26.04.2006

OHR BiH Media Round-up, 26/4/2006

image_pdfimage_print

Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 26 April

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

ICTY: Trial agst 6 Croats begins

BiH HoR on amendments today

BiH HoR to vote on const. amend.

BiH HoR inter. session on cons. chgs

FBiH HoR on Law on pardon

ITA SB to decide on distribution

US, Aust. Ambass. pc on const. chgs

Trial to Prlic and others

BK TV programme interrupted

TV news broadcast on 25 April

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK  (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1  (19,00 hrs)

No transmission

HoR is discussing con. amendments

BiH HoR discusses const. changes

 

Decisions brought by BiH Presidency

BiH role in secret CIA operations

 

FBiH HoR rejected Law on amnesty

The trial of 6 former Croat leaders

 

Novic on police reform

The trial of Niko Obradovic continues

 

NTV Hayat  (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

BIH HoR in session

BiH HoR discusses const. changes

Colak on possible terrorism in BiH

FBIH HoR in session

Mass grave discovered near Potocari

HoR is discussing con. amendments

FBIH HoR in session

EUFOR operation near Cajnice

Mandate to deminers prolonged

Kebo on decertified police officers

The trial of 6 former Croat leaders

EUFOR left area of Cajnice

 

Oslobodjenje

Second phase disputable and the firs one wasn’t even passed yet

Dnevni Avaz

Zilic’s NO an introduction in drama

Dnevni List

Amendments lead to rifts within parties (BiH HoR session on const. changes)

Vecernji List

Hackers break into electricity agency (FBiH Agency for Electricity’s computer system got hacked)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Prosecution ‘combing’ through business operations of ‘Cincar’ ( Canton 10 police carrying out inspections in companies)

Nezavisne Novine

Acrimonious discussion on amendments to the Constitution

Glas Srpske

Pauses instead of voting [HoR discussed amendments to the Constitution]

EuroBlic

Through elections to petroleum [Trade Union believes RS Govt would soon resolve the status of the Brod Refinery]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

 

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

US and Austrian Ambassadors, EC head of delegation urge BiH parliaments to adopt const. amendments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RTRS – The US Ambassador to BiH, Douglas McElchany, the Austrian Ambassador to BiH, Werner Almhofer, Head of the EC delegation to BiH, Michael Humphreys, today held a joint press conference in Sarajevo commenting Tuesday’s session of the BiH HoR on the constitutional changes. McElchany has warned that those opposing to constitutional changes oppose to future of this state and stressed that public poll conducted in BiH shows that a majority of citizens of BiH supports the constitutional reform. He has also voiced out a message to the BiH HoR members, saying that:  “There is a package of amendments at the table today – the package represents the first phase. Until this phase completes, there will be no second phase. People at Parliament must take over responsibility – I see no other alternative to this.” On behalf of the US Government, he has stressed that the process of constitutional changes will not resume until this phase completes. Humphreys has stated that the EC President Jose Manuel Barosso has addressed a letter to BiH Presidency, stressing that there should be no deviations from constitutional changes, adding: “This is a unique letter, where the top officials of executive authority of EC address to BiH authority.” He has underlined that BiH has a clear European perspective, adding he has always stressed the constitutional changes are not of revolutionary, but evolutionary nature, through which BiH must go. RHB – They stressed that the solution regarding the constitutional changes amendments would be, most probably, reached at continuation of the BiH HoR’s session that takes place today. McElhaney did not hide a certain dose of disappointment over the course of the yesterday’s debate on the constitutional changes issue in the BiH HoR. 

EC’s Humphreys: This is not time to define focus of second phase

 

BH Radio 1 – Head of EC in BiH, Michael Humphreys stressed the changes of the constitution are not a process of revolution but evolution, and she he hope politicians would show responsibility by passing the amendments. “In time, the changes have to be made regarding vetoes that exist in entity vote as well as in the clause on vital national interest. BiH Government, Parliament of this country must have an option to, before all other, lead this country i.e. in case of the Parliament pass decision on behalf of this country. Appropriate mechanisms taking into consideration certain entity and regional differences will always exist in the Parliament, but they will need to change, comparing to the way they are now. Package that is considered now has truly pushed things forward, as much as it was really possible at this moment. But, under assumption that phase one is successful the phase two would certainly happen… This is not the time to define what is in the second phase” said Humphreys.

PDP’s Ivanic: Expectation of FBiH ‘radical’ parties for IC to impose amendments not applicable

RTRS Mladen Ivanic, BH Foreign Minister, has warned FBiH parties (referring to them as radical) that their expectation IC will impose constitutional reform cannot be applied. He has also stated that it is possible BiH may become a black whole in the region unless constitutional amendments as agreed are adopted, adding responsibility for that would rest with those opposing to constitutional reform.

