OHR BiH Media Round-up, 28/2/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

Croat parties agst const. changes

BiH lawsuit vs.SCG

Live coverage of RSNA session

Tihic on HDZ oppos. to const. chgs

RSNA in session

US diplomat Di Carlo visits BiH

FBiH HoR in session

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK  (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Technical problems

BiH vs. SiCG trial commences

BIH Lawsuit started on Monday

Rehn on Mladic

BIH Lawsuit update

Stankovic on Mladic

Reactions in BIH on Lawsuit

World News

Avian influenza update

NTV Hayat  (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

BiH lawsuit against SCG before ICJ

BIH Lawsuit started on Monday

Avian influenza virus in BiH

Reactions on lawsuit against SCG

BIH Lawsuit update

BiH vs. SiCG trial commences

EU on SAA talks with SCG , BiH

Peaceful protests in front ICJ

Serbian & BiH officials on the suit

EU on referendum in Montenegro

FBIH HoR in session

Dodik on new RS Government

Oslobodjenje

[Head of BiH team Softic] Belgrade had to face with dimensions of crime much earlier

Dnevni Avaz

Historical process before the court in the Hague

Dnevni List

Vignjevic embezzled 2 million KMs (invalids in FBiH accuse Minister Vignjevic)

Vecernji List

Ecological disaster (oil spill in Jablanica/Grabovica lake)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Neretva poisoned by thieves or saboteurs? (oil spill in Jablanica/Grabovica lake)

Nezavisne Novine

Hearing on lawsuit of BiH against SiCG commenced

Glas Srpske

Trial to Serbia commenced

EuroBlic

Swans were infected with deadly virus H5N1 [confirmation by British laboratory]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

Dusan Stojicic tenders resignation from RSNA Speaker position; RSNA discusses new Government

BH Radio 1 by Brana Markovic – The RS National Assembly holds the extraordinary session today, which opened with Dusan Stojicic’s tendering of the resignation from the position of the RSNA Speaker. Stojicic accused the new RSNA majority of “trying to put all the main positions under their authority.” RSNA will discuss appointment of the new RS Government lead by RS PM-designate Milorad Dodik. RSNA Deputy Chair Tomislav Tomljenovic took over presiding by the time the new Chair is appointed. New SNSD-led majority proposed SNSD’s Igor Radojicic for this position.

FBiH HoR in session, expected to discuss PBS and new ministers  

BH Radio 1 by Maida Alic – The FBiH House of Representatives holds session today, and is expected to discuss the Law on FBiH Public Broadcasting Service [PBS] and three new ministers in FBiH Government. Candidates are Minister of Energy Vahid Heco, Minister of Environment Ferid Otoja and Minister of Tourism Katica Cerkez.. Twenty representatives of disabled persons spent the night in the building of FBiH Parliament after the issue of budget was not put in agenda.

BiH lawsuit vs. SCG for aggression, genocide

Process in lawsuit BiH vs SCG for aggression and genocide commenced in The Hague ; BiH’s representative said that they would prove Belgrade ’s responsibility in genocide

BHT1 by Boris Grubesic, The Hague – At the first hearing in the case of the BIH lawsuit against SiCG before the International Court of Justice in The Hague [which as was reported drawn a large attention from media, international officials and diplomats, including the ICTY Prosecutor Joanne Korner and ICTY Presiding Judge Theodor Meron] Sakib Softic, BH representative, stressed that the aim of BIH team is to prove the responsibility of the authorities from Belgrade for the genocide in Sarajevo and Srebrenica. Deputy Head of the BiH team, Phon van den Biesen, said that the destruction of non-Serb population in BiH did not happen accidentally and that suffering was the result of a carefully prepared military, political and economic plan. At this first round of the debate, he added that BIH Team would also present video material as evidences. RTRS – Softic said that BiH wanted neither revenge nor collective guilt, but acknowledgement through the process that SiCG violated international Convention on Genocide during the war in BiH. He added there nobody denies the fact that Serbs in BiH were war crimes victims as well, but underlined crimes committed against them were not a part of official politics by the Government in Sarajevo. Radoslav Stojanovic, SiCG representative, commented that Bisen has not explained what genocide was, neither logically not theoretically. FTV– Biesen talked about the ideology of “Great Serbia” stating this was not only a political agenda, but from very beginning a military operation with the aim of ethnic cleansing. Talking for FTV after the hearing, Softic said that he is satisfied with the first day of hearing, stressing that he is very confident and that presenting of evidences should start on Tuesday.

