OHR BiH Media Round-up, 24/7/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK  (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Fire in Mostar

World News

Fire in Bileca area

Puljic served mass in Novo Selo

Law on consumer protection

Fire in Mostar area

Vrankic on privatisation funds

Employment in state institutions

High temperatures in BiH

Komsic: BIH needs new Constitution

High temperatures inEurope

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Bandic abused in hospital

Fire in Bileca area

Ceko on financial discipline

World news

Fire in Mostar area

Forest fire in Gacko

Zuc battle anniversary

World News

New fire in Bileca

Feature on Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje

A Croatian boy returns from Lebanon

Jurcevic denies Tihic’s accusations

Oslobodjenje

In this war we were alone and betrayed by everyone [11^th anniversary of Zepa fall]

Dnevni Avaz

Let Tihic think about Reis’ warning [Mirnes Ajanovic]

Dnevni List

Bravery cost him his life (death due to fires in Ljubuski)

Vecernji List

‘Erecting bell towers and crosses is not revenge’ (statement by Cardinal Vinko Puljic)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Caritas: 11.5 million Kuna cannot be traced (Croatian police investigates Caritas)

Nezavisne Novine

Fires in east Herzegovina (fire-fighters neutralised fires in southwest of BiH)

Glas Srpske

Heart brimming with homeland (Serb youth from all over the world gather at St. Nikola Monastery in Soko – Serbia)

EuroBlic

The biggest gorge in Europe (feature on traffic jams in Gradiska)

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related topics

Reforms/Political Developments

No Serb representative willing to preside PRD SB; current PRD SB Chairman Dumancic: Croat or Bosniak would most probably take over the duty

BHT1 by Damir Simic – BiH Police Reform Directorate (PRD) is going to continue its work on Wednesday, but it is still unknown who is going to take over position of the Chairman of PRD Steering Board. Mandate to the existing Chair of the PRD SB, Vinko Dumancic, has expired but no Serb representative wants to replace him. Namely, according to the rotation principle, the position of the SB Chair should now be taken over by a Serb representative; still PRD’s work won’t be endangered, since all decisions are being taken by consensus. “Bearing in mind the whole situation, Serb colleagues either do not want or cannot, due to justified reasons, to take over the duty, and it would be a normal thing for a non-Serb to do that, since in past three months I have performed this duty correctly and there are three-four Croat and Bosniak representatives and most probably some of them will take over the duty”, says Dumancic. RS Police Director Uros Pena attends PRD SB’s sessions only as an observer and his active engagement depends on new political agreement the RS representatives want to achieve in terms of police reform. “There will be no solution to police reform without politicians’ agreement, since it is obvious that experts cannot agree on how to implement the three EU principles. I am not going to abandon my initiative, I find it extremely responsible and real, being in BiH’s interest”, said PDP leader Mladen Ivanic. “There is no police reform and there is no RS political party which would accept this kind of police reform which supports our thesis that the RS needs its Ministry of Interior and it is going to have it”, said DSS leader Predrag Kovacevic. EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, recommended the RS Government to meet its obligations and carry out the existing agreement. Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Looking for Chairperson’ by unsigned – Member of PRD SB Sead Lisak is of the view that Dumancic should remain Chair until Serb delegate is elected ( PRD SB Chairman), while Dumancic says Lisak or some other Board member could again take over the position.  

EU Ministers to continue discussion on liberalization of visa regime for BiH; liberalization largely depends on police reform

BHT1 by Elvir Bucalo – On Monday, EU Ministers (of Justice and Interior) are going to continue discussion on liberalization of visa regime for BiH. Reporter says that if an agreement is to be reached, results could be seen by the end of this year. Europeans justify delay in precise plan on visa regime liberalization by saying that all EU member states have to give the green light. “I would propose a completed package, based on situation in each west Balkans state. This is not only about visa regime liberalization but agreements on readmission as well, and proposals to improve security, protect passports and IDs and improve control over borders”, said European Commission Vice President and Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security Franco Frattini. “Sometimes people forget that the EU is not a federation, namely everything is in the hands of EU state members, which are to take final decision on visas”, said EU Enlargement Commissioner, Olli Rehn. In terms of BiH, visa regime liberalization largely depends on police reform. “It is indeed a very important topic. I discussed this issue with BiH Prime Minister recently in Brussels and I told him that Europe was ready to support BiH in police reform so to establish modern, well-trained police”, said Frattini. (similar in Dnevni List pg 8 ‘Visa regime talks start’ by D. Kozina)

Avaz: Talks of EU and BiH on liberalization of visa regime could end by autumn, agreement to take place by end of year

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Talks on liberalization of visa regime about to start’, mentioned on cover by S.N. – Announcing Monday’s meeting of EU Ministers of Justice and Interior, who should be discussing liberalization of visa regime for Western Balkans countries, daily learns that the European Commission’s plan of activities and mandate for opening talks with individual countries will be approved. An unnamed source close to European institutions confirmed for daily: “It is to be expected that BiH is among countries with whom EC will formally open the talks on liberalization of visa regime for certain categories of citizens. Both EU and EC are very satisfied with activities your country has been undertaking.” Article notes that these talks could end by end of autumn, while more liberal visa regime could take place before the end of year.