BiH Presidency member Jovic: const. changes are very important for BiH  

 

RHB– Croat member of the BiH Presidency Ivo Miro Jovic stated that the constitutional changes issue is extremely important for BiH and its citizens. He added that the current Constitution can be changed only through a consensus and compromise and that the things that are being offered now are a small step ahead but they are better than the things that we have. Jovic also said that if the changes were not adopted there are political forces that would be held accountable for the future of BiH. He added that if the amendments were adopted there would be responsibility to implement the things that were agreed upon.

OHR: Wednesday is crucial day for BiH; proposed changes are step towards EU integration

SRNA– Commenting BiH Parliament’s debate on amendments to the BiH Constitution, OHRstated that this is the crucial day for BiH, underlining that the proposed changes are an important step towards strengthening the State structures, that will help equip BiH better for EU integration. Reflecting the importance of this debate the PDHR Larry Butler will be in Parliament on Wednesday – as an observer, not a participant.

BiH HoP postpones session until tomorrow

FENA- Collegium of the BiH House of Peoples decided to postpone the session which was schedule for today for Thursday at 10,00 hrs under condition that the BiH House of Representatives today adopts a proposal of the amendments to the BiH Constitution.

 

Constitutional changes before BiH HoR

BiH HoR interrupts 15 hrs long discussion on const. changes without voting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHT1 and RTRS late news broadcasts – At 1.30 am on Wednesday, the BiH House of Representatives has interrupted the session on the amendments to the BiH Constitution without voting on the changes despite 15 hours long discussion. Session would resume on Wednesday at 15.00 [BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic asked for recess in order to consult with the parties that signed the Agreement on the addenda submitted by the MPs]. PINK by Jovanka Nina Stevanovic – All 42 members of the Parliament attended, as well as the members of the BiH Presidency, BiH Council of Ministers, OHR and European Commission as well as 12 Ambassadors. Official proponent of the amendments is BiH Presidency, which came after the agreement was reached by leaders of major BiH political parties in March. Tihic said in his opening statement that amendments were an important step toward strengthening of BiH and its institutions. For the amendments to be adopted at the HoR, the two thirds of the deputies attending the session must vote in their favour. The reform must be adopted and come into effect before May 4 when BiH Central Election Commission should schedule October elections. FTV by Adisa Ruzdic – The changes include legislative authority for the Parliament, 87 MPs in the HoR, changing the role of the House of Peoples to deal only with the issues of vital national interest, election of one President and two vice presidents by the BiH Parliament, and broader authorities for the BiH Council of Ministers. Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 2 ‘Zilic’s NO opening drama?’ by H.Orahovac Inset ‘Tihic: Survival of the country is at the stake’ – BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic: “All that are determined to vote against the amendments have to be aware that it can impact not only reform and European path of BiH, but its survival as well.” US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney, Austrian Ambassador Werner Almhofer, Croatian Ambassador Josip Vrbosic, Head of EU Delegation to BiH Michael Humphreys and Canadian Ambassador Shelley Whiting, among others, attended the session. Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Pauses instead of voting’ by Z. D., Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘Acrimonious discussion on amendments to the Constitution’ by M. Cubro, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Voting is not even in sight’ by Dusanka Stanisic, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 6 ‘On changes until late in the night’, by Z. Tulic – all carried.

SDA’s Zilic stuns his party, other MPs announcing he would vote against amendments

 

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 2 ‘Zilic’s NO opening drama?’ by H.Orahovac – Daily comments that the SDA’s Mehmed Zilic shocked the party and its MPs when he unexpectedly opposed the proposed amendments stating they “mean division of state”. Deputy HoR Speaker, the SDA deputy Sefik Dzaferovic responded: “Mehmed, I invite you as a BiH HoR Deputy Chair and as a SDA Deputy President to raise your hand in favour of the amendments! I beg you to do so, to vote for reforms, for they do not mean division of BiH, they are a chance for integration.” Avaz carries that SDA Bakir Izetbegovic was spotted in BiH HoR building talking with Zilic in private. Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 3 ‘Amendments lead to rifts within parties’, by D. P. Mandic – Also notes it was surprise to see Zilic was against the proposed changes knowing that his party is supporting the changes. Inset ‘Secret voting’ carries Sead Avdic who asked from the Collegium to enable secret voting on the amendments because MPs have allegedly been subjected to pressures by the signatories of the Agreement on constitutional changes. RTRS and BHT 1 noted Zilic was a great surprise. 

Hayat:  Sead Avdic and Mehmed Zilic’s votes uncertain

 

Hayat by Lejla Gutic – Hayat comments the only two votes in the BiH HoR, namely of MPs Sead Avdic and Mehmed Zilic, are still uncertain and can decide on the outcome of HoR’s voting. According to Hayat, Avdic said on Tuesday he would accept the alternative solution that would ensure the abolishment of the entity voting at the state level while entity-voting principle can remain at the “divided level”. Gutlic noted that Zilic once again resolutely said that he would not support the amendments to the BIH Constitution adding that they were pressurised by the local and international officials. Reporter stated that Zilic promised detailed information on this issue on Wednesday. BHT 1 – BH Free Democrats deputy Sead Avdic: “We should vote taking into consideration responsibility toward BiH. 

