR didn’t done anything, together with BiH authorities, and it bears responsibility, with executive authorities, for non improved social and economic situation,” said HoR delegate, Tihomir Gligoric. RTRS – BIH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic feels that it is up to BIH parliamentarians to start an initiative related to change of HR’s mandate. “I feel that the institution of HR is a great limitation for BIH”, stated Ivanic. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Ivanic: OHR limits us’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Equal partners’ – carry Ivanic.

Ashdown: BiH is not protectorate

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘This is not protectorate’ – Asked by delegate Nijaz Durakovic whether BiH is under protectorate, Paddy Ashdown said that it was not him who appoints the government, but the election results. The headline of the Oslobodjenje’s cover splash article [‘BiH is not protectorate’] refers to this answer. Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Protectorate’ op-ed by Senka Kurtovic – According to the Oslobodjenje Editor-in-Chief, High Representative Paddy Ashdown on Tuesday finally admitted that BiH was not a protectorate. Such a statement was result of criticism and accusations made by deputies to the State Parliament. However, Kurtovic emphasized, in his address to the BiH HoR, Ashdown showed he was a bigger optimist than the state premier Adnan Terzic by saying that BiH might fulfill the remaining conditions for start of SAA talks with EU before autumn.   

FBiH Parliament gave a vote of confidence to FBiH Government

PINK, Hayat – At its session held on Tuesday the Federation of BiH Parliament gave a vote of confidence to the Federation of BiH Government. TV Pink and Hayat say that this issue provoked a bitter discussion between the representatives. Namely, SDA and HDZ representatives wanted this proposal to be removed from the FBiH HoR agenda, however, after the discussion it remained on the agenda. Hayat broadcasted statements recorded before the actual voting took place. “We believe that this government have no authority for almost a year now, but nobody told them that. We suggest that they should be officially informed about that fact today (Tuesday)”, said SDP’s Nermin Niksic. “SDP Caucus, who proposed giving a vote of no confidence to the FBiH Government, did not convince us that there are good reasons and arguments for that”, said SDA’s Ismet Osmanovic. “All in all, this government had quite a lot of good moves and results. Of course, the situation in FBiH is far from ideal, but the government is not the sole culprit for that”, added Osmanovic. RHB, FTV, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Hadzipasic received support of FBiH Parliament’ by M. Karacic, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Parliamentary majority supported the FBiH Govt’, pg 6 ‘The text of the restitution law by the end of year’ by S. Se., Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Majority of deputies voted confidence to Government’, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Hadzipasic received support of FBiH Parliament’ by M. Karacic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Delegates gave confidence vote to Government’ by R.Cengic  – also reported.

Protest of ‘Dom’ Association / DL says Islamic Community exerts pressure on SDA regarding restitution law

Dnevni List cover pg splash and pg 2 ‘Ceric expels on street 20 000 families’ by M. Zorlak – About 200 members of the association ‘Dom’ (owners of nationalized flats) protested on Tuesday in front of the Federation of BiH Parliament building demanding from the competent authorities to make possible for them buying off nationalized flats on which they have tenancy rights. At the same time the session of the FBiH Parliament, during which this issue was supposed to be discussed, was taking place. According to DL, the leadership of the Islamic Community led with Reisu-l-Ulema Mustafa Ceric sent a demand to the SDA representatives in the FBiH Parliament to remove this issue from the agenda. DL insert ‘Game of SDA representatives’ carries that at the SDA intervention the aforementioned item (law on buying up of flats) was removed from the 10^th to the 17^th place of the agenda and therefore it is very possible that representatives would not have time to discuss this time on Wednesday (today) as well.  Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘The text of the restitution law by the end of year’ by S. Se. – The Head of the SDA Caucus, Semsudin Mehmedovic, explained that the reason SDA has initiated postponement of the discussion is to consult all the necessary sies in the issue, as well as the report of the Commission for restitution which is supposed to draft the text of the restitution law by the end of year. BHT1, Hayat, Vecernji List pg 3 ‘They demand possibility to buy off flats’ by eme, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 17 ‘Homes taken away from 3500 citizens’ by Z. Tulic, Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘Tenancy rights holders and owners of nationalized property protested’, mentioned on cover, by S.Se., Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘They live in their apartments but it seems like they are in waiting room’ – also report on protests of Dom Association.

