OHR BiH Media Round-up, 22/10/2005

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

EC recommended negotiations

EU to open negotiations with BiH

Opening of SAA talks recommended

CoM on Corridor Vc

HR: This is the historic day for BiH

Reactions from Geneva

BiH MoFA on EC recommendation

Topcagic: BiH starts talks without HR

Suspected terrorists interrogated

HR on EC recommendation

BiH CoM to donate Pakistani victims

Karadzic’s square in Bijeljina?

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

EU to open negotiations with BiH

Opening of SAA talks recommended

EC recommended negotiations

HR: This is the historic day for BiH

Ashdown on EC recommendation

HR and politicians on EC decision

State’s admin. space rental costs

Conference in Geneva completed

HR on issue of DPA

BiH CoM discussed several issues

Reactions on EC decision

Terrorists arrested in Sarajevo

Oslobodjenje

BiH is ready for negotiations with EU

Dnevni Avaz

Clear sign for our future

Dnevni List

Journey to EU secured

Vecernji List

Death in “Rebro” hospital [speculates that the deceased suffered from Creutzfeld-Jacob’s disease]

Nezavisne Novine

BiH can start with negotiations

Glas Srpske

Stones for good-night [feature report on a woman in Sarajevo whose house was stoned – notes attacks on Serbs in Sarajevo are becoming more frequent]

Geneva conference/reactions on EC recommendation on SAA talks

EC recommended to EU Council to launch negotiations on SAA talks with BiH

RHB, TV Pink, BHT1, TV Hayat, FTV, RTRS – European Commission gave a recommendation to EU Council to open negotiation on signing of the SAA with BiH and submitted directives for negotiating, which have to be passed by the Council. On this occasion, Head of EC Mission Michael Humphreys and Chairman of Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic have held a press conference in Sarajevo, during which it was stressed that SAA is a first major step toward European Integrations for Countries of Western Balkan. In its decision, EC has stressed that BiH has to continue its work on better cooperation with the ICTY and assure implementation of police reform and Law on PBS. It wasn’t stated when the negotiations would start, but Humphreys expressed hope that this will happen before the end of the year, and he stressed that all of this is a result of reforms, which were carried out and passing of reformist laws.  Both Humphreys and Terzic have emphasised the positive role of Great Britain as presiding country of the EU to which the European path of BiH, as it has promised, was a priority. 

TV Hayat – Terzic also gave credit to BiH CoM, High Representative Paddy Ashdown, the US Administration and European Commission. Terzic said he doesn’t expect any words of praise, since there is still a job to be done.

TV Pink – EC underlines that BiH must, in particular, continue to improve co-operation with the ICTY, adopt the remaining Law on Public Broadcasting Service, and ensure the implementation of the police and PBS reforms. A lack of progress in these areas may delay the opening of SAA negotiations, or lead to their suspension, said Ambassador Humphreys.

Dnevni Avaz cover pg splash ‘Clear sign for our future’ and pg 2 ‘EC recommended launching of negotiations with BiH’ by A. M., Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Door to Europe were opened slightly’ by Z. Domazet, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘BiH can start negotiations’, pgs 2-3 ‘Start of negotiations with EU was recommended’ by M. Cubro, Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘BiH achieved significant progress’ by V. Z. F., Dnevni List cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘Journey to EU was secured’ by Mensud Zorlak, Vecernji List pgs 6-7 ‘Agreement by 2006’ by Dejan Jazvic – also report on the press conference.