CoM Chair Terzic doubts BiH CoM will get 2 new ministries, points finger at RS

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘No one is making a pressure over those who are obstructing all reforms’, mentioned on cover ‘To some elections are more important then state’ by Z.Persic– In a statement for DA, Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic says he doesn’t believe that enlargement of the CoM [which should be discussed at Monday’s session of BiH CoM] with establishment Agriculture and Science Ministry and Technology and Environment Ministry, would be agreed upon. “Once again we have obstruction from the RS to stop any reform. I assume that we could vote at the session and send proposal to parliamentary procedure through outvoting, but that is not good, because BiH Parliament hasn’t finished any of proposals that came through outvoting,” said Terzic. Terzic pointed to other reforms that are being obstructed from the RS, such as police reform. He stressed that problem lies in the fact that no one is prepared to exert the pressure against the obstructers, not the International Community, not the domestic forces. He commented on the fact that Bosniak Caucus in RS Council of Peoples launched and then withdrew the vital national interest over the privatization of RS Telecom, said that probably the IC made a pressure against them. Terzic stressed that obstruction of reforms and waiting for elections is a political reality. “My message to those that accept the tactics that nothing should be done by elections, that reforms cannot be carried out now and that it is not possible to sign the SAA by October, is: You will win the elections, but you will lose the state,” concludes Terzic. Inset ‘Croats and Bosniaks for, Serbs against’- Terzic emphasized that Croats and Bosniaks in CoM are supporting enlargement of the CoM, considering that there are now four Serb representative and three from other two peoples.

BiH Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs Tesanovic: There has to be agreement on authorities of 2 new ministries within BiH CoM

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Today again about new ministries’ by SRNA– Daily reminds that during its Monday’s session, the BiH Council of Ministers is expected to again discuss the issue of introduction of two ministries (Agriculture; Science and Technology and Environment Ministry). Zoran Tesanovic,BiH Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs, is of the view it is first necessary to reach agreement on authorities of two ministries, adding that entities’ ministries and its powers must not be disarrayed. He has reminded that participants of talks on constitutional changes from eight political parties agreed on establishment of two new ministries.

GS op-ed critical of Bosniak Caucus in RS NA and its criticism over RS

Glas Srpske op-ed pg 2 ‘It lasts as long as it exists’ by Veljko Kojovic – The author is critical of the recent press statement released by Bosniak Caucus in RS Parliament, saying “as long as the term of RS exists, it would be a stumbling block to development inside BiH!’ The author underlines that Serb Caucus and Serb people are determined to protect and defend it “as long as they live”. He notes if Bosniak people regard destruction of RS a protection of vital national interest, the right of Serb representatives cannot be disputed that protection of their VNI is to preserve and consolidate RS. He points “it is impossible to evade evil suspicion what is ahead of us when international community leaves.”

Economy

PDHR Butler to comment Law on rights and duties of MPs on Monday, highlight proposed benefits

FTV – Principal Deputy High Representative, Larry Butler, is going to comment the Law on rights and duties of MPs in front of the BiH Institutions building on Monday, since on Tuesday, BiH House of Representatives is going to discuss the law in question. As OHR states, by passing the law, BiH MPs will be given greater incomes than other BiH citizens. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘MPs think only about themselves’ by Fena- PDHR is viewing this law in context of limited number of laws that the Parliamentary Assembly has managed to adopt since spring this year. It was announced that Butler would also focus on the manner in which the parliamentarians in BiH are usually prioritizing their interests before the interests of the citizens. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Parliamentarians usually give advantage to their own interests’ by Onasa, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Butler on rights of representatives’ unsigned, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Parliament members put their own interest above people’ by dju– also carry.

RS Govt claims that it made a plan on sale of strategic companies; opposition parties find it nonsense

BHT1 by Boris Gagic – Reporter comments that in light of forthcoming elections, BiH politicians more often speak about privatization of companies, which could have had their status solved long ago. “These companies should not be sold for nothing, they are of strategic relevance”, says RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik. The RS Government claims that it has made plan on sale of strategic companies while opposition parties find it nonsense, saying that the Government has announced great privatization results, but it failed to happen. “Faced with this fact, the Government is trying to complete some processes ‘overnight’, while the final result is still very far away”, says SDS representative, Dusan Stojicic. Reporter comments that successful companies are easy to be sold while companies, burdened with debts, such as ‘Zrak’ from Teslic, cannot be privatized.

