OHR BiH Media Round-up, 28/7/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

3^rd round of SAA talks started in SA

3^rd round of SAA negotiations started

BiH delegation returns from Libya

HDZ on RTV channel on Croat lang.

Council of EU on EUSR mandate

3^rd round of SAA negotiations started

BiH HoP, CoM in session

CEFTA negotiation ongoing well

Problems of Lukavac Soda Factory

SDHR re Law on Conflict of Interests

Tihic on visit to Libya

RS Gov. starts “Guillotine Process”

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

SA stock market transactions

30 kg of platinum stolen in Gorazde

CoM session

Two new Ministries to be established

Bijeljina Prosecution raises charges

3^rd round of SAA negotiations

SAA 3^rd round in Sarajevo

FBiH Government in session

Sarajevo Commission session

FBiH Govt on telecom privatization

Brcko District to sue Nicholl/Causevic

BIH HoP session

Oslobodjenje

I do not feel named in Islamic Community Leader’s message [Tihic]

Dnevni Avaz

Cengic’s nine questions for Tihic [re. sale of weapons to Iraq ]

Dnevni List

Biggest congestions this week (DL expecting big crowds of border crossings with Croatia)

Vecernji List

Death of a baby (family tragedy in Croatia)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Police and moralists chased away ‘devils from hell’ (local story from Livno)

Nezavisne Novine

F BiH Government spent BAM 5.5. million only on fuel

Glas Srpske

Freedom is the highest goal

EuroBlic

Regulations on “guillotine”

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related topics

Economic issues and audits

Third round of SAA negotiations takes place in Sarajevo :

3^rd round of SAA negotiations started in Sarajevo ; accent on trade, industry, agriculture, customs and taxes

BHT1 by Marina Boskovic – Third round of technical negotiations on Stabilization and Association Agreement between BiH and the EU on matters of trade, industry, agriculture, customs and taxes has commenced on Thursday in Sarajevo, and will continue on Friday. BHT 1 comments the stances of EU and BiH regarding trade relations are getting closer, but the concrete agreements are yet to follow. After BiH signs the SAA, customs charges from a group of imported products will be immediately annulled. The second group of products will be charged with 5% and 10% customs rate. BiH wants to keep customs charges for some products as long as possible, in order to protect the domestic products. BiH Chief Negotiator Igor Davidovic said this refers mainly to domestic dairy products, however he adds the customs rates for this group of products have not yet been agreed. Reporter noted that for the EU, the list of products BiH wants to protect by customs is too long. Head of Department for West Balkan in EC’s General Directorate for Enlargement, Dirk Lange, explained that the EU countries are especially interested in one group of products, and they demand customs exemption for them. Local producers warn that the negotiations most not cause opening of market which would become engulfed by cheap products from developed countries. Savo Marijanac from BiH Chamber of Commerce said that it is necessary to make a detailed analysis and make a political decision on which economy branches are going to be protected. The fourth and final round of SAA negotiations is planned at the end of 2006. However, EU announced that many more compromises need to be reached in order to complete the negotiations. FTV – EC assessed that the technical negotiations with BiH are going on well, and that there should be no obstacles its successful completion. However, they underlined important reforms must follow negotiation process, and stresses PBS, public administration and police reforms must be completed.Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Getting stances closer to each other’ by Z.Domazet – daily carries Lange as expressing hope that talks would end until the end of year, stressing in order to achieve this, “many compromises” should be made, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘BiH insists on protection of domestic production’ by M.Cubro – reports that according to unofficial information, BiH will insist on overall transition period of eight years, with expiration of which BiH will have fully abolished customs for all products from EU. Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Different interests of negotiating team’, by D. P. Mandic, Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Fish, milk and meat slowing down negotiations with EU’, by Eldina Medunjanin – the author underlines that, when it comes to protection of BiH products in terms of keeping customs tariffs, most time during negotiations was dedicated to protection of fishing industry in BiH. Hayat, PINK, RHB, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Decision of the Constitutional Court will slow down reforms’ by T.Lazovic – also reported.

RS authorities would annul 27.9% of regulations in process of “guillotine of regulations” to improve business environment

PINK By Ljubisa Davidovic – 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.  These annulments and changes refer to regulations in business sector. Based on that, RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik who is Chair of the Council announced annulling 37 acts of the RS Government and changes to the 31 laws in 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 annul 27.9% of these regulations,” said Dodik. Regarding the regulations on inspections, RS council agreed to abolish half of 2474 regulations in order, as Dodik explained, to effectively coordinate all inspection bodies. RTRS- USAID BIH Director Howard Sumka stated that “guillotine of regulations” will cut through unnecessary measures that prevent investments in BIH. This process will be implemented at the local level in its final stages. BHt1, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Clash with bureaucratic manners’ by G.Dakic – reports on announced annulment of 57 acts previous RS Governments reached, EuroBlic cover splash, RSpg 3 ‘Regulations on “guillotine” by Tijana Veselinovic, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Guillotine of regulations annuls and changes regulations’ by O.V – also covered.

FBiH Govt discusses privatization of telecoms: two proposals submitted to Parliament; DA speculates both Houses to decide within 15 days

Hayat- At its Thursday session, FBiH Government has discussed document entitled ‘FBiH Telecommunication Sector Privatisation Policy’ forwarding it to the FBiH Parliament for procedure after which the privatisation process should be launched. The Government has tasked FBiH Ministry of Transport and Communications and FBiH Privatization Agency to submit proposals privatization method for both BH Telecom and HT Mostar. Two options of privatisation for both operators has been proposed. According to the first one for privatisation of BH Telecom, minimum of 51% of state capital will be privatised, and maximum of 39% will remain in property of Government, with possibility of sale in the second privatisation phase. The second version foresees the sale of maximum 39% of state-owned capital and preservation of 51%, with possibility of sale in the second privatisation phase. “The Government has not taken stance on any of the two proposed options, because it did not want to impact the Parliament’s discussion…Parliament is the strongest body in FBiH, before Government’s final decision…the most responsible ones have to face moves made by the RS and challenge on election of a quality strategic partner…these are not only economic decisions, these are first-class political decisions”, says FBiH Minister of Transport and Communications Nedzad Brankovic. FTV- FBiH Government also discussed the document entitled “Analysis of laws on force causing FBiH operators inefficient”. The Government will request the official stance of BiH Council of Ministers on this document. Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Share in HT Mostar for sale’, by Dejan Jazvic – notes that when it comes to the HT Mostar, the first proposal foresees sale of the whole state capital to a strategic investor, whilst the second proposal foresees the FBiH would maintain between 51 and 56% of its share in the company. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Parliament to decide on sale of BH Telecom and HT Mostar within 15 days’ by M.Kukan– As DA learns both Houses of FBiH Parliament would discuss the two options within 15 days. Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Voting on telecoms’ privatization postponed’ by A.Av– carried by EMM. RHB, BHT 1, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Two versions for privatization’– also reported.