MPs claims they were put under pressure to vote in favour of const. changes; PINK: session was classic trade of votes

 

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 2 ‘Zilic’s NO opening drama?’ by H.Orahovac – BiH Free Democrats MP Sead Avdic said deputies were put under pressure for the last few days by those who prepared the amendments. DNZ Ibrahim Djedovic answered he was under no pressure. BiH HoR Speaker Martin Raguz from HDZ 1990 demanded from the MPs that only European standards that would be applied to all the BiH citizens. Inset ‘Durakovic: Inadmissible moves’ – SDU deputy Nijaz Durakovic: “What US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney has been doing during the breaks is something that would put shame on great, really great American democracy and its diplomacy. For during the breaks, he was ‘processing’ deputies, drilling them and tries to convince them to vote in favour of offered amendments to the BiH Constitution. It is unimaginable, it is unadmissable.” PINK commented that the session presents classic trade of votes, lobbying and rise of tensions. It noticed that the US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney andTihictalked to deputies individually and stressed the importance of adoption of the amendments.

Opponents against entity vote, HoP role reduced, manner of talks

 

Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Constitutional changes – entity voting the stumbling block’, by Dejan Jazvic – VL says notes that the entity voting and status of Croats were the main disputable issues of discussion during the BiH HoR’s session. FTV – FTV comments that the criticism by the opponents comes to way talks on constitutional changes were conducted, preserving entity vote in the HoR and the reduced role of the HoP. Hayat also covered objections.

Opponents to the const. changes, SBiH Belkic, HDZ 1990 Zoric , Ind. MP Avdic, SDA Zilic, SRS ‘Dr. Vojislav Seselj’ Blagojevic, suspicious of second phase, demand changes discussed after elections

 

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Second phase disputable, while the first one is not adopted’ by Aldijana Omeragic and Almir Terzic – SDU deputy Nijaz Durakovic who said it seems there will be no second phase of radical reforms, after he heard some statements of deputies from RS. Prior to that BiH HoR Deputy Chair Nikola Spiric stressed that “transfer of authorities to the state level does not mean abolishing entities”, adding that the second phase of constitutional changes “could be on reform of FBiH, which is maybe eve more necessary.” BOSS deputy Muhamed Moranjkic demanded BiH HoR to postpone this discussion for November, after the October elections. HDZ deputy Vlatka Komsic – who prior to the session filed dozens of amendments –demanded deputies to first adopt the Agreement on constitutional changes reached by major BiH political parties in March. Both of these proposals by BOSS and HDZ were refused. Spiric proposed that the agreement of political parties is adopted after the amendments. BiH Free Democrats Sead Avdic proposed BiH HoR to adopt the Dayton Peace Agreement, which was also refused. Article also carries that deputies were trying to win Avdic’s vote. Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 17 ‘We will for ‘yes’ if our amendments are adopted’, by Zlatko Tulic – carries Vinko Zoric (MP, HDZ 1990) as saying the party is ready to support the changes in case the HDZ 1990’s amendments get adopted, which would guarantee equality to Croats and represent good basis for 2nd phase of talks [without going into more details.]

BHT1: Parties have not changed their stances

 

BHT1 by Vanja Filipovic – Reporting on the BiH House of Representatives’ session on the constitutional changes, BHT1 comments that the political parties have not change their stands regarding the constitutional changes. SBiH insists on the extension of public debate period stressing they believe the changes proposed would make entities more influential over the state. Member of the Croat Caucus Vinko Zoric complied on unequal position of Croat population: “We cannot influence anything. In the BiH HoR, Bosniaks from FBiH and Serbs from RS both have two-third majority, and they can veto any law. Croats cannot do that.” FTV by Adisa Ruzdic – SBiH deputy Beriz Belkic commented: “We simply believe those changes neither open the process, nor represent the first step of the change of constitutional concept, which we believe is making this state dependent on entities.” RTRS – Zoric stressed several time that the “0ntity vote is being cemented in HoR. The election of members of HoP is disputable since are being elected by House of Representatives. There are problems in parliamentary procedure and regarding presidency.RTRS comments out of 12 Serb MPs only Mirko Blagojevic, SRS “Dr. Vojislav Seselj”, announced he would oppose the amendments.