PINK, Hayat, Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Belgrade had to face with dimensions of the crime earlier’ by Nagorka Idrizovic, Inset ‘Generations would feel the consequences’ Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Historical process before the court in the Hague’, pg 2 ‘Softic: Verdict in favor of BiH – the best heal for war wounds’ by Sead Numanovic, The Hague, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pg 3 ‘Hearing on lawsuit of BiH against SiCG commenced’ by Agencies, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Trial to Serbia commenced’, Vecernje Novosti pg 4 ‘They are not giving up from the genocide’ by D. P. V. –  reported on Softic’s statement. Dnevni Avaz inset pg 2 ‘For genocide not to repeat ever again’ by S.N.– carries speech by Den Biesen.Glas Srpske cover pg inset ‘General speeches’, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 inset ‘Serbian Parliament: Ungrounded suit’ – carries Stojanovic. Dnevni List pg 8, mentioned on cover ‘Process is way to avoid attempt to falsify history’ by D. Kozina, Vecernji List pg 9 ‘Serbia stands trail for genocide in The Hague’ by G. Jungwirth, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 7 ‘Introductory word of BiH in The Hague’ by I. Sabalic report on beginning of the process and carries Softic stating first arguments of the lawsuit.

Citizens gather in front of ICJ protesting in sign of support for the BiH lawsuit vs. SCG; Mothers of Srebrenica: someone has to be held responsible for sufferings

Hayat by Asim Beslija, The Hague – Parallel with the opening arguments by lawyers in the case of BiH vs. SCG before the International Court of Justice, hundreds of people gathered in front of the ICJ building in the Hague protesting in a sign of support for the process. Protesters included women from Srebrenica and BiH citizens currently living in The Netherlands and Germany. They carried a 60-meter long poster with the names of victims of genocide in Srebrenica. FTV By Arijana Saracevic-Helac, The Hague – Director to BiH Institute for Endangered People Fadila Memisevic said in an interview for FTV that this lawsuit is very important for the future of BIH and for mothers from Srebrenica as it would ensure that live in their country without the entity responsible for their situation. Memisevic stressed that no one from the Dutch Parliament came to meet them at the protests: “This only proves that they were accomplices to SiCG and that they disapprove BiH’s lawsuit. We expect IC to support this lawsuit and redeems for the injustice done to BIH.” PINK – “Someone has to be held guilty for our sufferings,” said the chair of Association of Mothers of Srebrenica and Zepa, Munira Subasic. BHT1, PINK, Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje inset ‘Support before Court in The Hague’, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘SCG has to respond for crimes committed on her behalf’ by Almasa Hadzic, The Hague, Dnevni List pg 8, mentioned on cover ‘Process is way to avoid attempt to falsify history’ by D. Kozina, Vecernji List pg 9 ‘Serbia stands trail for genocide in The Hague’ by G. Jungwirth, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 7 ‘Protest rally as sign of support’ not signed – report on the protest rally of victims’ families held in front of ICJ.

Reactions of BiH officials; Dodik claims that BiH is to enter period of political instability because of the lawsuit

BHT1 by Lejla Zvizdic – Brining the reactions on BiH lawsuit vs. SCG, BHT 1 comments the newspapers headlines such as “Trial to Serbia for genocide” or “Justice before dusk” best describe divided stances of BIH officials. For some, reports notes, the proceeding is a tool for justice while others deem it as the new factor of political instability. Member of BiH Presidency, Sulejman Tihic, believes the lawsuit is to establish the truth and serve the justice, stressing the process “is not against Serb people in BiH or SiCG”. RTRS – RS Prime Minister designate Milorad Dodik deems the lawsuit is illegal, adding the BiH agents have no legitimacy to speak on behalf of the state and that by accepting the suit the ICJ would prove that it was not a court of justice but of injustice. “We believe that the beginning of the court process would lead to misunderstanding in BiH and that BiH would enter another period of political instability”, said Dodik. RS Association of Prisoners of War also said the lawsuit is illegal. “We… have to prove before the ICJ that Muslims and Croats were not the only ones who suffered in BiH, that Serbs did as well”, said the PoWs Chair Branko Dukic. Hayat– Hayat brings former soldiers and Bosniak PoWs who all welcomed the beginning of the process. BHT1– carried similar report. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Referendum was illegal as well’ By agencies, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 inset ‘Serbian Parliament: Ungrounded suit’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Playing with fire’ – bring Dodik’s reaction.

BiH lawsuit vs. SCG ; Paravac says Serbs are objecting because were separated from motherland

FTV current affairs program ’60 Minuta’ by Anisa Setka – Commenting the BiH lawsuit vs. SCG, the BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravac underlined he and his predecessors in the Presidency have opposed the lawsuit. Paravac said that Serb people in BiH believe that war was caused by illegal separation of BiH Serbs from their motherland, Serbia. “Do you know what it means to separate the child from its mother? That is a pain inflicted upon Serb people and it will not healed easily”, stressed Paravac.

