| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
| RS NA session | Reform Monitoring Team in session | RS Government dismissed |
| 1st round of | Reactions on start of | Police Reform Directorate in session |
| CoM session | Ashdown’s mandate ending | Priebe on reform processes in BiH |
| FBIH HoP session | Mtg. of Police Reform Directorate | Schwarz Schilling’s tasks |
| NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
| World news | RS Government dismissed | RS Government dismissed |
| Regional news | Body remains in mine in Ljubija? | RS NA in session |
| Regional news | Avdo Palic’s case, update | Citizens on RS NA session |
| Regional news | Priebe on reform processes in BiH | Bukejlovic on RS NA session |
| Oslobodjenje | Overthrew Government of Pero Bukejlovic |
| Dnevni Avaz | [McElhaney] I expect continuation of negotiations on constitution |
| Dnevni List | Witness in case ‘Covic and others’ committed suicide |
| Vecernji List | Ones who are responsible for pursuit to be retired after all |
| Slobodna Dalmacija | Nothing lasts forever |
| Nezavisne Novine | RS Government was overthrown |
| Glas Srpske | The Government was removed |
| EuroBlic | The Government was overthrown |
| Vecernje novosti | Features Serbian related titles |
RS Government dismissed | |
| RSNA casts no-confidence vote to RS Govt by 44 votes; Govt dismissed by 46 votes
| RTRS by |
| Former RS PM Bukejlovic: second phase of crisis starts now
| RTRS – Following the RSNA session, Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic stated that the second phase of governmental crisis has now started. He emphasized that his Government has done a lot, and expressed his hope that the fight against crime started by his cabinet is going to continue in the future. According to Bukejlovic, the fact that the Government had started the campaign against organised crime might be the true reason for some parties to vote against the Government. |
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| Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Vote of no confidence to Bukejlovic’s Government’, mentioned on cover, by N.Diklic – Stanko Pivasevic of |
| SNSD leader Dodik: SNSD would nominate new PM designate, new Got to focus on crime and economy
| RTRS – Commenting the RSNA decision to cast no confidence to the RS Government, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated that the results of voting shows he was right to launch an initiative at the first place. He announced that SNSD will propose PM-designate to establish the new Government. Dodik expressed hope that RS President Dragan Cavic is going to accept their proposal. Nezavisne Novine cover splash and pg 3 ‘RS Government was overthrown’ by V. Popovic, inset ‘Concept for new Government’ – During the RSNA session, Dodik presented main determinants of the concept that new government would be based on. “That comprehends audit of privatisation, passing of special law to fight organized crime and establishment of special prosecution and prosecutor for organized crime, as well as establishment of RS Investment Bank” stated Dodik. |
| SNSD’s Simic: SNSD would propose Dodik for PM designate
| RTRS, late news – Krstan Simic, head of the SNSD Caucus at the RSNA said party would propose appointment of Milorad Dodik for the position of the PM designate for establishing of a new Government. Simic expressed hope the RS President Dragan Cavic would accept SNSD’s proposal by which a clear concept for the new Government would be presented and the best experts incldued. |
| RS President Cavic announces talks with RSNA parties on establishing new majority | Nezavisne Novine cover splash and pg 3 ‘RS Government was overthrown’ by V. Popovic, Inset ‘Cavic: PM Designate in constitutive deadline’- RS President Dragan Cavic stated that he would fulfil his constitutional obligation and appoint designate for establishment of new government. Cavic said that he would talk to relevant political parties in the RSNA, which should establish the new majority. |
| SNSD submitted initiative for dismissal of RSNA Speaker, accusing him for trade of positions and votes; SDA confirms
| BHT1 – SNSD submitted initiative to the RS National Assembly for dismissal of Speaker Dusan Stojicic accusing him of delaying the beginning of the Thursday’s RSNA session to buy time and trade votes to ensure support to the Government. Namely, the session was scheduled to being at 10.00, however was delayed by 12.30. “SNSD will ask for the RS NA Speaker to resign since we believe that he has abused his position, mistreated the representatives who came on time, by which he is trying to keep the Government”, said SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, prior to the session and added that according to information he had, SDA was offered to take part in reconstruction of the Government and taking over several ministerial positions. The RSNA Deputy Speaker and SDA member Sefket Hafizovic confirmed this information now former RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic offered SDA to enter the reconstructed RS Government and in return not to cast no-confidence vote to the Government. BHT 1 late news – Hafizovic added SDA had a lot of reasons not to support him and that nothing could make the party to change its stance. RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Dodik will demand replacing of Stojicic’ – also reported. |