Brcko Assembly delegates dispute over

Glas Srspke, pg 3 “Bosniaks stick on their ideas”, Nezavisne Novine, pg 11 “Disagreement on the new mosque prolonged the session”, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Bosniaks for, Serbs against’; Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Mosque blocks the Assembly’s work’ – The regular session of the Brcko District Assembly planned for Tuesday was terminated by Assembly Presdienct Milan Tomic after the parliamentary majority parties failed to agree on the agenda. A reason for it is a disputable regulatory plan for the Brcko settlement “Es”, which had already been withdrawn once from the Assembly agenda upon insistence by the OHR. The plan, which includes the construction of the new mosque in the compound of the former military barracks, was being disputed by the SDS and other Serb parliamentary parties claim which claim it is not legal. On the other side Bosniak delegates deem the procedure was obeyed. Croat delegates say they are supportive to construction of any religious object in Brcko, unless all representatives of all people, as it was the case here, vote against it. Brcko Supervisor, Susan Johnson, held separate meetings with representatives of all the three peoples in the Assembly and representatives of the Brcko Islamic Community, however the agreement was not reached. Oslobodjenje reports that Bosniak delegates in the assembly are of the opinion that the Brcko Supervisor is under an influence of the Serb lobby.  

41% of  Europeans support BiH efforts to join EU

PINK, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘41% of Europeans support BiH Admission to EU’ by Fena – Public survey carried out by the European Commission among 25.000 EU citizens in a period between May 9 and June 14 showed that 41 percent support BiH’s efforts to join the EU. Out of all Balkans states, Croatia enjoys the biggest support with 52%, Macedonia has 42, Serbia-Montenegro 40, and Albania only 36 percent. At the same time, almost 19 percent of polled EU citizens have negative attitude towards European Union, which is four percent more than a few months ago.

FBiH Vice-president Dzihanovic rejects to approve appointment of new Ministers

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Sahbaz Dzihanovic rejected to approve appointments of new Ministers’ – The FBiH House of Representatives will not be in position today to discuss appointment of successors to Federation Ministers for Veteran Issues and Health, Ibrahim Nadarevic and Tomislav Lucic, because FBiH Vice-president Sahbaz Dzihanovic has rejected to approves appointment of new Ministers. Dzihanovic said in a statement for the daily that he wanted a full procedure to be carried out as well as the reasons behind the resignations of two Ministers to be discussed.  

NN claims Dokic remains Minister following OHR intervention

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Dokic remains minister until further notice’, announced on cover ‘Dokic remains Minister’ by M.C. – Daily notes that decision on discharge from duties of Branko Dokic, found guilty of office misconduct, has been annulled, owing to OHR intervention. It further carries statement of Adnan Terzic, BiH COM Chair, stating that: “Branko Dokic is the BiH Minister of Trade and Communication in technical mandate. OHR’s legal interpretation is that a part of my decision on acceptance of Dokic’s resignation – referring to appointment of deputy minister as acting minister – is not legal.”

Economic issues

Farmers continue with protests for 24^th day; authorities have not yet addressed the issue

PINK Report by Adriana Domazet – The farmers protesting in front of the BiH Joint Institutions building 24 days in a row, had demanded to present their demands to the representatives of the BiH Parliament at the session yesterday [Tuesday]. They request the adoption of a Law on Agriculture, establishment of the state level Agriculture Ministry, as well as urgent implementation of measures as set in the BiH Development Strategy regarding this sector. “We have timely submitted to the both houses of BiH Parliamentary Assembly the request for participating in this session. Unfortunately, we did not get a response, they did not allow me – as a president of this Association – to address the representatives, which shows that this authority is arrogant, that they do not want a democratic dialogue based on argument”, said the Chair of the BiH Farmers Association Ranko Bakic. Farmers have distributed some of milk products to Sarajevo citizens. Farmers have also announced the general protests around the country if authorities keep failing to address their issues. Bakic added that about 50.000 farmers will block all state institutions, border crossings and highways at the end of August due to the ignorance of their problems on part of BiH authorities.  

RHB, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘When you come back from holidays, we’ll be many more’, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Blockade of state institutions and border crossings announced for August’ by M. Zorlak, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Floor and milk products distributed’ by N.Krsman  – also report.

