OHR BiH Media Round-up, 28/5/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

World news

World News

World News

SDA has Croat candidates

OHR regarding Dodik’s statement

Tadic visits Podgorica

NHI assembly

Tihic’s reaction on Dodik’s statement

Effects of Montenegrin referendum

DNZ on Bihac region

Commemor. to killed French soldiers

New President of BiH CC elected

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

World news

World News

World News

Dodik on RS referendum

EU enlargement to continue in 2009

Reactions to Dodik’s statement

Regional news

Still no final results of referendum

BiH Const. Court President elected

SDP convention

Reactions to Dodik’s statement

Establ. of the Commission welcomed

Oslobodjenje

Legally unfounded and anti-constitutional right (reactions to Dodik’s statement)

Dnevni Avaz

European Union supports only single BiH (reactions to Dodik’s statement)

Dnevni List

Special forces solve several hours long drama (brawl in a Mostar café)

Vecernji List

Thousands of dead (earthquake in Indonesia)

Nezavisne Novine

I will and I want to talk, but I do not accept dictates (Dodik’s statement to press)

Update to RS PM Dodik’s statement on referendum/Reactions

RS PM Dodik says he is ready and willing to talk about BiH, notes BiH tailored to Terzic and Silajdzic’s liking is dangerous

Hayat – RS PM Milorad Dodik stated for (Saturday’s) Oslobodjenje that any of the peoples in BIH has the right to decide its destiny through referendum.  Dodik also stated that Montenegrin referendum has some points that could be useful for BIH. (for more details see OHR Media Round-up, May 27). RTRS – By Sandra Zrnic – PMDodik said that BiH, which is made by plans of (SBiH leader) Haris Silajdzic and (Chairman of BiH CoM) Adnan Terzic is very dangerous, adding that domination of any stance shakes foundation of the whole country. Dodik said that BiH foundation is more shaken by failure to pass the constitutional changes than by his theoretical consideration of referendum as theoretical possibility. In his written statement, Dodik said that he is ready to talk about the present BiH and its citizens. Dodik said that he is not ready to accept anyone’s orders. “I can talk and will talk, but I cannot and I will not nod and listen”, said Dodik. Dodik said that he is ready to talk about how to make BiH to be better for all. Dodik said that when this (better) is achieved, issue of referendum would not be necessary. This Dodik’s written statement followed his statement to ‘Oslobodjenje’ that Montenegro referendum could be edifying example to BiH. Dnevni List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘If Kosovo leaves, Republika Srpska leaves too?’, by Sanja Bjelica – apart from carrying Dodik’s written statement, DL comments that the referendum in Montenegro has triggered many to raise the issue of changing borders in the Balkans. DL reckons that the destiny regarding future status of Kosovo will certainly have an effect on BiH. (Dodik’s written statement also carried by Oslobodjenje, pg 4 ‘BiH tailored to Silajdzic and Terzic’s liking unacceptable’, not signed, Dnevni Avaz, pg 4 ‘BiH tailored according to thoughts of Terzic and Silajdzic is dangerous’, by Srna, Nezavisne Novine, front pg splash and pg 3 ‘I will and I want to talk, but I do not accept dictates’, by V. Popovic

RS President Cavic: FBiH media and politicians have to sober up and accept RS; BiH FM Ivanic criticizes IC for not reacting to statements that question status of RS

