OHR BiH Media Round-up, 25/6/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Catholics mark religious holiday

Terzic on closure of OHR

Pilgrimage to Podmilacje

Uzdol marks 150^th anniversary

Dodik on Schwarz-Schilling

Terzic on OHR’s closure

World News

Covic on equality of Croats

Dodik on HR

Regional News

Protests of NGO “Dosta”

Civil sector on OHR

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Sport News

Pilgrimage to Podmilacje

Update on Klickovic case

War crime conference inBelgrade

WW II veterans assembly

Unqualified staff in Brcko admin.

Reactions on closing down OHR

Dosta protest in Sarajevo

Vitol letters to Cavic published

Covic to withdraw from politics

Humanitarian fashion party

Dodik on Schwarz-Schilling

Oslobodjenje

Aggressive, but silent nationalist is in work [WWII veterans]

Dnevni Avaz

RS is in favor of OHR leaving, but they work towards postponing it [Schwarz-Schilling]

Dnevni List

Catholic religious holiday

Vecernji List

VL was not delivered to Sarajevo

Nezavisne Novine

Catholic religious holiday

OHR transformation/ EU integrations

RS PM Dodik: CSS does his job devotedly

PINK – RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik stated for the RTRS on Friday that the High Representative, Christian Schwarz Schilling, does his job devotedly, as he enables peoples in BiH to make important decisions on their own without and imposing any regulations or laws. According to Dodik, HR is trying to develop the ability of BiH society to be independent and to work with minimum of the OHR involvement. BHT 1 – Dodik commended the work of Schwarz-Schilling and stressed that his predecessor Paddy Ashdown left many “smudgy spots” in BIH. Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Schiling learns us to make decisions on our own’ by S.G. – “Schwarz-Schilling is trying to develop capacities of this society to make its own decision on some things,” said Dodik in a statement to RTRS “Info in focus”. He added this process of closure could have started even earlier. Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Schilling works devotedly, Ashdown left smudgy spots’ by Fena, Dnevni list pg 2  – also reported. 

CoM Chair Terzic: It is very dangerous to close down OHR before signing SAA

Hayat – Following the decision of Steering Board of Peace Implementation Council (PIC) on closing down the OHR on June 30, 2007, Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic stated that it is extremely dangerous to close down OHR before the Stabilization and Association Agreement is signed. In a statement to Sarajevo daily Dnevni Avaz published on Saturday, Terzic expressed fear that following the OHR’s withdrawal the obstructionist would, without any consequences, obstruct the Dayton Agreement implementation and BIH’s accession into EU. Terzic added it appears to him that tiding the closure of the OHR to exact date instead of the process itself, PIC demonstrated it was not aware of what kind of problems and obstructions the country is faced with [See BiH Media Round-up June 24 for statement] RTRS, PINK, BHT 1 – also carried.

HR Schwarz-Schilling: ‘RS is in favor of OHR leaving, but they work towards postponing it’

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘RS is in favor of OHR leaving, but they work towards postponing it’, pg 2 ‘It is in interest of some BiH politicians for OHR to lead reforms’ by T. Lazovic – In a statement to daily, the HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling says that the OHR closure is tired to the reforms however adds that reforms are not possible without set deadlines. He deems that by setting deadline for OHR closure BiH politicians were also given deadlines to take over responsibilities: “It is obvious that things do not move without deadlines. Speed of implementing reforms will set the course to Europe. If one waits, I am afraid another train will pass without BiH boarding on it.” HR assure he would remain here “to give my maximum contribution, but if we keep delaying OHR abolishment that the story on responsibility of the domestic politicians and partnership relations would be just fabrication. I am determined this optimal time transformation.” CSS also comments it is absurd that some politicians [alike Milorad Dodik and Mladen Ivanic, notes daily] support the OHR abolishment while their politics basically leads to postponing the process. Referring to their statements supportive of the OHR closure, HR notes: “If those are only empty words, I will consider such politicians utterly irresponsible.” Next week, the HR will travel to Brussels to meet a number of senior officials, including EU Enlargement Commissioner Ollie Rehn. Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘OHR closure must be followed up by reforms’ by S. Gojkovic – The HR also noted that by June 2007, assigned tasks must be completed.