Dzaferovic: On 20 July, BiH Parliament to discuss social programmes re: introduction of VAT

BHT 1 Sanita Lisica – BHT 1 states that on session on Tuesday, the BiH Parliament have not discussed either farmers demands or the social programs related to the introduction of the VAT. “This shows that they actually do not have any answers, and instead they are running from their responsibilities. They simply ignore the fact that today, in 21^st century in Europe, honourable people fight over a bag of powder and one litre of milk”, Zlatko Lagumdzija a SDP delegate in BiH Parliament Assembly stated. “I can inform you that we will, discuss social programs [to fight] negative effects after introduction of VAT at the session on 20^th July,” Sefik Dzaferovic, BH House of Representatives Chair stated.

Energopetrol co-capitalization: Grahovac says only solution is removal of Busatlic/new tender

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘The only way our is new tender and removal of Namik Busatlic’ by M. Kukan – The Deputy FBiH Prime Minister, Gavrilo Grahovac, states for DA he is certain that the issue of Enegropetrol co-capitalization will be solved at the session of the FBiH Government to take place tomorrow [Thursday]. Grahovac underlines he believes that the only solutions is to annul the tender and remove the director of Enegropetrol, Namik Busatlic. Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘The group of share holders damn action by BiH Prosecution and Financial Police’ by M.K. – DA also reports that Enegropetrol Trade Union believes that the Government should finalize co-capitalization and takes stance in a support of Director Busatlic. On the other hand, the group of shareholder and workers also talked to DA informing them that this Trade Union was entirely appointed by Busatlic, thus cannot be trusted.

Contradictory reports of Enegropetrol debts

Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Busatlic convinced Zutic that debt does not exist’ by M. Karacic – The Director of Energopetrol, Namik Busatlic, and Director of the FBiH Privatization Agency Resad Zutic held the meeting on Tuesday. According to Busatlic, it was concluded that disputable EP’s debt amounting to 10 million Euros [which possible buyer INA-MOL Consortium doesn’t want to pay] does not exist. According to DL unofficial sources, INA and MOL would not apply for a new tender in case that the current tender for co-capitalization of EP was annulled. Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Additional debts more than 30 million KM!’ – However, DA brings statement from Zutic, who says now that additional debt of Enegropetrol is not 20, but 30 million KM.  Slobodna Dalmacija pg 8, mentioned on cover ‘EP to sue FBiH Government’ by Z. Tulic – A member of the EP Supervisory Board Mijo Maricevic revealed that the FBiH Government owes EP 58 million KM since EP used to lend money to FBiH Govt and paid some unnecessary taxes. SD also says that EP workers announced a general strike that is to take place on Monday. Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Inventing of debts’ by M. Karacic carries an open editorial on the EP issue and the author says that the goal of the whole issue is preventing the Croatian capital to enter BiH. Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Lobbies and Enegropetrol’ op-ed by Borivoje Simic – Editorial is critical of constant delays in this issue, stating that the FBiH Government has “lost compass allowing the affair to be influenced by lobbies and party’s interests.”

Canton 10 account to be blocked?

Slobodna Dalmacija cover pg splash and pg 17 ‘Teachers, officials, civil servants without salaries’ by F. Mioc carries that due to poor filling in of the Canton 10 treasury the Federation of BiH Tax Administration is planning to block the Canton 10 account.  

Security and police issues

EC donates half million KM worth equipment to SIPA

RHB, Hayat, BHT 1, FTV, RTRS, PINK Report by Aida Hasanbegovic – The Head of the European Commission Delegation to BiH Michael Humphreys presented new computer equipment worth about 500.000 KM to the State Information and Protection Agency (SIPA) in Sarajevo on Tuesday. That equipment includes 30 computers and a server which will allow SIPA to be linked with other police services and information systems. Among other things, this will enable SIPA officers to create a photo-robot of a potential suspect on a basis of witness’ description. “We all know that, in a modern world, it is impossible to imagine the effective police work without proper and sophisticated equipment, especially when fighting organized crime, corruption and smuggling of narcotics”, said SIPA Director Sredoje Novic. “We in European Union really have interest to help a fight against the crime in BiH. Because, if BiH is not capable of fighting crime efficiently, that crime will spread across its borders, and even to the EU member states”, said Humphreys. EU helped BiH police structure with approximately 2,5 millions of Euro during last few years; that help includes computer equipment and software, telecommunication and surveillance equipment. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘SIPA got new equipment’, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Equipment for more efficient work of SIPA’ by E. Mackic, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘SIPA gets photo-fit programme’ by D.Muminovic  – also reported.