Serbian officials believe that lawsuit could have dramatic effects to future relations on the Balkans

RTRS, BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Lawsuit is playing with the fire’ by Srna, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Serbia fears from payment of war retribution’ by B. Boskov, Belgrade, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 inset ‘Serbian Parliament: Ungrounded suit’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Playing with fire’ – Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Miroljub Labus said that BiH lawsuit vs. SCG could have dramatically negative effects in terms of future relations in the Balkans. Labus points out that it would have been better it BiH had accepted initiative on having the issue solved in diplomatic way. He says that it is impossible for BiH to remain united, now, as the suit has been filed, since, as he says, BiH would be frustrated if the suit is to be rejected. Nezavisne Novine pg 3 inset ‘Serbian Parliament: Ungrounded suit’ – Serbian MP’s Monday assessed that BiH suit against SiCG is ungrounded, also expressing concern over it. 

Oslobodjenje op-eds: BiH lawsuit against SCG should be reminder for everyone who think of committing such crime again; Verdict should have ‘effect of catharsis’

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Historical moment’ op-ed by Mirko Sagolj – Commenting the beginning of the process in BiH lawsuit against SCG, author says that moral satisfaction for victims is a priority adding that the process should also serve as the reminder for “every new Milosevic and his voters – so they know what to expect if they decide to commit the crime again.” Editorial concludes that it would also be good if those who voted for main perpetrators of aggression and genocide policy should also suffer the consequences, paying the war damage. Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘In the name of humankind’ op-ed by Zija Dizdarevic – Commenting the same issue, editorial reads this process would influence the whole world. It argues the verdict should have “effect of catharsis”, adding that if any party should exult after the sentence is once brought, it would only produce hate and war passions.

DL op-ed: BiH lawsuit v SCG is of very high importance

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Lawsuit’, by Danijela Kozina – commenting on the BiH lawsuit against SCG, Kozina notes it is an event of a huge importance for BiH since the stakes in it are very high. Namely, according to the author, should SCG be found guilty, it would be officially labelled as a sponsor of crimes in an other state, which would implicate the issue of war reparations. Kozina also notes that the lawsuit could go other way around, that BiH loses it that is, and in that case, Kozina reckons there would probably be “mass political accusations in Sarajevo”.

European press: Accusations are easy to make, but hard to prove; IHT: ICTY was unable to obtain documents from SCG as Belgrade feared they could be used against them in the suit before ICJ; Times: BiH could win a lot of money

Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘It is easy to make accusations, but hard to prove’ – Daily reports on assessments of the European media regarding the suit. According to report, French “Le Mond” and British “Independent” assessed that accusations regarding genocide will be hard to prove. The Berliner “Die Tages Zeitung” stressed it would be easy to declare suit legally ungrounded since suit SiCG filed against NATO was rejected. International Herald Tribune ‘Bosnian lawsuit gets under way at The Hague’ By Marlise Simons, NYT – Commenting BiH lawsuit against SCG, article alleges that, according to some ICTY officials, the Hague tribunal was unable to obtain documents from Serbian archives because Belgrade feared they could be used against them in the suit before ICJ,  adding that the arrest of Ratko Mladic may also have been delayed on the same ground.Times  ‘Historic genocide trial of Serbian nation begins’ by Sam Knight – Commenting the case, author comments that although BIH “lawyers have said that their chief aim is the historical judgement of Serbia, billions of dollars of compensation could follow a guilty verdict. The court’s rulings are binding, and a refusal to abide by them could be referred to the UN Security Council for action.” Washington Post and Telegraph also reported on the lawsuit.

Political issues

EU Foreign Affair Ministers set another deadline for SCG ; extradition of Mladic by April 5 or suspension of SAA talks

