OHR BiH Media Round-up, 29/11/2005

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

Zubak letter to Jovic

Mirko Sarovic arrested

Sarovic apprehended this morning

FBiH HoP on Energopetrol

FBiH HoP discusses Energopetrol

RS NA in session

Canadian Government falls

New kidnappings inIraq

Jovic on BiH Constitution

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

HR rehabs dismissed officials

Bad reception

2 persons died of gas poisoning

FBiH Ministries to be moved to Mo

Jovic, Paravac and Leakey on EUFOR

HR rehabilitated removed officials

Leakey meets Jovic and Paravac

EUFOR’s Orient action

Trial of “‘Yellow Wasps” started

Covic meets Martens

Conference on BIH competitiveness

Mirko Blagojevic’s testimonial

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

HR rehabs removed officials

2 persons died of gas poisoning

Reactions to PDP decision

BIH HoP in session

HR rehabilitated removed officials

HR rehabs dismissed officials

PDP- SDS conflict

BiH HoP in session

Issue of construction of state prison

SBIH on Energy Minister candidate

Global Competitiveness Report

Trial against “Yellow Wasps”

Oslobodjenje

[Yellow Wasps trial] There is no word in Serb language to describe crimes committed

Dnevni Avaz

Without visas in 207?

Dnevni List

Our country takes Croatian islands?

Vecernji List

Herceg-Dalmatia a new region

Slobodna Dalmacija

Covic must leave or HDZ would lose status of observer in EPP

Nezavisne Novine

Trial for crimes committed in Zvornik commenced

Glas Srpske

Hunting in someone else’s blood

EuroBlic

No life existed here [report on burial ceremony of three children who died in fire in Janja near Bijeljina]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbia related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

Sarovic, Govedaric arrested under suspicion of involvement in frauds related to Privredna Bank East Sarajevo

BH Radio 1 – BiH Prosecution confirmed to SRNA news agency that former member of the BiH presidency, Mirko Sarovic, was detained this morning in East Sarajevo by the international forces in BiH. Sarovic, previously included in the EU black list for suspicion of aiding war crimes suspects at large, was been detained following the charges filed against him by Toby Robinson, Temporary Administration of Privredna Bank East Sarajevo on 1 June this year. The former director of the RS Strategic Reserves and the company Matres, Milorad Govedarica, was also arrested. Within 24 hours, the Prosecutor is obliged to interrogate them after which the Court is to decide on the request for detention. RS Radio – Reportedly, a third man was sought but not found, forcing authorities to alert the State Border Service. Momcilo Mandic has been in custody for some time in connection with this investigation.

FBiH HoP to discuss Enegropetrol co-capitalization today; series of initiatives adopted

RHB, BH Radio 1 by Ljiljana Radl – FBiH House of Peoples has commenced the session with the series of initiatives, among which a majority has been adopted. This includes the initiative to task the authorities bodies within the PBS system to examine the reasons for massive rejection to pay the RTV taxes; initiative to organize the thematic HoP session on privatization progress and its revision and initiative foreseeing the FBiH Police Administration to launch the revision of the police decertification process. HoP also urged the Government to reconsider the decision reducing the salaries of the lowest ranked police officers and to find the way to increase of the salaries for the lowest paid police. The last agenda item is the discussion on Energopetrol co-capitalization.

RSNA discusses economic issues

BH Radio 1 by Brana Markovic – Delegates of the RS National Assembly have been discussing economic issues at the session which commenced today. This includes the information on the economic situation in the RSA for the first six years of this year, situation in the Brod Oil Refinery and implementation of previously adopted measures to revive the economy and the production. RS Confederation of the RS Trade Unions announced it will appeal to RSNA to take measures against executive authorities for failing to meet previously adopted conclusions regarding the improvement of economic environment, including the three-years old measures for Refinery. RS Radio also reports. 

Jovic: BIH cannot systematically solve its problems without new constitution

BH Radio 1, RS Radio – Ivo Miro Jovic, Chairperson of the BiH Presidency, has today assessed that BiH cannot resolve political, social and economic problems in systematic manner until the new Constitution is adopted. According to him, the new Constitution should guarantee efficient political administration and respect of civic rights and ethnic equality. At the opening of the Sarajevo Conference “Dayton: 10 years after”, he said that 10 years after DA was signed, no society has been achieved in BiH, that would guarantee progress and equality for all of its citizens and peoples.