FTV says about 37.000 people have BiH passports under false documents; Investigation launched in Brcko

FTV by Halid Rifatbegovic – Based on information gathered by investigation bodies, it is assumed that above 37.000 people were issued with the BiH passport on false documents. A high number of those passports was issued in Brcko District, reports FTV. An comprehensive investigation has been launched in the case, and not only in District. “Our investigation will also look at the institutions and individuals employed in those institutions who work on issuing those documents in order to find out whether there were any irregularities or even misuse of position in their work,” says Brcko District Chief Prosecutor, Zekerijah Mujkanovic. As FTV founds out unofficially, establishment of the special BiH Council of Ministers’ Commission to deal with this issue is underway. Brcko District authorities so far sanctioned one person who got BiH passport based on false documents. Investigations against several persons are ongoing.

DA: Some 400 BiH citizenships under suspicion

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Some 400 BiH citizenships under suspicion’ – A review into granting BiH citizenship status to foreigners conducted yet in 1996 shows a series of failures in this process, learns the daily. According to an internal analysis, some 400 people got BiH citizenship status/BiH passport in a suspicious way. An unnamed high-ranking BiH official told the daily that the issue would soon be put on the agenda of BiH Presidency, Council of Ministers and Parliament.     

Leaky represents EUFOR six months report to biH authorities

Oslobodjenje pg 4’Together against organized crime’, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Terzic congratulates for successful transition from SFOR to EUFOR’ – EUFOR Commander General David Leakey delivered a report on the results of EUFOR during the first six months of 2005 to BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic on Tuesday. BiH Defence Minister Nikola Radovanovic and Security Minister Barisa Colak also attended the delivery of the report. Leakey expressed satisfaction with the successful transition of the mission from SFOR to EUFOR, stressing that communication and cooperation with the domestic authorities is constantly improving, which is resulting in joint operations on fighting organised crime. Terzic congratulated General Leakey on the results achieved during the first six months of the “new mission”. Terzic said BiH authorities view EUFOR’s mandate as much more than common work on the full implementation of the Dayton Agreement.

Mothers of Srebrenica say RS police sabotaged 11 July funerals

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Intentional sabotage by RS police’ – Mothers of Srebrenica and Women of Srebrenica wrote to Paddy Ashdown and Sulejman Tihic expressing their sorrow over the fact that a large number of families of Srebrenica victims have not arrived in Potocari Memorial Center in order to attend the funeral of victims. The Associations claim that this was intentionally sabotaged by RS police.

Defence reform

Round-table on NATO: BiH on turning point

BHT 1, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘BiH on turning point’, Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘McElhaney: BiH is at turning point’, Dnevni List pg 8 ‘Round table called ‘NATO – advantages and challenges held’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘BiH approaches NATO through defence reform’ by M.Lingo – BiH is on the turning point in its history because it has engaged in the process of making decisions for its future in Euro-Atlantic integration, the U.S. Ambassador to BiH, Douglas McElhaney, said on Tuesday at the roundtable “NATO – advantages and challenges”. McElhaney regards the signing of the draft laws on defense reform on Monday as the key step forward and urged the institutions to pass the laws as soon as possible, “so that BiH could send a signal to the European Union and NATO that it is serious about joining Euro-Atlantic integration”. Hayat by Elma Kazagic – “Now you have unique opportunity to become a part of a peaceful, successful and democratic community. The membership in the NATO foresees a lot of benefits; NATO will help your country in Defence Reform Process”, said McElhaney. “In accordance with the changes inside NATO, Turkish armed forces have begun a similar process of transformation and modernization. The final objective is to transform Turkish Army into a smaller, modern and professional force, which will be more capable of deployment and possible fight”, said Turkish Ambassador to BiH Melek Sina Bydur. The membership in the NATO is a guaranty of security for every country, was concluded at the round-table.