| RSNA Speaker Stojicic: Session commenced late due to
| Nezavisne Novine cover splash and pg 3 ‘RS Government was overthrown’ by V. Popovic – RSNA Speaker Dusan Stojicic stated the session commenced late due to consultations of |
| SNSD: it is still early for coalitions, but we are open to anyone who agrees with our stances
| BHT1, late news: Guests of BHT 1 late news were SNSD representative Gordana Djuric and SDA representative Sefket Hafizovic. Asked whether two parties would enter coalition, Djuric said that it was still too early to talk about coalitions but added that any political party which supported SNSD’s stances is welcomed to enter such alliances. Both of them said that they expected no crisis in the RS institutions following the RSNA session, adding they hope the RS President Dragan Cavic would act in line with his obligations and appoint the RS PM-designate on time. |
| Oslobodjenje op-ed praises SNSD’s Dodik as a “saviour” | Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Parasites’ op-ed by Hamza Baksic – Commenting living conditions in BiH marked with negative rate of BiH demographic growth and privatisation frauds, editorial mentions SNSD leader Milorad Dodik as good example of politician who can bring significant change, praising him almost as a “saviour”. Author says that if Dodik kept his promises and fought the crime in the RS that could also have huge impact on FBiH, especially if the opposition expresses readiness to go beyond its present position. |
Other political issues | |
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| PINK– Following the fist round of talks on Stabilisation and Association Agreement between BiH and EU, the Reform Monitoring Team – a new form of cooperation of the EC and BiH – has met for the first time in |
| Priebe: Const. changes not prerequisite for admission to EU
| EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘A long list of obligations’ by D. Stanisic, Inset ‘The Constitution is not pre-requisite for EU’ – Reinhardt Priebe on Thursday confirmed that changes to BiH Constitution are not pre-requisite for the admission of BiH to EU. Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘The Constitution is not a pre-requisite’ by Z. D., Nezavisne Novine pg 5 Change of Law on Elections needed’ by M.Cubro– also reported. |
| Oslobodjenje op-ed: BiH started its way towards
| Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Europeisation’ op-ed by Zija Dizdarevic – Editorial opens with statement that talks on Stabilisation and Association Agreement [ |
| CoM passed amendments to Law on VAT
| Hayat– BiH Council of Ministers also determined amendments to the law on VAT by which press, books and publications would be exempt from VAT. These amendments are to be submitted to BiH House of Representatives for discussion. |
| Police Restructuring Directorate operative as of Thursday: EC warns that
| BHT1– The Police Restructuring Directorate held its first session on Thursday by which police reform process has officially commenced. The aim of the Directorate is to make proposal on plan on police reform implementation, which should be carried out in several phases. Police forces should be organized in regions. During the session, Sead Lisak, SIPA Deputy Director, has been appointed as the Chair of the Directorate’s Steering Board. “If you fail in the task you should carry out in next several months, Stabilization and Association Agreement cannot succeed”, said outgoing High Representative Paddy Ashdown. “There is a great number of police organizations in BiH which very often are faced with problems in terms of coordinating their activities”, said the U.S.A Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney. “I am sure that the reform would be implemented sooner than expected”, said the BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak. RTRS – Chair of BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic stated that the Directorate is expected to create the pre-conditions for police restructuring based on local regions, where BiH citizens can participate in control of police work. Chief of EC Delegation in BiH Michael Humphreys stated the negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement can be suspended if there is no progress in police restructuring process. However, Humphreys stressed that he has no doubts that the Directorate is going to be successful in its work. RS Police Chief Dragomir Andan didn’t attend the session. Besides the officials of BiH security institutions, EUPM Chief Vincenzzo Coppola is going to participate in the work of Directorate’s Steering Board as well. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Sead Lisak first Chair’ by E. S., Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Sead Lisak Chair of Directorate Steering Board’ by Fena, – also covered. |