Brcko District announces lawsuit against ITA SB Chair Nicholl, Director Causevic deeming decreasing coefficient for Brcko was illegal

FTV By Halid Rifatbegovic – Following the decision of the Indirect Administration Taxation Steering Board on establishing coefficients for allocation of public revenues, the authorities of Brcko District have expressed harsh reactions, stating at the press conference on Thursday that a decision is illegal and harmful for District. [Note: At the session of ITA SB held on Tuesday in Banja Luka, members of the Steering Board have passed a decision on setting provisional coefficients for allocation of public revenues from single account. ITA SB members have decided to increase coefficient for the RS to 31.2%, FBiH coefficient was set at 65.9%, while coefficient to Brcko District was decreased to 2.9%.] Authorities in Brcko now claims that this would cause a 20 millin KM damage to its budget. Brcko Mayor Mirsad Djapo announced that the District is going to file lawsuit against Head of ITA Steering Board Peter Nicholl and ITA Director Kemal Causevic. Djapo also announced demanding an annulment of decision on distribution coefficients and payment of compensation for damage to the budget caused by it. Chair of Brcko District Assembly Milan Tomic said that the evidence on illegality of decision on coefficients can be found in different statements which clearly say that such decision is illegal and harmful for the District. Djapo announced that Brcko District authorities are also going to demand revision of decision on distribution coefficients for 2005. He announced that Brcko District expects full support of judiciary system and other relevant state institutions. RTRS, Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Revenues to entities over Brcko’s back’, by A. Pranjkic, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Criminal reports against Nicholl and Causevic’ by N.Ta.-P.K., Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Brcko District would suit Causevic and Nicholl’ by E.R., Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Criminal charges against Nicholl and Causevic’ by Onasa – reported.

ITA Director Causevic: ITA and I are not deciding on coefficients for allocating of revenues

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Causevic: I am not deciding on coefficients of allocation’ by T.L– “Citizens of Brcko District and BiH should know that me nor the Indirect Taxation Administration are in any way deciding on coefficients for allocation of revenues from the single account,” said ITA Director Kemal Causevic, for DA. He commented the announcement of Brcko District authorities to press charges against him and ITA Steering Board Head Peter Nicholl and said: “We are performing a function of executive body and we have to comply with decisions of the ITA SB, without getting into whether they are just or not. I will be sorry if they press charges. I believe that this would be the road that would harm everyone,” said Causevic. Nicholl told DA that he doesn’t want to comment these announcements.

Audit Report on work of F BiH Government: BAM 5.5. million spent only on fuel

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pg 5 ‘F BiH Government spent BAM 5.5. million only on fuel’ by R.Cengic – The Report of the F BiH Audit Office reads that during the year of 2005, the F BiH Government has spent the amount of BAM 5.5 million only on fuel, which is for 45% more than last year in spite of the fact tat some bodies were either closed or transferred into state level. Ibrahim Okanovic, Chief Auditor in F BiH, has stated: “We have completed 47 Reports, out of which 18 were negatively assessed, 28 got conditional positive assessment, while one Report on Institute for Pension and Disability Insurance got assessment with reserve.”Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Financial discipline better’, by Fena – the audit report shows that the financial discipline in the public sector in the FBiH has improved with introduction of system of treasury, however the assessment by the FBiH Audit Office says the discipline is not good enough. Most irregularities and complaints are related to bad planning of budgets (by public institutions), system of internal control is weak, lack of mid and long term planning and violations of Law on public procurement. BHT1, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Citizens paid departure to the hajj pilgrimage and to Lurd’ by A.Omeragic also reported.

Political issues

BiH CoM passes amendments to Law on CoM thus establishing two new Ministries; amendments passed without Serb Ministers

RTRS By Zorica Rulj – At its Thursday’s session, Council of Ministers passed amendments to the law on CoM foreseeing establishment of two new Ministries i.e. BIH Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Development and BIH Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment. Decision was made by majority of votes without support from Serb Ministers i.e. Serb Ministers voted against. The law also foresees the abolition of position of second deputy of BIH Defence Minister, thus ensuring national parity in future CoM convocation. CoM also defined transfer of authorities from OHR to local authorities regarding vetting procedure of candidates for CoM Chair, Ministers and their deputies. Reporter comments that the basic objection towards the establishment of 2 new Ministries is the fact that the competences of the Ministries were not determined. “Competences of new Ministries will be defined by a new law that is being prepared”, says CoM General Secretary Zvonimir Kutlesic. RHB, PINK, BHT1, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Two new ministries’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Establishment of two new state ministries enabled’ by M.Cubro, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Decision on new ministries without votes of Serb Ministers’ by T.Lazovic, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Two new ministries’ not signed  – also covered.

HDZ greets FBiH CC decision on FBiH PBS: Croats are entitled to have their own RTV channel, SDA’s Ajanovic reckons new proposal of law after elections

RHB, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 8 ‘HDZ BiH commends decision by FBiH Constitutional Court’, by F, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Decision of F BiH Constitutional Court welcomed’ by G.G., Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Demand for establishment of RTV channel in Croat language is justified’ by Fena – HDZ BiH welcomed the latest decision of the Council for Protection of Vital National Interests within the FBiH Constitutional Court; this Council decided that the proposal of the Law on Public RTV Service, adopted in the FBiH House of Peoples without the assent of Croatian representatives, was destructive for vital national interests of Croat people in BiH. HDZ BiH deems that Croat people in BiH are entitled to have a RTV channel on Croatian language, which would enable them to be equal in the field of informing. The channel on Croatian language will assure protection of vital national interests of Croats in BiH, and create conditions for equal treatment of informative, scientific, cultural, sport and educational shows in Croatian language in BiH media space, concluded HDZ.  Dnevni List, pg 10 ‘Decision on third channel after elections’, by Dario Pusic – apart from carrying HDZ BiH’s statement, DL carries president of SDA Main Board, Irfan Ajanovic, who says the FBiH CC’s decision has to be respected. He adds it is now down to the FBiH Government to prepare a new proposal of the law, which should be in harmony with the FBiH CC’s decision, however he reckons it can only be done after the elections because the Government has not time any more. (Ajanovic does not mention establishment of a third channel (in Croatian language))

