OHR BiH Media Round-up, 27/7/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

FBiH CC on RTV Service law

Strategy on BiH Integration into EU

PRD SB Chair appointed

Mostar City Council in session

Police restructuring in BiH

FBiH CC on Law on RTV Service

HDZ 1990 on Zubak’s allegations

Feasibility Study for Corridor 5c

BiH strategy for EU integration

ITA SB adopts distribution coeffic.

Presented Draft Law on Agriculture

3^rd round of SAA talks to start

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

VC feasibility Study completed

FBiH Govt on telecom privatization

PRD Steering Board in session

PRD Steering Board session

RS telecom privatization

PDP on police reform

FBIH CC on FTV radio and TV

FBiH CC on Law on RTV Service

Cubrilovic on police reform

Humphreys on SAA negotiations

PRD SB Chair appointed

EU Integration Strategy presented

Oslobodjenje

Karadzic’s judges still judge in RS [wartime judges still in RS courts]

Dnevni Avaz

Islamic Community leader supported Latic’s initiative

Dnevni List

EUFOR soldier killed himself because of girlfriend

Vecernji List

Croats getting television in their own langauge (FBiH CC ruling)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Citizens of Livno stood up against ‘forces from hell’ (local story from Livno)

Nezavisne Novine

Law on RTV F BiH violates vital national interests of Croats

Glas Srpske

Investment of EURO 650 million

EuroBlic

Land is not radioactive

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related topics

Political issues

FBiH CC VNI Council: draft Law on FBiH PBS endangers Croats’ vital national interests, unlike  Sarajevo Cantonal higher edu. law and FBiH law on sale of apartments

BHT1 by Damir Simic – The Council for the protection of vital national interests of the FBiH Constitutional Court has ruled that the draft law on the FBiH public broadcasting service is detrimental to the vital national interests of the Croat people. The court’s ruling says that some parts of the law did not offer guarantees that the Croats will not be discriminated against and that they will be equal in the realization of their rights under the FBiH Constitution. The procedure for the protection of vital national interests was launched at the request of a two-thirds majority of the Croat deputies’ club in the FBiH House of Peoples. “This decision [of the VNI Council] does not mean that those who support idea on establishing [separate] ethnicity-based channels have won, since the decision does not refer to [point] but to a decision making process”, the Head of FBiH PBS Steering Board, Slavo Kukic. FBiH PBS Director General Jasmin Durakovic claims that the PBS cares a lot about representation of all ethnic groups. Proposed law will once more be sent to the Parliament. European Commission to BiH does not want to comment the FBiH CC’s decision, until being submitted one in written.FTV – The Council found that solutions proposed under the Law on PBS in FBiH do not include safeguards which would ensure respect of rights and equality of all three peoples in terms of content productions, as well as the mechanisms to monitor and act in case of violation of this provision. Secondly, the Council finds decision making process in the Steering Board inappropriate as it offers no protection from over-voting. Hayat – The decision was adopted with a separate opinion of Judges Kasim Trnka and Muamer Herceglija, who believe that the draft law on the public service of RTV FBH does not violate any nation’s vital national interests, including the Croats.RHB, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pg 2 ‘Law on RTV F BiH violates vital national interest of Croats’ inset ‘Law on high education does not endanger Croats’ by R.Cengic– Discussing request of the Croat Caucus in Sarajevo Canton Assembly, which invoked the VNI, clause regarding Cantonal Law on Higher Education, FBIH CC Council ruled that it doesn’t endanger the Croat VNI. RTRS, Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Sale of apartments constitutional’ unsigned – FBiH CC decided that the Law on sale of apartments with tenancy right doesn’t violate FBiH Constitution. Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘Law on FBiH PB Service endangers Croat’s interests’ by T.Lazovic, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Law on PBS violates national interest’ by FENA,Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pg 2 ‘Law on RTV F BiH violates vital national interest of Croats’ by R.Cengic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Danger for Croat national interest’ by SRNA – also reports

FBiH CC: Draft law on FBiH PBS endangers Croats’ vital national interests, Croat MP Antunovic – decision opens door to establishment of TV in Croatian language

Vecernji List, front pg splash ‘Croats getting television in their own language’, pg 2 ‘Channel in Croatian language is certainty’, by Ana Drmac – regarding FBiH Constitutional Court’s decision regarding Proposal of law of FBiH PBS, VL carries Zdenko Antunovic, the Head of Croat Caucus in the FBiH HoP and proponent of amendments to the said law (amendments foresee establishment of separate radio and TV channel in Croatian language), who says that the FBiH CC’s decision in reality means that his amendments will have to be built in the future Law on FTV PBS. Dnevni List, pg 5, mentioned on front ‘Croats endangered media-wise’, by D. Pusic, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 5 ‘Proposal of law of RTV FBiH against Croats’ interest’, by H – report on FBiH CC’s decision. 

Session of Mostar City Council got interrupted on discussion of status of HTV Mostar

Vecernji List pg 4, mentioned on cover ‘Mostar: collapse of authorities and early elections?’ by Dalibor Vidacak – VL reports on the session of Mostar City Council held on Wednesday which was interrupted during discussion on the status of HTV (Herzegovinian TV) Mostar. Croat councilors requested that the session be interrupted arguing the right to information is every people’s vital national issue. This happened after SDA, SDP and SBiH councilors refused to accept the proposal of Mayor Ljubo Beslic and management of HTV according to which a 40% share would stay in City ownership whereas the remaining shares would be transferred to Canton 7 and 8 municipalities with Croat majority, Posusje, Grude, Siroki Brijeg, Ljubuski, Citluk, Capljina and Prozor-Rama. According to journalist’s comment, it would appear that the legislative authorities of Mostar are facing collapse. (NB: SDA councilors reject that the HTV be funded from the city budget claiming that HTV’s Statute is inconsistent with Statute of City of Mostar)  Dnevni List pg 10 ‘Removal of Airport Supervising Board’ by Esmir Milavic – Article in DL reads that Mostar City Council discussed a number of issues including the work of public companies.  At the request of councilor Adisa Vucina (RZB), the Council adopted a conclusion requesting removal of Mostar Airport Supervisory Board. (DL does not report on HTV discussion, impression is that only the first part of the session was covered by the reporter).RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Session interrupted due to Hercegovacka TV’ not signed