FBiH Finance Minister Vrankic: funds from privatisation to be used for payment of old savings, internal debt

RHB– FBIH Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic launched an initiative to use most of the funds collected from privatisation of FBiH Telecoms for reimbursement of old currency savings. Vrankic stated that Government doesn’t have the alternative in privatisation of the Telecoms. He advocates for having majority of shares to be still owned by the state and to use 20% to 25% of the collected assets for payment of internal debts. Vrankic added that the payment period for old currency savings would be 6 to 7 years instead of proposed 13 years.

BiH CoM’s Terzic announces introduction of customs tariff on agricultural products from Croatia and Serbia

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘BiH to introduce customs on agricultural products’ by M.CUbro – Adnan Terzic, BiH Council of Ministers Chairman, has stated that BiH will introduce customs tax on agricultural products from Croatia and Serbia after it is admitted into regional free trade zone. Terzic has explained: “Our demand during talks on signing of multi-lateral agreement on free trade zone, i.e. expansion of CEFTA, is introduction is customs tariff…Out market is fully open for products from other states, while markets in other states, for example Serbia and Croatia, are not open. Hence, we first want to introduce customs tariff, which we will gradually abolish until 2010. In this manner, we would come in the same position as other states.” Dragan Barburovic,spokesperson for the Stability Pact for South East Europe, has stated that “BiH must resolve some open issues with its neighbours.”

Research show unemployment rate in BIH only 17%

Hayat – According to research carried out by the ‘Prism’ agency, a lot of BIH citizens are employed in the so-called informal sector rather than in grey economy. This research confirms the information of World Bank by which the unemployment rate is only 17%.

War Crimes

BiH Chief Prosecutor Jurcevic: publishing of list prepared by Srebrenica Commission would represent manipulation

RTRS by Selma Filipovic – BiH Chief Prosecutor Marin Jurcevic stated that the publishing of names from the list prepared by Srebrenica Commission would represent manipulation, because there is no basis for suspicion that people (included in the list) have committed war crimes. BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic recently accused Jurcevic of protecting war criminals, because he refused to publish the list. Prepared by the RS Srebrenica Task Force, the list contains approximately 28,000 names of persons who took part in attack on UN protected zone of Srebrenica, 892 of which are still working in state and entity institutions. Recently, ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte demanded publishing of the list. According to Jurcevic, the list contains names of persons who were in Srebrenica during the time when war crimes against Bosniaks had been committed. Jurcevic explained that criminal reports against these persons haven’t been filed so far. Tihic’s accusation caused the reaction of BiH Presidency member Ivo Miro Jovic, who said that none of the Bosniaks has been tried for war crimes committed against Croats. President of RS Socialist Party Petar Djokic believes that Tihic’s accusations represent a pressure against independency of the judiciary system, especially because they come from a former attorney and judge. Djokic is also not satisfied by the number of processes cases of war crimes against Serbs. DSS leader Predrag Kovacevic condemned Tihic’s statements. “It is clear what kind of indications come from Sarajevo. It all speaks for our stance that RS should pave the way towards its independence”, said Kovacevic. According to SIPA Deputy Head Sead Lisak, Centre for War Crime Investigation received 142 orders of BiH Prosecution in the first six months of 2006, which is 84 orders more than in same period of last year. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Blackmails should not pass’ by G.Dakic –carries Kovacevic’s statement

Osl publishes part of the list with names of RS MoI active members who participated in Srebrenica operations

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Dozens of police officers who were in Srebrenica in 1995 are patrolling through Podrinje’, mentioned on cover by A.Avdic– Daily reminds that BiH Prosecution has rejected a demand of BiH Presidency Chairman Sulejman Tihic to publish the names that are mentioned in Srebrenica Commission’s lists, explaining that this would be harmful for the investigation. In regard to that, the daily publishes part of the list, which contains names of people who are still active members of RS Interior Ministry and who participated in Srebrenica operations in 1995. Daily carries names of people employed in Public Security Centers in Sekovici, Vlasenica, Milici, Bratunac and Skelani. Without revealing how it got in possession of these names or the list, daily carries almost the entire page with names.

German agency DPA: Karadzic’s whereabouts remain enigma 11 years after ICTY raised indictment against him

Dnevni Avaz pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Hague raised indictment against Karadzic and Mladic 11 years ago’ by FENA – On the occasion of the 11^th anniversary since the first ICTY indictment were raised against Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, German news agency DPA carries that, while there were much speculation in the world media about the whereabouts of Mladic, Karadzic remains an enigma and nobody knows were he could be. On July 24 1995, the ICTY raised the indictment against Karadzic and Mladic for genocide, crimes against the humanity and violations of the laws and customs of war. The ICTY Prosecutor’s Office raised the second indictment against Karadzic and Mladic in November 1995 with regards to Srebrenica case, i.e. the massacre of approx. 8,000 Bosniak men and boys. “I do not know where Karadzic and Mladic are and for the time being I have no reason to believe that they are in BiH”, the Commander of EUFOR, General Gian Marco Chiarini told the media in Sarajevo. He added that the EUFOR intelligence would certainly know if they were in BiH. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Karadzic and Mladic are not hiding in BiH’ by Fena– also covers.