EC’s Dirk Lange: Decision of FBiH Const. Court re PBS will slow down reforms

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Decision of the Constitutional Court will slow down reforms’ by T.Lazovic– Head of Department for BiH and Albania in EC Directorate for enlargement Dirk Lange told DA that he is surprised that FBiH Constitutional Court has passed a decision which is in contradiction with BiH CC’s decision. This regard to FBiH CC ruling that FBiH Law on PBS is detrimental for Croat vital national interest. This Law was strongly supported by the EC and its passing was one of the main obligations for signing of Stabilization and Association Agreement. “Now we will have to analyse counts in which they believe that a problem exists. According to first reading of the decision, they say that possibility of discrimination is not ruled out, and not that there is discrimination,” said Lange. He said that Law would now be returned to FBiH Parliament and stresses that this whole procedure would slow down reform process in BiH and influence the Report, which the EC would submit in October. If this Report should be negative the EC will not recommend signing of the SAA.

SNSD presents its pre-election slogan: for RS: Go Srpska!: for FBiH: Go Srpska! Go Federation!; SNSD will never be in coalition with SDS

RHB, Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘’Go Srpska’ on SNSD’s posters’, not signed– SNSD has promoted its pre-election slogan, ‘Go Srpska!’, which represents the continuation of previous slogan ‘A good for all’. The slogan for FBiH will probably be ‘Go Srpska and Federation!’. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Door for two mandates’ by D.Mo. – carries SNSD Main Board Member Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Door for two mandates’ by D.Mo. – carries Vasic saying their goals is to “win 51% votes and hence win two mandates”. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘SNSD will never go in coalition with SDS’ by V.Popovic –Vasic stated at Thursday’s press conference in Banja Luka that the SNSD will never neither has it ever formed coalition with the SDS, since SNSD’ strategic goal is to see SDS leave political scene in this state. He rejected claims allegedly placed by SDS that SNSD has agreed to form coalition with SDS, stressing such coalition is not possible since “SDS is a promoter and implementer of justification of crime committed by them under the firm of protection of Serb-hood”.

RS Min Radmanovic: we will prevent, by all means possible, that young people go to war again in this region

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Freedom is the highest goal’ by R.Jelic – Attending the marking of 65^th anniversary of Uprising of BiH peoples against fascism at Donja Trnova (near Ugljevik, where remains of 567 soldiers, wounded at Sutjeska were buried) during World War II, Nebojsa Radmanovic, RS Minister of Management and Local Self-governance stated that times change, state borders change, hymns change, but memories on soldiers and heroes remain and we are obligated to remember them. He also stated: “I am sending a message to those blowing war trumpets today that we will prevent, by all means possible, that young people go to war again in this region. We have all conditions to live how we deserve regardless of who is in what state. The rivers cannot and will not be borders and will not divide neither families or friends. Therefore we should all work to make it better for all of us.”

GS op-ed about presidential race in RS: manager is in fashion, politician is telling stories

Glas Srpske op-ed pg 2 ‘Manager is in fashion, politician is telling stories’ by Boro Maric – Writing about election race for RS president, for which current RS President Dragan Cavic and RS Minister of Industry Milan Jelic also candidated, the author reminds Jelic has once lost for this position from Cavic, but at the time when he was not so prominent unlike present time. According to Maric, Jelic is now a enterprising and energetic minister, with aureole of respected manager, respected university professor. The author underlines the importance of the fact Jelic does not have a single “stain” or scandal in his career, unlike Cavic, whom affair with Brod Refinery will be like “sword behind neck”. Author reiterates the political strength of SNSD as the party at the present time.

SDA leader Tihic: I do not think mufti Cerci was talking about me when criticising Bosniak politicians

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘I do not feel named in Islamic Community Leader’s message’ by Sefko Hodzic– BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic told daily that he doesn’t feel the Islamic Community Leader Mustafa Effendi Ceric on Saturday talked about him when he was criticising Bosniak politicians at the opening of mosque in Glamoc on Saturday. Daily notes that ‘many’ believe that Ceric has talked about Tihic as a main culprit for things going on and decided to support SBiH leader Haris Silajdzic instead. “I see statement of Effendi Ceric as a concern expressed by the religious leader over disunity of Bosniaks, which is probably among other things, the consequence of [talks on] constitutional amendments and everything that followed after,” said Tihic. He was very vague when answering whether Ceric supported Silajdzic, stressing that he think that Islamic Community should not be supporting any party. Inset ‘It is pure nonsense to bring me in relation with fabricated processes’- Commenting recent speculations accusing him and SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija of fabricating political affairs, Tihic denied these allegations stressing in time of Lagumdzija’s Government SDA was in opposition. “Those who are attacking me now, especially SBiH, were in coalition with SDP. Those papers that are now giving space to attacks on me and to those fabrications, are same that awarded Lagumdzija with “Man of the Year” award,” said Tihic.

SDA MP in BiH HoP Cengic submits 9 questions to BiH presidency Chair re. sale of BiH weapons to Iraq

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 2 ‘Cengic’s nine questions for Tihic’ by E.Sarac– At Thursday’s session of BiH House of Peoples, SDA MP Hasan Cengic asked BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic, nine questions. All these questions regard to information, which recently appeared in the public, about sale of BiH weapons to Iraq. In statement to DA, Cengic explained that he did this because of unclear situation whether the weapons were really sold or not. “Questions were submitted to Tihic, because he is a current Chair of the Presidency, which according the BiH Law on Defence, has a role of civil command and has to be informed about decisions that are being passed,” said Cengic.  Among other things, Cengic asked Tihic whose end certificate was used for carrying out of this job? Which company carried the job out? How much money was gained trough this job? In what purposes the money was spent?