SDS Cavic, SDA Tihic, HDZ Covic, SDP Lagumdzija, SNSD Spiric are in favour of constitutional changes

 

BHT1 by Vanja Filipovic – Commenting the session of the BiH House of Representatives on the constitutional amendments, MPs from parties which signed the Agreement deem the debate in the Parliament is nothing more than an ordinary pre-election campaigning. SDS leader Dragan Cavic said: “I have a feeling many questions are being raised for a purpose of pre-election campaign, for needs of daily politics… I am convinced that all those who opposed constitutional amendments would not be able to find any kind of solution themselves.” BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic emphasized that the failure to adopt changes to the BiH Constitution would be a step backwards: “Many IC representatives would begin to wonder whether we are able to agree on anything, and some of them would probably begin to doubt the perspective of this country.” RTRS – Talking about the stressed that there was no consensus regarding certain constitutional issues and that those issues would be solved after October elections: “Amendments to BiH Constitution complete one entirety and make hypothesis for continuation of reforms”. Cavic underlined during the break: “I have message for those that want good for this country. You have to work together on solving all issues on improving this country and all that you agree would make you more independent. Contrary, you would have international community representatives present forever to make decisions instead of you.BiH HoR Deputy Chair Nikola Spiric argued in favour of the amendments: “I have to stress out that there are more talks regarding procedures than constitutional amendments. Many understood this as pre-election campaign…SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija, who strongly argued adoption of the changes was the only option for BiH’s future, said: “It is obvious that this all is a number of people representing minority and who would do all in order to get one more vote at the upcoming elections”. HDZ leader Dragan Covic “I believe this (endorsing amendments) is less evil than [situation we live in] today”. PDP leader Mladen Ivanic said: “I believe that constitutional amendments would be adopted”. Hayat, FTV – also reported.

Sead Avdic int. w/ BHT1 [denying pressure was made]; HoR Deputy Speaker Spiric comment session 

 

BHT late news broadcasts: BHT broadcasted two live interviews with independent deputy in the BiH House of Representatives Sead Avdic, and BiH HoR Deputy Chair Nikola Spiric at the time the session was still on going. Avdic said that after 13 hours of discussion, MPs were in the stage where further discussion was almost physically impossible. He explained that numerous breaks during the session were caused by the fact that there was no majority necessary to adopt the constitutional amendments; therefore, according to Avdic, parties who support amendments are trying to use those breaks to collect more votes in favour of amendments to the BiH constitution. Avdic confirmed that he held numerous talks with various political officials, but added he was under no pressure, even though many considered his vote a crucial one. Spiric deems that certain representatives and political parties are deliberately trying to get those constitutional amendments rejected in a first reading. “They don’t want to vote in favour of the constitutional amendments until somebody promises them in advance that their amendments will be accepted during the second phase… That is absolute nonsense”, stated Spiric. He emphasized that it will be hard to convince two thirds of representatives from FBiH to vote in favour of constitutional amendments, while in the same time two thirds of representatives from RS are ready to vote for those amendments. Spiric was not able to say when would the representatives vote on the constitutional amendments.

Intl Community: US and EC sent letters to BiH HoR to underline importance adoption of amendments to Constitution

 

BHT1by Vanja Filipovic – A number of the officials from the International Community attended the session of the BiH HoR on Tuesday; BHT reporter unofficially learns that some of them exerted pressure on deputies, urging them to adopt constitutional amendments. During the session, the letters of support to constitutional amendments arrived from the cabinet of the US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. RTRS, Hayat – Two letters, namely from US Under Secretary for Political AffairsNicolas Burns and Barroso, were read to the deputies, regarding the importance of the adoption of the amendments. In his letter, Burns stressed that US Government has been supporting the process of constitutional changes, while Barroso stated that the adoption of the amendments would send a positive signal to EU that BIH is ready for the integration process. FTV, Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Second phase disputable, while the first one is not adopted’ by Aldijana Omeragic and Almir Terzic, Inset ‘Support of US Government and European Commission’, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Letters of support’, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Burns: US Government is with BiH’, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Pauses instead of voting’ Inset ‘Burns’ letter’ – also covered. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘USA are by your side at this historic moment’ by A.M. – carries Burns’ letter.

Osl. op-ed: BiH politicians prove that they always think one thing and do the other

 

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘The discussion’ op-ed by Senka Kurtovic– Commenting the Tuesday’s discussion in BiH House of Representatives on proposed amendments to BiH Constitution, Kurtovic referred to behavior of BiH politician, underlining that BiH gains and loses with constitutional reform were discussed least of all. “And so many times in last few months we have heard that constitutional changes aren’t in the interest of one people or one politician, but citizens and this country’s better future. All refers to the conclusion that politicians [as always] think one thing and do the other” , concluded the author.

BH Human Rights Minister Kebo: Washington meetings confirmed second phase of const. reforms is being prepared in Washington

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Second phase is being prepared in Washington’ By S.S.– During the conversation with BiH Human Right Minister Mirsad Kebo, Director of Department for Southeastern Europe within US National Security Council Bertram Brown emphasized that concepts for the second phase of constitutional reforms are being prepared in Washington. “But, as Brown underlined, condition above all conditions to even come to the second phase, is that the first set of constitutional changes is accepted’ said Kebo from Washington for DA. Kebo should Wednesday meet assistants to US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice, after which he would depart for New York to meet Chief of UN Peace Keeping Operations (DPKO) Jean-Marie Guehenno to discuss the issue of decertified police officers.