Ex HR Petritsch: EUSR should keep mechanism alike Bonn powers

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘BiH is still fragile state’ by S. Numanovic – Commenting announced closure of the OHR, the former High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, warns such operation must be carried out very carefully and with detailed planning. He notes it is important to have comprehensive plan of transfers of all responsibilities to the local authorities, while Europe must act to monitor and assist in political events. “BiH is still fragile state,” said Petritsch arguing that “EUSR must have significant powers. These should be something like somewhat decreased Bonn powers which could be used as the last resource however still at the disposal.” Addressing concerns Europe could repeat its mistakes from 1990s, Petritsch notes that Europe is now much more aware of the region and BiH’s importance. “Once BiH gains the candidate country status, new quality in relationship with Brussels is to happen. Until than EUSR or PIC must have at its disposal Bonn powers as the last solution. Whoever comes to the position of EUSR, he/she must be entitled to proposing PIC to use Bonn powers in some cases,” concludes ex HR.

BHT1: Citiziens, civil sector deems OHR should remain

BHT 1 by Mirela Cosic – BHT 1 comments that the stances of the politicians in BiH on the announced closure of the OHR differ greatly. Members of the civil sector in BIH feel that BIH needs OHR for at least another 10 years because of the way politicians in the country behave. Member of the “Grozd” NGO, Sevko Bajic, stated that citizens should assume responsibility and apply pressure on politicians in the same way the OHR is currently doing. Member of “Dosta” Movement, Darko Brkan, also feels that BiH will not need OHR once BIH citizens take things into their own hands. Most of citizens feel that it will be hard to reach any agreement without OHR’s presence.

Oslobodjenje op-ed: FBiH is right to fear announced OHR closure; SAA will be postponed; CoM Chair rightfully doubts Brussels intentions 

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Parents meeting’ op-ed Senka Kurtovic – Referring to the interview with the Chair of the BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic published on Saturday [See BiH Media Round-up June 25] and announcement of a trip to Brussels to meet the EU Enlargement Commissioner Ollie Rehn, author notes Terzic would use this occasion “to see why BiH is not good student lately” concluding it appears almost certain the Stabilization and Association Agreement would not be signed before the end of this year. “Police reform failed, elections are coming up, new authorities would be established and it is hard to expect there would be a mention of police reform by spring next year,” Kurtovic assesses alike Terzic in mentioned interview. She deems main culprits are Milorad Dodik and Mladic Ivanic who attended all the negotiations on this reform which at the time were claimed to had produced the agreement. “State PM is in dilemma how to approach Commissioner Rehn. He is frank to say that three famous principles the BiH needs to meet are actually so widely defined they seem like a well without bottom… Europe is very strict… which was not really a case when it comes to criteria for other transition countries… Police reform is certainly essential… but defining regions is country’s internal affair. Thus, Terzic was right to openly doubt that Brussels would prefer to halt negotiations with BiH.” Comment announced OHR closure, author concludes: “FBiH politicians are right to fear this. Without High or Special Representative… BiH would not stand a chance for a long time. Bad news is that the Peace Implementation Council is in hurry… IC has mostly commenced all work here ambitiously, optimistically and bravely, but left Bosnia without job done. That is why it is comforting to hear they would discuss [this] again in February when things are little bit clearer. It is not smart to set any deadlines in these muddy elections waters.”  