BHT1 by Elvir Bucalok, Brussels – At the session held in Brussels on Monday, the EU Foreign Ministers warned SiCG and BIH, precisely RS, that the negotiations on Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with EU could be suspended if both countries fail to fully cooperate with ICTY. EU Enlargement Commissioner Ollie Rehn stressed that EU Ministers have decided not to freeze the negotiations with SCG, but they expect that war crime indictee Ratko Mladic to be arrested and extradited to the ICTY before April 5 before the beginning of the second round of the SAA negotiations. FTV– “If [SCG] fails to unconditionally cooperate with ICTY than the SAA negotiations will be stopped” stressed Rehn. The EU Foreign Ministers have expressed unreserved support to the messages the EC sent recently to Belgrade and Sarajevo, demanding the full cooperation with the ICTY. Otherwise, SAA negotiations are to be stopped. RTRS – “We would like the SiCG cooperation with the ICTY to be full. If that is not to happen, SAA talks will be halted. But, still, there is enough time; negotiations will not be held before the end of March”, said EU HR for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana. RTRS – The Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla del Ponte said that if Ratko Mladic were not to be arrested, Belgrade would have to face consequences. The SAA negotiations, scheduled for April 5 are not going to be held, said del Ponte.PINK, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Possible cease of talks with BiH too’ by AFP, Vecernje Novosti pg 4 ‘The end of March for the Hague’ by D. R., Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Ultimatum by the end of March for Belgrade’, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 15 ‘First Mladic, then continuation of negotiations’, by Ines Sabalic – carried similar reports.

BiH CoM Chair Terzic: I am surprised BiH is mentioned in context of cooperation with ICTY

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Bad signal for BiH’ by R.I. – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic stated that he was surprised by the statement of EU Council of Ministers according to which BiH would may also face a halt in the SAA negotiations if full cooperation with the ICTY is not reached: “I am surprised that BiH is now mentioned in the context of cooperation with the Hague. It is obvious that we in the region have problem with 25 different European policies. … Involving BiH in the new situation, pointing finger at our country for non-cooperation with the Hague is bad signal. It is also a signal that EU countries’ foreign policies cannot have clear stances for the region.”

Serbian officials: EU warning was serious

FTV– SiCG Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Draskovic stated that the officials in SCG should take the warning issued by the EU Foreign Ministers seriously and complete the request on the ICTY cooperation within the set deadline. BHT1 – Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Miroljub Labusstated if this time SAA negotiations with EU were not frozen it doesn’t mean that they won’t be in future. SiCG Defence Minister Zoran Stankovic denied the speculations that Mladic asked for money in order to surrender adding that Mladic is not interested in financial gains.

SNSD’s Dodik claims he enjoys support of 45 MPs in RSNA; SDP denies support because of disagreement on ministerial positions

RTRS – The RS National Assembly will hold session on Tuesday on the issue of appointment of the new RS Government. The RS Prime Minister designate Milorad Dodik claims he enjoys support of 45 RSNA representatives. He added his Government would not receive support by three SDP representatives, since they could not reach an agreement on the ministerial positions. “They are asking for ministerial positions which belong to a Serb and Bosniak; we offered them a position of Croat and Bosniak and they rejected it…SDP will neither support nor take part in the Government“, said Dodik adding that despite the SDP’s stance, his Govt will receive majority support. On Monday, Dodik met with representatives of ‘SPONA’ NGO, the RS Trade Union, farmers and the RS Employers Association, Trade Union and Employers Association representatives have supported the new RS Government’s concept. Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘SDP was definitely left without Ministerial posts’ by N. Diklic, Inset ‘Lagumdzija: we will go into opposition’ – SDP President Zlatko Lagumdzija confirmed SDP would act as an opposition party at RS NA in future.BHT1, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Dodik confirmed that SDP would not support the election of new RS Government’ by O.Vukovic, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘The Government without SDP‘ by Rajna Radosavljevic inset ‘Stojicic’s chair questionable as well’, Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘Dodik’s new start’ by Sl. Pesevic, Glas Srpske pg 3, announced on cover ‘Dodik’s lucky number – 45?’ by Z. Markovic, Dnevni List pg 9 ‘Assembly’s majority secured’ not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija pgs 16 and 17 ‘Milorad Dodik to be Prime Minister again’ by A. Macanovic – announced session of RSNA.

SNSD’s Dodik: Composition of the new Government agreed

Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘SDP was definitely left without Ministerial posts’ by N. Diklic – Apart from announcing RS NA session on RS Government and carrying RS PM Designate Milorad Dodik’s statement regarding the support of 45 delegates and failure of negotiations with SDP, the article reads 8 Ministerial posts will go to SNSD (MoI – Stanislav Cadjo, Ministry of Finances – Aleksandar Dzombic, Ministry of Local Administration and Self-Governance – Nebojsa Radmanovic, Ministry of Energy, Economy and Development – Milan Jelic, Ministry of Education – Anton Kasipovic and Healthcare Ministry – Ranko Skrbic), 3 to PDP (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry – Slaven Pekic, Ministry of Youth and Sports – Branislav Borenovic, Ministry of Labourt – Bosko Tomic), 2 to Party for BiH (Justice Ministry – Omer Visic, Ministry for Urban Planning – Fatima Fetibegovic), DNS (Nedeljko Cubrilovic) will get Ministry of Traffic and Communications, SDA (Omer Brankovic) will get Ministry for Refugees and SPRSwill get Ministry of Trades and Tourism. Inset ‘Radojicic instead of Stojicic’ – RS NA delegates should today vote for RS NA Chairman and, upon Dodik’s suggestion, SNSD’s Igor Radojicic should be elected for this position. Oslobodjenje also carries the names. Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Proposed ministers’ – According to NN, the proposed list of ministers also includes: Jasna Brkic (Minister of economic relations and coordination), Predrag Gluhakovic (Ministry of trade and Tourism) and Bakir Ajanovic (Ministry of science and technology). No political membership of proposed ministers was provided.