RTRS – RS President Dragan Cavic said that it was high time to stop the attacks on RS that come from Sarajevo politicians since those attacks endanger survival of the country. Cavic believes that media and politicians in FBiH that deny RS have to sober up, otherwise they will chase RS away. Mladen Ivanic, BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the RS citizens would have stable life in BiH only without pressures. “I believe that respect of the RS is the highest contribution to the stability. This is why I criticize the international community. Their criticism for any statement that comes from the RS is much bigger than for any statement from FBiH. They criticize all the statements of our people, including Mr. Dodik’s statement as well, but they will never criticize violation of the Dayton Peace Agreement when abolishment of the entities is asked for”, said Ivanic. FBiH political parties believe that Dodik’s statements have no legal foundation. Tarik Sadovic of SDA said that Dodik uses cheap tricks to connect Kosovo situation with the RS situation. “I believe that this statement gives wrong messages to all peoples in BiH. These messages legalize irresponsible behaviour of Silajdzic (Haris Silajdzic, SBiH leader) and his fellows who offer referendums on something at the BiH level like this is not a single country. If Dodik wants to be Silajdzic in the mirror, then he will be a man who will give false hope to people in RS that problems in this country could be solved by entity referendum”, said Zlatko Lagumdzija, SDP Leader. Legal expert on constitutional law, Dr. Kasim Trnka said that the RS has no jurisdiction to organize a referendum on separation since this would violate BiH Constitution. Trnka added that the RS could organize referendum regarding the issues that are in the RS competence. Hayat, Oslobodjenje, pg 4 ‘BiH tailored to Silajdzic and Terzic’s liking unacceptable’, not signed, Dnevni Avaz, pg 11 ‘Positions of RS parties are identical’, not sign, Nezavisne Novine, pg 3 ‘Sober up, because you will chase RS away from you’, by V. P. – RS President Cavic stated that Dodik has his support regarding police reform and RS status.BHT – carries Trnka, Dnevni Avaz, pg 5 ‘Our opinions must be acknowledged’, by N. Diklic, Nezavisne Novine, pg 3 ‘Sober up, because you will chase RS away from you’, by V. P. – carries Ivanic

Presidency Chairman Tihic: Dodik’s statement does not have legal backing

FTV – BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic, commenting RS PM Dodik’s statement, said the statement didn’t have any legal-constitutional base, adding that politically, it seems senseless. Tihic explained that the separation of RS is impossible, just like it would be impossible for Sandzak or Hungarians from Vojvodina to separate from Serbia, adding that the position of former Yugoslav republics was different. (also covered by Pink, BHT1, Hayat, Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘Tihic: Referendum is impossible’, not signed, Dnevni Avaz, pg 4 ‘Statements on separation of RS are politically pointless’, by Fena, Oslobodjenje, front pg splash and pgs 4-5 ‘Legally unfounded and anti-constitutional right’, by M. K. S., Nezavisne Novine, pg 2 ‘Dodik’s statement is pointless’, by agencies)

SDP: Referendum has no legal basis

Hayat – SDP held its program convention. The party stressed that referendum on division of RS has no legal basis.

SBiH: Ultimate aim of pressures from RS is separation from BiH

Oslobodjenje, front pg splash and pgs 4-5 ‘Legally unfounded and anti-constitutional right’, by M. K. S. – according to ‘Oslobodjenje’, the essence of Saturday’s reactions regarding RS PM Dodik’s statement on referendum is that the idea of referendum is legally unfounded. The papers carry reactions by SDPand Chairman of BiH Presidency, Sulejman Tihic, (see above), as well as reaction by the SBIH, which noted that recent walkout of BiH HoR MPs from the RS and Police Reform Directorate, together with Dodik’s statement, is a proof this is all about a coordinated pressure from the RS the aim of which is to have the constitutional amendments (which were rejected in the BiH HoR) adopted, which in turn would create pre-requisites to organize referendum on separation of RS. (Nezavins Novine, pg 2 ‘RS trying to force adoption of amendments’, by N. N. – carries SBiH statement)

PDP’s Trifkovic calls for equal treatment of all BiH citizens, President of Serbian Liberals Zivkovic says RS cannot compare with Montenegro

BHT1 – PDP’s Nevenka Trifkovic stated that the only way to stop speculations on referendum is to have equal treatment for all BiH citizens. President of Serbian Liberal Party Milorad Zivkovic stated that RS could not compare its position with Montenegro, stressing that the status of RS is clearly defined by the Dayton Peace Agreement. President of Croatian People’s Party Vesna Pusic stressed that in the pre-electoral period it is necessary to avoid any radicalization. OHR requested from Dodik an official explanation of his statement on referendum on status of RS. PDHR Lawrence Butler stressed that RS must respect the Dayton Peace Agreement that recognizes BiH as an independent and sovereign state. BiH Constitutional Court refused to comment Dodik’s statement. (Pink, Dnevni List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘If Kosovo leaves, Republika Srpska leaves too?’, by Sanja Bjelica – carry Butler’s statement, Hayat – carries Pusic, FTV, Oslobodjenje, pg 5 ‘Status of Montenegro incomparable to RS’, not signed – carry Zivkovic