BiH Defense Minister Radovanovic: We are fulfilling conditions for acceding NATO 

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘We are fulfilling conditions for acceding NATO’ S. Numanovic – In an interview with the daily, BiH Defense Minister Nikola Radovanovic said that BiH would meet all the technical pre-conditions for accession to Partnership for Peace program and the major part of pre-conditions for entering NATO if the reforms agreed within the Defense Reform Commission are adopted (by authorized legislative bodies in the country). Radovanovic added that necessary law must be passed in the parliaments by the end of September at the latest in order for the single BiH defense budget for the next year to be prepared on time.

NN interview with Gregorian: BiH can go to NATO after 2010

Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘BiH can go to NATO after 2010’ by A.Sisic – In a page long interview to NN, Rafi Gregorian, DRC Co-Chairperson, says that BiH will need at least five years to get ready for NATO admittance in case that Parliaments accepted proposed Laws on defence. Furthermore, he says that “the proposed concept will disable any sort of support to war crime suspects and other abuses”. He expresses belief Law will go through both Parliaments’ procedures, adding that only option of seeing laws not adopted is if opposition party leaders lied to him at numerous meetings they had on defence issues. He stresses he had spent most of the time with SNSD, which was consulted on each step, expressing his disappointment over the statement Nikola Spiric gave recently regarding defence reform.

Reactions to agreed proposal on defence reforms

RTRS by Aleksandar Vranjes – RTRS brings reactions to the drat laws on defence and law on service in BIH armed forces. Member of the SNSD Main Board Dubravko Suvara stated in Banja Luka today that SNSD representatives would support draft laws as proposed by the DRC and he expressed hope they would be adopted by the entity and BiH Parliaments. Chairman of Socialist Party Petar Djokic feels that the reform is to bring down the ruling parties in RS, especially SDS. He also expressed his support for the reform. The member of the Serb Radical Party Djuro Beronja on the other hand doesn’t support abolishment of the RS Army. PDP member Rodoljub Trkulja stated that PDP feels that previous solutions on defence reform were better then the current one and added that they will make a final stance on it once the proposal is properly reviewed. Dnevni List pg 8 ‘Nevertheless SNSD will support new solutions for defence reform’ by De.L., Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Final goal is demilitarization’ – also bring SNSD’s comment. EuroBlic RSpg 1 ‘Satisfied, undetermined, unsatisfied’ – carries comments of SNSD, Trkulja from PDP, Beronja from SRS “Dr. Vojislav Seselj”. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘DO not count on us’ by Z.Ma. – carries Beronja.

Milovanovic / Kapetina comment on Draft law on defence reform

Glas Srpske cover pg slash ‘All we need now is Tito(!?)’ by M.Dz. – Daily carries comments regarding defence reform of Dusan Stojicic, SRS “Dr. Vojislav Seselj”, Dragan Kapetina and Manojlo Milovanovic. Kapetina, advisor to Serb member to BiH Presidency, says that some RS NA conclusions had to be given up on, because there was no other way to meet conditions for NATO admittance. RS Army General in retirement and former RS Defence Minister, Milovanovic ironically assessed that if Parliament adopts proposed draft laws “we’ll get back to where we have started. ..All major duties will be in the hands of one man, as it was the case with [Josip Broz] Tito…At the end, nothing will come out from this Army.” Milovanovic further notes that the DRC members from RS did not sign the Report self-willingly, but because they got “a green light” to do that from RS authorities. According to him, by adopting the Draft law on defence reform, the RS NA would renounce RS, and Serb people would lose another important element of national identity.

DL: ‘Nevertheless, Ashdown will have to impose defence reform’

Dnevni List pg 8 ‘Nevertheless, Ashdown will have to impose defence reform’ by Z. Jukic – DL says that according to the Sarajevo based media the engagement of High Representative Paddy Ashdown was rather negatively judged by the European diplomatic circles. Also, an anonymous official of an Embassy in Sarajevo stated for DL that Ashdown desperately needs a success of the defence reform in order to improve the impression about his engagement in BiH. The source added: ‘The HR would not avoid to use his powers when the defence reform in BiH is in question as he did with regard to the police reform.’ DL also says that it is hard to believe that the RSNA would support the proposals on the defence reform and the author concludes that the HR would have to impose the defence reform at least when the RS is in question.  

