| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | BH TV 1 (19,00 hrs) | FED TV (19,30 hrs) | RT RS (19,30) |
| SDA distrust the FBiH Gov. | FBiH Gov. restructuring | Replacements in FBiH Gov. | BiH Presidency Session |
| FBiH HoR Session | OHR campaign in Mostar | SDA Commission | Law on High Education |
| Appointments of Judges | BiH Presidency agenda | HDZ supports SDA | SDA on Gov. dismissal |
| BiH Presidency Session | FBiH Army situation | Reaction on SDA initiative | RS National Assembly |
| Oslobodjenje | Ahmet Hadzipasic pays for SDA failures; Bosnian de-mining team in Iraq? When will Karadzic and Mladic be arrested? |
| Dnevni Avaz | Big police action in Sarajevo; Campaign for unification of Mostar; Hadzipasic not considering resignation; We are not safe as long as Karadzic and Mladic are at large |
| Dnevni List | Colak: By removal of Prime Minister Hadzipasic all Ministers go to checking; Ashdown appears in warrior style |
| Vecernji List | SDA offers Croats position of Federation Prime Minister; Ashdown must not single Mostar out |
| Slobodna Dalmacija | West Herzegovina Canton: Ministers order 11 VW Passats; Paddy Ashdown went for opinion to Zagreb? |
| Glas Srpske | Import of oil derivatives mixed with fuel: White spirits gone black |
| Nezavisne Novine | Following SDA requests for re-shuffle of Government in F BiH: Premier Hadzipasic will not file resignation; Dusan Stojicic: SDS is not ashamed because it excluded Radovan Karadzic from party membership; Protests of former personnel of Republika Srpska Ministry of Refugees and DP’s: Severance pays or blockade of OMI Office in Banjaluka; Brothers Pavicic accuse police officials of corruption: Policeman demanded BAM 4 thousand to return the stolen photo-equipment |
| Blic | Draft Agreement on the Government: Unity in 25 principles; Oil refinery: Privileges to oilmen |
Restructuring of FBiH Govt | |
| HDZ will support SDA demands for changes in FBiH Govt
| FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘HDZ will support changes in the Government’ – HDZ announced it supports the restructure process within the FBiH Government and the party’s board will in next few days discuss this issue with its ministers in the government. HDZ also expressed its dissatisfaction with the work of the Government in general, but also with the work of particular Ministers. HDZ President Barisa Colak stressed that the restructure process will respect all relevant legal guidelines, and added that the entire process should not be longer from few weeks. He did not rule out the possibility of ethnic rotation in some Ministries during the reconstruction procedure. Colak added: “During entire time we analysed the work, the actions, especially those actions related to legal solutions of some Ministries and I can say that we as well are not satisfied with the work of the Government. Of course we are not satisfied with individual spheres of activities within the Government, but I can only tell you that we will support the reconstruction of the Government and I can’t rule out the possibility that there will not be changes in that places suggested, or that will be suggested by this party.” Colak also rules out media speculation that HDZ has already decided to remove its members of the FBiH Government, namely, the Defence Minister Miroslav Nikolic and Agriculture Minister Marinko Bozic. He rejected to comment the reports that HDZ already knew who are the Ministers to be dismissed, and added that this issue will be further examined in upcoming period. Dnevni List front, pg 9 ‘Colak: By removal of Prime Minister Hadzipasic all Ministers go to checking’ – HDZ President Barisa Colak comments: “If SDA persists on the removal of FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic then the complete Government should go through the procedure of absolving of duty, that is, the appointment procedure and this does not mean at all that positions that some ministers had will not be confirmed. Also, different distribution of ministerial positions might be agreed among the parties…If it was decided to make certain removals then they should be made in a short period of time. It might happen in the next few days.” |
| Lozancic on possible restructuring of FBiH Govt | BHTV 1 – The FBiH President Niko Lozancic said that he will schedule a meeting with those parties making up the parliamentary majority in order to define whether they support the Government. In case they don’t, Lozancic said that the parties would be asked whether they want to start with the procedure of replacing the Government. Vecernji List front ‘SDA offers Croats position of Federation Prime Minister’, pg 3 ‘SDA offers HDZ position of Federation Prime Minister’ by Zoran Kresic – VL claims that in the upcoming discussion between SDA and HDZ on restructuring of the FBiH Government, HDZ will be offered the office of the FBiH Prime Minister in exchange for the office of FBiH Finance Minister. On top of that, SDA would demand the office of FBiH Defence Minister, and in turn, HDZ would be given the office of State Defence Minister. |