Humphreys’ int for BHT1: comments on forthcoming negotiations on SAA talks

News update, BHT late news 22,00 hrs by Tomislav Djuric – The guest of BHT late news journal was Head of the European Commission delegation to BiH Michael Humphreys. At the beginning of this short interview Humphreys stated that EC does not always get what it wants, but that he cannot remember any case when an important decision – such as this recommendation on opening of negotiations on SAA with BiH – was rejected by the EU Council of Ministers. They should reach a “hopefully positive” and unanimous decision on the beginning of December, which would than mean that BiH could start the negotiations on SAA. Asked if it is possible that BiH would have to fulfil some new conditions for the beginning of the SAA talks – constitutional changes, for example – Humphreys said that it is not an option, because all the conditions were clearly stated in the Feasibility Study; however, there are three fields on which BiH would have to particularly pay attention. Those are cooperation with the ICTY, adoption of the Law on Public Broadcasting Service and the implementation of the police reform. “During the negotiations BiH Government will have to prove that it is capable to adopt and implement necessary laws. When it is done, it will probably become clear if certain changes are necessary”, said Humphreys.  Asked to comment Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla del Ponte‘s statement that there is no political will in BiH to arrest Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, Humphreys said that there has been significant progress in cooperation with the ICTY, especially in RS. Finding and capturing Karadzic and Mladic is not the condition for the beginning of the SAA talks, but it will probably become necessary if BiH wants to fully cooperate with ICTY and successfully complete the negotiations. At the end, Head of the European Commission delegation to BiH Michael Humphreys stated that the visa regime for BiH citizens should be abolished, but he was not able to say when it is going to happen.

RTRS int with Maroevic: comments on forthcoming obligations of BiH re negotiations

RTRS late news update– Guest of late news was Spokesperson of EC Mission in BiH Frane Maroevic who was asked to explain directive that EC has submitted to the CoE – Maroevic explained that directives are in fact a draft of the whole agreement and include determinations as economy, fiscal policy, determinations in customs, veterinary and in a matter is everything that is included into EU legislative and in fact is the beginning of harmonization of BiH and EU legislation. Asked about first steps that BiH authorities have to undertake, Maroevic said that BiH authorities are currently preparing a negotiating team, which is the team of experts and politicians that will have to present the stances BiH will have during the negotiations. Asked whether they know who could be negotiators for BiH and whether these should be politicians or experts, Maroevic said that this is something that BiH institutions will have to decide on, but it is clear that this team will have to be composed of many experts from the areas that will be a part of the agreement, but since this is a political agreement it is clear that teams should be lead by people who will lead politics and people who will be able to implement all agreed matters. Regarding the Constitution, Maroevic said: “EC can’t give a receipt to BiH…BiH is the one that has to find solution for its own Constitution. We will support any solution, which is a domestic product and which all constitutive peoples agree with…a solution that can be efficient”.

HR Ashdown: Historical day for BiH

RHB, TV Pink, TV Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Ashdown: this is a historical day’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Historical day’ by Srna, Nezavisne Novine pgs 2-3 ‘BiH politicians must continue with reforms’ by Almedin Sisic, Oslobodjenje cover pg splash and pgs 4-5 ‘BiH ready for negotiations with EU’ by Senita Sehercehajic – High Representative Paddy Ashdown has greeted the decision of the EC to recommend opening of negotiations on SAA with BiH, stressing that this decision will irreversibly put BiH on the path toward the Europe. HR stressed that this is a great day for BiH, adding that program will be changed today, while tomorrow BiH will be a different country. HR said that this will give clear vision to BiH where it goes and what must be done in order to get there stressing that journey will be difficult. HR said that it is important to continue activities on police reform, stressing that EU Commissioner Ollie Rehn has stressed that EC wants to see improvements in this area. HR said that if these improvements are made, there is a great chance that OHR and Bonn ’s authorities will be abolished by next elections.

TV Hayat – HR said that authorities who have nationalistic intentions could not finish BiH road to Europe, expressing his belief that BiH will become EU member one day. HR stated that apprehending Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic is a condition to end the obsessive past, calling them to surrender instead hiding as cowards.

FTV – Journalists asked HR to say if the current government is able to complete started reforms or not: “I’ve said before, and I am saying again now that those nationalistic-oriented authorities are not capable of completing BiH’s path to Europe”, Paddy Ashdown replied.