RHB commentary on HDZ-EPP meeting; HDZ says it will stick to deal with EPP and not reveal any details

RHBby Ilijana Azinovic – Commenting on today’s (Tuesday) articles in the press regarding the meeting between EPP and HDZ, RHB says the reports featured contradictory claims. Journalist underlines that whilst some reported that the HDZ President, Dragan Covic, had to leave the office otherwise the HDZ could lose the status of an observer in the EPP, other reports said that the EPP President, Wilfried Martens, had not requested organization of a new HDZ convention. HDZ reacted to some reports in the media, insisting that it would stick to its agreement with the EPP and not reveal details to the public. However, the HDZ are embittered with some ‘nebulous articles’ that link the HDZ status in the EPP with Covic withdrawal from the office.

Zubak to Jovic on BiH Constitution

RHB– NHI president, Kresimir Zubak, addressed a letter to Ivo Miro Jovic calling upon him to initiate proceedings for the assessment of the internal harmonization of the BiH Constitution regarding the names of entities and their symbols, coat of arms and flags and other constitutional issues, and of the BiH Electoral Law.

Political developments

HR announces latest decision regarding dismissed officials: Removed officials can run non-leading functions 

RHB, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Removed officials can run public non-leading functions’ by E.Sarac, Oslobodjenje pg 2, announced on cover ‘Removed officials can be at state service’ by A. Omeragic, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Removed officials return to public life’ by I. Rozic,Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Removed are still banned from forwarding candidacies’, by Eldina Medunjanin, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Removed officials allowed to work at public services’ by D. Risojevic, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘High Representative rehabilitated officials’ by M. S., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Rehabilitations on a tea-spoon’ by N. Zelenovic and D. Momic– The HR, Paddy Ashdown, on Monday issued a decision allowing all officials who have been removed from their positions – with the exception of those removed for ICTY obstruction and/or PIFWC support – to apply for and hold non-managerial public positions within administrative bodies that are appointed through open competition. Officials removed by the HR will continue to be banned from standing for elections, and from holding any position in public bodies responsible for public security, defense and intelligence – such as the state level Ministry of Security and Ministry of Defense, SIPA, SBS and entity Ministries of Interior. OHR press release reads that the HR’s initiative reflects the International Community’s view that as BiH has marked the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement with the opening of Stabilization and Association talks with the EU, the process of handing responsibility back to the BiH institutions should be continued. “The time has come to take another concrete step towards handing over responsibility for running the country to the institution of BiH,” said Ashdown. “The implementation of this Decision represents a test of maturity for the BiH institutions and for the political establishment as a whole. This is a process which can be either widened or reversed in the coming period, according to results,” he added.

Kalabic: Another agreement btw SDS and HR; NDS: Ashdown made mistake; Analyst: message to public sanctioned politicians were innocent?

BHT 1 Boris Gagic – Commenting Paddy Ashdown’s decision o, DNS leader Drago Kalebic stated that this decision is yet another agreement between OHR and SDS, and obvious example of rewards for SDS accepting the reforms imposed by HR. Political analyst Tanja Topic warned that latest Ashdown’s decision might send the message to the public that the banned officials were innocent, or that even persons involved in crime and corruption can be liberated from facing consequences. Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Ashdown admitted mistake’ by Z. M. – People’s Democratic Party [NDS] issued a press release demanding from HR Paddy Ashdown to inform the public on reasons that have led him to reach a decision on the rehabilitation of the removed officials. The press release reads that, by reaching this decision, the HR admitted the mistake he had made when he decided to remove the officials from economic and political life.

BiH HoP adopts harmonized text of public broadcasting law

Hayat, RHB, PINK, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Programme on three languages’, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Law on Public RTV Service adopted’ by D.P.M.,Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Law on public RTV service adopted’, by f – The BiH House of Peoples adopted on Monday the report on the joint commission of both Houses of the Parliament reaching a consensus on the harmonized text of the Law on the BiH Public Broadcasting Service. After the House of Representatives adopts the report expectedly by the end of this month, this law will be finally adopted. 