| Accusations against FBiH PM Hadzipasic | RHB, Blic pg 13 ‘SDA replaces the Prime Minister’ – By adopting the report by the commission appointed to examine the work of the SDA officials in the executive authorities and concluding it was dissatisfying, SDA Presidency announced big changes in the FBiH Government stressing that it would negotiate on this with the coalition partners. Sulejman Tihic confirmed this by saying that SDA “decided to launch a negotiation process with coalition partners with a purpose to implement restructuring of the Government” and also confirmed that Ahmet Hadzipasic, FBiH Prime Minister, refused to voluntarily resign to his position. SDA Vice-president, Seada Palvric announced possibility of removal of entire FBiH Government, adding that this would also depend on the coalition partners. RTRS – “Each SDA candidate is appointed at certain position by the Party’s proposal and not directly through elections. Bodies of this party, in accordance with certain procedures, have recommended someone for the position of Minister or Prime Minister and I think that all our candidates should have a moral responsibility and to resign if their party is not satisfied with their work”, said Tihic. BHTV 1, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Prime MInister did not understand problems in the country’ – Palavric also blamed the Federal Government for not fulfilling promises given to the pensioners and for not providing the social care for surplus workers, stressing that FBiH PM Ahmet Hadzipasic didn’t show understanding for the issues within the country and couldn’t understand that his main tasks should be the way out of the crises. |
| Hadzipasic: “I will not resign” | Dnevni List front, pg 7 ‘I will not depart from my principles’ by M. Relota – DL carries an interview with the Federation of BiH Prime Minister, Ahmet Hadzipasic. Asked to explain as to why he did not resign, Hadzipasic says: “I believe that the option on which it was insisted is not realistic. I am not a kind of person who can react without arguments. I do not need anyone’s pressure. If I judge by myself that I cannot make progress in the Government with the present capability, none should exert pressure or suggest me what to do in such situation. However, if I realize that the quality of work and the way in which we shall work in future are least important and that everything has been reduced on something personal, than I would not resign under any circumstances.” Hadzipasic also said that he would not depart an inch from his principles and added: “As far as the work and relations in the Government are concerned I will try to preserve the current way of running the Government no matter whether some of the parties like it or not.” Dnevni Avaz cover ‘Hadzipasic not considering resignation’, pg 2 ‘I am not close to resignation’ – Hadzipasic commented the session of SDA Presidency for DA: “Unfortunately, the discussion was mostly at the personal level, and not about objective facts about the work…It is correct that some SDA members requested my resignation, but that there were opposite attitudes too. I will repeat that I am not even close tot eh position, not without arguments.” Nezavisne Novine cover, pg 3 ‘Premier Hadzipasic will not file resignation’ – article brings similar statements by PM. |
| Boric on SDA Commission’s report | FTV by Sanjin Beciragic – President of SDA Commission which evaluated the performance of SDA officials in executive authorities at both state and entities’ levels, Adem Boric denies speculations that the announced dismissals are marks laid down in the report were about the internal fights or “the targeted destruction of the first man of FBiH”. He added: “[We] learned that the Government in its work retreated from the implementation of the election program and things promised by the party to it’s voters.” Commission was also not satisfied with the process of privatisation and especially with the failure to draft social programs. |
| Reactions on SDA requests | FTV – Announcement on the possibilities to restructure, and remove, entire FBiH Government caused an avalanche of reactions. FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic stressed he substantiated what the FBiH Government both has and hasn’t done, adding his was not fighting for the position and stressing he doesn’t want to resign. Ismet Osmanovic from SDA said that the aim was not to replace Prime Minister Hadzipasic, and added that measure and other reconstruction related actios would be announced later. Helez Zukan from SDP said that behind all this is inability of the Government, composed of nationalistic parties, to function. He also said that SDP objects interference of the people and political lobbies outside of the institution into its work. Ivan Madunic from HDZ commented that he supported such activities in case SDA believed there is someone else who will do a better job as a Prime- Minister, adding that the information that HDZ demanded the replacement of Hadzipasic’s replacement was not true. FBiH Constitution foresees that the Government can be replaced by a decision of FBiH President, with agreement of the Vice-President, or by voting non-confidence in Government by majority of votes in both Houses. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘HDZ will support changes in the Government’ – President of the Party for BiH, Safet Halilovic said that SDA’s requests for the change of the Government were legitimate, adding that SBiH thought it was positive that SDA announced it would discussion this with its coalition partners. |