HR Ashdown: constitutional reform cannot be imposed on BiH peoples;

Petritsch: IC made mistakes in BiH

Del Ponte on Karadzic and Mladic arrest

RTRS – During the Conference in Geneva “10 Year After Dayton and Beyond” High Representative Paddy Ashdown said that constitutional reform can’t be imposed to BiH peoples, but can be achieved only trough consensus. HR stressed that changes of the Constitution will not change BiH, but will only remove obstacles toward changes, adding that establishment of one President in BiH should be considered, but this is a matter for BiH people and next High Representative and EU Special Representative. HR said that BiH is between post-war stabilization and transition toward Europe, where DaytonState has to be transformed into BrusselsState with a main goal is establishment of the State, which puts its citizens on the first place. HR reminded that PIC is prepared to replace HR with EUSR, during the negotiating process, adding that this could happen till elections next year. “If we catch association with NATO on 2008, I believe that somewhere about 2010 BiH could join the EU”- said Chairman of CoM Adnan Terzic. Former HR to BiH Wolfgang Petritsch said that IC had made mistakes in BiH. “I believe that we have started democratisation process to early with the elections, so that wartime parties were democratically legitimised. That was a great mistake”, Petritschsaid. ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte said that if Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic aren’t extradited to the ICTY till mid of December, she will recommend some strict ideas to the UN’s Security Council, but she didn’t specified any details.

BHT1 – Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla del Ponte had a simple answer for the fact that Karadzic and Mladic are still on the loose. “Those reasons are not a secret: there is no political will to arrest them”, stated Del Ponte.

Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Changes to the existing constitutional apparatus must be introduced’ by Srna, Glas srpske pg 5 ‘Change the Constitution on your own’ by Srna, Nezavisne Novine pgs 2-3 ‘BiH politicians must continue with reforms’ by Almedin Sisic inset ‘New Constitution cannot be imposed on BiH’ – also carry HR’s statement.

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘She has “strict ideas”’ not signed – carries Del Ponte’s statement.

HR Ashdown: PIC will give less authorities to next HR

Rehn appeals for changes to BiH Constitution

BHT1 – The EC recommendation was the main topic during the second day of International Conference on BiH in Geneva. All participants at this “Ten Years of Dayton and Beyond” conference, including High Representative in BiH Paddy Ashdown, welcomed this EC decision. Earlier during the day, Ashdown announced that the PIC will give much smaller authorities to the next HR, and that institution of HR should be completely abolished in October 2006. Before that, EU Council of Minister should confirm on December 12 the EC recommendation, and Ashdown is quite sure they will do it. HR Ashdown added that current government in BiH is capable of starting the integration process, but it is not capable of concluding it. “It is very important that BiH, as well as other countries in the region, continue to cooperate with the ICTY. It is also very important that war criminals, such as Karadzic and Mladic, are brought to justice”, stated EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn. Vecernji List pg 6 ‘EU for change of the Dayton’ by mv – reads Rehn had appealed for introducing changes to BiH Constitution before BiH joins EU because ‘BiH Constitution is too complex and fiscally unstable’.

Topcagic: BiH authorities will be ready for the start of negotiations

FTV, RTRS, TV Pink, BHT1, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Door to Europe were opened slightly’ by Z. Domazet inset ‘Topcagic’, Nezavisne Novine pgs 2-3 ‘BiH politicians must continue with reforms’ by Almedin Sisic, Oslobodjenje cover pg splash and pgs 4-5 ‘BiH ready for negotiations with EU’ by Senita Sehercehajic – Director of the BiH Directorate of European Integration Osman Topcagic stated that BiH authorities will be ready for the start of the negotiations. Topcagic added that BiH could use the fact that it is behind its neighbours in terms of preparing for negotiations with EU, and use this as its advantage – because BiH will be able to learn from other’s mistakes. “It is primarily a trade agreement, which establish the political and economic dialogue at the highest level, and by signing it BiH will formally become a candidate for the EU membership”, explained Topcagic. He was not able to confirm the composition of BiH’s negotiating team, but he did not reject the possibility that some of the participants at the Geneva conference could be involved.