Cardinal Puljic repeats entity division is unjust, says some Croat politicians are blackmailed, corrupt

 

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘There are blackmailed and bought among Croat politicians’ by VoA, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Some Croat politicians have been bought’ by VOA, Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘There are blackmailed and corrupted people in Croat policy’, by M. V., Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘There are blackmailed and those who are bought among Croat politicians’ by Onasa – The Archbishop of Vrhbosnia, Cardinal Vinko Puljic, warned on Tuesday that there were blackmailed and corrupted Croat politicians. “That was present during the time of Mr. Petritsch (Wolfgang, former HR). He knows well what he did with some politicians. Current politicians are doing the same”, said Puljic in an interview for ‘Voice of America’, adding that he will not be naming the corrupt politicians and that he has enough ‘elements’ for his statement. The cardinal again opposed the proposed constitutional changes, arguing that the entity division of country was “unjust because it legalized wartime successes”. Also in Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Some Croat politicians are bought’, not signed

SD comment: Croats will end up ‘empty handed’ after entity division of BiH gets legalized

 

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 17, mentioned on front ‘Bosniaks and Serbs get half of BiH each, Croats get tickets for The Hague’, by Petar Milos – the author notes that the two most prominent issues in BiH in last few days have been the start of trials to ‘Prlic and others’ and constitutional changes, which are both, claims Milos, related to division of BiH. Milos notes it is absurd that ‘Prlic and others’ are charged with ‘criminal endeavour the aim of which is to divide BiH’, claiming that everyone knows the war was started by Belgrade and continued by forces of what is today called the RS. As for constitutional changes, Milos argues they fortify the entity division of BiH and that the Croats will end up ‘empty handed’ because BiH will be divided into two, not three entities, with assistance of the IC.

VL comment: Const. changes amendments might cause disappearance of Croat people

 

Vecernji List pg 6 ‘Blind leaders’ by I. Bagaric brings into connection the beginning of the trial to ‘Prlic and others’ and adoption of the constitutional changes amendments. The author says that it is hard to understand as to why on one side the IC tries to blame Croats for ethnic cleansing, while on the other side the IC awards Serbs for the same thing. According to the author, it is also hard to understand that doubt exists among Croat MPs at all when accepting uncertain future of the Croat people and perhaps their disappearance is in question.

 

Police reform, war crimes and security issues

Vacancy for position of RS Police Director published

 

 

PINK, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘vacancy for Police Director signed of’ by Fena  Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Andan’s successor to be known by end of May’ by N.Diklic, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Vacancy for selection of Andan’s successor tomorrow’ by D. R., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Names in an envelope’ by V. J.  – Ilija Lukic, Chair of Committee for Election of RS Police Director reported that the vacancy for the position of new RS Police Director is officially opened as of Tuesday, April 25 and will be closed on May 12. On April 13, RS Government accepted resignation of former RS Police Director and Member of Steering Board of the Police Restructuring Directorate Dragomir Andan. Vacancy will be opened for 15 days as of April 25.

SDS’ Radojicic: agreement on police difficult to reach due to too differ stances

 

PINK, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Difficult to the agreement on police reform’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘With difficulties to an agreement on police reform’ by V. Popovic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘With difficulties to a solution’ by D. Momic, Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘It will be very difficult to reach agreement on police’, not signed – Igor Radojicic, RS National Assembly (RSNA) Speaker said that it would be hard to reach the agreement on police reform due to different stances of the Steering Board of the Police Restructuring Directorate. RSNA Defence and Security Board would discuss police reform at its enlarged session, which is scheduled for April 28.

SIPA’s Novic: police reform is necessary despite all political reluctance

 

PINK Sredoje Novic, SIPA Director and member of Police reform Directorate said for media that police reform in BiH is necessary, regardless to various political and other resistances in the process. Novic deems that police reform would contribute to more efficient work of SIPA. “Police structure that BiH doesn’t exist anywhere. But, it is not a problem that BiH has 16 police agencies, but the problem is that it doesn’t have centralized data base or internal coordination” said Novic. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Reorganizing of police necessary regardless to political resistances’ by E.S., Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Special units ready for the most complicated tasks’ Inset ‘Novic: Police reform is necessary for SIPA’ – also reported.

Acting RS Pol. Director to represent RS at PRD

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Smajlovic as RS representative at Steering Board’ – Igor Radojicic, RS NA Speaker, has stated that Nijaz Smajlovic, Acting RS Police Director, will be representing RS at the Police Reform Directorate instead of Dragomir Andan. Radojicic is of the view that one of the problems in the work of STerring Board, on which RS Premier, Milorad Dodik, also warned, is the fact that only one member is representing RS.