DA: As long as Mladic and Karadzic are free, IC shouldn’t talk about reconciliation, tolerance and coexistence

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Shameful freedom’ by Husein Orahovac– Commenting the 11^th anniversary since ICTY raised indictments against Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, Orahovac stresses that it is almost unbelievable that since that July they are both on the run, resisting the arrest. Author notes that in the meantime, their victims are counting days and hours of their (Karadzic’s and Mladic’s) “disgraceful freedom” and until now they have counted 4, 015 days or 96, 360 hours. Stressing that “one’s mind” cannot comprehend how can someone commit a crime and remain unpunished, Orahovac concludes: “Therefore, the IC shouldn’t allow itself to have criminals at large and at the same time, to take the right to explain people in BiH- Bosniaks first of all- how foundation of better future lies in true reconciliation, tolerance and coexistence.” 

11^th anniversary of Zepa fall: daily carries letter which informed President Izetbegovic on Zepa fall

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘In this war we were alone and betrayed by everyone’ by Sefko Hodzic– With regard to 11^th anniversary of the fall of Zepa (small wartime Bosniak enclave in east Bosnia), Hodzic brings a copy of a letter that Wartime Presidency and 285^th Brigade’s HQ (of Zepa) had sent on the night between 24 and 25 July 1995 to inform the then Chairman of BiH Presidency Alija Izetbegovic and BiH Army’s HQ about the fall of Zepa. Further on daily carries that Ratko Mladic has offered an exchange “all for all” i.e. all Serb prisoners for Zepa population, but this was rejected by the BiH Army’s HQ, to which Zepa Commander Avdo Palic reacted. In the letter to Izetbegovic and General Rasim Delic he criticized them for this, but was answered that they have asked “all for all” exchange, but the Serbs rejected the proposal, conditioning it with Palic’s surrender. Because of that, daily writes, Palic has left on July 27 to UNPROFOR base in Zepa to meet with the other side and that was the last time anyone saw him.

Elections

BOSS’ Ajanovic: SDA leader Tihic should think about Effendi Ceric’s warning re division among Bosniak politicians

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Let Tihic think about Reis’ warning’, pg 4 ‘Tihic has to think about Reis’ warning’ by El.H.– With regards to statement of Reisu-l-ulema of Islamic Community  Mustafa Effendi Ceric, BOSS leader and candidate for Bosniak member of BiH Presidency Mirnes Ajanovic said that SDA leader Sulejman Tihic should think abut Ceric’s warning (see below). At opening of reconstructed mosque in Glamoc, Ceric said that there is “a great division between Bosniak politicians and that ideals of some of Bosniak politicians do not go further than their interest i.e. interests of the narrow circle of their associates and friends”. Explaining his claims regarding Tihic, Ajanovic refers to his “coalition” with SDP’s leader Zlatko Lagumdzija and he reminds to their “damaging politics” regarding constitutional changes and privatization and the treatment they gave to people who objected their ideas. “Tihic, driven by desire to rule, also forgotten that Lagumdzija consciously satanized and decoyed Bosniak political factor in the world…Even worse, Tihic became cheap imitator of Lagumdzija’s Bolshevik way of rule, which is confirmed by expulsion of people from his party, who as MPs, have had right stances on strategic interest of this country, such as constitutional changes, which were rejected in the Parliament for a reason,” concludes Ajanovic.

EuroBlic: BiH political parties satisfied with their work, making new promises along the same lines

Euro Blic pg RS2-3 ‘New promises for old and new votes’ by Mirna Soja and Nedeljka Berberina – Carrying pre-elections statements of some of the BiH major political parties, article notes that in spite of the fact that citizens believe them less than before, BiH politicians claim they are satisfied with their work and fulfilled promises. SDS’ Borislav Bojic says: “SDS was always the most objective party and was never spreading illusionary ideas, the people was always told what people deserve – the truth.” SNSD’s Rajko Vasic noted: “In a three months period, since we gained the power, we have done first institutional steps in fighting crime, showing our intention is to work concretely, not to talk in vain.” SDA’s Mirsad Ceman said his party was satisfied for fulfilling promises that aimed at strengthening institutions at the state level, adding it would remain to be their main objective. PDP’s Gavrilo Antonic underlined that his party managed to fulfil most of the pre-elections promises, adding they were not the only party in power. SBiH is also satisfied with achieved results, stressing that their priority remains to be “integral BiH, where all of its citizens and peoples would be equal.” SRS on the other hand stands against transfer of authority from the entity to the state level, adding they are the only party with consistent policy. SPRS’ Petar Djokic promised fight for economic security of the most endangered categories. SDP’ Slobodan Popovic claims his party will fight for expropriation of illegally gained property, zero VAT rate for some products. HDZ 1990 stands for equality of Croat people in BiH.