RS PM designate Dodik: priorities of the new RS Govt will be adoption of budget, increase of funds for pensioners, education workers, police; It is necessary to reconstruct CoM

Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘Strongly against crime and corruption’ by Vesna Popovic – In a full-page interview to NN, RS PM designate Milorad Dodik comments the priorities of the new Government announcing it would first see the budget is adopted, funds for pensioners increased, as well as for education workers (although he noted he is aware of the fact he would face problems with IMF over this), the funds for police would also be increased in order to make them possible to do their jobs without obstacles as the Government intends to strongly fight crime and corruption. In light of this, Dodik announced establishment of the special prosecution for the economic crime in the RS Prosecution. “We will place people who would in the first month set the framework and code of conduct… I believe that High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council will not object people we choose,” said RS PM-designate. He added that the law on privatisation audit should be presented as soon as during the next RS NA session. According to Dodik, if the Government is not satisfied with the work of courts and Prosecutor’s Offices after two or three months, then salaries of judges and prosecutors would be reduced down to the amount of an average RS salary. Asked whether SNSD would withdraw its support to BiH CoM, Dodik said SNSD believes it is necessary to reconstruct CoM. ‘Adnan Terzic is aware of the crisis at CoM and is now launching a story on European integrations and says he would resign if this does not pass. I am sending out a message to him – SNSD will not vote for this story on European integrations and, should there be more people who will not vote for this, we will help Terzic to resign’, Dodik said adding that Terzic’s handicap lies in the fact his mentor Paddy Ashdown had left and now he does not have a support.

FBiH HoR fails to harmonize entity’s public broadcasting legislation with state law

Hayat – On Monday, FBiH House of Representatives was expected to harmonize the proposed law on FBiH Public Broadcasting Service with the law on the state level, but failed to do so. On Sunday, OHR reminded that this law is one of the main conditions BiH has to fulfil if it wants to continue moving forward on the path towards the EU, but despite that FBiH HoR decided to discuss this law as the 11th item of the agenda. EC objection to this law refers to the fact that law defines FBiH as the founder of FBiH Public RTV System. FBiH Communications Minister Nedzad Brankovic stated: “We deem that it has to be defined who is the founder or the owner, it has to be known who controls the finances.” Representatives of political parties have different stances on the draft law and SDP’s Damir Masic stated that this proposal is inadmissible, since is violates all principles on public system. SDA’s Irfan Ajanovic stressed that SDA supports the law, but that it might be good to present it on public discussion. FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Law on RTV FBiH only in two weeks’ by A. Hadziarapovic, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Confirmation of appointment of new ministers today’ by S.Se, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Adoption of Law on F BiH PBS postponed’ by R.Cengic, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Discussion on public RTV service today’ by M. Zorlak reports it is expected that the FBiH HoR would vote on the proposal of the Law on Public RTV service on Tuesday (today).

Sulejman Tihic to overtake duties of BiH Presidency Chairman today

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Tihic instead of Jovic’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Sulejman Tihic takes over presiding’, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Tihic overtakes’ by N. B., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Tihic as Chairperson’ – On the basis of the principle of eight-months rotation, Bosniak representative Sulejman Tihic on Tuesday will take over the duty of BiH Presidency Chair. Ivo Miro Jovic will submit the report on the work of BiH Presidency during previous eight months, while Tihic will present the working plan for next eight months.

Serbian PM Kostunica: Imposed solution for Kosovo could lead to forcefull changes of borders in the region

Oslobodjenje pg 15 ‘Kostunica: Imposed solution would be new seed of evil in Balkans’ by Fena – Addressing the Serbian National Assembly, Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica stated that if certain circles within international community want to impose solution for Kosovo, they should know that “imposed solution would be new seed of evil in the Balkans, and sooner or later it would be a basis for forceful changes of borders following the same pattern allowed for Kosovo.”