DL on Law on rights and duties of MPs: HR and PDHR made contradictory requests to adopt and not adopt the law, OHR points finger at big benefits of MPs

Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘Contradictory requests by Butler and Schilling’, by D. P. M. – According to DL, by failing to enact the Law on rights and duties of MPs, the BiH Parliament was caught in the middle of ‘contradictory requests’ that have been made by two most senior officials of the OHR, the HR, Christian Schwarz-Schilling and PDHR, Larry Butler. Namely, DL reminds that the HR originally asked from the BiH Parliament to propose sanctions against MPs who block the work of the Parliament, which were supposed to be a part of the abovementioned law, however the MPs ‘obeyed’ the PDHR, who appealed that the law should not be adopted. However, according to an OHR spokesman, Mario Brkic, “ the PDHR was criticizing certain parts of the law with regard to benefits and in particular pension benefits of parliamentarians in comparison to ordinary citizens and taking into account BiH’s economic situation. Measures incorporated to prevent blockage of Parliament are unfortunately collateral damage of irresponsible action made by the proponents of benefits amendments.”

DL on Law on rights and duties of MPs: BiH HoR did not have the courage to go against public and OHR

Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘Unscrupulous – MPs refuse to be on miners’ level’, by D. P. Mandic – commenting on the failure of the BiH HoR to adopt the Law on rights and duties of MPs, the author argues it would appear the HoR did not have the courage to go against the public and harsh criticism, which had been coming from the OHR regarding some contents of the law. The article in particular criticizes one of proponents of the law, Vinko Zoric (HDZ 1990), who apparently said that the MPs should not be compared to miners, who according to him, live of pensions worth 150KMs.

NN op-ed critical of BiH delegates discussing Law on privileges

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Delegates to open kiosks’ by Mirza Curbo – The author is critical of the fact that not a single delegate at the State Parliament remembered to raise the issue of why discussion on Law on high education was postponed, and priority was given to Law on privileges of delegates. The author stresses: “A complete indolence and insensibility of delegates for issues of lcrucial importance for this land prove the best how they deserve their salaries.” Headline refers to statement delegate Vinko Zoric gave saying it is much better to open a kiosk than to be delegate.

SD: BiH HoR failed to adopt changes to electoral law after OSCE’s objections

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 8, mentioned on front ‘OSCE prevents attempt of electoral rigging’, by B. Kristo – SD notes that the BiH House of Representatives did not adopt Proposal of law on changes to the BiH electoral law, proponent of which was Momcilo Novakovic (MP, SDS) and which were foreseeing that people without CIPS ID cards would be able to vote in the October elections. According to SD, it would appear the MPs listened to what the OSCE Mission to BiH had to say about the law (OSCE objected against the proposed changes). On top of this, SD notes the MPs ‘obeyed’ the IC by not enacting the Proposal of law on rights and duties of MP after being subjected to pressure from the OHR, namely by the PDHR Lawrence Butler, who objected against big benefits the law would provide to the MPs.

OHR concerned over plans to stop hiring of new staff in state institutions.

RTRS – OHR said it was very concerned about the BiH House of Representatives’ intention to call on the Council of Ministers to freeze all recruitment of civil servants and employees to Ministries until after the formation of a new government. It supports the position of the EC and urges political parties to refrain from blatant political interference in the integrity of the civil service by making such calls and instead to focus on the reform agenda. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘No interference in work of Agency for state service’ by FENA – Senior Deputy HR Peter Bas-Backer stated that such political calls would constitute interference with the proper functioning of the Ministries and the work of the Civil Service Agency, adding that necessary positions should continue to be filled in line with existing legislation.

Council of EU supplements EUSR mandate

FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘EUSR’s mandate supplemented’ by FENA, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Mandate of EUSR supplemented’ by FENA – EU Council has passed joint action, which supplements the EU Special Representative’s mandate, in order to. EU Council press release reads “The mandate of EUSR in BiH Christian Schwarz-Schilling has been modified to include, as a policy objective, support to planning for a reinforced EUSR office in the context of the closure of the OHR, foreseen on 30 June 2007. The financial reference amounted intended to cover the expenditure related to the mandate of the EUSR is €1 million.”

VN reports EUFOR to downsize for double as January 2007, HR to BiH denies this information

Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘No withdrawal’ by not signed – Daily reports referring to German press’ announcement that the number of EUFOR soldiers in BiH will be downsized for double as of 1 January 2007, which would mean that 3500 soldiers would remain in this former Yugoslavia state as of this date. However, daily adds High Representative to BiH, Christian Schwarz Schilling, has denied this information, saying number of soldiers will not be downsized. Daily learns that reduction of members of European Military Mission in BiH is being under serious consideration. Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘EUFOR decreases number of troops in BiH?’ by A. B. – also covered.

SD: Opinion poll shows SDA and SDP two most popular parties

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 8 ‘Popularity of Jurisic’s HSP going up’, by Zlatko Tulic – according to a public opinion poll conducted in July on sample of 3450 citizens from 23 towns/cities in BiH (NB: article does not say who conducted the poll), if elections were held today, it would be the SDA and SDP that would come out on top. Apparently, the SDA would win 24,5, the SDP 17% of votes (of interviewees). SD notes that the SBiH’s popularity is going down because only 3,8% of interviewees would vote for the said party. As for the Croat parties, the HDZ BiH enjoys support of 7,2%, whilst the HDZ 1990 enjoys support of 2,5% of interviewees. SD stresses it is HSP Djapic-Jurisic that is on the rise (4,8%). As for the Serb parties, the poll showed it is the SDS that is ‘riding’ at the front (9,5%) in front of SNSD (6,5%). The PDP is at 1,5%.