NN op-ed urges identification of perpetrators and those who ordered incidents across BiH, which increase during pre-election campaigns

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Dangerous games’ by Dragan Risojevic – Writing about incidents taking place across BiH (reminding of incident at Konjevic Polje, Mostar, Banja Luka settlement of Vrbanja), the author notes that unfortunately these incidents take place across the state, noting there is not much ethnically mixed communities in BiH where incidents do not increase with approach of elections. Risojevic underlines the state apparatus – now more than ever before – must take with the issue and identify those who ordered these incidents and also penalise perpetrators of them. He also says great responsibility rests with media, who should be reporting objectively on these incidents rather than taking sides and hence pour more oil on the fire.

BiH For Min meets his Serbian counterpart: To Kosovo status through agreement

Dnevni List, pg 11 ‘Kosovo dangerous for region’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘To Kosovo status through agreement’ by N.N., Vecenje Novosti pg 5 ‘No imposition’ by unsigned – The press release issued by the BiH Foreign Ministry regarding meeting Mladen Ivanic, BiH Foreign Minister, had with his Serbian counterpart Vuk Draskovic in Belgrade Thursday says that the meeting concluded the agreement on future status of Kosovo and Metohija should be identified through compromise between Pristina and Belgrade, since any imposed solution contrary to UN Charter and international law could result in serious consequences in the entire region.

DL op-ed on Kosovo-BiH connection: IC’s reactions on referendum statements ‘too mild’

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘BiH and Kosovo’, by Pejo Gasparevic – commenting on the future status of Kosovo and whether the issue will have an effect on BiH, Gasparevic notes that leaders of the RS, namely the RS PM and President, Milorad Dodik and Dragan Cavic respectively, mentioned a possibility of organization of separation referendum in the RS should Kosovo become independent or several occasions, arguing that the IC confronted such thoughts ‘too mildly’. The author goes on to say that the July edition of a prominent magazine ‘Le Monde diplomatique’ analyzed the situation pertaining to situation in Kosovo, by warning that should Serbia get the RS as a sort of compensation for loss of Kosovo, it could cause big troubles for all the borders in the region.

SDHR Bas-Backer: Law on Conflict of Interests should be changed by September

RHB– The Senior Deputy High Representative, Peter Bas-Backer, warned that the Law on Conflict of Interest should be amended by September, the spokesperson of the Banja Luka OHR, Ljiljana Radetic, said on Thursday. She said that PDHR deems there is obviously very limited time for the Transfer Agreement to be signed by both Prime Ministers, adopted by entity Parliaments, and then to go through the Parliament procedure at the State level. However, given the importance that the amended Law becomes applicable from the beginning of the new Assembly mandate of Cantons, Entities and State, the Ambassador is convinced that it is worth making extra-efforts.   BHT1- RS Government should complete the necessary procedures for passing of these amendments in August. FBiH Government is expected to do the same already next week. BiH Council of Ministers should send the amendment to the Parliament Assembly urgently, so that the Assembly can pass them by September.  Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Little time to transfer authorities’, not signed, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘OHR: Changes to law on conflict of interest are necessary’, by ra

Police reform

HR CSS’ column in dailies: Police reform for safer life

Vecernji List, pg 6 ‘Police reform for safer life’, mentioned on front ‘Crime and corruption are scourge of BiH’, by Christian Schwarz-Schilling – carries a column signed by the High Representative for BiH, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, in which he comments on the ongoing police reform in BiH, by underlining that the reform has to be implemented in order to provide better security to BiH families and have better structures in combating crime in general. The HR argues that the text of the Agreement of police reform was proposed by Milorad Dodik (the then and current leader of SNSD) and Dragan Cavic (leader of SDS and RS President), which was accepted by the FBIH-based parties and the IC. The HR continues: “In the Agreement, the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and both entities also committed themselves to supporting the work of a Police Directorate, which would prepare an expert proposal on an implementation plan for restructuring the police system. The Directorate was duly established by a vote of the Council of Ministers last December. In this way, it was also endorsed by Serb Ministers nominated by the leading political parties in Republika Srpska. (…) By putting this plan in doubt, the authorities of Republika Srpska are risking delaying finalisation of the SAA, thereby setting Bosnia and Herzegovina back on the road to Europe. Police reform will re-enter the arena of political discussion after the Directorate finishes its work. Governments and parliaments will then adopt the final reform.” Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 8 ‘Police reform for safer life’ by Christian Schwarz Schilling, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Polcie reform will help BiH to become safer’, mentioned on cover ‘I closely monitor how politicians act’, by CSS – both carried op-ed by HR to BiH, Christian Schwarz Schilling, stressing the importance of police reform (same as in VL)

OHR: It is clear PRD SB faced problems; EUPM: Certain new SB Chair would do good job

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 inset ‘OHR: Directorate had problems in its work’ – OHR spokesperson, Oleg Milisic, commented: “We are all clear that the Police Reform Directorate has been encountering problems in its work to date, but we could not say much more than that nor we would comment the issue of extending the deadline for adoption of final proposal.” Inset ‘EUPM believes that good plan will be prepared’ – EUPM spokesperson, Zinaida Ilaria said that the Mission deems Sarajevo Police Commissioners and new PRD SB Chair Himzo Selimovic is competent and experienced police official. “We are certain he will do good job during his mandate… EUPM is certain that good plan will be submitted to authorities for approval.”

EX PRD SB Chair Dumancic: SB rejects idea of separate special police unit; to discuss model of police regions in September

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Plan to establish separate special police was rejected’ by Az. Kalamujic – Former Chair of the Police Reform Directorate Steering Board, Vinko Dumancic, told daily that the plan under which the new police structure in BiH should have also included separate special police unit was rejected at the PRD SB’s session on Wednesday. He explained that the special police unit will, after all, stay within SIPA, while only the director of the local police regions would have a separate support unit. PRD SB established the police of police organization at state level and it is expected to adopt it at the session on 16 August. After that, SB members are expected to start discussing local police region. In this context, Dumancic says that the SB on Wednesday gave green light to the Directorate’s executive body to prepare the model of the local police regions to be discussed in September.

New PRD SB Selimovic: If we do our job by 30 Nov, we’ll not be late for singing SAA; reform cannot be completed w/out consent of politicians

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘We cannot finish without consent of politicians’ by E. Sarac – Newly elected Chair of the Police Reform Directorate Steering Board, Sarajevo Police Commissioner Himzo Selimovic, told daily he believes that “relevant political factors will be responsible towards the citizens of this country and would find a compromise respecting three European principles.” He notes that the reform cannot be completed without consent of politicians. Commenting postponing a deadline for preparation of final police structure model until 30 November, PRD SB Chair says: “Having in mind all condition sunder which Directorate worked lately and the workload, all of us concluded that the original deadline [note: Sept. 30] cannot be met for objective reasons… If we carry out our tasks… by 30 November, we will not be late for signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement.  However, we are aware of the fact that the final decision is with the relevant political factors, both executive and legal authorities. “ Selimovic concluded he hopes to be succeed by the representative of Serb people.    