BiH Election Commission wants passive registration of voter, seek help from OHR and OSCE

Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Money must not endanger millions of BiH citizens’, by D. P. Mandic – According to DL, all 7 members of BiH Election Commission agree that passive registration of voters must be in place by the time of October elections. A member of the Commission, Vehid Sehic, says the whole operation requires around 2 million KMs, adding that the Commission will try to persuade the OHR and OSCE to use their influence and help the process.

Croatian Parliament Speaker Seks: BiH Croats will retain right to Croatian citizenship

Dnevni List, back pg ‘Nothing changes for BiH Croats’, by HINA – Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Vladimir Seks, stated on Monday that the agreement on dual citizenship between BiH and Croatia, which will be signed in May, will enable BiH Croats to get the Croatian citizenship in the future i.e. that the current legislation will not change as far as BiH Croats are concerned.

BiH Chief NegotiatorDavidovic: Next round of talks with EU is the most important one

Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘Next round of talks with EU is the most important one’ by T.L. – BiH Chief Negotiator Igor Davidovic stated for DA that he still has no information on the budget anticipated for talks with EU on Stabilisation and Association Agreement [SAA]. Davidovic said: “The budget is adopted and I expect to have clearer picture in next couple of days, since the next round of talks will start in some more than two weeks in Sarajevo.” Davidovic added that the next round of talks is on free trade, stressing that it is of the greatest importance for BiH team to properly prepare for it.

Constitutional changes

SDA, HDZ: Agreement on constitutional changes to be signed on Wednesday in Sarajevo

BHT1 – SDA leader Sulejman Tihic confirmed to BHT 1 that he expects the agreement on the constitutional changes to be signed by Wednesday. “We have reached the agreement on all issue expect the election of members in the Presidency. I believe that HDZ would not take responsibility for obstructing the agreement,” stated Tihic. HDZ spokesperson Miso Relota reiterated this party deems the direct election of the BiH Presidency as unacceptable, adding that if other parties continued insisting on this solution than HDZ will propose that BiH is regarded as one electoral unit. SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija stressed that it is important to reach the agreement in next few days: “I hope that HDZ and even SBIH will recognize the state interests and will act in statehood manner and join us.” Beriz Belkic from SBIH stated “those who deem this agreement to be a good solution for BiH will sign it. We do not consider it to be good solution for BIH”. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Signing tomorrow’ by Z.M. – Relota told daily that the agreement will be signed by eight political leaders on Wednesday in Sarajevo, most likely at the residence of the US Ambassador to BiH. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Demands of HDZ are something completely new’ by A.M. Inset ‘Meeting of Covic and Humphreys’ – Following the Saturday’s meeting of the HDZ leader Dragan Covic with the EC Head in BiH Michael Humphreys which also focused at the const. changes, HDZ stated BiH should be state of equal rights for all constituent peoples. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘No need for anything to be signed’ by Fena – SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated that he stands behind what has been agreed on and that “there is no need for anything to be signed”. RTRS, EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Signatures uncertain’ by Nedeljka Breberina, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘HDZ: BiH as one electoral unit’ by M.Cubro – also reported.

SDA’s Dzaferovic deems request for one electoral unit acceptable; SNSD’s Radmanovic: Each new proposal opens new package of const. changes; Tihic: HDZ’s objection is entirely new thing

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘HDZ: BiH as one electoral unit’ by M.Cubro – Sefik Dzaferovic from SDA says this party finds HDZ demand of BiH as one electoral unit acceptable, noting it is certain RS parties would find it unacceptable. Nebojsa Radmanovic from SNSD says that each and every new proposal opens the package of constitutional changes. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Demands of HDZ are something completely new’ by A.M. – After his meeting with the leader of Islamic Community in BiH, Reis Mustafa Ceric, which focused on constitutional changes, BiH Presidency member Sulejman Tihic told DA that it is the first time that HDZ came up with complaint regarding direct election of BiH Presidency members. Tihic said: “This is something completely new, with which I agree, but Serb parties do not. The agreement can be reached only with acceptance by all three sides. I am afraid that the only aim is to avoid reaching the agreement.”

SBiH, SDU and BOSS to establish patriotic block for protection of BiH

Hayat– SBiH, SDU and BOSS deem that proposed constitutional changes ‘desecrate the truth about the past’ and even endanger the future of BiH. “This arrangement is a new embargo: it’s an embargo on democratic future in BiH, and on the truth about the past. Proposed constitutional solutions certainly legalize what have been done in BiH, and devaluate the fight for the BiH”, stated founder of the SBiH, Haris Silajdzic. “How come that, suddenly, (SDA President Sulejman) Tihic and Lagumdzija have found their allies in the fight for BiH among the representatives of HDZ, SDS and other political parties from RS… instead among members of wartime BiH Presidency Ivo Komsic and Nijaz Durakovic”, wonders SDU President Sejfudin Tokic. SBiH, SDU and BOSS announced that they would form a patriotic bloc for the protection of BiH. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Silajdzic: This is embargo on democratic future’ by E.Sarac., Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Trilling against Srpska’, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘To prevent adoption of constitutional changes’ by D. P. Mandic – also reported.