Serb NGOs in favour of referendum on separation

Hayat – carries a feature on possible referendum in RS. Reporter comments that Montenegrin referendum has finally buried the idea of Great Serbia but adds that Serbs in RS do not feel that that is the truth. Chair of Serb national movement “Choice is ours” Dane Cankovic stated that they are gathering signatures in RS in support of the referendum idea. Minister in Radovan Karadzic’s Government, Aleksa Buha,stated that he supported this initiative. Reporter comments that BIH Constitution does not allow referendum in one part of BIH only. SPONA (RS NGO) Chair Branislav Dukic on the other hand claims that according to RS Constitution referendum is possible.  Dukic says that BIH should in fact divide into 3 small states that will be good neighbours. Banja Luka citizens are featured who are mostly in favour of the referendum. Reporter goes on saying that he asked whether Bosniaks in Sandzak should be allowed the same referendum, Dukic, Cankovic and Buha responded with a definite NO. Cankovic and Dukic conclude that referendum in RS is inevitable.

DSS’ Kovacevic: Referendum in case Kosovo is independent

Nezavisne Novine, pg 4 ‘We will ask for referendum for separation of RS’, by V. Po. – President of DSS (Democratic Party of Srpska), Predrag Kovacevic, stated should Kosovo become independent, his party will launch an initiative the aim of which is separation of RS from BiH.

EC, EU: BiH’s integrity unquestionable; OHR: We are yet to receive reply from PM Dodik regarding PDHR’s letter

Dnevni Avaz, front pg splash ‘European Union supports only single BiH’ and pg 4 ‘Integrity of BiH is unquestionable for EU’, by T. L. – Spokesman of EC in BiH, Frane Maroevic, warns that the BiH Constitution does not foresee any possibility of a referendum related to swapping of territory and separation of the RS. “The EU supports only single BiH in internationally recognized borders”, said Maroevic. Christina Gallach, the spokeswoman for the EU High Representative for Foreign Common and Security Policy (Javier Solana), commented: “For the EU the integrity of BiH is unquestionable, therefore we do not consider there is a possibility or organize referendum on separation of RS from BiH”. Regarding PDHR Larry Butler’s request to RS PM Dodik (made on Friday in which the PDHR asks for additional explanations), OHR spokeswoman Sanela Tunovic stated on Saturday that the OHR was yet to receive either an official or unofficial reply, reiterating that the OHR’s position remains the same (that BiH is an internationally recognized and sovereign state). (Oslobodjenje, front pg splash and pgs 4-5 ‘Legally unfounded and anti-constitutional right’, by M. K. S., carries OHR’s reaction)

‘Independent’ warns of Kosovo precedent

Hayat – British newspaper ‘Independent’ warned that Kosovo independence would set a precedent that will allow further division of former Yugoslavia.

Hayat commentary: Iniiative on referendum most dangerous event since war

Hayat – by Vlastimir Mijovic – Reporter comments the statement of RS PM Dodik. Mijovic says that RS is trying to accomplish old goals with a new leader. He adds that Dodik has clearly marked the contours of his national program in a very short time span.  In reporter’s opinion, Dodik was behind the latest withdrawal of Serb MPs from BIH Parliament who conditioned their return with the forming of Commission for Sarajevo . He goes on saying that Dodik’s method and goal are pretty clear whilst the end result is still unknown. Reporter also says that one cannot be certain in assurances of international factors that Kosovo’s independence will not create consequences for BIH. He concludes by saying that a great political offensive from RS is ahead of everyone and adds that this offensive is the most dangerous one since conclusion of war.

Hayat public opinion poll on referendum:

Hayat – What do you think on initiative of politicians from smaller BIH entity who want RS to divide from BIH?

All the citizens who called stated that such thing should never be allowed.

Other Political Developments

Presidency Chairman, SDA leader Tihic: Failure to adopt const. changes could lead to radicalization, HR will soon have to use Bonn powers

Nezavisne Novine, pgs 8-9, mentioned on front ‘Haris Silajdzic is slowing reforms down’, by Natasa Krsman – carries an interview with Chairman of BiH Presidency and President of SDA, Sulejman Tihic, in which he mostly talks about the failure to adopt constitutional changes. He believes that the failure could be a bad sign and lead to radicalization of situation in BiH, and that the failure could have a negative effect on other reforms in BiH, such as police reform and SAA negotiations. As for the culprits for the failure, Tihic points the finger at the people who voted (in the BiH Parliament) against the proposed amendments, foremost at the SBiH led by Haris Silajdzic, whom he describes as people who are not fighting for interests of state, but for their own personal and party interests. Furthermore, Tihic says the failure to enact constitutional changes means BiH will be ‘forced to use services of the High Representative’. In that context, Tihic explains the HR can leave BiH only when the 2^nd phase of constitutional changes is completed, adding that despite wishes of the current HR not to interfere into the work of (BiH) institutions, “I think he will soon have to get involved and use his Bonn powers. Until the Constitution is changed, the High Representative remains”.