DL op-ed: Reactions to PIC decision only show politicians did nothing in past four year, now fearing to stay alone

Dnevni list pg 2 ‘Panic among politicians’ op-ed by Danka Polovina-Mandic – Commenting announced closure of the OHR, the author refers specifically to the statements criticizing this decision by the Peace Implementation Council commenting: “The highest ranking leaders who spent years of their authorities… advocating for the IC to leave the country claiming they prevent us from deciding alone on our destiny now have changed the story being afraid of staying alone…. Thus, our brave politicians show us just before the elections that they have not used their mandates for stabilization or strengthening institutions of this country, that they are not able to lead the country on their own.. that they still need the ‘Whip of God’.”

RS PM Dodik: RS police working on RS territory, paid through RS institutions is a must

Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Schiling learns us to make decisions on our own’ by S.G. – In a statement to RTRS “Info in focus”, Milorad Dodik, commented police reform saying: “They can halt the SAA, but they will not get police reform such as they think. Some things could be discussed, while for others there is absolutely no talk. RS police within police structures is not questionable… But, funds intended to pay police in RS within BiH budget for police must go only through RS institutions. If they don’t, there is no reform. RS police must have clear authorities in the RS territory and be paid through RS institutions.”  

BiH Foreign Minister’s Advisor: Liberalization of visa regime will slow down because of SCG division

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘SCG division would slow down liberalization of visa region towards BiH’ by S.S. – Advisor to the BiH Foreign Ministers on consular issues, Zoran Perkovic, told daily the fact that BiH was in the pack with the Western Balkans countries for visa regime liberalization is in no way of interest of the country. He notes that BiH is much further from other countries when it comes to some relevant security procedure, however it could still feel delays in liberalization in upcoming period: “Division of Serbia and Monte Negro could also slow down us on the way to liberalize visa regime as this means restructuring of the two states, another story on protecting their borders, etc…”   

Finish Ambassador: BiH remains one of top priorities for EU

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘BiH and region will one of top priorities for EU’, mentioned on cover, by Tarik Lazovic – In an interview to daily, Finish Ambassador to BiH Alpo Rusi says that the integration of BiH and other Western Balkans countries to EU will remain one of the top priorities for the EU foreign policy. Finland is taking over EU Presidency from Austria, and as it has no Embassy in BiH in the country it would be presented by Germany. “Great job has been done in defence reform, however this process must be continued when especially when it comes to police reform,” notes Rusi adding that he supports EC’s warnings on blockade in this process and three principles. Commenting visa regime, he says the liberalization is needed and that Finland is in favor complete abolishment after the conditions are met. He adds Finland is positive about further expansion of the EU.  

Other political issues

Dosta movement protests in Sarajevo against ‘crimes of politicians’

BHT1, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Games without limits’ by A.D., Dnevni list pg 5  – Members of “Dosta” movement held another protest in Sarajevo on Saturday. Tied by ropes with their mouths taped during the walk through the city, the members and supports of the movement tried to convey the message that citizens of BiH are chained by and silent before the crimes committed by politicians. FTV– “Dosta” member Demir Mahmutcehajic said the protest is directed against social injustice and crime. He also explained that the Movement makes efforts to draw attention to the real problems of BiH citizens rather than those imposed by BIH politicians.

SDP to run with 6 candidates for all members of Presidency

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Six candidates for BiH Presidency’, Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Candidates for BiH Presidency’, Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Candidates for BiH Presidency established’ – SDP decided to nominate its candidates for all three members of the BiH Presidency at the upcoming elections. The candidates are Zeljko Komsic and Jozo Krizanovic, Milenko Bijedin and Jasmin Imamovic, Zeljko Baros and Jugoslav Jovicic. At the Saturday’s session, SDS Main Board has also prepared lists for all other levels of the authorities.

WWII veterans criticize initiative on RS referendum

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 3 ‘Aggressive, but silent nationalist is in work’ by Sefko Hodzic – The Association of the WWII veterans and anti-fascists from BiH held the convention on Saturday at which they strongly criticized the tendencies of the RS politicians to promote referendum on succession and independence of this entity. In this light, the Association noted the BiH borders could not be changed, concluding every such effort is anti-Constitution and legally punishable.