Police reform

Sarajevo Police Commissioner Selimovic new PRD SB Chair; PRD SB extends deadline for proposal of new police structure to 30 November

RTRS by Dejana Radovanovic – Canton Sarajevo Police Commissioner Himzo Selimovic has replaced Vinko Dumancic in the position of Chair of Police Reform Directorate Steering Board [PRD SB]. Selimovic has been appointed because none of Serb representatives in the Board was willing to take over this position. At the session held on Wednesday, PRD Steering Board decided to postpone a deadline for completion of proposal for police restructuring from September 30^th to November 30^th. RS Police Director Uros Pena said that it is necessary to bring the restructuring process back into the framework of political agreement on police reform and stop with decisions which change essence of the agreement. Pena announced that he is going to stick to decisions of the RS Government and the RS National Assembly. Dumancic said that deadline for completing proposal on police restructuring model had to be postponed as it has become clear that the SB won’t be able to complete the plan in originally set timeframe. The Board still needs to agree on model of police structures at the state level and new support institutions, such as Police Academy, Forensic Institute and Police Director. The debate on organisation of police structures on local level is scheduled for September. BHT1 – Commenting the past work of PRD, Dumancic said that it has been slowed down by rejection of Serb representatives to accept the decision making process based on outvoting and not on consensus, as well as by frequent changes of the SB Chair [Bosniak, Croat and Serbs representatives are rotating every three months]. “You are well aware of the fact that the RS representatives are now engaged in the PRD’s work as observers and through our stances we wanted to reach consensus, which could not be reached”, says Dumancic. “Here, we are bringing proposals which oppose the Constitution…we are working on change in the Constitution, which would be a basis for police restructuring”, said Pena on the other hand. Hayat – Dumancic stressed that the deadline for adoption of police structure will be extended until the end of 2006. PINK – According to Pink presenter, model of police organisation on a state level should be established by September 30. FTV,also covered. Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Influence of politics on police’ unsigned – Dumancic stated the pace of PRD work has been influenced by politics. EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Police reform again in dead alley’ by D.S. – Dumancic admitted SB has been operating on the principle of outvoting as of May. Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Deadline for agreement on police reform until 30 November’, announced on cover ‘Model of police forces until 30 November’ by M.Cubro, also reported.

DA: Some PRD SB members that even 30 Nov deadline would be respected; Dumancic says SB agreed on model of police structure at state level, to vote on 16 August

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Deadline for completion of proposal extended by 30 November’ by E.Sarac – Daily carries that “some of the PRD Steering Board members” doubt that even newly extended deadline for finalizing proposal on police structure set [30 November] could be respected due to complexity of job and upcoming elections [referring to time it would take to constitute new authorities]. SIPA Director Sredoje Novic and his Deputy Sead Lisak were not present at the session. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Reform proposal postponed for November’ by Az.K. Inset ‘Model of state organization of police settled’ – Former PRD SB Chair Vinko Dumancic confirmed that PRD SB agreed on the model of police structure at the state level. He also added that PRD Executive Body is provided with guidelines, upon which it is supposed to complete the final proposal and submit it for adoption. New PRD SB Chair Hilmo Selimovic announced that PRD SB could vote on this proposal very likely at the next session on 16 August.

PDP: police restructuring implementation damages the entire reform process

RTRS – PDP believes that the method of police restructuring implementation damages the entire reform process and worsens the complete situation in BiH. PDP Executive Secretary Anton Gavrilic said that it’s not clear why the police reform is being so rushed, when the talks on constitutional changes are going to be continued only after the elections in October.

DNS Vice President Cubrilovic: Serbs should participate in police reform

RTRS – DNS Vice President Nedeljko Cubrilovic said that it wouldn’t be good for Serbs to miss the chance to participate in establishing of such an important institution such is the reformed Police. Cubrilovic stressed that DNS is against the police reform, as well as against joint Armed Forces. However, being a legalist party, DNS respects all laws and believes that the Serbs should participate in all processes regarding the Dayton Peace Agreement.

EU integrations

BiH authorities present the Strategy on BiH Integration into the European Union

PINK by Zeljko Mandic – BiH Directorate for the European Integrations on Wednesday presented the document titled “The Strategy on BiH Integration into the EU”, a comprehensive paper covering a period from the very beginning of the association process to the admission into EU. According to Pink reporter, this is the most important document for BiH, as it givens directives and sets a ground for BiH’s European path. “The Strategy has been adopted by the BiH Council of Ministers. It is a document that BiH institutions have to follow; it contains 442 precisely worked out measures that should be taken during this process [of admission into EU]”, stated Director of the International Bureau for Humanitarian Issues Zarko Papic. All fields covered by this strategy include basic review of current situation in BiH and EU, as well as all necessary measures; thus, according to Pink reporter, the Strategy discusses the criteria for joining the European Union, ability to take on the obligations that come from the EU membership, strengthening of administrative capacities, EU help and financial instruments, as well as other fields. BiH CoM Chair Adnan Terzic underlined that this Strategy is ‘a product of BiH intellectual force’ adding it represents hours of work of current CoM. Asked to explain when one should expect BiH to join the EU, Terzic said: “If an atmosphere in BiH ‘after’ (RS Prime Minister Milorad) Dodik becomes as it was ‘before’ Dodik and politicians that brought him to power, than we have a chance to become a candidate by the end of 2008. And you know, when you become a candidate, then it is up to the EU to decide when you will become a full-time member”. FTV, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Big step towards European family’ by R. Dautefendic – The document has passed several revision processes and public discussions, after what the BiH Council of Ministers passed it on April 27^th. Hayat – Director of the BiH European Integrations Directorate, Osman Topcagic, said the strategy defines issues and areas such as energy, agriculture, transport, environment, fight against organised crime and liberalisation of visa regime. RTRS – BiH Chief Negotiator with the EU Igor Davidovic noted Strategy would be very helpful, as it includes guidelines towards achieving the goal. Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘BiH needs to fulfil 442 recommendations on the way to the Europe’ by S.R., Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Document that defines steps towards EU’ by T.L., Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Association depends on police reform’ by M.Cubro also reported.

EC Head Humphreys: Strategy is important, for it gives directives for EU integration in predictive future

PINK By Zeljko Mandic – Commenting the ‘The Strategy on BiH Integration into the EU’, Head of the EC delegation to BiH Michael Humphreys said that the Strategy was an important document, because it gives directives for European integration in predictive future. FTV – “The EU wants to see BiH as European states club member. Negative results in constitutional reform could bring the whole issue in question… however there will be no progress in SAA talks without progress in police reform”, says Humphreys, adding that full cooperation with the ICTY should as well be established. BHT1 – Humphreys said that he would support every government elected at the forthcoming elections that accepts the European principles. Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘BiH needs to fulfil 442 recommendations on the way to the Europe’ by S.R., Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Association depends on police reform’ by M.Cubro – also covered.