| SDP, NHI on SDA intentions re FBiH Govt | FTV by Zeljko Tica – Leaders of two oppositional parties – NHI [New Croat Initiative] and SDP – claim that nothing will change with this personnel replacements in the FBiH Government, adding that the nationalists parties are drawing public attention from the real problems by “throwing them the dust in the eyes”. For them, the solution is to change the entire concept of the government and to hold early elections. NHI and SDP claim that reconstruction of the Government inability of SDA and HDZ to solve the real problems. SDP President Zlatko Lagumdzija stated: “The Government can’t be reconstructed by the replacement of the entire Government or of Prime-Minister. They don’t know if they want to reconstruct the Government or to make the new one, they want to replace Hadzipasic for some reasons they are not ready to present to the public.” NHI President Kresimir Zubak accused the ruling parties of being incompetent to solve the difficult situation. Both SDA and NHI added that SDA could not be satisfied with the work of its Ministers in RS Government, partnership relations in Mostar or with the Una-Sana Canton. |
| Oslobodjenje: Hadzipasic pays for SDA failures | Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4&5 ‘Hadzipasic pays for SDA failures’ by Azhar Kalamujic – Daily argues that the announcement to replace Ahmet Hadzipasic sent a clear message that the Government will not be lead anymore by a person with an integrity, but by a person obedient to the party. According to some SDA sources, the main objectives SDA can offer against Hadizpasic has been his communication problem with the party and delegates in FBiH Parliament. Referring to the report by the commission, Oslobodjenje writes: “Actually, the real analysis not put on paper or made public in party’s bulletins says that this party has generally bad results since it came to power… This analysis would be: refugees and DPs at the edge of survival, …workers are always on streets, … miners do not leave black pits…” At the end, daily speculates on the candidates for the FBiH Prime Minister position, adding that the only important thing is that for that person to keep in mind that once it would take over the position it would become only a ‘SDA spare material’. Oslobodjenje’s sources from SDA also claims that it would be difficult to find a new FBiH PM, due to what Hadzipasic currently experiences. |
| NN editorial on Hazipasic
| Nezavisne Novine pg 7 ‘Ahmet Hadzipasic’ editorial by Josip Blazevic –The author admits there have been many reasons to create a negative stance towards the Government and its work, but still this seems not to be the real reason for vote-of-non-confidence in Federal Government. The author says that Hadzipasic is a person with realistic views and pragmatic person as well, who is not politically corrupt. The author also says that Hadzipasic may be the best prime minister the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has ever had so far, but he has never had a support of his party.The closing argument is as follows: “The entire issue actually speaks more about SDA than Hadzipasic.” |
Mostar issue | |
| OHR launches ‘Mostar-one city’ campaign
| RTRS, BHTV 1, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Mostar currently presents 310 KM monthly cost per its citizen’, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Braithwaite: Problem of city of Mostar lasts for too long’, Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Campaign ‘Mostar – one city’ launched’, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 20 ‘It cannot be postponed any longer’, FENA – On Wednesday, OHR launched the public information campaign “Mostar – one city” in order to raise public awareness on the goals behind the efforts to restructure Mostar. In presenting the campaign, Communications Director and Chief Spokesman Julian Braithwaite said that major decisions about Mostar’s future will be taken one way or another this month, which will have a significant impact on the way Mostar is organised, and on the lives of everyone who lives there. “The High Representative will go the extra mile to reach a consensus. But if that is not possible, he will do what is necessary in the interests of the citizens”, said Braithwaite. While the future of the citizens of Mostar is being decided, the OHR considers it an urgent and essential priority that they are fully informed about what is being discussed so that they have a chance to make their voice heard, particularly to their elected representatives in Mostar. The “Mostar – One City” campaign will begin with four different posters, which are being put up across Mostar. Braithwaite added that the objective of the campaign was to communicate directly with the citizens, and that High Representative will move his focus from the political dialog to dialog with the citizens. He also said that the High Representative is concerned because politicians in Mostar have not been placing the best interests of the citizens onto the first place and some parties are against any kind of dialog. Commenting on the decision of SDA to boycott talks with the EU, Braithwaite added this was a0 particularly serious diplomatic message: “Brussels, London, the Hague, Rome and other capitals will today be taking note. The SDA will need to consider whether this is the best way to help the citizens of Mostar, and consider what message it sends to EU capitals about the seriousness of BiH’s commitment to its relations with the EU.” |
| WB warns future assistance to Mostar depends on unification
| FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Future assistance will depend on unification of the city’, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Preserving of status quo would discourage new donors and investors’ – The World Bank issued a press release stating it continues to be concerned that the slow reunification of the City of Mostar could have negative effects on reconstruction and development programs for the city and the region. WB believes that this could jeopardize the planned International Investment Conference to be held in Mostar in February, as well as the Donor Conference for BiH. The World Bank also announced that the current situation could affect the plans for a new “Urban Infrastructure and Service Delivery Project” currently prepared by WB and valued at US$ 12 million. The programmed aimed at rehabilitation and reform of utility services in selected areas will include Mostar, following successful and swift reunification of the city administration. |
| Referendums in Mostar | Dnevni List pg 17 ‘Police must work on prevention of incidents’, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 18 ‘Number of policemen should be reduced’, Slobodna Dalmacija front, pg 19 ‘Referendum: For Mostar without divisions’ – Mostar Municipalities with the Croat majority carry out preparations for the referendum that is to take place on January 25. Asked to comment on the Mostar referendums, new Director of the OSCE Mostar Roger Bryant stated that these spontaneous referendums reflect wishes of people and the International Community accepts them as such. The IC wants to hear their opinion and it takes it into consideration when passing final decisions. He added that, nevertheless, referendums do not pass laws or decisions but they just offer an opinion. Slobodna Dalmacija pg 19 ‘New manipulation’, Dnevni List pg 10 ‘Calling on Croat people to come out on referendum’ – A press release issued by Croat Christian Democrats which says that the referendum in the Mostar Municipalities with the Croat majority is just another abuse of the institution of referendum and another manipulation with the Croat people. Slobodna Dalmacija pg 19 ‘Turn out at referendum’ – The Head of the Mostar Municipality Mladen Margeta and President of the Municipal Council Kresimir Jarak issued a press release calling on citizens to turn out at the referendum on January 25. Dnevni List pg 17 ‘Golemac called citizens on referendum’ – DL carries Head of the Mostar Municipality West Ljubo Golemac also called on citizens to come out on the referendum and said that preparations for the referendum go well. |
| Doris Pack on Mostar | Vecernji List front, pg 5 ‘Ashdown must not single Mostar out’ – VL reports that a member of the European Parliament, Doris Pack, called on the High Representative for BiH, Paddy Ashdown, to apply the solution foreseen to Mostar on other cities in BiH. Pack made the statement to the “Catholic weekly” from Sarajevo. “I can understand Croats that they would take it as a bad act, if something were to established in Mostar, which will not be functioning in other cities. I believe Ashdown will recognize it and, on basis of previous knowledge and conscience, that he will follow these things”, says Pack. |
| Oslobodjenje op-ed on Mostar | Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Direction Mostar!’ editorial by Gojko Beric – Referring to the launch of “Mostar – one city” campaign by OHR “which would assure the citizens that they will live better and easier in the unified city, with single city administration and budget”, author writes that the problems is that even “they [citizens] do not believe in that.” Arguing that the best proof for this were three recent Bosniak referendums as well as HDZ’s initiatives of similar kind [announced for 25 January], article further estimates that given support Bosniaks and Croats gave to SDA and HDZ policies in Mostar “Paddy Ashdown is, it seems, late with announced [battle] for Mostar, as the mental place he would like to win at this moment is in the hands of nationalists for a long time… Can Ashdown change their mind overnight and assure them of opposite? I don’t think this is in his powers.” Editorial concludes that the decision on Mostar [“where SDA felt at the lowest level”] will be the hardest one in the entire mandate of the High Representative Paddy Ashdown, “whereas we will see how it will all end, and whether former commandos will return from that operations with the shield or on top of it.” |
Political issues | |
| BH presidency discuss BH companies to participate in Iraq reconstruction process
| BHTV 1, FTV, RHB, RTRS, Oslobodjenje cover, pg 5 ‘BiH de-mining team in Iraq’, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Intervention of President Bush’, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Urgent establishment of diplomatic relations necessary’, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 7 ‘BiH wants to participate in reconstruction of Iraq’ – The members of the BiH Presidency held session on Wednesday, focussing of the issue of participation of the BiH companies in the Iraq reconstruction process. Presidency concluded that the BiH companies were able and prepared, concluding that the diplomatic relations that enable this participation should be improved. After the session, BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravac told a press conference that the discussion focused on forming a team within BiH Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministers for the purpose of assisting the BiH companies in their attempts to gain contracts for the projects of recovery in Iraq. He also stressed that BiH did not gain the status of a direct contractor, “but that have been approved co-contracting so that we can work in this direction, that is to send our companies together with the companies from countries that are part of the military coalition in Iraq.” In other to get position of direct contractor for Iraq, BiH needs to ensure that its troops are deployed within peacekeeping operations. Members of Presidency also adopted the report on preparation of the International Investment Conference to take place in Mostar on 26 and 27 February. Members also endorsed the report by Lidija Topic, BiH Coordinator for Stability Pact, and made decision to request the report on ethnic representation of constituent peoples in BiH institutions. |