Int with Mostar Mayor Ljubic: Mostar is not divided city

Nezavisne novine pgs 8-9 ‘Mostar is not divided city’, mentioned on cover, by Mladenka Krilic – In an interview to NN, Mostar Mayor Ljubo Beslic comments recent ethnic incidents in the city following the football match between Croatia and Brazil by saying that obviously police was not prepared for this. However, he was also critical of huge police presence during the following matches. “I thinks this gives bad image and message from Mostar. Polcie must think differently and provide with security, however in more moderate manner,” says Beslic. Despite the problems, he claims Mostar is not divided city: “I would like to pass a message to all [claiming otherwise] to deal with their living places, and not to come to Mostar and spark things with such statements. They do not help either Mostar or BiH in that way! Mostar showed to be a place where fire is easily light up but difficult put down, and that makes problems.”

War crimes and security

Justice Minister Kovac says Klickovic to be tired for misuse of power, BiH has not yet demanded extradition

BHT 1 by Svjetlana Todorovic – BiH Justice Minister, Slobodan Kovac, stated that former the RS Prime Minister Gojko Klickovic, who was arrested in Belgrade and awaits for extradition to BiH, could only be tired for crimes on base of which the international warrant for his apprehension was issued. Klickovic has been accused of misuse of position [media previously reported the case is related to the Privredna Bank East Sarajevo]. At the same time BIH Prosecution investigates Klickovic’s involvement in war crimes committed in Bosanska Krupa in 1992. Kovac also stated that extradition demands still hasn’t been submitted duel to lack of documentation from Sokolac Court. He adds that the demands will be sent to Belgrade as soon as documentation arrives and explains that the judge in Belgrade will decide whether Klickovic will be extradited [Belgrade judicial authorities noted BiH has to demand extradition within 18 days]. RS Interior Minister Stanislav Cadjo stated Klickovic does not possess Serbian citizenship thus making the extradition possible. Klickovic’s attorney Dusko Tomic on the other hand says that there are still chances for Klickovic to get Serbian citizenship since he submitted a request for it several years ago. RTRS Mirsad Kebic – Tomic also confirmed that his client would probably be processed before the BiH Court, although he was arrested upon investigation of Sokolac Prosecutors Office. Klickovic is also suspected of being involved in intrusion of RS authorities in monetary system of former Yugoslavia in 1997, which he denied. According to Tomic, Klickovic possesses many documents on this case, and therefore his life might be in danger. Dnevni list pg 2 ‘Officials fear Gojko Klickovic’ – also carries Tomic presenting similar claims.

Conference on war crimes committed in Prijedor held in Belgrade

BHT 1 by Vesna Simic – Conference on war crimes committed in Prijedor was held in Belgrade on Saturday. The Director of the Humanitarian Rights Fund [which organized the conference], Natasa Kandic, stated that the conference was organised to help Prijedor victims can have their dignity back. Conference was attended by OSCE and ICTY members as well as some Serbian officials. Kandic stated at the conference that apart from local authorities in Prijedor,k former Yugoslav Peoples Army [JNA] was also responsible for the crimes committed in that town. Hayat – Kandic added the goal of the conference was to increase an awareness of the “reluctant politicians. There is no willingness to solve this issue and admit truth that is very important. Additionally, Serbs from Prijedor should start talking about the horrible war crimes that were committed against their neighbours”. RTRS – ICTY spokesperson, Aleksandra Milenov, stated that the Omarska, Keraterm and Tronopolje concentration camps were the worst ones. Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Ivana Dulic Markovic stated the political responsibility exists, adding that all possible must be done to eliminate “moral mistakes which enable crimes”. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Serbia and RS must face truth’, mentioned on cover, by B. Ka.  Also reported.