EU SAA negotiation team welcomes BiH strategy on EU integrations

RTRS by Radan Skripina – The EU team negotiating the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the BiH welcomed the adoption of Integration Strategy and said that in addition to the police reform there are others that must be completed to sign SAA. Head of EU team for negotiations with BiH Dirk Lange said that EC has set several other important conditions, such as cooperation with ICTY, PBS reform and public administration reform. FTV – FTV comments that despite slow processes and obstructions in the course of reforms, EU representatives say that they ‘can’t wait to see BiH in the EU’. Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘BiH needs to fulfil 442 recommendations on the way to the Europe’ by S.R.– “Issue of police reform is very important for getting BiH closer to the EU, but that is not the only thing that BiH Institutions need to work on in the following period. Trough fulfilling of recommendations, mentioned in the Strategy, BiH has to harmonize itself with all European standards,” said Lange.

3^rd round of SAA talks between BiH and EU to commence on Thursday

BHT1 by Marina Boskovic – Third round of Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) negotiations between BiH and the EU should commence on Thursday, in Sarajevo. As BiH Council of Ministers Chair, Adnan Terzic, claims BiH is able to become a candidate state for EU membership by 2008. Terzic claims that the CoM does a lot in terms of implementation of crucial reforms and finds the RS Government culpable for halt in reform processes. “There are changes for BiH to become a state-candidate by the end of 2008, if situation in BiH changes into the one we had before appointing Milorad Dodik’s as the RS Prime Minister”, says Terzic. Public Broadcasting System and police reforms, as well as full cooperation with the ICTY, are the main SAA terms. “Our main term is cooperation in terms of search for indicted ones”, said Dirk Lange, EC’s team Chair. Dnevni List pg 8 ‘Negotiations on free movement of goods’ unsigned – Article reads that the main agenda item during the 3rd technical round of SAA talks will be free movement of goods, i. e. customs concessions. FTV, Oslobodjenje 7 ‘Trade, taxes and customs on agenda’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Resumption of talks today’ by FENAalso covered.

EC’ Lange: BiH list of products they want to preserve the custom right upon is not ambitious enough

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Proposal of BiH side is not ambitious enough’, mentioned on cover by T.Lazovic– Chief of technical team of SAA negotiating team on EU side, Dirk Lange, told DA that proposal submitted by the BiH team with a list of products on which BiH wants to maintain custom rights during the import from the EU “is mainly in the right direction, but not ambitious enough”. “There are still some issues that are repeating and which we do not understand or see clear justification for why they should be on that list,” said Lange. Inset ‘Finish by November’- BiH Chief negotiator on SAA with the EU Igor Davidovic said that there is possibility for BIH to ask for additional round to finally solve the issue of agriculture products. “That could be in November and basically would present a successful end f negotiations,” said Davidovic.

Second round of CEFTA negotiations: disputable issues to be solved by PMs

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Disputable issues to be solved by prime ministers in Strasbourg’ by T.L.– The second round of the negotiations on amending and signing the Central European Free Trade Agreement [CEFTA] took place on July 25 and 26 in Brussels. The negotiations were held in organization and under auspices of the Stability pact in South East Europe and the European Commission. BiH expects the negotiations to result in equalizing the approach to the markets of the countries in the region, which would improve the unequal position of BiH, which has fully liberalized trade. The BiH delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Anton Rill, who told DA that negotiations weren’t focused on disputable issues. “What is most important for us is that there an open possibility for the disputable issues from our relations with the regional countries to be solved at the [rime- ministers’ meeting, dedicated to CEFTA, which would be held on August 1 in Strasbourg,” said Rill. Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Equal position of BiH’ not signed– also carried.

Economic issues

Slovenian company to invest EURO 650 million in RS Power Utility

Glas Srpske cover splash ‘Investment of EURO 650 million’ by D.Vrhovac-Mihajlovic – reports on Agreement “Elektroprivreda Srpske” (RS Power Utilkity) has signed with “Holding Slovenske elektrane” from Ljubljana signed on a joint business and technical cooperation in Banja Luka Wednesday. Milan Jelic, RS Minister of Energy, Economy and Development, described this act as “historic one”, adding the this company plans to invest EURO 650 million in capacities of RS Power Utility, namely in the Thermal Power Plant “Ugljevik”. PINK, BHT1, RTRS,Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Slovenians invest EURO 650 million in Thermal Plant “Gacko”by P.Klincov, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Slovenians want Ugljevik’ by D.F. – also report

Draft BiH Law on agriculture presented: participants agree establishment of Ministry would alleviate BiH path to Europe

FTV, PINK, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘EUFOR decreases number of troops in BiH?’, by A. B, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘State Ministry opens the path to Europe’ by N.Krsman – Draft BiH Law on agriculture, food and rural development, made by a work group was presented in Sarajevo Wednesday. The presentation was attended by Michael Humphreys, Head of EC delegation to BiH, Lawrence Butler, Principle Deputy High Representative, Slaven Pekic, RS Minister of Agriculture. The presentation stressed that establishment of Ministry of agriculture and rural development at state level would alleviate BiH access to European integrations. Representatives of international organisations and BiH authorities agreed that establishment of this ministry will not decrease importance of entities’ ministries but instead will make their work more efficient. Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘First step toward the establishment of state agriculture ministry’ by Fena, – also reported.

Brcko representatives not content with decisions of ITA SB, saying they would possibly file suit against ITA SB

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Suit against ITA SB is not excluded’ by N.Ta. – Daily reports on Wednesday’s press conference held by Mirsad Djapo, Brcko Mayor, Milan Tomic, Brcko District Parliament Speaker, and Susan Johnson, Brcko District Supervisor, at which they expressed their view distribution of indirect taxes (in line with which Brcko is to get back resources at coefficient of 2.9%) is unexpected and illegal. Responding to press question what measures Brcko District will undertake, Djapo did not exclude the possibility of filing a suit against ITA SB (Steering Board of Indirect Taxation Administration). They claim decision would negatively impact planned District’s development. Brcko Mayor said: “This presents an attack on District Brcko’s budget. If such politics is to be continued, by the end of the year, our income will be reduced by 15-20 millions KM.” FTV, RTRS also reported.