SD: ‘Unified Army inapplicable’/ DRC proposals closest to Nikolic’s concept

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 16 ‘Unified Army inapplicable’ by Z. Tulic comments on the DRC proposals for the defence reform and the author concludes that such concept primarily suits NATO since the unified Army in BiH is inapplicable. The author explains this claim saying: ‘It is hard to imagine the situation in the future in which this unified Army would be defending BiH from a possible aggressor who would not be one of our neighbours, Croatia or Serbia and Montenegro. This Army cannot be unified against these aggressors since at least one its parts would not consider the attacker as the aggressor.’ Slobodna Dalmacija pg 16 ‘Nikolic’s concept won’ by Z.T. comments on the proposals for the defence reform and the author says that these proposals are closest to the concept that Federation of BiH Defence Minister Miroslav Nikolic proposed.

NN: Majority of parliamentary parties to support defence reform concept

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Majority of parties finds proposals acceptable’ by V.P. – Daily notes the majority of the parliamentary parties will have their delegates at Parliaments to support defence reform concept, adding that opposition parties almost have no dilemma as to whether they would support defence reform concept. EuroBlic RSpg 1 ‘Professionals – attention!’ by Marija Milic, Vecernje Novosti pg 2, announced on cover ‘Three national regiments to Serbs as well’ – Dailies carry factual reports regarding proposed concepts of defence reform as already reported by media yesterday.

War crimes

FBiH Parliament passed resolution on Srebrenica

RHB, FTV, Hayat, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Hadzipasic received support of FBiH Parliament’ by M. Karacic – At its session held on Tuesday the Federation of BiH Parliament passed the resolution on Srebrenica. DL says that a proposal of President of the SBiH Caucus Ismet Briga was also adopted. According to this proposal it is being demanded from the BiH Parliamentary Assembly to lobby through its representatives in the Council of Europe  for passing the resolution on the ground of which the status of Srebrenica as a protected zone would be renewed in order to reduce consequences of genocide and for the sake of the Srebrenica economic recover.  

Former HVO officer reaches plea bargain with ICTY prosecution

BHT1 Vjera Bogati – ICTY indictee Miroslav Bralo Cicko pleaded guilty to the crimes committed against Bosniaks in Central Bosnia. Bralo reached plea deal with ICTY Prosecution. As a member of Croat Defence Council (HVO), Bralo was suspected of torture, murders and rapes of Bosnjaks in Lasva valley in 1993. Bralo is first Croat indictee who reached plea bargain. Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Bralo pleaded to all accounts of indictment’, Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Bralo pleaded guilty’ by Hina, Vecernji List pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Miroslav Bralo Cicko pleaded guilty before The Hague’ by Z. Kresic, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 8 ‘Bralo pleaded guilty’ by H, – also report.

ICTY approves pre-trial releases for three suspects

FTV, RTRS, BHT 1, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Stanisic, Miletic, Gvero temporarily released’  – ICTY has approved the pre-trial releases for indictees Milan Gvero, Radivoje Miletic and Mico Stanisic. Gvero and Miletic are former members of RS Army Headquarter accused for war crimes in Srebrenica and Zepa. Stanisic is a former RS Minister of Interior.

RS Association of PoWs to meet US Senators and present evidences on crimes against Serbs

RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘They are bringing hundreds of hours of video material on crimes against Serbs in BiH’ by S.Gojkovic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Full bag of evidence’, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘It is never late for full truth’ – A delegation of the RS Association of former war prisoners is travelling today to the USA to meet with US Senators and Congressmen in order to present hundreds of hours of video footage on crimes committed against Serbs in BiH between 1992 and 1995, stated the Association. The delegation is comprised of the Association’s President and Vice President, Branislav Dukic and Slavko Jovicic respectively. Jovicic said that the video-material was handed over by the RS Government’s Secretariat for Relations with ICTY and War Crimes Investigations.

Former BIA chief claims Serbian Colonel was Head of Mladic’ security

EuroBlic cover pg splash, pgs4-5 ‘General Staff Colonel – Chief of Mladic’ Security’ by N.M.Jovanovic – Goran Petrovic, former Chief of Serbian Secret Police, confirmed in a statement to daily that Colonel Dragomir Krstovic, Logistics’ Commander and member of the SiCG Army General Staff, was the Head of Ratko Mladic’ security until the end of 2002. Krstovic is one of ten people at SiCG Army (according to official record of State Security Service – formerly SDB now BIA) who were in charge of providing everything to Mladic. Daily notes that Dusan Mihajlovic, former Serbian interior minister, confirmed such record existed.