Z. Pavlovic (HSP Djapic-Jurisic): Croats now have an alternative to HDZ; Herzegovina’s money should not end up in Sarajevo

Dnevni List pg 9 ‘Prevent drain of Croat money to Sarajevo’ by Dario Pusic – DL interviews Zarko Pavlovic, President of HSP Djapic-Jurisic Main Board and party’s list leader for BiH Parliament in the October elections. On participation of Croat voters in the elections, Pavlovic believes ‘at least 65 % Croats will vote in the elections considering that, unlike before, Croats now have an alternative and considering that even the Catholic Church has invited Croats to vote’. Asked whether it is good for Croats to have 3 coalitions, Pavlovic answers that it is because ‘the new HDZ (1990) is no different than [Dragan] Covic’s HDZ (BiH)’. Regarding the constitutional reforms, Pavlovic states that his party is in favor of an integral BiH consisting of cantons, a BIH as a ‘decentralized state in which it should be prevented that all money from Herzegovina ends up in Sarajevo’. Pavlovic is confident that his party’s candidate Dr. Zvonko Jurisic will win the elections for the Croat Presidency member because ‘he is a young and financially independent man with no competition’.

DL claims new turmoil within HDZ BiH on horizon because party officials in Canton 8 object preferential treatment of HSP BiH by party president Dragan Covic

Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Hrstic instigated conflicts within Covic’s HDZ’ by M. Batarello – DL writes that President of HSP BiH (Croat Rights Party) Zdravko Hrstic and President of HDZ BiH Dragan Covic recently reached an agreement under which HSP BiH would take part in the elections as part of a coalition with HDZ BiH in exchange for compensation seats in FBiH Parliament. Now, daily reports, some top HDZ elections candidates from West Herzegovina Canton object the favorable treatment Hrstic has received from HDZ BiH leadership because they wish the compensation seats for themselves. This, DL claims, has caused a new turmoil within HDZ BiH and lead to talks between Covic and Velimir Jukic, ‘themostpowerful HDZ BiH official in West Herzegovina Canton’,in Mostar days ago in an attempt to resolve the issue (article does not say what the results of the talks were).

DL commentary: new population census might legalize ethnic cleansing in BiH

Dnevni List pg 8 ‘Population census causes disagreement among MPs’ by Mensud Zorlak – DL runs a commentary on ongoing discussions regarding when a population census in BiH should be conducted and warns that ‘a census might legalize the results of ethnic cleansing given that the only reason Croats and Bosniaks in RS are still entitled to some positions is that right now the only official census is the one from 1991 (according to this census, Bosniaks and Croats in RS had a higher percentage in total population of RS than is the case now). DL notes that, so far, it has always been Serb MPs who have been pushing for a new census but now there are initiatives to that effect by some MPs in the FBiH Parliament. DL carries words of a FBiH Parliament member who says that the only hope of preventing a new census from taking place is BOSS’s Mirnes Ajanovic who is strongly opposed to it.

Miscellaneous

SDS denies its responsibility for appointment of new RTRS Managing Board

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Davidovic is responsible for non-election of RTRS Steering Board’ by V.Popovic – SDS accused Dragan Davidovic, RTRS General Manager, of being responsible that RS Parliament failed to elect new RTRS Steering Board, noting that Davidovic has prevented election of new SB through PDP and SNSD delegates and also saying he has pledged for election of “candidates ranked lower on the list”. Davidovic did not want to comment on these accusations. Amela Odobasic, spokesperson of RAK (Communication Regulatory Agency), has stated RAK has selected candidates in unbiased and transparent manner, without speculating whether “somebody may or may not” like the candidates. (NOTE: At its session on 18 July, RS Parliament failed to elect RTRS SB members, since none of two candidates from the current SB got necessary majority.)According to inset ‘SDS is angry its SB did not pass’, political officials commented on the issue. PDP’s Veselin Poljasevic and SNSD’s Krstan Simic denied claims Davidovic exerted any sort of pressure against their delegates. Poljasevic stated: “The question should be raised why SDS insisted that persons it proposed are elected to SB? SDS must get used to the fact everything it wishes will not be accepted and that times have changed.” Poljasevic denied any knowledge of alleged SDS offer that in an exchange for support of SB proposed by RS NA Commission, PDP is given the chance to appoint new RTRS General Manager. Simic said SDS is angry because its candidates were not accepted. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Steering Board for new mandate’ – carries SDS. RTRS – carries a short, similar feature about the issue

Gradiska citizens complain about traffic jams in this city

EuroBlic cover pg splash, RSpg 1 ‘The biggest gorge in Europe’ by M.Pilipovic – Daily reports on problems municipality of Gradiska and its citizens are faced owing to the fact border crossing point has been placed in the very heart of this town. They claim traffic is in collapse, complaining against constant traffic jams, especially in the period from Friday to Monday (resulting from increased number of border crossings). Gradiska Mayor, Nikola Kragulj, has stated they have already addressed Indirect Taxation Administration and BiH Council of Ministers asking building of roundabout Gradiska.