DL follow up on mujaheedin presence in BiH: list of names published

Dnevni list pg 3 ‘Mujaheedins spread ‘real’ Islam’, mentioned on cover, by F.H. – In a follow up to Saturday cover splash story [See BiH Media Round-up June 24] in which DL reveal information on mujaheedin presence in BiH, today’s issue gives background of how these fighters entered BiH through Croatian, “mostly through humanitarian organizations, meaning Croatian Foreign Ministry issued them with documents to move through Croatia.” In addition, it lists a number of names of mujaheedins who in the war either fought or spread its interpretation of Islamic among local population. At some stage, there were apparently approx. 3000 fighters in BiH.

“Vitol” affair

RS MoI files charges against 27 person in affair which damaged RS for 149 million KM

Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘RS damaged for 149 million KM’, mentioned on cover, by Orijana Vukovic – Commenting the “Vitol” affair which emerged after this UK company has addressed a request for compensation upon violation of contract with oil refinery Bosanski Brod amounting to US $115 million, daily notes that this case has been “shaking up” things in RS. Following the audit report on the work of Bosanski Brod Oil Refinery in 2003 and 2004, the RS Interior Ministry filed reports to the authorized RS prosecutors on questionable contract. In addition, the RS MoI has filed charges against 27 persons, including four foreign citizens, in the case in which RS has been damaged for 149 million KM. The list include former RS Prime Minister Dragan Mikerevic, ex RS Ministers Boris Gaspar, Milan Bogicevic and Djordje Lajsic, as well as former directors of the Refinery, Iija Drpa and Vojin Mujucic. According to Mikerevic and current RS Industry Minister, Milan Jelic, the contract between Refinery and Vitol which is a subject of dispute doesn’t not exist in the RS Government’s Archive. It was signed on 5 December 2003, and upon it Vitol now demands compensation of 115 million US dollars. Mikerevic claims the contract was signed without his knowledge. Media report that contracted was signed in London by than company’s director, Jovo Drpa, who said this working module was suggested by the RS President Dragan Cavic. Latter denied this information. The contract also put obligation upon Vitol to deliver row oil to Refinery, however as this did not happen Refinery was losing money mainly due to the provision of the contract that it was not allowed to purchase row materials form any other company. The contract is also based on the Anglo-Saxon law, under which the dispute is to be solved before the UK court without an option of arbitrary solution.

NN publish correspondence btw Vitol and RS President Cavic

RTRS – Banja Luka based newspaper “Nezavisne novine” on Saturday published letters written by manager of the UK Company “Vitol”, Robert Finch, which were addressed directly addressed to the RS President Dragan Cavic. The letters include Vitol’s proposal for writing off the debts of the Bosanski Brod Oil Refinery by establishing a joint company with majority stocks in possession of Vitol. However, RS Government lead by former Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic didn’t approve this proposal. Vitol now demands payment of compensation in amount of 115 million USD. Nezavisne novine pg 6 ‘Misuses in work of Brod Oil Refinery’ – also carried. 

RS PM Dodik: Someone must be held responsible, RS Govt to try to negotiation with Vitol

Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Someone must be held responsible for damaging RS and Refinery’ – Commenting “Vitol” affair, the RS Prime Minister, Milorad Dodik, stressed someone must be held responsible for the damages suffered by Bosanski Brod Oil Refinery and RS. He notes it is obvious this was the case of abuse of powers without huge financial consequences. “All this is unclear and were are about to face long court proceeding about those compensations with Vitol,” said Dodik concluding RS Government will try to reach a solution in negotiations with the Vitol.

Former Industry Min.: Contract was not realized because of OHR sanctions

Nezavisne novine pg 6 ‘OHR is responsible’ – Commenting “Vitol” affair, the former RS Industry Minister Milan Bogicevic [and also a suspect in the case] pointed out to OHR: “The deal with Vitol was undermined when on 30 June 2004 leadership of the Refinery was removed within the OHR sanctions towards SDS. Without those removals, the contract would work. “