RTRS – Topcagic said that this is a chance for a great turnover in BiH and today, 10 years since DPA was signed, it can be said that establishment of peace has been finished.

Comments on EC recommendations: Bukejlovic, Ivanic, Spiric, Paravac, Stojicic

RTRS – RS PM Pero Bukejlovic and RS Government stressed that great progress has been made and that RS has had a significant role in this process. PM Bukejlovic has expressed readiness of his Government to take active part in negotiations. BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Mladen Ivanic said that BiH is entering an irreversible process, which will demand a strategy of associating. “First thing that has to be done now is to create our own strategy and what we want to ask and negotiate with the EU. But overall this is a positive event and opening of more then clear European perspective for BiH and obviously something that can’t be stopped anymore”- said Ivanic.  Chairman of BiH House of Representatives Nikola Spiric said that it is obvious that BiH will have to fulfil all conditions that EC puts before it, if it wants to accelerate its European path. “I think that all forces in BiH should join, in order to compensate for lost time and simply shorten our way toward BiH; but in any case I think that this is a good news for BiH citizens”- said Spiric. Member of BiH Presidency, Borislav Paravac said he is pleased by this news, stressing that much more has to be done in order for Europe to accept BiH as a partner. Speaker of RSNA Dusan Stojicic said that this is recognition for reform processes in BiH, where RS authorities gave great contribution.

FTV, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Door to Europe were opened slightly’ by Z. Domazet inset ‘Paravac’, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Good news’ not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘We are aware lots need to be done yet’– also report on Paravac’s statement.

Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Door to Europe were opened slightly’ by Z. Domazet inset ‘The Government of Srpska’, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Good news’ not signed – statement of RS PM Bukejlovic.

RHB, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Good news’ not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Historical decision for BiH’ – Ivanic’s statement.

Comments on EC recommendations: Ambassador Rycroft, Ivo Miro Jovic, Tihic, Lagumdzija, Dodik

FTV – Great Britain welcomed the European Commission decision to recommend to the European Union Council of Ministers opening of negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with BiH. British Ambassador to BiH Matthew Rycroft said that this decision is the crucial step on BiH’s path to Europe. Domestic politicians welcomed the decision from Brussels; they mostly say that there is no reason for euphoria, because it is only the beginning of BiH’s path to Europe. BiH Presidency Chair Ivo Miro Jovic and Presidency member Sulejman Tihic are pleased with European Commission’s decision. On the other hand, representatives of the opposition parties also welcomed the beginning of the SAA talks, but they warned that it wouldn’t mean anything if the process of implementing reforms is not speeded up in BiH. “This decision is expected; now, one could be pleased because EC finally made this decision, but also very sad because we have unnecessarily lost two years since the positive Feasibility study”, said SDP President Zlatko Lagumdzija. SNSD President Milorad Dodik also welcomed this decision.

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Crucial step towards Europe’ by Srna – carries Ambassador Rycroft’s statement.

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Good news’ not signed – includes Lagumdzija’s and Dodik’s statements.

Comments on EC recommendations: Halilovic, Lazovic

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Halilovic: it succeeded despite to obstructions’ by H. Orahovac – apart from carrying Tihic’s statement, the article carries the statement of the leader of the Party for BiH and Minister for Civil Affairs Safet Halilovic who says the recommendation is of a great importance for BiH because ‘we managed, despite to obstructions made in defense and police reform during the past years, to achieve such a level of changes so that the EC has assessed this was sufficient to continue with the process of admission to EU’. SDU’s Miro Lazovic shares a similar opinion and says it would be even better if BiH entered the process of constitutional changes and if BiH became a member of PfP by the end of this year.