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

War in Lebanon continues

Explosion in Sarajevo

RSNA, CoP on “RS Telekom”

Can Rice stop war in Lebanon?

Fires in Bileca municipality

PDHR Butler’s press conference

HDZ 1990 press conference

Fires in Livno put down

Vienna talks on status of Kosovo

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Fire in Mostar

World News

Fire in Bileca area

Puljic served mass in Novo Selo

Law on consumer protection

Fire in Mostar area

Vrankic on privatisation funds

Employment in state institutions

High temperatures in BiH

Komsic: BIH needs new Constitution

High temperatures in Europe

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Bandic abused in hospital

Fire in Bileca area

Ceko on financial discipline

World news

Fire in Mostar area

Forest fire in Gacko

Zuc battle anniversary

World News

New fire in Bileca

Feature on Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje

A Croatian boy returns from Lebanon

Jurcevic denies Tihic’s accusations

Oslobodjenje

In this war we were alone and betrayed by everyone [11^th anniversary of Zepa fall]

Dnevni Avaz

Let Tihic think about Reis’ warning [Mirnes Ajanovic]

Dnevni List

Bravery cost him his life (death due to fires in Ljubuski)

Vecernji List

‘Erecting bell towers and crosses is not revenge’ (statement by Cardinal Vinko Puljic)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Caritas: 11.5 million Kuna cannot be traced (Croatian police investigates Caritas)

Nezavisne Novine

Fires in east Herzegovina (fire-fighters neutralised fires in southwest of BiH)

Glas Srpske

Heart brimming with homeland (Serb youth from all over the world gather at St. Nikola Monastery in Soko – Serbia)

EuroBlic

The biggest gorge in Europe (feature on traffic jams in Gradiska)

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related topics

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

Vienna : Negotiations on status of Kosovo start today

BH Radio 1 – Direct negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina regarding the future status of Kosovo have started in Vienna today and were opened by Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel.

HDZ 1990 press conference: Party received support for programme from Croatian authorities

RHB – HDZ 1990 held a press conference in Mostar today. The press were addressed by the HDZ 1990’s leader Bozo Ljubic and his deputy Martin Raguz. Among other issues, Ljubic noted that the party has recently held numerous meetings with representatives of the IC and senior officials of the Republic of Croatia, including the Croatian President, PM and Speaker of Croatian Parliament. Ljubic noted that the Croatian authorities have been informed about problems the Croats in BiH are faced with and HDZ 1990’s programme, saying the HDZ 1990 received the support from them regarding the party’s programme.

Car blown up in Sarajevo on Sunday night, no casualties reported

BH Radio 1 – Unknown explosive device was activated on Sunday night after midnight under a vehicle on Tekija Cikma Street in Sarajevo . No one was injured, however another two vehicles were damaged. Investigation is ongoing.

Kosovo status talks update

Negotiations on Kosovo status: first meeting of highest delegation of Serbia and Kosovo in Vienna on Monday

FTV By Zinaida Hamidovic – Negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina on future status of Kosovo are scheduled for Monday in Vienna. This would be the first meeting of highest officials from both sides. Serbian delegation is going to be represented by Serbian President and Prime Minister, Boris Tadic and Vojislav Kostunica respectively, as well as the Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister, Vuk Draskovic. Provisional Kosovo institutions’ delegation is going to be led by Kosovo President and Prime Minister, Fatmir Sejdiju and Adim Ceku respectively. Both delegations have presented their stances; Kostunica reiterated that the best thing would be for Kosovo to have its autonomy within Serbia , pointing out that dangerous idea on establishment of a new state on Serbia ’s territory should be abandoned as soon as possible. On the other hand, Sejdiju said that, in Vienna , he was going to advocate Kosovo’s independence.

UN’s Rohan: Vienna meeting opportunity for both sides to present their positions

Dnevni Avaz pg 15 ‘We want to hear what two sides want’ not signed– Deputy to Special UN Representative Albert Rohan emphasized that this meeting is a chance for both sides to present their ideas and visions on future status of Kosovo. “All we’ve heard so far were media statements, which sometimes seemed uncoordinated…At Vienna meeting we will get competent, clearly presented vision of what two sides want,” said Rohan. Further on he stressed that both sides would have to elaborate their “desires” and explain what they comprehend under independency and under autonomy. BBC, New York Times, Washington Post, Financial Times, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Standard– also report on Monday’s negotiations.