HR Schwarz-Schilling: failure of police reform could lead to SAA suspension

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Visa regime has very bad influence on BiH economy’ by DA correspondent from Brussels- Tarik Lazovic– Addressing the Foreign Affairs Committee of European Parliament in Brussels, High Representative Christian Schwarz- Schilling warned that police reform is critical issue for BiH and that RS has to be extremely careful, since this could lead to suspension in Stabilization and Association Agreement talks. Schwarz- Schilling said that Police Reform Directorate (PRD) has to continue work, adding tat if this doesn’t happen it is possible to bring decision on majority vote in the body. “RS Police Director Dragomir Andan has resigned, after interventions from The Hague, but I wish to see who would replace him” said HR. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to meet the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana and discuss the BiH’s integration process.

Commissioner Rehn aware of situation with police reform; Rehn recently talked to CoM Chair on the issue

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Brussels aware of stoppage in work of Police Reform Directorate’ by T.L.– As a source from the Cabinet of EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, confirmed to DA, the Office is aware of the halt in the work of Police Reform Directorate (PRD). “We are aware of the current situation and changes that happened following arrival of new RS Government,” said the source. According to ‘him’ Cabinet is closely monitoring the situation with the police reform, which was the condition for closing of Stabilization and Association Agreement talks. As confirmed to DA, Commissioner Rehn recently talked about this issue with Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic.

European Parliament’s Committee discusses reports on alleged CIA prisons in Europe, interested in role of IC in case of Algerian group

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Parliamentarians mostly interested for role of international factors in extradition’ by T.L – The Provisional Committee of the European Parliament held session on Tuesday in Brussels to discuss alleged cooperation of European countries with US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in transfer of terrorism suspects and possible existence of secret camps. The Committee was addressed by ex Chair of the BiH Human Rights Chamber Michele Picard, Chair of the Helsinki Human Rights Committee Srdjan Dizdarevic and US lawyer Stephen Oleksey on the issue of Algerian group [In 2002, group of 6 men out of which 4 were naturalized BiH citizens of Asian origin were extradited by BiH authorities to the Guantanamo base under suspicion of terrorism. Olesky is their legal representative.] DA says the Committee was mostly interested in the role of the international organizations at the time, i.e. UN International Police Task Force and NATO Stabilisation Forces. BHT 1by E. Bucalo, Brussels – Oleksey, according to whose account the his clients were taken from BiH on a US plan which made stops in Turkey and elsewhere in the Europe, argued BiH authorities are responsible for allowing “overnight disappearances”. He further called on authorities in Sarajevo to finally show they are ruling a sovereign state. “What is important is that BiH acts in line with its rhetorical choice. Namely, if BiH decided for Europe, then it has to embrace European values, European standards and the cooperation with European institutions“, stated Dizdarevic. The Committee will later on decide on the participation of BiH in secret CIA operations in Europe. According to the BHT reporter, this decision will certainly affect process of European integrations for BiH. New York Times carries report by the Associated Press on discussion related to the case of ‘Agerian group’ stating the US neither confirmed nor denied Oleksey’s account, but it was stressed that the Group included Bensayah Belkacem, suspected of serving as Osama Bin Laden‘s top lieutenant in Europe. Washington Post, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Spiegel, Die Welt –all carried.

HR Schwarz-Schilling on ‘Algerian group’: I will ask from BiH authorities to address this issue with US

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Visa regime has very bad influence on BiH economy’ by DA correspondent from Brussels, Tarik Lazovic Inset ‘BiH and USA need to talk about Algerian Group’ – Addressing the Foreign Affairs Committee of European Parliament in Brussels, High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling answered the question of the ‘Algerian group’ stating that he would ask the BiH authorities to raise the issue with the US Administration. “That issue recently has drawn my attention and what I see now is that BiH and US must work on this sensitive issue,” said HR adding that this case was specific as those six people have judicial verdict that there is no reason to criminally persecute them. He expressed hope that the US would bring a decision in an interest of those people, but also of BiH and the US .

BiH Security Minister Colak says security structures check terrorism speculations

 

RTRS –BiH Security Structures have been checking the information submitted by US and Croatian intelligence services on alleged threat of terrorist attacks from BiH by “white Muslims”, in other words Bosniaks involved with Al-Qaeda. Commenting the statement of former leader of Bocinja village near Maglaj [reported to be inhabited by mujaheedins] Abu Hamza and his fellows of acting their way if BiH takes them citizenship away, BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak said that security structures would take all necessary measures. Hayat – also carries.

EUFOR: No evidences of terrorists’ presence in BiH

 

BHT 1, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘No proof on terrorists in BiH’ by Fena  Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘EUFOR: no proof on presence of terrorists in BiH’ by fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘No evidence on presence of terrorists in BIH’ by Fena, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Still no evidence’ by Fena.- EUFOR on Tuesday announced that they have no evidence that BiH and the Balkans represent a bigger terrorist threat than any other country in Europe and the world.