RTRS int with General Leakey: membership in EU will enable BiH to gain economic stability

RTRS Update on interview by Aida Halilovic – Asked about EC recommendation, which followed after defence and police reform, General David Leakey said that this only justifies the optimism they have about BiH, stressing that membership in the EU will enable BiH to gain economic stability. Asked for his assessment and when could BiH become NATO member, General Leakey said that professionalism that is showed by BiH Army makes him almost certain that BiH could become NATO member by 2008, but General Leaky stressed that BiH or any other country in the region will not be allowed to associate with NATO until people indicted for war crimes are arrested and extradited to ICTY.

SNSD’s Simic: SNSD leader Dodik was offered to lead negotiating team

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Dodik was offered the role of chief negotiator’ by N. D. – Deputy President of SNSD Krstan Simic on Friday confirmed leader of the party Milorad Dodik was offered to lead the negotiations on SAA on behalf of BiH and he will reply in the forthcoming period of time. He wanted neither to confirm nor deny whether RS President Dragan Cavic was the one to present this offer to Dodik. He noted that Dodik would, most probably, accept this offer under his own terms that will foresee selection of negotiating team’s members on the base of their knowledge and professionalism, instead of their party or national background.

Raguz: most attention during Geneva conference given to BiH Constitution

RHB – `Conference “10 Years After Dayton and Beyond” is being held in Geneva and one of the participants, Co- Chair of BiH House of Representatives Martin Raguz has said that many issues were discussed during the Conference, but that most attention was given to the discussion on BiH Constitution. Raguz said that he has presented his position on the matter, which is the same as the one he presented to the European Parliament and that is that ten years is more then enough to see what we have gained from the Dayton. Raguz stressed that limitations of Dayton are more than obvious and if they aren’t removed, BiH will remain in stagnating status, especially in areas of economy and financial matters. Raguz said that all these limitations are the matter of the Constitution, due to which he thinks that only new Constitution can solve these issues. “Constitution which will rationalize and make administration structure more efficient, but which at the same time will equalize the rights, considering the character of the State – State of three peoples…abolish injustices and give space to all of us to build the country and to feel good in it”- said Raguz.

Dragan Covic upon return from Geneva Conference: general conclusion – Bonn powers must be changed

Vecernji List pg 11 ‘Bonn powers must be changed’ by Vlatko Ivankovic – upon his return from Geneva conference, dr. Dragan Covic gave an interview to VL, in which he presented statement of participants of the conference and said a general conclusion was that the current administrative apparatus, which IC is formally using in BiH on the basis of the Dayton Agreement and Bonn powers, needs to be replaced with something else, i.e. citizens should create an ambient, through democratic elections, in which they would have such an authority that would be capable of taking the responsibility for everything that is happening in BiH.

Other political issues

Dzihanovic: F BiH Government must annul sale of “Elergopetrol”

RHB, BHT1, TV Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Dzihanovic demands for annulment of sale’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘The Government must annul sale of “Elergopetrol”’ by P. Klincov, Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘The Government must stop the decision on sale of Energopetrol’ not signed, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Put decision on sale of Energopetrol out of force’ by Ivana Rozic, Vecernji List pg 8 ‘Dzihanovic: we need to protect interests of F BiH’ by eme – FBiH Vice- President Sahbaz Dzihanovic has submitted a demand to FBiH Government, asking for annulment of “Energopetrol” sale until this sale is reconsidered, i.e. put out of force. Dzihanovic demands this issue to be discussed in FBiH Parliament.

CoM discussed Vc project, safety situation

RHB, TV Hayat, RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Better than the last year’ by Srna, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Crime is rising’ by N. K., Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘BiH is safer than the last year’ by V. Z. F. – During its session Council of Ministers has discussed the reports on activities of project Corridor Vc, and Ministers also discussed harmonization of BiH legislative with European Convention on Human Rights. Ministers discussed the report on security situation in BiH, for first six months and participation of BiH Armed Forces in peace missions. CoM passed a decision on awarding of Km100 thousands to Pakistani citizens, affected by devastating earthquake.