WP: If Serbian nationalism defeats West’s attempts to resolve legacy of Balkans, main victims would not be Albanians, but Serbs isolated in the Europe

Washington Post ‘Serbia’s Intransigence’ op-ed not signed– Commenting on Monday’s negotiations on Kosovo status, Author comments that the problem around Kosovo is not within citizens of Serbia, but in Serbian politicians, as so often in past 20 years. Author underlines that citizens believe that independence is the most realistic solution for Kosovo, while on the other side politicians, such as Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica, continue to stubbornly campaign for continued Serbian sovereignty over Kosovo. “Kosovo is part of Serbia, he declared during a visit to Washington this month, sounding disturbingly like Slobodan Milosevic, who used that slogan to found his nationalist regime in the late 1980s,” Author stresses, adding that despite all claims that Serbia wants to join EU, Kostunica has failed in fulfilling of conditions to move forward i.e. he failed to arrest Ratko Mladic, an ICTY indictee.  Author states that Serbian President Boris Tadic has taken a softer approach, but “Mr. Tadic has resorted to repeating veiled threats that independence for Kosovo could cause demands for border changes elsewhere in Europe — beginning in neighbouring Bosnia, where ethnic Serbs dream of adding territories they control to Serbia.”  Commenting how Serbian politics was supported by Russian President, Vladimir Putin, Author concludes that West’s attempts to resolve “legacy of the Balkans” could be defeated “by Serbia‘s 20th-century-style nationalism and Russia‘s 19th-century game of power politics”. “If so, the main victims will be not the Albanians of Kosovo — who in any case will never again be subject to Serbia — but the Serbs, who could find themselves isolated in Europe and dependent on the patronage of an autocratic and imperialistic Russia.” concludes the Author.

TOL: It is time for successful compromise in long history of Kosovo

TRANSITIONS ONLINE ‘Kosovo: The Power of Compromise’ by Aleksandar Mitic– Serbian journalist Mitic comments on negotiations on Kosovo status and argues that a true, balanced, and negotiated compromise on Kosovo status would swing the pendulum of Balkans stability towards the European path. “A manipulated, one-sided, and imposed decision would, however, open a Pandora’s box of secessionist movements in the world and release the ghosts of a nationalist past in the Balkans,” adds Mitic, stressing that there were attempts to close down debate by suggesting that independence is the only solution. But, Mitic underlines: “Issue of Kosovo is dependant on many historical, legal, political, religious, economic, and demographic elements that it deserves, at the very least, a wide international debate on possible solutions and their implications.” Referring to negotiation principles that should be used in negotiations and different stances that were presented, Mitic argues, “autonomy for the Kosovo Serbs within a maximum autonomy for Kosovo inside Serbia appears as the most reasonable and viable long-term solution”. “More than anything, it is a win-win solution. The Kosovo Albanians would finally get the means to manage their future and so will the Kosovo Serbs; Serbia would not have its borders changed and its historical and religious cradle amputated; Macedonia and Bosnia will receive guarantees that border changes in the Balkans are no longer tolerated… It is time to respect international law; it is time to find a long-term solution for Kosovo… It is time for a successful compromise for the first time in Kosovo’s long history,” concludes Mitic.

Political Developments

SDU’s Komsic: BiH needs new constitution before OHR leaves and before SAA is signed

RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘BiH needs new constitution’ not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Komsic: BiH needs completely new constitution’ by Fena, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘New Constitution with help of IC’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘BiH needs a new Constitution’ by SRNA – Vice-president of SDU Ivo Komsic noted on Sunday that the Dayton Constitution cannot be fixed, because it has destroyed the uniqueness of BiH and added that BiH needs a new constitution. Komsic said that the entities are currently not a part of the state government system, and that the state bodies do not have competencies over the entities i.e. entities are functioning independently. “Such systematic solutions must be changed in full. This is why BiH needs a new constitution and in this process it requires support from the International Community”, said Komsic. He deems that a new constitution should be designed before the OHR leaves BiH and directly before signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU. In this way, BiH will be enabled to independently run the processes of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, added Komsic.  

Amendments to Law on CoM discussed Monday; VL speculates Serbs fear SIPA will abuse powers given by new amendments to eliminate the ‘politically unsuitable’

Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Serbs in fear of SIPA inquiries’ by E. M. – VL writes about the proposed amendments to the Law on CoM which CoM is supposed to discuss on Monday and raises the issue of SIPA being given the right to examine the past of ministerial candidates. Article carries ‘unofficial opinions that Serb officials fear SIPA might use the new powers to eliminate politically unsuitable candidates ‘. VL notes it is unclear on whose behalf SIPA would be doing this having in mind the IC insistence on de-politicization of all security agencies in BiH, including SIPA.