SDP presents its agenda for next 4 years, focus on economic, social issues

FTV – SDP presented its agenda for period 2006-2010. Main strategic priorities for SDP in this period will be solving the problems of unemployment and poverty, better personal security for citizens, and perspectives for BiH and life in the country. As concrete tasks for the future period, SDP President Zlatko Lagumdzija outlined the construction of 500 km of highway, as well as free basic healthcare for all citizens. (also reported by Oslobodjenje, pg 7, mentioned on front ‘Convinced in election victory’, by S. Hodzic, Dnevni Avaz, pg 9 ‘We are not party from the past’, by Ad. H., Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Victory in elections has not alternative’, by Danka Polovina-Mandic, Nezavisne Novine, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Main goal is change in power in BiH’, by R. Rakic)

PDP’s Ivanic on pre-election campaign: Party’s focus on economic issues

RTRS – PDP leader, Mladen Ivanic, said at the PDP Assembly, which was held in Bijeljina that PDP would at the upcoming elections support increase of employment, development of villages and agriculture, more efficient health care and better rights of pensioners. (also in Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘PDP preparing for elections’, not signed

NHI: BiH needs to evolve into federation of cantons

RHB – Report by Ankica Jurisic – NHI held its 4^th report assembly in Travnik on Saturday. Report on the work of the party in the last 2 years was presented at the assembly as well guidelines for work in the following period. Reporter comments that many other Croat party representatives were present at the assembly, BIH Presidency member Ivo Miro Jovic being one of them. NHI Chair Kresimir Zubak stated that the main issue that NHI will focus on in the pre-election campaign would be economic program. Zubak also stressed that BIH needs a new constitution, which will enable it to be a state of equal people living in it. He also stressed that entity division in BIH is not sustainable and added that BIH should consist of cantons alone. Oslobodjenje, pgs 4-5 ‘We ant BiH to turn into federal state’, by Fena – Zubak said BiH should evolve into a federal state in which cantons would be its federal units. (also reported by FTV, Dnevni Avaz, pg 8 ‘BiH should evolve into federation of cantons’, not signed, Dnevni List, p 5 ‘Victory in elections has no alternative’, by Danka Polovina-Mandic

Kovacevic re-elected DSS President

RTRS – Predrag Kovacevic was re-elected to the office of DSS President. New Main Board and DSS Presidency were also elected.

RHB: Parties with mostly Bosniak electorate to have Croat candidates in elections

RHB – 5 parties in BIH for which mostly Bosniaks vote plan to have a Croat candidate as member of BIH Presidency. SDA, SDU, BOSS, SzBIH and SDP will all have Croat candidates on their lists. Presenter comments that these parties have a great chance to end up representing Croats in BIH.

Oslobodjenje commentary: HR should ask citizens what MPs are doing for them, not MPs how to live of 200 KMs a month

Oslobodjenje, pg 9 ‘Resolute man’, by Senka Kurtovic – the author notes in an ironic tone that the Chairman of BiH CoM, Adnan Terzic, is “a real resolute man” after he initially stated he would never agree to forming of the Sarajevo Commission (for determining truth on suffering of peoples), only to break his word a couple of days later. The author also comments on the speech by the HR, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, before the BiH Parliament, in which the HR asked the MPs whether they knew what it was like to live of 200 KMs a month the way pensioners in BiH do. Kurtovic argues the HR made a mistake by posing the question to MPs since to them 200 KMs is peanuts, instead the HR should be asking the citizens what people’s representatives are doing for them.

NN: RS Minister Cadjo to decide on RS Police Director in next few days

Nezavisne Novine, pg 4 ‘Final decision in few days’, by V. P. – NN’s source in the RS MoI confirmed the RS Interior Minister, Stanislav Cadjo, will reach a decision on nomination of Uros Pena for the office of RS Police Director in next few days. Pena was nominated by the Independent Board for appointment of Police Director last Friday.