Comments on possible introduction of BiH President: Dodik, Lagumdzija, Bosic, Ivanic, Osmanovic

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Less authorities for the Presidency’ by V. P. – Most of politicians believe authorities of BiH Presidency should be reduced, but they still see no way in which the election of BiH President might be conducted. SNSD’s Milorad Dodik thinks BiH Parliament should be electing three Presidency members, one of which should act as the President, while the other two should act as Deputy Presidents. SDP’s Zlatko Lagumdzija agrees with idea on reducing BiH Presidency’s authorities. SDS’s Mladen Bosic says three-member Presidency should be preserved as a guarantee of rights mof all constitutive peoples. PDP’s Mladen Ivanic thinks three-member Presidency should remain until the next elections and the role of BiH Presidency Chairman should be purely representational, without basic authorities. SDA’s Adil Osmanovic says SDA supports the idea of BiH having the president, as well as that the state president, Government President and Assembly Chairman should be elected from among the three constitutive peoples.

Head of CoE Monitoring Team Ravaud: CoE can impose sanctions on BiH

Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Council of Europe can impose sanctions on BiH’ by Fena – Progress in BiH is slow and painful, but there is progress, Head of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s Monitoring Committee Caroline Ravaud stated on Friday. The delegation will prepare a draft report, which should be finished in December or January, and then forwarded it to the BiH delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. Pursuant to that procedure the BiH delegation has three months to prepare comments and the report should be presented to the CE Parliamentary Assembly by June next year. By joining the Council of Europe BiH accepted certain commitments with deadlines attached to some of them. The report will state a number of recommendations and if the BiH side shows constant failure in some of the areas it could face sanctions, including the suspension of the BiH Delegation’s the right to vote in the CE Parliamentary Assembly, as Ravaud said.

Scheffer: Balkans countries can go to Europe only through the Hague

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘The Balkans countries can go to Europe only through the Hague’ by Sead Numinovic – NATO Secretary General Jap de Hoop Scheffer warned leaders of the western Balkans countries that the path to Euro-Atlantic integrations leads through the Hague. He emphasised that a full cooperation with the Hague Tribunal and implementation of defence reforms will open the path to the Alliance.

HSP Djapic – dr. Jurisic and Croatian HSP drafted amendments to Dayton Agreement

Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Croat entity in BiH is unrealistic’ by Zvonimir Jukic – HSP Djapic – Dr. Jurisic has prepared draft amendments to the Dayton Agreement. This party, together with Croatian HSP, thinks demands for the third entity is unrealistic since it does not have a support of IC and a solution for Croats in BiH should be sought for in some other way. In a written statement given to DL, Croatian HSP leader Anto Djapic stated this issue would soon be discussed before Croatian Parliament. The parties propose abolishment of the entities and establishment of eight cantons or regions that would have a high level of autonomy in fields of culture, science and economy.

Police/security issues

Posters demanding naming square after Karadzic appeared in Bijeljina

RHB, TV Pink, BHT1, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘After Draza’s, they demand for Radovan’s square as well’ by E. M., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘A square for Karadzic as well’ by S. R. T., Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘They demand for renaming a square after Radovan Karadzic’ by Z. K., Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘They demand that a square to be renamed after Dr. Radovan Karadzic’ by V. Du., Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Demand for square of Radovan Karadzic’ by Hina, Vecernji List pg 8 ‘Serbs want to have a square of Radovan Karadzic in Bijeljina’ by Eldina Medunjanin – Spokesperson of Bijeljina PSC has confirmed that posters were placed all over the city, which carry the demand for renaming the town main Square into the Square of Dr Radovan Karadzic. Posters’ writing stressed that this is a demand of Serb people, due to renaming of Square in Sarajevo into the Square of Alija Izetbegovic . Police investigation is ongoing, and all posters have been removed.