FBiH PM Hadzipasic: I will not allow reckless moves in selling of FBiH telecoms

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘I will not allow reckless moves in sale of telecoms’, mentioned on cover by A.Hadziarapovic – In the eve of the session of the FBiH Government at which deputies are expected to discuss a methodology of privatizing BH Telecom and HT Mostar, the FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic told DA: “My stance will be clear. I am not supporting nor will I allow any reckless moves in privatization of telecom operators.Just the same, I will not support any stance and decision without having FBiH Parliament discuss them before”. Document on methodology is submitted by the FBiH Communication and Transport Minister Nedzad Brankovic and was labeled as “confidential”, but Hadzipasic didn’t want to comment whether this means that Ministry’s proposals are going “behind back” of the Parliament. Commenting how they have two options to sell majority of state capital or to preserve 51% of state capital in telecoms, Hadzipasic said that effects of ‘Mobis’ [RS telecom] sale has to be thoroughly analyzed. However, Hadzipasic said that FBiH telecoms are holding 65% of the market, because of which he believes that there should be no fear from the RS moves. PM noticed that special attention should be given to intention of the fiancés gained trough sale of telecoms i.e. how much to invest into highway construction and paying of FBiH internal obligations toward citizens. He also confirmed for DA that since the FBiH Government has announced the sale, not even one international company has officially addressed the government.

FBiH Comm. Minister Brankovic: FBiH has joint the race imposed by the RS

Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘State capital in race with the time’ by B.Simic– In regard to Thursday’s session of FBiH Government, at which the methodology of privatization of BH Telecom and HT Mostar would be discussed, FBiH Communication and Transport Minister Nedzad Brankovic said that they have prepared good proposals aimed at “not losing the race” imposed by the RS. Brankovic stressed that best solution would have been the agreement on joint sale of three telecoms, but they have decided to “take the glove that [RS Prime Minister Milorad] Dodik throw”. FBiH Government has therefore decided to move toward strategic partners, especially after Bosniak Caucus in RS Council of People “made a deal” with Dodik.  Brankovic stressed that FBiH Ministers have agreed on this issue. Brankovic said that privatization of telecoms means that FBiH would get the investment means to finance its projects, which can also be some kind of a “big bang” with positive results in BiH economy.

RS CoP Chair Kadric: SDA and SNSD chiefs intervened for withdrawing of VNI on telecom sale

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Kadric: Chiefs of SDA and SNSD intervened’ by E.Sarac– Chair of RS Council of Peoples, Remzija Kadric told DA that he is aware of the fact that conclusions of the joint Commission of RS National Assembly and CoP on sale of ‘Telecom Srpse’ have no strength. However, he stressed that there was no possibility to do more. “Only few MPs supported me in my intentions to stop the decision on sale of ‘Telecom Srpske’…Phone lines were working and upon intervention of SDA and SNSD leaders, the entire issue was softened and lead to the conclusion which was adopted, ” said Kadric referring to the conclusion passed by the Commission under which the Bosniak returnees and former Bosniak workers of Telekom Srpska would be entitled to some means earned through privatisation. Kadric reminds that veto on telecom sale had a goal to point how detrimental is the entity sale of strategic companies. “We expected from the Council of Ministers to react and get involved…but everything was left up to the RS CoP,” said Kadric.

Security, investigations and speculations

Bijeljina Police Chief confirms internal investigation on Konjevic Polje incident opened

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Responsibility of police officers will be scrutinised’ by D.Muminovic – Slobodan Nikic, Head of Bijeljina PSC (Public Security Center) Wednesday stated that police has launched internal investigation that is to determine possible responsibility of police officers who took place in the incident that took place at Konjevic Polje on the night Monday to Tuesday. On this occasion, a mass clash of Bosniak returnees and policemen took place, according to daily. According to Nikic “a meeting took place on Tuesday at BratunacCenter, which was attended by representatives of local community Konjevic Polje, police, Municipal Head, representatives of EUFOR, OHR and EUPM. The meeting agreed that the presence of uniformed and traffic police should be increased in this area. Tensions have calmed down and everybody agreed this incident should be the last one.”

SDA officials: background of recent attacks in RS targeted at ‘finishing with war practice, to complete Karadzic’s plan’

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Sadovic: Political and not pre-election background’ by A.Hadzic– Commenting clash of police and Bosniak returnees in Konjevic Polje on a night form Monday to Tuesday [see Media Brief from July 26], SDA Deputy in RS Council of Peoples Ramiz Salkic said that this is not pre-election campaign, but another event directed toward accomplishing of Radovan Karadzic’s plans. “I believe that this what happened in Konjevic Polje was orchestrated in high ranking police rows and that has nothing to do with upcoming elections,” said Salkic. Char of SDA Caucus in RSNA Tarik Sadovic also believes that this has political and not pre-election background. “In background of all so called spontaneous incidents of low and medium intensity, as they call them in the RS, stands one political idea…The goal is to finish what was done during the war, in fact to realize Karadzic’s plan on maximum 10% of non-Serb residents in this entity,” said Sadovic. 

Osl: People who were appointed as judges and prosecutors in 1992 by Karadzic are still working in same institutions

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 3 ‘Karadzic’s Judges still judge in RS’ by A. Avdic– Daily reads that at least seven persons who were appointed by Radovan Karadzic in 1992, are still employed in the RS judicial institutions. Namely, daily came into possession of Karadzic’s decision from 1992, according to which these people were appointed to their positions. Alija Zvizdic current President of Bijeljina Municipal Court, was appointed by Karadzic to the position of a judge in that court. Slobodan Krstic, was appointed as Judge in Bijeljina Municipal Court, and he still occupies same function. Alma Salihbegovic also still occupies the position of the judge in Bijeljina District Court. Daily carries that there are people employed in prosecutions as well, such as Muhamed Gluhonjic current Deputy District Prosecutor in Bijeljina, and current District Prosecutor in Bijeljina Nebojsa Jovanovic, who were both appointed by Karadzic. Carrying these names, daily stresses that these people are still on same positions, “even after the judiciary reform”. [Note that half of these names are of Bosniak ethnicity].