Serbian President Tadic in Podgorica: Serbian institutions would recognize Montenegrin independence

RTRS – By Tihomir Burzanovic – Serbian President Boris Tadic travelled to Podgorica where met with Montenegro President Filip Vujanovic, Montenegro Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and former SCG President Svetozar Marovic. Tadic said that all Serbian institutions would recognize Montenegro independence. Tadic travelled to Montenegro in order to talk about the future relations. Tadic said that statements that came from Serbia and that stressed importance of strong borders and barriers with Montenegro are irresponsible. (also reported by RHB, Pink, BHT1, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz, pg 13 ‘Serbia will observe everything citizens of Montenegro decide on’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine, pg 5 ‘Define new political relations as soon as possible’, by Beta)

Stability Pact’s Busek: Pact to shut down in 2008, Regional Cooperation Council to take over

Dnevni Avaz, pg 5, mentioned on front ‘Stability Pact will be shut down in early 2008’, by Lana Sinanovic – carries an interview with the South-east Europe Stability Pact Special Coordinator, Erhard Busek, who announces that the Pact could be shut down in early 2008, which could be followed by establishment of the RCC (Regional Cooperation Council) that would be run by leaders of Southeast Europe countries. Busek believes the Pact has achieved a lot, foremost in prevention of conflicts and strengthening of regional cooperation, adding that the RCC, once established, would focus on 5 issues: economic development; development of infrastructure; justice and internal affairs; security cooperation and education and science.

War Crimes

BiH Constitutional Court : Governments at all levels not fulfilling Court’s decision regarding missing persons

RTRS – BiH Constitutional Court (BiH CC) determined that BiH Council of Ministers, FBiH, RS and Brcko District Governments have not fully fulfilled decisions of the BiH CC regarding the missing persons from the previous war. The BiH CC reported that decisions were partly fulfilled since families got information on their missing family members but the functioning of the institutions, which were established in accordance with the Law on missing persons, was not established. The BiH CC will submit report to BiH Prosecution regarding the failure to fulfil the decisions of the BiH CC. (also reported by FTV, Oslobodjenje, pg 6, mentioned on front ‘New president elected’, not signed, Dnevni Avaz, pg 2 ‘Hatidza Hadziosmanovic new president of BiH Constitutional Court’, not signed

Visegrad: Bosniaks paying respect to 3000 killed and missing

BHT1 – Armela Subasic – Family members of victims gathered on Saturday in Visegrad for memorial ceremony for over 3.000 Bosniaks who were killed in this area during the war. Remains of only 200 victims have been found so far. Head of Association “Women Victims of War” Bakira Hasecic stated that many war criminals are still working as police officers. RTRS – Omer Brankovic, RS Deputy President, asked that the war crimes indictees be processed. He also said that return should be supported for those who want to return. (also reported  by Oslobodjenje, pg 8, mentioned on front ‘Criminals still freely walking through town’, by Elvira Aganovic, Dnevni Avaz, pg 3 ‘Eternity is not enough to forget horrors of Visegrad’, mentioned on front ‘Remembering day when Drina was stained with blood’, by A. Bajramovic

Miscellaneous

BiH Constitutional Court elects its new President

BHT1, Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje, pg 6, mentioned on front ‘New president elected’, not signed, Dnevni Avaz, pg 2 ‘Hatidza Hadziosmanovic new president of BiH Constitutional Court’, not signed, Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘President of Constitutional Court is Hatidza Hadziosmanovic’, not signed – BiH Constitutional Court elected its new President and Vice Presidents. The new President of BiH CC is Hatidza Hadziosmanovic, and the Vice Presidents are Miodrag Simovic, Valerija Galic and David John Feldman (spelling?). Their mandates will last three years.

Srebrenica authorities say situation in municipality improving, citizens see no future

BHT1 – Samir Kahrovic – Manifestation “Days of Srebrenica” was opened on Saturday in Srebrenica. Featured citizens of Srebrenica feel that they don’t have any future in this town, stressing that many are unemployed. Municipality officials claim that the situation is significantly improving.

BiH Employment Agency: 515.052 unemployed

RHB – BIH Employment Agency released that 515 052 persons are unemployed in BIH according to data as end of April. Agency stressed that unemployment has risen by 5.92% when compared to last year.