SNSD: Extending deadline PRD SB just admitted trying ‘fishing in troubled waters’

RHB– Commenting the extension of a deadline for creating the proposal of a model for the future police reform, unnamed SNSD representatives stressed that – by extending deadline – ‘self-proclaimed’ Police Reform Directorate practically admitted that it tried ‘to fish in troubled waters’, adding that domestic and foreign troublemakers obviously did not understand that Milorad Dodik’s Government is not like previous RS Governments, which used to ‘put their tail between their legs’ on every sign from Sarajevo and the Office of the High Representative. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘SNSD will never go in coalition with SDS’ by V.Popovic – carries the same quote on PRD by SNSD’ Main Board member Rajko Vasic.

DEPOS’ Cenic accuses SDS of hiding behind veil of referendum reg. police reform

Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Cavic agreed on police reform with Terzic’ by V.Popovic – Svetlana Cenic, Head of the DEPOS Election Center, Thursday stated that it is not clear to her why SDS is not referring to referendum option in regard to police reform since Dragan Cavic, SDS leader, agreed on Agreement on police reform in BiH with Adnan Terzic, Chair of BiH Council of Ministers. Cenic accused SDS of hiding behind the veil of referendum, raising the issue of why the Agreement on police reform was not supplemented when RS Government led by Pero Bukejlovic asked it from Cavic and Dusan Stojicic. She added: ‘They should first explain at Parliament how the Agreement on police reform was reached and what was signed under the table.” She also added that the proposal on Agreement even handed note written on it “Paddy’s last version”. (referring to former HR to BiH, Paddy Ashdown.)

War crimes and judiciary

Sarajevo Commission determines its programme submit it to CoM; Commission failed to agree whether would investigate the material damage

FTV – Commission for investigating the truth about sufferings of Sarajevo citizens in period 1992-1995 adopted the programme of their work. However, the Commission didn’t agree if its is going to consider material damages. The work program has been submitted to BiH Council of Ministers for verification. As founder of the Commission, BiH CoM will have to provide legal interpretation and decide if the body is in charge of investigating material damages. Head of the Commission Ivica Marinovic said that Serb members of Commission Dobrislav Planojevic and Miroslav Jankovic, as well as Croat member Mirko Prskalo voted against this option. RTRS – Marinovic stated that this issue has been a problem since the beginning and added that all Serb members and one Croat member oppose this request.  “We are now obliged to consult Council of Ministers regarding this issue”, says Marinovic. Reporter comments that the CoM opinion will be available only after summer recess of the CoM. Marinovic stated that the members of the Commission managed to agree on subject, space and time of research so far as well as methodology of the research. Reporter comments that financial resources were not mentioned. Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Determining material damages’, not signed, Vecernji List, pg 5 ‘Commission for establishing truth’, by ra, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Some members demand material damage to be investigated’ by N.Krsman 

HJPC Chair: It is not important who appointed judges, but whether they are discredited

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘It is important that judges are not discredited’, mentioned on cover, by A. Avdic – The President of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council Branko Petric underlines that for the HJPC it is not important who has appointed the judge, but “it is important that people were not discredited.” Following the story daily published on Thursday [see Morning Media Brief July 27] of six judges and prosecutors who still work in RS judiciary despite the fact they were appointed by Radovan Karadzic, Petric told daily that “HJPC did not find anything questionable when appointing these people. I should add that public opinion was a factor too.”  Asked whether he finds nothing disputable of the fact of these judges working, Petric answers by concluding: “If you want to go there, you should also mention those judges working for the BiH Court who, during the war, were questioning prisoners in Viktor Bubanj military barrack, which was concentration camp.” Petric did not disclose names of those judges.

Daily op-ed: It is time for new judicial reform in BiH

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Judges still keeping RS’ op-ed by Senad Mesetovic – Referring to the issue of the six judges and prosecutors working in the RS judiciary despite being appointed in June 1992 by Radovan Karadzic, author notes that that “idea of the international community to establish HJPC which would monitor the work of judges and prosecutors was good one.” Noting difficulties caused by the HJPC work, author [without criticism of the institution] mentions a lot of people stayed without jobs for a number of reasons. However, “even more trouble was caused once the list and biographies of newly appointed judges and prosecutors were published.” Not only that a number of them had not significant experience in judiciary, comments the author, but also some were appointed by people like Karadzic. “It is clear that the HJPC’s reforms were not crucial, but just formal…[they] should finally start doing their jobs. Reforms they carried out not only failed to produce anticipated results but the current situation in judiciary appears even worse than before. Indictments and verdicts are failing, one by one, and processes are being delayed… It is time for new judicial reforms in BiH,” concludes the author.

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

SDS Cavic accuses SDA of orchestrating incident in Konjevic polje; calls on Bosniaks and Serbs not to be caught in it

BH Radio 1 by Radmila Grubisa– RS President Dragan Cavic today accused SDA for being standing behind “political group that provokes ethnic tensions in Srebrenica”. At the press conference in Banja Luka, Cavic stated that latest attack against members of RS Interior Ministry in Konjevic polje proves there is a continuity “of extremism…of Bosniaks, especially of returnees, after the verdict to Naser Oric” in Srebrenica. “Political group, lead by SDA is standing behind this,” said Cavic. RTRS – Cavic has called on all citizens especially of Serb nationality not to be taken in inter-ethnic provocations, as well as on Bosniak returnees not to allow being subject of political instrumentation of those, who want to make their lives miserable with an aim to achieve their short-term political, and mainly election needs. He also said he has called on RS Interior Ministry to undertake measures, regardless of who has instigated incidents and prevent any incident. Cavic said that status of Serbs in the area of F BiH raises concerns. Speaking of recent incident in Brcko (when several Wahhabis beat up on Serb, as RTRS notes), he says this represents a horrifying warning to BiH citizens on such unwanted occurrences.