NN op-ed: statements Patriotic Block gave on Monday can only worsen tensions

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Patriots’ by Natasa Krsman – Referring to the press conference of SDU, BOSSand Party for BiH during which launching of an initiative for “Patriotic block” was annoucned, the author sarcastically notes it is ‘a bit illogical to have patriots who are destroying a great part of their state’ and added statements they gave on Monday can only worsen tensions regarding the talks on constitutional changes, BiH lawsuit against SiCG, establishing of new RS Government etc. The author notes the statements of the Patriotic Block hint that the forthcoming pre-election campaign would be the worst that had been seen in this area, except for the one that was held at the beginning of 90-es consequences of which we still feel.

RS SRS: RS parties making further concessions on const. Changes; RS PoWs say F BiH want to trick on RS

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Further concession’ by Z.M. – Milanko Mihajlica, President of RS Serb Radical Party, stated on Monday that by accepting demand of HDZ regarding talks on second-level authority in BiH after autumn elections, the RS officials are making further concessions. Mihajlica noted talks on this issue would deal with abolishment of RS and FBiH. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Deja vu’ by Z.M., EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Signatures uncertain’ by Nedeljka Breberina– The RS former PoWs Association Monday released a press statement, noting that FBiH parties alleged objections to proposed const. changes are cheap trick aimed at accelerating the signing of “agreement on demounting of RS’ Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Referendum on constitutional changes’, not signed – RS PoWs reiterated its request to the RSNA to change the RS Constitution.Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Agreement unacceptable’, by NINA – The President of HSP Djapic-Jurisic, dr. Zvonko Jurisic, says the party opposes the signing of the agreement on constitutional reforms the way it has been agreed by the Bosniak and Serb parties, saying it is unacceptable for both the party and the Croat people in BiH. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Three entities is not a solution’ not signed – HNZ Banja Luka Regional board stated that equality cannot be reached with recent Constitution, adding that three entities “would mean even more sharper division of BiH”.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary Rosemary Di Carlo comes to BiH

Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Rosemary DiCarlo comes to two day visit to BiH’ Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Consultations on constitutional changes’, Slobodna Dalmacija, pgs 16-17, mentioned on front ‘American ‘stick’ awaited for’, by Zlatko Tulic – US Deputy Assistant Secretary Rosemary Di Carlo arrives to BiH today [Tuesday] in order to consult the political parties on the issue of the constitutional changes. She will stay in BiH until 2 March.

US Ambassador McElhaney: 95% of issues re: const. changes agreed; parties would have to bear responsibility in case of failure of talks

Dnevni Avaz pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘About 95% of issues agreed so far strengthens central authority’ by Edina Sarac – In an interview to DA, the US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney comments the talks on the constitutional changes by saying that 95 percent of issues were agreed, with only issue of BiH Presidency election outstanding. Stressing out that SDP, SNSD, SDA, SDS and PDP came out with an initiative themselves, McElhaney said that US Embassy put pressure on all parties involved in the official negotiations in Central Bank in Sarajevo, to find the solution. Asked to comment whether the BiH lawsuit vs. SCG would influence the Constitution in any way, he said these two issues were not to be interrelated. On the SDS, whose leadership is banned to enter US however have decisive role in the talks, McElhaney said: “When my Government assess it is of our interest, we will talk with SDS and tge others… With everybody who is ready to sit and negotiate… Main purpose of everything I am trying to do is to have the IC let BiH to make its own decisions.” Vecernji List, pg 5, mentioned on front ‘I will inform my government who is responsible for failure’ by Dejan Jazvic – In an interview to VL on the same issue, McElhaney answers why the Croat negotiators cannot be given guarantees that the issue of middle level of authorities would be raised after the October elections: “We know there will be new negotiations. I do not know how to say it clearer than this. However, if we do not have an agreement at this stage of negotiations, how can we enter the next stage? HDZ and other parties know the talks will continue”. Asked what would happen if the Croat parties, including the HDZ, do not agree to the proposed solutions of const. changes, McElhaney says in that case he would have to inform his Government that “the parties would have to bear responsibility for the failure of talks”. Questioned whether it would involve certain sanctions, McElhaney says: “I will clearly inform my Government on the outcome of negotiations”.