| RSNA in session today; BL proposed capital of RS | RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Banja Luka a capital’, Vecernje Novosti pg 21 ‘Banja Luka – the capital’ – The session of the Republika Srpska National Assembly is scheduled to take place on Friday. RSNA delegates are expected to discuss the proposal by SNSD for changes to the RS Constitution, whereas Banja Luka should be RS capital city instead of Srpsko Sarajevo. According to SNSD, Banja Luka is capital city for a long time. “It is clear that Banja Luka, with all its resources, plays the role of a capital for a long time. Change of Constitution was initiated in 1999, even during the war. In 1994, during the big combat around Banja Luka, I was initiating to pronounce Banja Luka as capital in order to make a decision on RS politics and defend Banja Luka. SDS did not accept that at the time, so I hope that they will accept it now”, said Milorad Dodik, SNSD President. Steering Board of the party stated that the only way out of social crises is to hold early elections. “Current authorities breach the BiH Constitution. Therefore SNSD see a solution in holding early elections, and as a part of inviting both citizens and political authorities to demand early elections, next month we will organize a round table inviting representatives of both opposition and ruling parties to discuss the topic of resolution of crisis and a need to hold early elections”, said Nebojsa Radmanovic, President of SNSD Steering Board. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Status of Republika Srpska capital to go to Banjaluka’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Banjaluka as capital’ – Banjaluka SDS Board released a press statement, saying that this Board fully supports the requests of SNSD, regarding the change of Republika Srpska Constitution and naming Banjaluka as Republika Srpska capital. Two thirds majority at Republika Srpska Parliament is necessary for the adoption of this proposal. |
Defence and security issues | |
| FBiH HoR on defence: parallelism must be abolished by Sept. | BHTV 1, FTV, RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘By September to abolish parallelism in FBiH Army’, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Parallelism in FBiH Army and Defence Ministry to be abolished’, Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Even less money for FBiH Army’- The FBiH House of Representatives adopted the information on the condition in FBiH Defence Ministry and Army, which was prepared by the Government. According to the information presented to the HoR by Defence Minister Miroslav Nikolic, the situation in the Army and the authorized Ministry has been extremely difficult and complicated. The biggest problem at this time is dismissals of the troops and providing a social care for them, while all these activities have to be carried out by the end of the March. Delegates presented the series of suggestions for establishing the criteria army redundancies, especially since there the number of dismissed soldiers filing changes against the Ministry has been in increase. They also stressed the necessity to abolish all parallelism in army by September. Minister Nikolic said that there is no time to evaluate the care program and that only acceptable solution is the one suggested by the Government, and that is to make severance pays and retirement for those that fulfil such criteria. Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Information on security returned to Government for addition’ – Also, the representatives adopted the information of a working body of the FBiH Parliament for control of work of the FBiH Security Intelligence Service with 7 conclusions which oblige the FBiH Government to return all former SNS and AID employees who were illegally dismissed to their places of work. |
| Wnendt on Law on BiH Intelligence | Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Convinced in adoption of law’ by D. Jazvic – The author raises doubts that BiH will get Law on Intelligence-Security come February, noting that the OHR is not concerned. In that context, VL reports that Senior Deputy High Representative, Werner Wnendt, says he has information that political parties are seriously considering the Proposal of the said law. “As far as I know, Parliament is dealing with the Law on intelligence-security service and it is known that the deadline for its adoption is end of next month. It is also known to me that parties are considering the proposal of the law. Therefore, I believe there are serious efforts to continue with that. Security is very important to future of BiH and we will closely follow the situation”, says SDHR Wnendt. |