BiH Prosecutor’s Office to demand suspected terrorists to be detained

TV Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 43, announced on cover ‘Search for accomplices of terrorists in Sarajevo’ by D. Pavlovic – After FBiH Ministry of Interior have apprehended three persons for attempting terrorist attack, BiH Prosecutor’s Office will request BiH Court to detain persons who are arrested under suspicion for planning terrorist attack, confirmed BiH Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Edita Pejovic. Hayat gives a report of Associated Press regarding this issue. EUPM spokesperson Zinaida Ilarija: “What i can tell you is that this sensitive police investigation has given the results in very short time. Several persons have been arrested and some materials have been found. This mayor investigation is another evidence of BiH police’s professionalism.”

TV Hayat – OHR spokesperson Sanela Tunovic: “Terrorism is a global threat, but BiH is showing that it is capable of joining the international fight against it.” Dnevni Avaz quotes unnamed police officials who claim that one of the arrested is a 18-year old Bosnian who have intended to carry out suicide attack on Embassy of one of the EU member countries in Sarajevo.

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘The three were preparing a suicidal attack’, announced on cover ‘The suspected three were held in detention’ by M. Kukan, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Detention for terrorists?’ by V. J., Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘The Prosecutor’s Office asked that two of the arrested in Sarajevo be detained’ y M. C. – apart from reporting on the arrest, the articles carry the statement of Edita Pejovic.

Carty complimented work of F BiH police

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Carty: the investigation was conducted in a highly professional manner’ not signed – EUPM highly commends the ongoing criminal investigation conducted by the Police Administration of the FBIH Ministry of Interior, lead by Director Zlatko Miletic, which saw a number of people arrested and materials recovered, EUPM stated. The EUPM notes that this sensitive police operation has yielded significant results in a short period of time. On this occasion, EUPM Commissioner Kevin Carty stated: “I would like to emphasise that this is a major investigation that is being conducted in a very professional manner.” 

General Leakey: a good job of F BiH police

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘A good job of F BiH police’ by D. Risojevic – in an interview to NN, General David Leakey complimented the action of F BiH police, with regard to the arrest of three suspected terrorists and he said EUFOR was not directly involved in this action. He refused to reveal any details on the suspects, or the action itself.

Server: Islamic republic in the Balkans is American nightmare

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Islamic republic in the Balkans is the American nightmare’ by VOA – The Head of the Balkans Department at the American Institute for Peace, Daniel Server, says BiH cannot be divided, regardless of a solution for Kosovo issue, because this would not be in the interest of America, IC or neighbouring Serbia and Croatia and he added if BiH had fallen apart, a part of it would integrate with Serbia, other part would integrate with Croatia, while the remaining part would turn into an Islamic country “in the hear of Europe”, which is the American nightmare.

War crimes

Bijeljina PSC submitted 149 criminal reports for crimes against Serbs

Cvjetinovic: we only seek for a proper treatment

RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘To reveal truth’ by S. Radjen- Todorovic, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘149 denunciations for crimes against Serbs’ by Z. K. – Bijeljina PSC has submitted 149 crime reports for crimes committed against Serbs. Representatives of Associations, which represent prisoners, veterans, refugees or families of murdered and missing persons are demanding more intensive work on this issue. They have organized a meeting in Bijeljina, which was attended by RS Ministry of Interior’s team for investigation of war crimes, but no one from the Prosecution has came. Chairman of RS Veterans’ Association Savo Cvjetinovic said that they don’t want to pressure anyone, but only seek for a proper treatment, stressing that joint work of NGOs and official bodies is necessary. It was stressed that they will especially demand investigation of war crimes over Serbs in Srednje Podrinje and they will ask for establishment of the Commission for Sarajevo , on the model of Commission for Srebrenica.

New evidence against Delic

RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘New evidence on Delic’ by M. Mi., Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘New evidence against Delic’ by S. G., Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘New evidence against Rasim Delic’ by Onasa, Vecernji List pg 6 ‘New evidence against Rasim Delic’ by B. S. – RS Office for cooperation with ICTY has submitted new evidences against already indicted Commander of BiH Army Rasim Delic, hoping that this will enable change of the indictment.