DL: BiH Commission for revision of citizenships to act on 61 cases next week

 

Dnevni List, pg 9 ‘Documentation on 60 suspicious citizens collected’, by Tanja Calic – reports that the Commission in charge of revision of illegally acquired citizenships has collected documentation on 61 persons, who are suspected of illegally getting the BiH citizenship. DL also notes that the Commission could be next week deciding which citizenships were given illegally, which could be followed by deportations from the country.

VL’s source: Terrorist suspects arrested last year were arrested ‘too early’

 

Vecernji List, pg 4, mentioned on front ‘Bektasevic, Cesur and Ikanovic arrested too early’, by Zoran Kresic – VL got a confirmation from a ‘source close to security agencies’ that Mirsad Bektasevic, Abdulkadir Cesur and Bajro Ikanovic, (who were arrested in late 2005 under suspicion that they were planning terrorist attacks) were arrested too early, which prevented a possibility to reveal a wider terrorist support network. The same source notes that due to this, it will be very difficult to prove their intention to carry out terrorist attacks despite the material evidence that were found in their apartments. Allegedly, there had been discussions within BiH security agencies whether to arrest them or wait a little longer, however under influence of foreign security agencies, the decision was taken to arrest them in order to avoid possibility of a terrorist attack on time.

“Prlic and others” case commences before ICTY

 

BHT 1 by B. Grubesic, Den Hague – A pre-trial conference was held before the ICTY for the case against 6 former Croat leaders [Jadranko Prlic, Bruno Stojic, Slobodan Praljak, Milivoj Petkovic, Valentin Coric and Berislav Pusic]. The ICTY Prosecution announced 400 witnesses. Analysts estimate that the trial against 6 Croats could last at least 2 and half years, which means that it would one of the most expensive processes before the ICTY.  The report says that the Prosecutor requested that the existence of an interstate-armed conflict, as well as some already proven crimes are established as an indisputable fact. Since defence lawyers oppose this proposal, the Court’s decision regarding this problem could be of great importance for this case. FTV, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Accusations on Croatia expense remain’ by A.Beslija Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘Del Ponte: Evidences would e presented for the whole year’ by F.Vele, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Trial to six Croats from BiH today’ by AFP, Dnevni List, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Six are ready, del Ponte is threatening’, by V. Soldo, Vecernji List, pg 14, mentioned on front ‘Trials to generals to be completed within two years’, by H, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 6 ‘Trials to Croatia and Tudjman’, by H also reported

10th anniversary of RS Missing Persons Office

PINK – The RS Missing Persons Office on Tuesday marked its tenths anniversary. Milan Bogdanic, the chair of the Office, told the press conference on this occasion that the ICTY has never exhumed bodies nor delivered information to RS Office for search for prisoners of war and missing persons on location of graves of missing persons, said Bogdanic and added that all information was gathered by the Office’s own research. He expressed concern due to lack of cooperation of those that have knowledge regarding this issue, and said he is also worried because of failure to implementation BiH Law on missing persons adopted two years ago. Bogdanic doubts that the establishment of BiH Institute for missing persons would improve situation significantly. RTRS, BHT 1, EuroBlic pg RS3, announced on cover ‘Search for 1.496 missing persons is still ongoing’ by Mirna Soja, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Half way down the course’ by G. Klepic, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Still searching for 1.496 people’ by O.V. also reported. 

 

Other political and economic issues

FBiH HoR in session: bill on pardons, report on FBiH Govt’s work in 2005 rejected

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHT 1 by M. Cosic – The FBiH House of Representatives on Tuesday rejected the Bill on Pardons in the FBiH. After the representatives rejected this Bill with majority of votes, session of the FBiH HoR was interrupted at the request of SDA Caucus. According to Semsudin Mehmedovic, the SDA Caucus will request on Wednesday individual voting of the representatives. Assistant to the FBiH Minister of Justice Dzemaludin Mutapcic said that the Bill must be harmonized with the State Law on Pardons. If the Bill was rejected after the individual voting as well, the OHR’s decision on suspension of pardoning will remain in effect. During Tuesday’s session, representatives of the FBiH HoR also rejected the report on the work of FBiH Government in 2005, as well as the program for 2006. Opposition members claim that representatives in FBiH HoR indirectly gave a vote of no confidence to the FBiH Government, however, Deputy FBiH Prime Minister Dragan Vrankic clearly said that they would not resign. The FBiH HoR session will resume on Wednesday. FTV- We needed only 2 or 3 more votes. I think it speaks something about the work of the Parliament… and I think that we can already feel political atmosphere of the pre-election campaign in the Parliament“, said Vrankic. Hayat, PINK, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Deputies cancelled support to FBiH Government’ by S.Se Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Government without support for program of work’ by A.Hadziarapovic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4, announced on cover ‘Report and Plan on the work of the Government were rejected’ by R. Cengic, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘FBiH Government will not resign’ by M. Zorlak – also covered. 