Effendi Ceric supports idea of NBS leader Latic on establishment of NGO of fabricate processes’ victims

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 9 ‘Islamic Community leader supported Latic’s initiative’ by A.Ma– Leader of Islamic Community Mustafa Effendi Ceric met with leader of NBS [Bosniak People’s Party] Nedzad Latic. Effendi Ceric gave support to NBS initiative to establish a foundation to investigate political repression of Bosniaks. “For 100 years Bosniaks lived in fear,” said Ceric. Following the meeting, Latic said: “I am extremely proud and encouraged that the authority, such as Effendi Ceric has supported the initiative to establish a NGO for the victims of fabricated processes, where [SDP leader Zlatko] Lagumdzija as organizer, was only the cause for an initiative on establishment of the future institution…” He stressed that they are planning to start publishing of publications and booklets, in which all fabricated cases and their victims would be described in details. [Note: Talking of the ‘cases organized by Lagumdzija’, Latimc mentions Pogorelica. In ‘Pogorelica case’, several high-ranking police officials were charged with espionage as well as with setting up and running terrorist training-camp in Pogorelica, which was dismantled in 1995 by IFOR, former NATO’s International Forces.].

RS Institute for health established there is no abnormal level of radioactivity in municipality of Kalinovik

EuroBlic cover splash ‘Land is not radioactive’, RSpg 1 ‘No radioactive radiation’ by Nedeljka Breberina – daily reports that experts from the RS Institute for Health Protection, who visited the municipality of Kalinovik last week, established there is no radioactive radiation in this municipality. (Research in Kalinovik was launched following demand of RS Government acting upon complaints from local population, municipal officials and ecological societies, saying EUFOR is jeopardising human, animal and floral worlds in this municipality by destroying arms.)

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

3^rd round of SAA talks starts today

RHB, BH Radio 1 – Third round of SAA talks between EU and BiH begins in Sarajevo today and will last two days. Technical issues related to trade, industry taxes, customs and agriculture are on the agenda. EC estimates that technical negotiations with BiH are progressing well but reform processes, such as PBS, police and public administration reforms must keep up as well. Adnan Terzic, CoM Chair, estimates BiH has a realistic chance to become a candidate for admission into EU by 2008.

BiH HoP in session discussing series of laws and projects, ranging form new ministries to Vc corridor

BH Radio 1by Vanja Ilicic – BiH House of Peoples commenced the session today, and at the time of broadcast the MPs were discussing the agenda, which should count several proposal laws as well as information on security situation in BiH for 2005. If the agenda is adopted, Mps should discuss the proposal Law on BiH Central Bank, amendments to the Law on Police Officers and amendments to the Law on BiH Custom Tariff. in first reading, MPs should discuss the proposal Law on Security on Roads, which was proposed by MP Halid Genjac. BiH HoP should also appoint four members of Steering Board of BiH Public Broadcasting Service and establish duration of their mandates. RHB – HoP will also discuss report on the activities related to VC corridor. Feasibility study on the project assessed the VC as a profitable project having a 16.3 % rate of return on investment. HoP will also discuss the issues of BiH citizenship and two new ministries: Ministry of agriculture and rural development and Ministry of technology and environment protection.

RS Council for Regulatory Reform in seat: annul 1/3 and change ¼ of regulations to improve business environment

BH Radio 1 by Brana Markovic – RS Council for Regulatory Reform estimated during the session in Banja Luka that it is necessary to annul one third and change a half of regulations in order to improve the business environment in the RS. In light of this, the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik, who also chairs the Council, announced annulling 37 of RS Government acts and would change 31 law ins the process known as “guillotine of regulations”. “In regard to certificates, permits and other formalities, where there are total of 332 of them on RS level and 19 on BiH level, the Council has accepted suggestions of working groups…to preserve 102 formalities or 29.6% to change 43% of formalities and to abolish 27.9% of these regulations,” said Dodik.

HDZ welcomes Constitutional Court decision on proposed Law on PBS

RHB– HDZ BiH has issued a press release welcoming the latest decision of the FBiH CC Council for protection of vital national interests which has ruled that the proposed Law on PBS, adopted by the BiH HoP without participation of Croat MPs, is damaging to the interests of the Croat people. HDZ BiH finds it constitutionally justified for Croats to have a channel in Croatian language as part of PBS.

Economic issues and proceedings

‘IPSA’ and Croatian Construction Institute complete feasibility study on Vc Corridor highway: project will cost 6.9 bn KM and is economically justified

FTV by Zlata Behram – Sarajevo company ‘IPSA’ and Croatian Construction Institute, in cooperation with an Italian partner, have completed feasibility study on Vc Corridor and presented it in Sarajevo on Wednesday. Tender for selection of concessionaire for Vc Corridor should be issued by the beginning of October. Twenty companies from BiH, Croatia and Italy have been engaged in creation of the feasibility study. The highway should connect Budapest with port Ploce, with Neum also conneceted. RTRS – According to the Feasibility Study, the entire project will cost 6.9 billion KM, including VAT. The total length of highway will be 290,6 km, with a south end point near border crossing in Metkovici. Experts estimate construction would const approx. 24 million KM per kilometre of highway. PINK by Adriana Domazet – Reporter notes that Feasibility Study – which has been completed after eighteen months of work and submitted to the BiH Ministry of Communications and Transport – demonstrated the economic justification of this project. BHT1 – In case no concessionaire appears, the Ministry has prepared three alternative solutions, however it gave no details. The Ministry has also proposed establishing special department tasked to exclusively deal with the corridor issues. Hayat by Alem Karamesic – Esref Gacanin from IPSA stated that it is hard to find a more valuable project than Vc corridor in this part of the world. Reporter comments that the Feasibility Stud has been sent for an audit after which the final version will be announced. Cheapest route of the corridor is Svilaj – Karuse whilst the most expensive one is Tarcin – Konjic.Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Profit guaranteed to future investors’, announced on cover ‘5C corridor will cost BAM 6.9 billion’ by D.Muminovic – daily unofficially learns at BiH Ministry of Traffic and Communication that it is unlikely concessionary, who would accept to build the entire highway immediately, will be identified. Daily adds more realistic option is that highway from Sarajevo to Sava river is built, while demanding and expensive part of highway towards sea “is left for better times”.  Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Construction of the highway would cost 6.9 million KM’, mentioned on cover by L.Sinanovic, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Total length of the road 290.6 kilometres’ by L.S., Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘High profitability of project proven’, by D. P. Mandic, EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘5C corridor is no longer a fiction’ by D.S., Glas Srpske pg 4 ’24 million for one kilometre’ by V.Bu. – also carried. 