| OHR Spokesperson Radetic emphasizes significance of Directorate for Police Reform | Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Crime is causing worries’ by M. Dz. – Spokesperson of OHR Banja Luka Ljiljana Radetic has emphasized the significance of the Directorate for Police Reform. Radetic stated that the work of the Directorate will provide with a direct and positive contribution in combating increase of organized crime in BiH. |
| CoM approves SIPA seat in
| Hayat– At the session on Thursday, the BiH Council of Ministers endorsed decision for HQ of the State Information and Protection Agency. CoM Spokesperson Mirjana Micevska added that by decision, CoM decided to locate HQ in Lukavic, |
| FBiH President Lozancic accepted resignations of Miroslav Nikolic and Izet Zigic
| RTRS– FBiH President Niko Lozancic accepted the resignations of FBiH Minister of Defence Miroslav Nikolic and FBiH Minister for Industry, Energy and Mining Izet Zigic. Nikolic resigned on January 1, after entity Ministries of Defence were abolished within the defence reform process. Zigic submitted his letter of resignation on November 7, due to difficulties that followed the FBiH Government’s decision on co-capitalization of ‘Energopetrol’. |
| VL: HDZ proposes M. Nikolic for position of FBiH Minister of Energy
| Vecernji List pg 4 ‘HDZ proposes Minister Nikolic’, mentioned on cover ‘Nikolic proposed for Minister of Energy’ by Z. Kresic learns from HDZ circles that HDZ would put forward candidacy of former FBiH Defence Minister Miroslav Nikolic for the position of the FBiH Minister of Energy. VL says that this possibility was discussed at the meeting of HDZ, SDA and SBiH and according to HDZ President Dragan Covic partners in the authority did not express willingness to meet this HDZ demand. VL says that, nevertheless, the possibility to reach a compromise on this issue in next 7 days is not excluded. Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘HDZ wants ministry position’ by Fena – HDZ spokesperson Miso Relota confirms HDZ wants to nominate its official for FBiH Energy Minister. |
| CEIS believes that Schilling is the last HR with chance to make positive changes in DPA
| BHT1– The Center for European Integration Strategies (CEIS), set up in late 2005 to partly continue the work undertaken by the Association Bosnia and Herzegovina 2005 chaired by the former HR Wolfgang Petritsch., deems that newly appointed HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling, who would take over on February 1st, would be the last HR with a chance to make corrections in the Dayton Constitution. “In a short period of time, the HR should be involved in something called ‘ [Donald] Hays’ initiative’, namely talks which have been organized by the US administration and ensure inclusion of everything agreed in the new BiH Constitution and impact elections which are to be held in BiH”, said CEIS officials in Sarajevo Senad Slatina. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Christian Schwarz Schilling shouldn’t abolish Bonn powers too soon’- CEIS advised new HR not to abolish Bonn powers too soon, deeming that they should be used in a manner, which would enable institution of the OHR to be abolished as soon as possible. Hayat, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Recommendation to Schilling to support opposition at elections’ by A.Omeragic, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Schilling should help adopted reforms to be implemented’ by A.Susnjar, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘New Constitution for European road’ by R.D. – also carried. |
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| FTV By Dzenana Zolota – Report features stances of leaders of biggest BiH political parties regarding the constitutional reform talks in BiH. |
| US Ambassador McElhaney: I expect continuation of constitutional talks
| Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 5 ‘I expect continuation of negotiations on constitution’ by Sead Numanovic – In an interview for DA, US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney stated that he doesn’t want to point finger at no one to accuses for failure to reach an agreement on the constitutional changes. Following January round of talks which produced no results, McElhaney commented the negotiators – leaders of eight political parties – have lacked political courage to complete the job, as only 3-4 things are left to be agreed. Commenting to term ‘cosmetic changes’ used by some to describe talks on the changes, he said that it is better to move on in small steps stressing that it is not realistic to start with the maximum demands. McElhaney adds this was just the very beginning and that the constitution of every state is a living document going through changes every now and then. McElhaney said he expects initiative from BiH politicians to continue the talks, adding that EU is also monitoring this process. Inset, ‘No trade with territory’ – McElhaney stressed the territorial integrity of BiH has been defined ten years ago, and that rumors about exchange of RS and Kosovo are “nonsense”. RTRS current affairs program ‘Aktuelni Razgovor’ By Zorica Rulj – McElhaney stressed that politicians need more courage to end the talks, since according to the Ambassador changes could be finished by general elections, scheduled for October 2006. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Leaders should continue constitutional talks’ by M.Cubro – In an interview for NN, McElhaney presented same stances as in his interview for DA. |
| M. Raguz before CoE Parliamentary Assembly on
| Dnevni List pg 6 ‘BiH needs Constitution that Parliament would verify’ by I. Glibusic – Talking at the session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg on Thursday, Deputy Chairman of the BiH HoR Martin Raguz stated that the Constitution passed in 1995 has never received democratic legitimacy of BiH citizens and verification in the BiH Parliament. He added that the Venetian Commission report regarding the constitutional situation in BiH has not completely viewed all contradictories and significance of this issue. According to Raguz, nowhere in the world, including BiH, different standards for resolving of an ethnic issue can survive and he stressed that a new Constitution that would get democratic and institutional legitimacy is the future of BiH. |
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| Vecernji List cover pg splash ‘Ones who are responsible for pursuit to be retired after all’ and pg 4 ‘Policemen to be retired because of pursuit in Mostar’ by Z. Kresic – The FBiH Constitutional Court (CC) rejected at its session on Thursday an appeal on endangering of a vital Bosniak national interest coming from the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton Assembly. VL goes on to say that in this way prerequisites for retirement of 8 disputable policemen who launched a pursuit, which resulted in recent raids of the HNC Ministry of Interior, were met. The FBiH CC judged that the vital national interest was not endangered due to changes to the Law on MoI according to which persons with 40 years of service would be retired. Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Bosniak caucus rejected in HNC Assembly’, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Demand of Bosniak caucus rejected due to process negligence’ – also reported. |
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| EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘First Paravac, then Tihic’ not signed – BiH Constitutional Court will in the course of the day discuss the demand BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravac filed with regard to assessment of constitutionality of 116 laws adopted on F BiH Parliament. The Court will discuss Sulejman Tihic’s demand for assessment of constitutionality of provisions of laws on F BiH and RS insignia tomorrow. Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘On Paravac’s demand today’ by R. C. – also reported. |
| Police tries to
| Slobodna Dalmacija cover splash, pg 16 ‘Nothing lasts forever’ by |
| SD op-ed criticizes mandate of HR Paddy Ashdown | Slobodna Dalmacija pg 16 ‘British agent also failed to arrest Karadzic’ by P. Milos comments on the mandate of High Representative Paddy Ashdown and the author says that Ashdown just like his predecessors failed to arrest Radovan Karadzic. The author also comments on other aspects of ‘Ashdown’s failed mandate’ and concludes that Ashdown failed to fulfil his other promises such as return of refugees and displaced persons, development of economy, liberalisation of the visa regime etc. |
War crimes | |
| Commission for investigating on missing Colonel Palic started work | RTRS– RS Government’s Commission for investigating the fate of missing RBIH Army Colonel Avdo Palic met for the first time on Thursday. The Commission discussed the dynamics of its future work. Colonel of BiH Army Palic has gone missing in Zepa in 1995 and High Representative Paddy Ashdown has tasked the RS Government to establish the Commission, which would investigate conditions that he disappeared in. BHT1, FTV, zavisne Novine pg 4 ‘First meeting held’ by |
| Oslobodjenje: solution to Palic case might be in sight
| Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘Zepa Bosniaks were transferred from Serbian prisons to Foca’ by Avdo Avdic – With regard to the case of missing BiH Army officer form Zepa Avdo Palic, the article reads the solution of the case might be even closer after a confidential document of RS Army HQ was made public. The document was written by Captain Ljubisa Beara, on behalf of RS Army HQ, on |
| Jurcevic criticizes Oslobodjenje for having published contents of classified documents
| Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘You have caused us measurable damage’ by Edina Kamenica – F BiH MoI confirmed a warranty was issued after Radomir Furtula, former wartime of RS Army and one of the most responsible persons for kidnapping of Avdo Palic. BiH Chief Prosecutor Marinko Jurcevic was asked why Furtula was not arrested, considering the fact he had lived in Belgrade until last November, and he explained the grounds on which the warranty was issued and criticized the papers for having published contents of a classified document since this had caused measurable damages to the course of ongoing and future activities in this case. |
| VN: Ashdown lied about Jasenovac; Simo Brdar: Ashdown did not visit Jasenovac as he claims; RS Association of Young Journalists demand for apology
| Vecernje Novosti pg 2 ‘He lied about Jasenovac’ by M. L. – The article outgoing claims HR Paddy Ashdown lied when he told Nezavisne novine on Thursday he either had not got or had misplaced the invitation to visit Jasenovac, since he stated he was advised not to go to the commemoration. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Working on one’s own detriment’ by D. Majstorovic inset ‘Simo Brdar’ – The Director of Donja Gradina Memorial Site, Simo Brdar, says, as far as he knows, HR Ashdown did not visit Donja Gradina three weeks ago as he claimed. EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Young journalists demand for Ashdown’s apology’ by T. V. – RS Association of Young journalists on Thursday demanded for HR Ashdown’s apology because he deceived both public and journalists with his statements regarding Jasenovac. |
Economic and judicial issues | |
| DL: INA/MOL today should bring decision on Energopetrol; EP prepares lawsuit vs. FBiH Parliament
| Dnevni List pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Energopetrol Trade Union sues FBiH Parliament’ by M. Zorlak carries that today (Friday) INA-Mol representatives should accept or refuse signing of the agreement on co-capitalization of Energopetrol (EP). DL inset ‘Lawsuit is being prepared’ carries EP Director Namik Bustalic who says that by their voting on the EP issue FBiH Parliament representatives carry out sabotage against their people. He added that the EP Trade Union, Council of Employees and Association of Small Shareholders are preparing a lawsuit against the Parliament. Oslobodjenje pg 7, mentioned on cover ‘Energopetrol workers will sue Parliament representatives’ by A. Avdic also announces the aforementioned lawsuit. |
| Dani on Energopetrol: ‘Dimensions of crime that follow Hadzipasic’s attempt to sell EP too big even for SDA-HDZ.’
| Dani cover pg splash ‘FBiH Prime Minister Hadzipasic lost in FBiH Parliament’ and pgs 18-20 ‘Great wonder’ by S. Pecanin harshly criticizes behavior of FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic with regard to the Energopetrol issue. Talking about the fact that only 1 representative in the FBiH HoR supported the FBiH Government’s proposal on sale of EP to Ina-Mol, the author says: ‘Dimensions of damage and crime, that follow the Hadzipasic’s attempt to sell EP to Ina-Mol have been too big even for the ruling coalition SDA-HDZ.’ According to Dani, the coalition partners changed their stands because this is the election year and revealing of criminal activities in EP would be too big burden in the pre-election campaign and ’60 minutes’ report on EP last Monday also influenced representatives a lot. The author also says that destiny of EP and its workers now depend on Hadzipasic’s stubbornness. Dani pg 20 ‘Big victory of parliamentary democracy’ by A. Halvo says on the same issue that the FBiH HoR is on the way to prevent war-profiteering political elite in further robbery of state and people. |
| DL: ‘Witness in case ‘Covic and others’ committed suicide’
| Dnevni List cover pg splash and pg 19 ‘Witness in case ‘Covic and others’ committed suicide’ by N. Dedic – Gojko Mandic from Siroki Brijeg committed suicide on Wednesday morning. Police does not know motifs of the suicide for the time being. It has been speculated that the reasons of his suicide might be family problems or the pressures coming from some people since Mandic was supposed to be a witness in the trial against Dragan Covic and brothers Lijanovic. Mandic was a Head of the department in charge of export with the Mostar Customs Administration when alleged criminal activities of Covic and others were taking place. |
| Amnesty International claims there is discrimination during employment process over ethnicity
| PINK, Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Dismissed over nationality’ by N.Krsman, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Ethnic discrimination in most profitable companies’ by E. Mackic – The tens of thousand of workers across BiH were discriminated and unjustly dismissed from their working posts over their ethnicity. This date was presented at the Thursday’s presentation of the latest research of Amnesty International on situation in |