General Leakey met with RS Defence Minister Stankovic, discussed progress in defence reform

RTRS – RS Minister of Defence Milovan Stankovic and EUFOR Commander General David Leakey have appraised that great progress in defence reform has been made in BiH. General Leakey said that Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic have no movement freedom in BiH and they would be arrested if they tried any kind of movement. “Net of pressure upon their protective structures is so considerable that they are denied of their moving freedom. They are like traditional terrorist cells, they have decreased the groups in which they move, to the number of few people and hide as rats in hols”- said Leakey.

RTRS Update on interview by Aida Halilovic – Asked about his meeting with Stankovic and RS MoI Darko Matijasevic, General Leakey said that they have talked about cooperation between EUFOR and these structures and possibilities to improve this cooperation, especially when it comes to exchange of intelligence data and organizing of actions on arrestment of war criminals, on organized crime ad all other actions which EUFOR can assist in. asked about most recent case of terrorism, regarding people arrested in Sarajevo- General Leakey said that EUFOR has cooperated with the FBiH Police, which conducted very good, efficient and professional action, stressing that he can’t reveal information on the case, being that this case is still ongoing and any information could endanger it. However, General Leakey stressed that there is no evidence that Al-Qaeda camps are present in BiH or in Kosovo, adding that he saw all media speculations and that if anyone has valid evidence on this matter should come to him or to any of police structures. 

General Leakey: Crime and corruption are obstacles to progress of BiH

Dnevni Avaz pg 5, announced on cover ‘Crime and corruption are obstacles to progress of BiH’ by Lana Sinanovic – in an interview to DA, General David Leakey stated EUFOR had submitted a report on its work in the past six months, including recommendations on EUFOR mission for the forthcoming six months, to CoE and EU Ministers of defence and foreign affairs. CoE will discuss the report at the end of November and, according to General Leakey, it is to be expected EUFOR would preserve same tasks and capacity in the next six months. He noted that crime and corruption are still the greatest obstacles to progress of BiH and are causing foreign investors to give up from investing in BiH.

Vladeta Jankovic, Advisor to Serbian PM: activities on locating Mladic are ongoing

Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Search for Mladic’ not signed, Nezavisne novine pg 5 ‘There are ongoing “responsible activities” to locate Mladic’ by N. N. – Serious and responsible action is underway on locating Ratko Mladic and convincing him to surrender, as Foreign Policy Advisor to Serbian Prime Minister Vladeta Jankovic said in Belgrade. “All competent state structures are engaged on this, and representatives of the international community have also been informed about these efforts”, Jankovic stated. Jankovic said that he took part in one of the meetings between Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte and added that “it was not stated then that we know that Mladic is in Serbia ”. No deadline for transferring Mladic to the Hague Tribunal was set at the meeting, he added.

Burns appealed to BiH, SiCG and Croatia to arrest Hague indictees

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Appeal to arrest Hague indictees’ by VOA – US Under-Secretary Nicholas Burns appealed to Governments of BiH, SiCG and Croatia to arrest three most wanted Hague indictees – Radovan Karadzic, Ratko Mladic and Ante Gotovina and noted there might be consequences unless they are arrested soon. He also stated USA will not support admission of BiH and SiCG to PfP unless these countries fulfil their obligations regarding the full cooperation with the Hague Tribunal.

Helmann: Hague Tribunal opposes to serving of sentences in area of former Yugoslavia

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Hague opposes to serving of sentences in countries of former Yugoslavia’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 7 ‘Hague convicts will not be serving their sentences in the area of former SFRY’ by F – The Hague Tribunal’s stand is that it would not be suitable that those sentenced by Tribunal should serve the terms on the territory of former Yugoslavia, the representative of the ICTY Secretary’s Office in BiH, Matias Hellman, has stated.