RS President Cavic says no to 2 new ministries in BiH CoM until ‘story on const. changes is over’

RHB, BH Radio 1 – President of RS Dragan Cavic stated in Banja Luka today that establishment of two new ministries within the BiH CoM was impossible until ‘the story on changes to the BiH Constitution on basis of agreement and amendments agreed in March this year is over’. Introduction of 2 new ministries, Agriculture and Rural development; and Science, Technology and Environment was agreed by the BiH CoM on Thursday without support of Serb ministers.

3^rd round of SAA negotiations end in Sarajevo, both sides note progress

RHB– Third round of SAA technical negotiations between BiH and EU ended in Sarajevo today. RHB notes that according to negotiators, positions of BiH and EU regarding trade related issue have become a lot closer. According to the Head of Department for west Balkans with the EC General Directorate for Enlargement, Dirk Lange, BiH and EU’s positions regarding trade issues are getting closer, however many issues are still open. He again reiterated that key reforms need to be implemented in BiH, such as police reform, reform to PBS system and cooperation with the ICTY. According to BiH Chief Negotiation for SAA talks, Igor Davidovic, he is happy with the course of negotiations because both sides are showing more understanding in comparison to last round of negotiations.

Mostar City Council session interrupted, issue of HTV Mostar causes interruption

RHB– Session of the Mostar City Counci (MCC) was interrupted today at the request of the Croat Caucus. The request was made prior to voting on the Decision on transfer of rights over ‘Hercegovacka TV’ d.o.o. Mostar (HTV). President of the Croat Caucus, Mladen Margeta, requested the postponement because they (referring to the Croat Caucus) did not have enough time to consult their partners in the MCC about the Decision. According to the MCC President, Murat Coric, it is likely the issue should be harmonized among the councillors by end of August when the MCC should be in session again.

Economic issues

BiH gets precedence status on Libyan market 

BHT1 by Mubarek Asani – Delegation of BiH businessmen lead by BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic returned from official visit to Libya. The visit has been assessed as very successful. Company “Energoinvest” signed contract worth 160 million euros with Libyan electricity distribution company.  Company “Bosnalijek” agreed export of its products to Libya and other African markets. Tihic stressed that Libyan leader Moammar Al–Ghadafi has opened the Libyan market from BiH Companies. The agreement signed between BiH and Libya gives BiH companies a precedence status on Libyan market. Furthermore, said Tihic, Libyan Minister of Health will visit BiH in order to agree hiring of BiH medical staff. Tihic announced that a direct air line Sarajevo-Tripoli is going to be established soon. He will also demand from entity Governments to make a list of privatisation and investment projects, which will be submitted to the Libyan Government. Head of BiH Association of Employers Tomislav Grizelj underlined that the door to Libyan market is wide open for BiH companies. Ghadafi promised that Sarajevo is going to be a centre for all Libyan operations in the region. Therefore, he annulled the decision on closure of Libyan Embassy in Sarajevo. Libya is also interested in construction of Corridor Vc highway and privatisation of Bosanski Brod Oil Refinery. Dnevni List, pg 9 ‘Bosnalijek’s stocks to return debts from 1991’, by D. P. M. – according to Tihic, one of topics of talks was the issue of loan that BiH took from Libya in 1991 (12,5 million US$). One of options to settle the debts is that BiH gives Libya stocks in one of BiH companies, such as ‘Bosnalijek’ of Sarajevo (pharmaceutical industry) PINK, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Energoinvest gets job worth 160 million euros’ by A.M, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Special economic relations’ by Fena– also reported.

RS Fin Ministry announces publication of tender for “Telekom Srpske” on 4 or 5 August

Nezavisne Novine pg 4, announced on cover ‘Tender for “Telekom Srpske” on 4 or 5 August’ by R.S.  – Aleksandar Dzombic, RS Finance Minister, Thursday announced that tender for privatisation of “Telekom Srpske” will be issued on 4 or 5 August, adding tender will be open for 60 days after it is published. According to him, conditions for privatisation of “Telekom” will be those RS Parliament adopted, stipulating the following: buyer is obligated to invest the minimum of BAM 50 million in development in the next year; to respect Collective Contract between company and syndicate; to maintain companies’ activities for at least 5 years; to keep the seat in Banja Luka on permanent basis.

Dani’s analysis insist BiH should not be selling its telecommunications companies

Dani, pg 43 ‘Should telecoms be sold’, by Eldar Dizdarevic – commenting on the situation pertaining to the privatization of BiH telecommunication companies in BiH, for which Dizdarevic says politicians from both entities seem to be racing each other who is going to sell their respective company first, the author argues that the profit figures (of BiH telecommunication companies) and experiences of countries in the region suggest BiH should not be selling its good assets, which telecommunication companies certainly are. Namely, Dizdarevic underlines that the ‘BH Telekom’ had a net profit of 161,2 million KMs in 2005, whilst the media mention the (FBIH) authorities want to sell the control package for 1,2 billion KMs, which is not enough according to Dizdarevic. As for experiences of countries in the region, the author says Croatia and Macedonia, which sold their companies to foreign investors, came of worse because prices of services went dramatically up and the number of employees in the companies is decreasing every year.

VL: BiH business people to establish 4^th GSM provider in BiH

Vecernji List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘BiH business people establishing new GSM network’, by Zdenko Jurilj – according to VL’s information, a group of ‘prominent’ BiH business people (VL does not list any of them) is secretly planning to launch a fourth GSM provider in BiH, which would offer much more cheaper services than the current providers (Telekom Srpske, BH Telekom and Eronet). Allegedly, a group of current opposition politicians are also interested in taking part in the scheme through companies that are registered in the name of their family members. VL tried to contact several institution to get a confirmation of the story, including the BiH Ministry of Communication, which could not provide answers because its employees are on summer holidays.

RS Commission for Privatisation Audit rejects SDS accusations it has failed to do its job

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘SDS pouring out demagogy’ by D.R. – Following recent accusations by the SDS (that accused RS Commission for privatisation audit for failing to do its job since it was established three months ago), Borislav Bijelic, Commission President, rejects SDS accusations regarding Commission’s passiveness on controlling sale of state capital. Bijelic called on SDS to substantiate its claims, stressing it would be better for SDS to see what it has done on this issue while they have been on power.