| Follow up on Torlakovic’s murder in Sarajevo | Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Big police action in Sarajevo’, pg 29 ‘Turkovic arrested over explosion in Hrasno, his connection with assassination of Torlakovic being checked’ – Following the explosion which killed Taib Torlakovic, an organized crime suspect, in Sarajevo on Sunday, daily writes police has commenced with the big action in order to solve the cases of series of bomb explosions that occurred recently. Along those lines, on Monday police arrest Zijad Turkovic from Sarajevo due to suspicion that he was involved in a series of crimes, including activating an explosive device in Hrasno [Sarajevo settlement]. While he is not a suspect for the murder to Torlakovic, article reads that police still did not exclude such possibility. |
Economic issues | |
| Lozancic meets Eronet management
| RHB, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Eronet’s problems with CRA underlined’, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 5 ‘President of Eronet’s Management at Lozancic’s’, Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Eronet representatives with Lozancic’ – Bozo Knezevic, President of Eronet Management and several of his colleagues, met on Wednesday in Sarajevo with the President of FBiH Niko Lozancic. Representatives of Eronet informed Lozancic on the development of the company, its financial results and the plans for future. They have also discussed difficulties around the issuance of the GSM operator. |
| Terzic on state budget
| Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘it will be agreed with entities to finance new institutions’ – The Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic denied that due to the conflict inside this institutions the budget for BiH institutions for 2004 have not yet been agreed on. “There is no misunderstanding in CoM on the budget issue. On Tuesday, we agreed with the IMF on the 5 million KM increase of the budget.” – said Terzic adding that the main problem is that 90 percent of the budget comes from the transfers from entities. “And, it is still known that FBiH Parliament still did not adopt the budget,” says Terzic and comments that the new institutions such as the BiH Defence Ministry, BiH Intelligence Agency and Indirect Taxation Administration will also be part of the 2004 budget. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘IMF approved increase of budget for BAM 5 million’ – Adnan Terzic added: “IMF and OHR supported our requests for the budget increase. We would not have been able to proceed with ongoing reforms without this money.” |
| FBiH Ombudsmen: Law on appointments violated in BH Telecom and HT Mostar
| RHB – FBiH Ombudsmen Vera Jovanovic, Esad Muhibic and Branka Raguz sent to the FBiH Parliament findings, conclusions and recommendations concerning the dismissal of Steering Board members in two public companies – “Telekom BiH” Sarajevo and “Hrvatske poste” Mostar – and requested the Parliament to take legal action in regard to violations of the Law on Ministerial, Governmental and Other Appointments. In December last year the FBiH Ombudsmen recommended to the FBiH Traffic and Communications Minister to cancel the decision on dismissing Steering Board members in those two companies, but the Minister never responded even though he was obliged to do so within eight days. |
Other issues | |
| FTV, PBS on RTV subscription | BHTV 1, RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Expecting positive decision of FBiH Government’ – The Steering Board of the RTV FBiH expressed regrets over the decision by the FBiH Government not to endorse the agreement on the collection of the RTV subscription through telephone bills between BiH Telecom, HT Mostar, PBS and and RTV FBiH. The Board also reminds that the method offered is a product of joint work between OHR and the local authorities, and notes that the refusal to adopt the decision presents a direct participation in destabilizing RTV FBiH as a unit within Public Broadcasting System. BHTV 1 – The PBS General Director Drago Maric has announced that the negotiations on solving the issue of RTV subscription’s collection in FBiH have been continued between the Ministries, in order to solve the problem and create conditions for adoption of the agreement at the next session of FBiH Parliament. Dnevni Avaz cover ‘Hadzipasic not considering resignation’, pg 2 ‘I am not close to resignation’ – FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic stated that at the session of FBiH Government, delegates will try to reach the solution regarding the subscription. |
| BH Poste demand posts operators to collect subscription | Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Collection of RTV tax should go through posts’ – Syndicate of BH Posts sent an open letter to the OHR, BiH Council of Ministers, FBiH Government and BiH Ministry of Transport and Communications, which reads that it was unacceptable to collect RTV subscription through telephone bills, as it presets the breach of all international conventions on human rights. The President of BH Poste Syndicate, Muhamed Bajramovic also stated that such decision would breach a number of state Laws and the BiH constitutions. In addition, BH Poste demanded for collection to be carried out by posts operations in BiH, including BH Poste. |
| FBiH HoR discusses judicial reforms | BHTV 1, FTV, RHB – FBiH House of Representatives at its session also approved the agreement on transferring certain Federal authorities onto the BiH by establishment of BiH High Judiciary and Prosecutorial Council. Borjana Kristo, Justice Minister, stressed that this agreement was a part of the judicial reform and that all similar activities have a goal to establish the independent judiciary. |