Fokus says RS President conspired against some candidates at election lists

Fokus pg 2, announced on cover ‘Cavic holding their tongues’ by Z.Miric – Daily reports referring to a source close to the RS President, Dragan Cavic,that the RS President conspired the lists of BiH Central Election Commission, at least part referring to politicians from RS and who could have  – in Cavic’s view – reduced his election results. Source explains: “Disputing candidature of Svetlana Cenic, Predrag Lazarevic and Stanko Pivasevic is nothing else but repetition of 30 June 2004, when Cavic, with assistance of OHR, successfully removed all of his political opponents. And now, he had assistance from BiH Election Commission.” Source notes Cavic could not have allowed that Cenic beat him during campaign, minding her “long tongue”  (big mouth) and information she holds on his involvement in “Vitol” affair. The “sins” of Pivasevic were direct confrontations he had with Cavic during party  ( SDS ) sessions.

War Crimes/Judiciary

Mandic to enter plea on war crime charges Tuesday

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Plea entering tomorrow’ by A.Dj. – BiH Court has confirmed that Momcilo Mandic,charged with war crimes committed in the capacity of the wartime Minister of Justice of RS and assistant to RS Interior Minister will on Tuesday enter a plea before BiH Court. (NB: Mandic is laso being tried for financial illegalities before the BiH Court)

Belgrade Prosecution to open investigation re 700 murdered Bosniaks of Zvornik

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Starting of the investigation on murder 700 Bosniaks from the Bijeli potok’ by E.Huremovic– Director of Serbian Fund for Humanitarian Law, Natasa Kandic, confirmed that the Belgrade Special prosecution for war crimes, during this week, should start the investigation about murder of 700 Bosniaks. These people were from Zvornik and were taken away from the location of ‘Bijeli potok’ in 1992. “Such promise I have received from Chief Prosecutor Vladimir Vukcevic. If that doesn’t happen, the Fund would submit a criminal charge and with that force the Prosecution to accept this case,” said Kandic. Daily reminds that six people is already standing trial for crimes in Zvornik and two of them should also be held accountable for crimes in Bijeli potok. New indictments could be raised soon, considering that evidences have been sent from Tuzla Cantonal Prosecution and ICTY to Belgrade Prosecution.

NN: Sarajevo Cantonal Prosecution investigating loans FBiH Employment Bureau allocated

Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘They allocated BAM 57 million loan without cover’ by M.Cubro – Daily learns at Sarajevo Cantonal Prosecution that this Prosecution has opened investigation against officials of the F BiH Employment Bureau over suspicious allocation of BAM 57 million in loans for companies in F BiH.

Economy

Joint Comm. of RS NA and RS CoP to convene Monday over Bosniak Caucus motion for protection of VNI

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘De-blockade of “Telekom Srpske” expected today’ by V.Popovic – Momir Malic,RS Council of Peoples Deputy Chairman and member of the Joint Commission of CoP and RSNA, is of the view that Monday’s session of Joint Commission will reach decision regarding privatisation programme of “Telekom Srpske” and that this issue will not end up before RS Constitutional Court. Commission is convening over motion filed by Bosniak Caucus at RS CoP for protection of vital national interest related to privatisation programme. Malic expects that Bosniak Caucus will remove veto on decision regarding privatisation of “Telekom” since the recent session of the RS CoP was close to reaching a solution about the issue.

FBiH Minister Heco submits Draft law on privatization control

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Vahid Heco submitted FBiH Government the Law on control of privatization’ by M.Kukan– For the following session of FBiH Government, FBiH Energy, Industry and Mining Minister Vahid Heco has prepared a legal act, which refers to process of privatization audit, under the name of Law on privatization control. Heco told DA that he submitted the law in form of a draft, which would also be discussed by FBiH Economic-Social Council after which it would be submitted to FBiH Parliament. Minister stressed that all prior remarks from the Parliament regarding this issue, as well as opinion of the FBiH Privatization Agency, Legislative Office and Finance Ministry have been included into the draft. Heco explained that control of all privatization processes would be controlled by a special department, established within FBiH Privatization Agency. Inset ‘Who can start the audit’- Heco explained that audit process can be started by stockholders, trade union, companies in question, financial police and various authorities/institutions.

Miscellaneous

BiH HoR to discuss amendments to Law on citizenship Tuesday; Minister Colak: those dispossessed of citizenship will not be able to apply for it for 5 years

Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Citizenship audit – farce or reality’ by D. P. Mandic – DL writes about Tuesday’s session of the BiH HoR which will discuss amendments to the Law on citizenship according to which persons dispossessed of illegally acquired BiH citizenship would be denied the right to apply for it for 5 years. Barisa Colak, BiH Minister of Security, says this will introduce order in this field because some people who were previously dispossessed of BiH citizenship were immediately granted citizenship again which needs to be prevented in the future. As for citizens who are under threat of death penalty in their countries of origin, Colak says that, under new amendments, they cannot be extradited to those countries; instead, they can stay in BiH or go to a third country. (In an inset, author briefly mentions ongoing citizenship audit but the ‘farce’ reference made in the title is unclear).