VL: Croat parties unanimous in not willing to sign constitutional changes agreement, Brkic: Proposed solutions divide BiH in half

Vecernji List, pgs 4-5 ‘Joint NO to agreement against Croats’, by Zoran Kresic – according to VL’s comment, all ruling and opposition Croat parties, as well as the Catholic Church, are against signing of the proposed constitutional changes that will be presented at the final meeting of 8 political parties scheduled for Wednesday in Sarajevo. According to HNZ President, Milenko Brkic, the proposed solutions suit the Bosniaks and Serbs because they (solutions) divide the state in half. He adds that the agreement that is detrimental to the Croat people will not be signed.

Other issues

London Laboratory confirmed: H5N1 virus found on BiH swans

FTV– London Laboratory has confirmed that two dead swans found at the lake near Jajce have been positive on H5N1 deadly strain of the avian flue virus. Head of BiH Veterinary Office, Jozo Bagaric, stated that the entire area has been disinfected adding that the expert teams are currently testing the poultry on the farms within the infected zone. BiH Veterinary Office has once more warned farmers not to keep their poultry in the outdoor area adding that wild birds will be culled within next few days. BIH Veterinary Office has lifted the ban on importing the beef from Croatia since no cases of mad cow disease were detected. PINK, BHT1, Hayat, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 15 ‘’Swans were infected by deadly H5N1 virus’, mentioned on cover by Z. Perisic, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Avian Influenza type H5N1 officially in BiH’ by A. Terzic, EuroBlic cover pg splash ‘Swans were infected with deadly virus H5N1’ pg RS4 ‘Virus was deadly after all’ by Rajna Radosavljevic, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Death in wings of birds of passage’ by N.Zelenovic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘H5N1 ascertained’ by R.Rakic, Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Deadly virus confirmed in BiH’ by E. Mackic, Vecernji List pg 7 ‘Presence of virus H5N1 confirmed’ by E. Medunjanin  – carried on the issue.

Invalids in FBiH ask for adoption of state budget

BHT1 – FBiH Associations of disabled persons held protests in front of the FBiH Parliament building at the time when delegates were in session, demanding the discussion on the FBiH budget. They stressed that they will ask for dismissal of the Parliament if their requests are not met. Hayat – FBiH Minister of Labour and Social Policy Radovan Vignjevic, basically said for Hayat that even if the budget is adopted, invalid persons would not be able to receive the money that was intended for them, due to certain technical problems. PINK, FTV, Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 3 ‘Vignjevic embezzled 2 million KMs’, by Mensud Zorlak – DL carries the leader of FBiH invalids, Zijad Arapcic, who says 2 million KMs intended to cover costs of medical check ups of invalids have been embezzled. Despite the DL’s headline of the article, Arapcic did not mention the FBiH Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Radovan Vignjevic, as the man responsible for the embezzlement. Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Invalids call on citizens to disobedience’, by ra,Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Invalids spent the night in FBiH Parliament’ by L.S. and A.D – report on the protests.

Energopetrol workers strike demanding privatisation decision to be made

Hayat, PINK, BHT1, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Continuance of protests before FBiH Government announced’ by M. Kukan– Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Strike frozen, Government has to solve the problem’ by A. Omeragic- Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Energopetrol loses 800 000 KM every month’ by M. Zorlak, Vecernji List pg 6 ‘Workers protested’ by F, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Employees demand restoration or co-capitalisation of firm’ by M.Rener – More than 1,000 workers of Energopetrol protested on Monday in front of the FBiH Parliament building in Sarajevo. They demand the decision on Energopetrol’s co-capitalisation to be made within the next 24 hours.

SDP again proposes establishment of agency for confiscation of illegally acquired property

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘About 200 officials first on the strike of propery control’mentioned on cover by A. T, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Law proposal on agency for confiscating of propery presented’ by H.O., Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 19 ‘Take away ‘illegal’ property from thieves’, by Blazica Kristo, Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Big fry to be affected’, by D. P. Mandic, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Criminals control KM 1.5 billion’ by M.Cubro – Zlatko Lagumdzija, the BiH SDP leader, Monday stated that organized crime controls about BAM 1.5 billion in BiH per year. There are assessments, however, that this amount is much higher. Owing to this fact, last week Lagumdzija forwarded the Law on the agency for confiscation and management of illegally obtained property to the parliamentary procedure for the third time. Jozo Krizanovic, the Head of the SDP caucus at the HoR said that almost the same versions of the law had already been forwarded to the Parliament twice but were rejected. The explanation given was that the state has instruments to confiscate such property.