BiH Transport and Communications Minister Dokic, BiH CoM Chair Terzic: Corridor Vc is very profitable for potential concessionary

FTV by Zlata Behram – Referring to the potential of the Vc corridor building, the BiH Minister of Transport and Communications, Branko Dokic BiH Council of Ministers noted the experts found the project worthwhile, as its refund rate has been estimated to 16.3%. “[To a] concessionaire, namely a person with money, while thinking whether to put the money in the bank or invest in this project… this study says that it pays out to invest means in the project since resources would be refunded together with 6.67 % interests rate”, says Dodik. RTRS –He also noted the construction of highway through BiH as part of European Corridor represents state’s interest. PINK – “[Feasibility Study] enables us to make a concrete steps that should lead to the real beginning of construction [of a highway]”, stated Dokic. “As of today [Wednesday], Corridor 5c is not a fiction any more. As you have heard loud and clear – it is an economically justified project”, concluded Terzic. Hayat – Dokic stated it is up to Concession Commission to determine now whether the project will be open for concessions or not: “We expect that the Commission will give us the green light to start this job.” RTRS – Chair of BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic said that two years ago, everybody was sceptical regarding the financial justification of this project.

CoM Chair Terzic: only uninventive politicians would invest telecom money into Corridor Vc

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Terzic: Only uninventive politicians would invest finances from telecoms to Corridor Vc’ by L.S.– Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic stated that only uninventive politicians would invest finances gained trough sale of telecoms into constructing of Corridor Vc. Terzic said this commenting the statement of BiH presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic, who stated at the opening of the part of the highway from Visoko to Podlugovi that profit of telecom operators would be invested into Vc Corridor construction. “If the decision was up to me, finances from the telecoms’ privatization wouldn’t be wasted to Corridor but [would be invested in] some serious development projects leading to faster refund of finances,” said Terzic. Terzic stressed that BiH has already gained billion euros from international financial institutions and it is expected that now, when feasibility study is done, European Commission would support it is as well.

RS Govt takes over RS Telecom facilities in Banja Luka and Eastern Sarajevo

BHT1By Zoran Sarenac – The RS Government has take over from Telecom Srpske two facilities, which are being constructed in Banja Luka and Eastern Sarajevo. Namely, 8 years ago, RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik promoted a location, where RS Government and RS National Assembly facilities should have been built. RS Minister of Traffic and Communications Nedelljko Cubrilovic says that he does not remember the particular event. The RS Government is going to spend 35 million KM for the project, claiming that it is a better solution than to rent premises for numerous services at different locations in Banja Luka. RTRS – Money invested in these two facilities so far will be refunded through 2006 dividends. It this way, RS Government will have a new building in Banja Luka. The building in East Sarajevo will be used by RS Ministry of Interior. Cubrilovic said that RS Government needs additional space for offices, which are currently being rented. As RS Government decided, the buyer of RS Telecom will have the right to use the underground infrastructure, but without monopoly rights. Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Next week the tender for sale of Telecom Srpske’ not signed, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Sale can start’ by Lj.Cicic,, Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Government takes over Telekom Srpske’s buildings’, not signed, – also covered.

SDP slams changes to privatization law, warns of possible abuse of law

Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Pudaric condemned adopted Law on privatization’, not signed – SDP’s MP in the FBiH HoP, Svetozar Pudaric, says his party believes that the Law on changes and amendments to law on privatization of companies, which was on Tuesday adopted in the FBiH HoP, allows “a narrow political circle” to abuse the law by taking over ‘healthy’ parts of companies, whilst ‘unhealthy’ parts will remain state’s burden. Pudaric notes that the adoption of the law represents “defeat of system to the advantage of chaos and voluntarism”. (NB: even FBiH PM Hadzipasic had similar objections). Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Defeat of the system in name of the chaos’ not signed – also carried.

BiH savers critical of BiH HoR’ failure to enact Law on reduction of deadline for payment of old foreign currency savings

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘BiH to face bankruptcy’ by N.M. – Svetozar Nisic, President of BiH Association of citizens for payment of old foreign currency savings is embittered with the fact that BiH House of Representatives failed to accept Law on reduction of deadline for payment of old foreign currency savings, adding: “In a month time, new entity voting will take place and if demand of BiH savers (for reduction of deadline) were not accepted, the rulings of European Court of Justice in Strasbourg would face BiH with bankruptcy.”

First auction centre for sale of pawned assets opened on Wednesday

PINK – First Auction Centre for sale of pawned assets was opened on Wednesday in Rajlovac settlement, in Sarajevo suburban area. It means that, in the future, the courts will be enable to establish a regular and predictable system of auctions; at the same time, Centre would help banks and debtors to get higher price for confiscated property. Hayat – First auction sale will be held on 10^th of August. Centre was established by BIH Association of banks, Sarajevo Municipality Court and USAID. Centre will be used for sale of confiscated property. Reporter comments that auctions will be held once a week and adds that all information is available on the center’s website. BHT1, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘First auction in about fifteen days’ by E.Barimac, Nezavisne Novine pg 11 ‘Sale of movable property and real estate’ by S.Lemo also covered.