FBiH Government submits the FBiH Parliament with draft Law on Privatization Control

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Law on Privatization Control goes to parliamentary procedure’ by M.K., Dnevni List, pg 5, mentioned on front ‘Privatization: Companies under investigation!’, by D. Pusic– At its Thursday’s session, FBiH Government has sent to the parliamentary procedure the draft Law on Privatization Control. The law was proposed by FBiH Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mining and it foresees enacting of direct control of the whole privatization process, on demand of authorized persons. Special department within FBiH Privatization Agency would conduct the control of fulfilling of obligations from the privatization contract. In case of any irregularities, this Department would suggest starting of the judicial procedure for breeching of the contract. Department would also control the procedure which precedes signing of the contract.

After presenting of feasibility study on Corridor Vc, many embassies and chambers of commerce expressed interest

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Numerous embassies asked for data on the highway’ by L.Sinanovic– As DA learns, large number of embassies in BiH, as well as construction companies has contacted the BiH Ministry of Transport and Communications, wanting to know how to get the Feasibility Study on Corridor Vc. The Feasibility Study was presented on Wednesday and it showed that construction of 290.6 kilometers of the highway would ost 6.9 billion KM. BiH Transport and Communication Minister Branko Dokic confirmed this information to daily, adding that most interesting is the response from European chambers of commerce, which want to present the project to their businessmen. Dokic told DA that competition is expected during the scheduling of the tender and he stressed that in next few days they will submit the Study to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as the World Bank.

Elections 2006 and other political issues

BiH HoP postpones voting on appointment of four members of BiH PBS SB

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Currently 1.3 million of unsolved cases before BiH courts’ by Agencies– At Thursday’s session, BiH House of Peoples passed, in urgent procedure, amendments to the Law on Police Officers, amendemtns to the Law on Communications and Law on BiH Central Bank. Law on BiH Central Bank foresees appointment of Chief Internal Auditor to four, instead of current three years. BiH HoP has also passed annula report of High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, which points out the afct that there is about 1.3 million of unsolved cases in BiH courts. Council of Ministers has been tasked to establish the working group, within 30 days, to solve the problems in this department. Inset ‘Asked for data on Nada Milosevic’- BiH HoP has postponed voting on appointment of four members of BiH Public Broadcasting Service Steering Board and length of their mandates. Namely, BiH HoP asked for additional data on candidate Nada Milosevic, which is some submitted documents is named as Nadira Ademovic. Inset ‘Appeal regarding the Middle East crisis’- BiH HoP accepted the conclusion to submit an appeal to UN and International Community, inviting them to do all that is necessary to solve the Middle east crisis.  Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Appela for helping Middle East countries submited’ by S.R., RHB, BHT1, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Changes to Law on police officials’, not signed – also covered.

Dani feature interview: President of Bosniak cultural community ‘Preporod’ Filandra insists Bosniaks have no distinctive policy and leader

Dani, pgs 12-15, and pg 73, mentioned on front ‘Tihic is no leader, Silajdzic is unconvincing’, by Vildana Selimbegovic – carries a feature interview with the president of Bosniak cultural community ‘Preporod’ and lecturer at Sarajevo Faculty of Political Sciences, Sacir Filandra, who repeats his earlier assessments that Bosniaks in BiH at the moment have no distinctive political platform, nor leaders who can answer to the challenges of the moment. Questioned to portray two most serious candidates for the office of Bosniak member of BiH Presidency, Sulejman Tihic and Haris Silajdzic that is, Filandra argues it is clear that none of the two meet the requirements and needs of the Bosniak and Bosnian policy. “Tihic’s capacity as a leader has not been on par with our needs, whilst Silajdzic looks pretty unconvincing”, said Filandra. He also noted that differences between the SDP, SDA and SBiH are irrelevant, arguing that whoever wins in the October elections, situation will not significantly change.

SB analyses editorial policy of DA saying unscrupulous campaign against SDA’ Tihic and SDP’ Lagumdzija results from panic within SzBiH and Avaz’ owner Radonicic

Slobodna Bosna pgs 6-9 ‘Deadly SMS message of media tycoon to state president’ by Asim Metlijevic – The author analyses the editorial policy of the BiH paper with highest circulation “Dnevni Avaz”, saying the latest wave of unscrupulous campaign in “Dnevni Avaz” against SDA leader, Sulejman Tihic, and SDP leader, Zlatko Lagumdzija, results from panic amongst Party for BiH (SzBiH) associated with daily’s owner Fahrudin Radoncic. Author observesSzBiH cannot identify an adequate response to a discretely announced coalition between SDA and SDP, while Radoncic fears from now evident adoption of Law on confiscation of illegally acquired property. Daily adds SzBiH’ Haris Sialajdzic campaign is predominantly based on Avaz’ media and political discredit of Tihic as Sijadzic’ main rival in race for Bosniak member for BiH Presidency. Author notes Silaajdzic is convinced SDP’ election list without candidate for Bosniak Presidency member is a concession to Tihic and part of secret pact between Tihic and Lagumdzija based on so-called minority government. Author reminds few months ago, Lagumdzija launched this idea on minority government (formed by just one party if possible), saying multi-party coalitions bear everybody’s or even nobody’s fault for anything, stressing: “Minority Government will not resolve all problems, but at least we will know who is responsible for what.” Daily adds the context of this idea leads to conclusion that entire project is aimed against Party for BiH, that has always been a coalition partner with every party on power, and never bore responsibility for anything. Headline refers to claim that Radonicic allegedly exchanged several SMS message with insulting and threatening content with Tihic following Tihic statement in Gorazde that he would clash with Avaz’ propaganda after elections.  

SDA Presidency: decision on coalitions only after elections

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘About coalitions, only after elections’ by A.M– At its Thursday’s session, SDA Presidency estimated as sucessiful the current preparations for elections. As was stated, all “relevant researches show that party, as well as its candidates, would win October elections”. In a statement SDA stated “only after elections the party’s bodies would decide on post-election coalitions”.