Vidovic (MP in FBiH HoR, HDZ 1990): Party will not act as opposition in Parliament

 

Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘HDZ 1990 will not act as opposition’, by Eldina Medunjanin – notes that HDZ 1990’s MP in FBIH HoR (formerly of HDZ BiH), Rudo Vidovic, informed fellow MPs on Tuesday that his party is establishing its Caucus in the chamber consisting of him, Josip Merdzo, Slavica Josipovic, Ivica Ceko, Djuro Matuzovic and Zoran Maric. Vidovic also informed the MPs that the Caucus would not act as opposition, which surprised many MPs, given that the Croat ministers in the FBIH Government come from HDZ BiH.  Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Genocide and war crimes exempt from the pardon’ by S.Sehercehajic – carries that the Caucus HDZ 1990 has been established.

HR Schwarz- Schilling: Visa regime is disabling BiH to be competitive at EU market

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Visa regime has very bad influence to BiH economy’ by DA correspondent from Brussels, Tarik Lazovic – Addressing the Foreign Affairs Committee of European Parliament in Brussels, HR Christian Schwarz- Schilling talked about effects that introduction of Value Additional Tax(VAT) caused estimating them positively, and emphasized thatsocial situation in the country is not so bad as anticipated. Asked how BiH could establish better communication and trade with neighbors and European countries, HR warned that visa regime is leaving BiH isolated, even though this is a country in “hearth of the Europe”. “Visa regime has very bad influence on economy, owing to which reason it cannot be competitive at EU market” said Schwarz- Schilling. 

IRI poll shows SNSD is the strongest party in BiH

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘SNSD is the strongest party in BiH’ by R.S. – Daily learns that the results of the research conducted by IRI (international Republican Institute) shows that the SNSD currently enjoys the biggest trust of electorate in BiH and RS. According to March public poll, covering 1650 citizens, the SNSD would win 16.6% votes at BiH level and 40.1% at RS level if elections were to be held tomorrow. SDP of BiH follows SNSD with 10.8%, while possible percentages of won votes for other political parties at BiH level would be: SDA – 8.8%, Party for BiH – 6.3%, SDS – 4.3% and PDP – 0.6% (NOTE: US seated IRI www.iri.org was founded in 1983, as a non-profit non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing democracy, freedom, self-government and the rule of law worldwide.)

Former RS premier and finance minister announce joining to PCS. Newly formed party in RS

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Bukejlovic and Cenic possibly at Political Centre’ by V.Popovic Pero Bukejlovic and Svetlana Cenic, former RS Premier and Finance minister respectively have announced the possibility of joining Political Centre of Srpska (PCS), recently formed by several minor parties in RS. Cenic has stated she would join PCS under certain circumstances, noting that Bukejlovic may reach same decision if she is to lead the party, adding: “I would accept to become a member if I am to be a motor power and leader in this block and if I can give constructive contribution to improvement of situation in RS.” Bukejlovic has said he has not “been familiarised with the PCS’ concept in detail”, saying he cannot give any comment whether he would join the block. (NOTE: On 3 March, six political parties – Democratic party, Peoples’ democratic party, Pensioners’ party, Democratic patriots’ party, Peoples’ party, Salvation Party (SPAS), Movement for Herzegovina and Nedjo Djuric, independent member of the RS National NA – established PCS. Nedjo Djuric was elected Chair of PCS. The inaugural session of PCS will be held Saturday or Sunday.)

ITA SB to hold session on Wednesday; three PMs to meet before to solve the issue of allocation of revenues from the single account

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘De-blocking of the account depends on the agreement of three Prime-Ministers’ by M.Kukan – Session of Indirect Taxation Administration’s Steering Board is announced for Wednesday in Sarajevo in order to try to find the solution regarding the distribution of coefficients. DA comments it is uncertain whether the agreement would be reached, but it is certain that prior to ITA SB’ session, BiH Fiscal Council would hold its session, which would be attended by three Prime Ministers, Adnan Terzic, Ahmet Hadzipasic and Milorad Dodik respectively. “Outcome is still unknown. I know that PM Hadzipasic would come to the session and during the session of Fiscal Council three PMs should discuss the solution regarding the issue with distribution of the revenues, after which the session of ITA SB should be held” FBiH Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic told DA. FBiH representatives in ITA SB are asking that final decision on distribution is to be in accordance with VAT applications, while RS representatives are proposing temporary decision until precise data on VAT application are gained.  EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘On unblocking today’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘On unblocking of the signle account today’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘One vault, two keys’ not signed – announce the session.

SD: Canton 10 police carrying out inspections in companies and institutions

 

Slobodna Dalmacija, front pg splash and pg 16 ‘Prosecution ‘combing’ through business operations of ‘Cincar’’, by Frano Mioc – At the order of Canton 10 Prosecution, the Canton 10 police is carrying out inspections of several companies and institutions in the canton whose business operations are suspicious, including the ‘Cincar’ Public Company, confiscating various documentation in the process.