VL: More than 7 million KMs wasted on investigation into ‘Hercegovacka bank’ case

Vecernji List, pg 5 ‘Ante Jelavic – 7 million KMs spent on unsuccessful trials’, by Zdenko Jurilj – according to VL’s information, more than 7 million KMs has so far been spent on the investigation pertaining to illegalities committed in the ‘Hercegovacka bank’ case (including costs of audit of the bank) by, among others, Ante Jelavic, whose original sentence (10 years) was recently revoked by Appellate Council of the BiH Court. In an attempt to find out whether someone will be held responsible for, as VL puts it, such “debacle of the BiH Court”, the daily contacted the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, which is labeled by VL as “institution that takes care of quality and work of judicial bodies in BiH”, however HJPC’s spokesman, Admir Katica, said it was a matter for the BiH Court, which has run the proceedings.

Political issues

BiH CEC finished verification of candidates; total of 7, 245

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Total of 7,245 candidates at election lists’ by Fena – The BiH Central Election Commission completed on Wednesday the procedure of verifying the candidate lists and candidates for participation in the October Elections.  The final number of verified candidate lists is 773, i.e. 7, 245 verified candidates, including the candidates for BiH Presidency and the independent candidates, said the Central Election Commission. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Verification of candidate lists and candidates finished’ not signed– Overview of verified candidates is available on www.izbori.ba.    

200,000 BiH citizens signed GROZD citizens’ platform

Hayat, Nezavisne Novine pg 10 ‘200 thousand signatures collected’ by A.Susnjar, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Increasing number of signatures of support’ by D.Mo. – “GROZD” Association announced that it gathered 200 000 signatures from BIH citizens in support of their platform which demands accountability of politicians. Citizens signing the platform are featured saying that they hope that the platform will bring changes in BIH. The platform presents a list of 12 BiH citizens’ requests, addressed to the BiH political parties. Some of the requests read that in period of 2006-2010, 150,000 jobs should be created, minimal pension should be 250 KM, foreign investments should be doubled, etc. FTV also covered.

HDZ 1990: NHI’s Zubak statement re. similarity btw. HDZ and HDZ 1990 on constitutional changes is not truthful

Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Zubak and Covic were holding their own positions’ not signed – HDZ 1990 appraised as untruthful the statement of NHI leader Kresimir Zubak, who said that there is no difference between HDZ and HDZ 1990, when it comes t constitutional changes. “Basic difference between HDZ and HDZ 1990 is in credibility, representation and defending of its own stances. HDZ 1990 showed that, as well as its deputies in BiH Parliament,” stands in HDZ 1990 statement. Further on they say that in 2000 Zubak has signed constitutional amendments of Wolfgang Petrich [former HR] despite the objections of Croat parties and Catholic Church. HDZ 1990 stresses that because of same or similar reasons, HDZ leader Dragan Covic accepted constitutional changes, which would additionally discriminate Croat people.

SP Djokic satisfied with fact SP is the first party that started marking important dates from WW II

Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Anti-fascism is peoples’ heritage’ by Ljubisa Javorac ­– In a brief interview to daily, Petar Djokic, President of the Socialist Party, stresses with satisfaction that SP is the first party in BiH, that has started to mark important dates from World War II in the last 15 years. He stresses: “Anti-fascist movement and courage of our people during WW II deserves attention of future generations…We as people should be proud that…we joined all progressive peoples and confronted to this pestilence, placing large number of victims.”

BH Jus Min says two new ministries at BiH CoM may be established after constitutional changes are adopted

Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Defining of powers of new departments expected’ by V.Popovic – Branko Dokic, BH Minister of Communication and Traffic, expressed expectation that today’s (Thursday) session of the BiH Council of Ministers may reach decision regarding introduction of two new ministries, if Task Force presents a clear concept acceptable for all. He reiterated RS representatives are of the view powers of these ministries should be clearly defined, without encroaching into powers of entities’ ministries, adding: “Many things have already been agreed on in regard to Ministry of agriculture, forestry and water power, while everything stands at the starting point in regard to Ministry of science and technology.” Slobodan Kovac, BiH Justice Minister, is of the view two new ministries may be established after constitutional changes are adopted, adding: “Bearing in mind constitutional changes were not adopted, the question can be raised whether to accept these two ministries incorporated into text of Law on changes and addenda to Law on Ministries.”

DL: All disputes between BiH and Croatia are related to Herzegovina

Dnevni List, pg 7, mentioned on front ‘All disputable points are in Herzegovina’, by Zvonimir Jukic – Noting that the two major disputable issues between BiH and Croatia are ‘Ploce port’ and ‘Peljesac bridge’ issues, DL says a third disputable issue could be rising soon, namely the issue of ‘Gornji horizonti’ project (AKA ‘Upper Horizon’). The project is about a plan of the ‘Elektroprivreda RS’, which wants to build hydropower plants in the basin of Trebisnjica river. However, the Croatian PM Ivo Sanader recently stated in the Croatian Parliament that his Government would know how to protect Croatian national interests. (NB: several politicians and experts from Croatia warned should the project go ahead, it could cause big damages to the lower part of the Neretva valley in Croatia, since the project would decrease the flow of water that go into Neretva river)

Osl on rejection of law on rights, duties of MPs: deputies would accomplish their plans at first opportunity 

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘MPs’ time-out’ op-ed by Dragan Stanojlovic– Commenting the Law on Rights and Duties of MPs in BiH Parliament, Stanojlovic comments that for MPs to reject the law it was enough to be lectured by the Principle Deputy High Representative Lawrence Butler “without diplomatic glows”. Stanojlovic comments that this doesn’t mean that MPs have given up their privileges, but only that they are talking “time-out” and would use the first opportunity to accomplish their goals. “In any normal country the Chief of the State and cheated voters would react to such attempts of their elected officials. But, BiH is far from normal country and legal state,” underlines Stanojlovic, criticizing BiH executive, legislative and judicial authorities.

DA op-ed slams both deputies that voted in favour and against draft Law on Rights and Duties of MPs

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Stain on faces of MPs ‘ op-ed by Admir Malagic – Commenting failure of BIH House of Representatives to adopt draft Law on Rights and Duties of MPs, according to which an MP’s salary would be up to 4,000 KM, author slams both deputies that voted in favour as well as those who voted against this proposal. Editorial reads that the only difference between these two groups of deputies is that ones wanted their additional incomes, coming from membership in different parliamentary commissions or boards, to “become legal”, whilst the other group wanted to remain “covered”.