SDP condemns initiative on Commission to examine ‘fabricated processes’

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Panic fear of newly fledged mafia bosses’ not signed, Dnevni List, pg 9 ‘Rigged processes’, by Mensud Zorlak – Following an initiative launched in last few days to establish a commission to deal with “victims” of fabricated processes by NBS leader Nedzad Latic, with support of BOSS leader Mirnes Ajanovic and SDU’s Ivo Komsic, SDP issued a press release condemning these kinds of “manipulations” noting they are very usual thing to “before every elections.” SDP  [who was accused of being fabricator of these affairs] noted that “trial to SDP without court and arguments, through story of fabricated processes is organized and lead by people who are obviously frightened by the Law on confiscating of illegally gained property…”

SDS: SNSD and PDP are hypocrites because they did not remove RSNA Deputy Speaker Hafizovic

Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Political hypocrisy’, not signed – SDS has accused the SNSD and PDP of political hypocrisy after the SNSD and PDP did not support (SDS’ and SRS’) request for removal of RSNA Deputy Speaker, Sefket Hafizovic. (the request came to be after Hafizovic met with ICTY convict Naser Oric, which caused fierce reactions among RS politicians)

SB: civil BiH is dishonest, richly paid lie

Slobodna Bosna pgs 4-5 ‘Nationalistic RS and civil FBiH’ op-ed by Senad Avdic– Commenting on moves of RS Government and its Prime Minister Milorad Dodik “who provided solid means for returning of Bosniaks”, which was the condition for Bosniak Caucus in RS Council of Peoples to withdraw vital national interest Avdic wonders whether Serb Caucus in FBiH House of Peoples would do the same. “But Serb Caucus in FBiH Parliament will never accomplish that because of a banal reason: even four years after last elections, this Caucus doesn’t exist!” says Avdic. “For several reasons, it will be hard to reconstruct BiH into decent, acceptable construction: it is not possible to build FBiH on civil and RS on national principle! Civil FBiH is dishonest, richly paid lie, and from that RS drains vitality…” concludes Avdic.

DEPOS Co-Chair Cenic: work of our RS Government was not at RS Presidents’ measure

Slobodna Bosna pgs 26-29 ‘Cavic’ crime destroyed RS’ by Mirha Dedic – In an interview to weekly, Svetlana Cenic, former RS finance minister and now DEPOS Co-Chair. Responding to press question why RS President Dragan Cavic and herself confronted, she says: “…There are many reasons for split up, and as main one, I personally refer to insincerity of President Cavic towards the institution of RS president and towards Government, which he entrusted with mandate…Unfortunately, the work of such Government obviously was not at Cavic’ measure and he dismissed our Government in cheap political trade.” On accusations against Cavic related to harmful agreement Bosanski Brod Oil Refinery signed with British Company “Vitol”, she says she has never criticised Cavic’ role, but instead said it loud and clear he pledged for this contract the same way the-then RS premier Dragan Mikerevic pledged for agreement with “Galaxy”. According to her, both contracts were harmful for RS. Responding to press question related to accusations of Rafi Gregorian, Co-Chair of Defence Reform Commission (who accused former RS Government of having financed aides of Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic), she stresses: “I have no idea what he was talking about. I was asked to give information and statement that indictees are not financed from budget, and I did that.” The headline was taken out of context.

SB reports US Embassy in Sarajevo is amongst three biggest US Embassies in world

Slobodna Bosna pgs 30-34 ‘Bush’ Administration spent most money on embassies in Bei Jing, Cabul and Sarajevo!’, announced on cover ‘The biggest American Embassy in Europe’ by Nedim Hasic – Weekly notes that in addition to building of new US Embassies across world, Embassy to be built in Sarajevo is amongst the biggest ones along with Embassies in Bei Jing and Baghdad. Weekly announces that after US Government two years ago chose the location of former military barracks Marsal Tito as location for its Embassy in BiH, the construction of the large diplomatic center of over tens million of US dollars will start in October. Weekly reminds of sale of location by BiH Council of Ministers to US Government at the end of 2004 for the amount of BAM 12.8 million. Weekly notes all American agencies stationed in our state (including US AID) will be dislocated to this new location. Dorothy Krebs Sarro, employee at US Embassy in Sarajevo, confirms to weekly building of new construction “proves US commitment to stay here and help in creating better future for all people in BiH, and also shows US determination to assist in preservation of integrity and multi-ethnicity of BiH as a state”. Mladen Ivanic, BiH Foreign Minister, also views this as an important sign, noting: “Naturally they (US Embassy) will not force itself on us as political master here, neither will it take over the role of OHR”.  According to inset 1 ‘American marines in Sarajevo guarded by SIPA’, US marines in charge of protecting American diplomatic and consular missions, have also leased an object which has 24-hour surveillance by SIOPA. According to inset ‘Secret building in Vogasca’ weekly reports that Americans have leased facility and land in Vogosca and turned it into seat of its secret agencies, namely CIA which runs its operations for Balkans from this base.

War crimes, police issues

Commemoration in Bugojno: Presidency member Jovic invited ICTY to reveal the truth of crimes in Bugojno

FTV By Nadja Ridzic – Commemoration for Croats killed in 1993 was held in Bugojno on Thursday. Family members once again underlined that they still don’t know anything about faith of many of Bugjno Croats. The ceremony was attended by BiH Presidency member Ivo Miro Jovic. “I call upon the International Red Cross, ICTY, local authorities and myself to do everything possible to reveal the secret of Bugojno and punish the crimes”, said Jovic. 20 Croats from Bugojno are still missing. RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Jovic: ICTY wasn’t working on the way of justice and rightness’ by A.M– “ICTY has became politicized and was solving political issues, and wasn’t working on the way of justice and rightness so that we would have better future. ICTY Book must not be closed without us knowing who committed crimes over Croats,” said Joavic. Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Jovic: The Hague waiting for killers of Croats’, by Ana Drmac – also reported.

DEPOS Co-Chair: Paddy Ashdown and local politicians are main culprits for halt in police reform

Slobodna Bosna pgs 26-29 ‘Cavic’ crime destroyed RS’ In inset ‘I knew Serbs would lose’ by Mirha Dedic – In an interview to weekly, Svetlana Cenic, DEPOS Chair, in response to press question to name main culprit for halt in police reform, says: “The culprits are rather ambitious Paddy Ashdown and insincere local politicians. Paddy Ashdown want to succeed at any cost at the end of his mandate, but success in his previously probed manner. Local politicians were buying time hoping everything will find self-solution, i.e. everything will change after Ashdown leaves. Bosniaks knew international community will do a job for them, while Croats waited to see how much Serbs will win for.” She says secret talks and agreements were run behind the back of negotiating team, whose member she also was, adding that Adnan Terzic, BiH Council of Ministers Chair, hands draft decision on Police Reform Directorate to Dragan Cavic, RS President, saying this document contained hand-written note “Paddy’s last version”.