Club of Bosniaks at RS CoP supportive of Kadric’ stances and Tihic’ initiative regarding change of RS name

RTRS, PINK, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Bosniaks in RS at the margin’, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘There is still no ethnic balance at municipal administrations’ by E.H., EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Law on RS holidays aside of the constitutional procedure’ by Nedeljka Breberina, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Law on RS holidays is non-constitutional’ by S. G., Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘They are bothered with holidays’ by Z. M. – The Bosniak Caucus in the RS Council of Peoples supports the BiH Presidency member Sulejman Tihic’sinitiative for changing the name of the RS. The Caucus also supports the intention of Council Speaker Remzija Kadric to request the RS Constitutional Court the assessment of constitutionality of the adoption of the Law on Holidays and the Law on the territorial organization of the RS. Caucus President Ramiz Salkic told a press conference in Banja Luka on Monday that changing the RS’ name “is in the interest of rebuilding trust and reconciliation in BiH considering the circumstances under which this entity was created and the RS given its name”. Salkic also said that Bosniaks disagree with the celebration of almost all holidays from the related law and mentioned the RS Day, the RS MoI Day, the RS Army Day, and the Day of Teachers-Sveti Sava.

FTV ‘60 minuta’ int. with Tihic: I don’t think my initiative is unrealistic

FTV ’60 minuta’ current affairs programme by Bakir Hadziomerovic – In an interview to ’60 minuta’, BiH Presidency member Sulejman Tihic repeats that the Washington talks produced three very important developments: the joint statement of commitment to the implementation of constitutional reforms, which Tihic deems was unthinkable a year ago; secondly, the American promise to remain involved in the process; and thirdly the fact that “we did not sign the agreement offered in Washington, which would legalize bad solutions from Dayton.” Asked about realistic chances for his initiative to change the name of the RS, Tihic underlines that his initiative is completely legal and legitimate. “I am deeply convinced that the name of RS is not in accordance with the Convention on Human Rights and Freedoms, but also not in accordance with the definition of entity in RS Constitution, because it says that the entity is the association of Serbs, Bosniaks, Croats and others”, added Tihic. He stressed that it is not an unrealistic initiative, especially when one knows that only twelve months ago RS politicians did not even want to mention constitutional changes in BiH, and few days ago they signed the statement of commitment to the implementation of constitutional reforms.

Oslobodjenje op-ed’s on name of RS/constitutional changes: Serbs to start acknowledging BiH as their state

Oslobodjenje op-ed pg 9 ‘Division is disputable’ by Mirko Sagolj – Writing about the name of “Republika Srpska” and initiative of Sulejman Tihic before BiH Constitutional Court on this issue, the author concludes that the name of RS is absolutely untenable, adding that division of BiH in two entities is also untenable, regardless of their names. Oslobodjenje op-ed pg 9 ‘Days of constitutional nervousness’ by Zija Dizdarevic – Supporting the initiative of Tihic (see above), the author stresses that the key political issue is how to create a political environment in which majority of Serbs would accept the entire of BiH as its state and free of mistaken notion that RS is their own safe framework.

Martens/Covic mtg: DL: No elections not needed?; SD: Covic must leave; Sarajevo : EPP hasn’t changed position on HDZ; DA: Covic to withdraw?

Dnevni List pg 4, mentioned on cover ‘New HDZ Convention was not requested’ by M. Batarello says that HDZ President Dragan Covic and his associates met in Sarajevo on Monday with European People’s Party President (EPP) Wilfred Martens and EPP Secretary Kostas Sasmatzouglou. The HDZ press release does not give details of the meeting but it only says that the Presidents of two parties spoke about improving their cooperation. DL learns unofficially that they did talk about the latest events within HDZ and a request for organizing a new HDZ Convention, however, according to the same information Martens did not request organizing of the new HDZ Convention. Slobodna Dalmacija cover pg splash and pg 19 ‘Covic must leave or HDZ would lose status of observer in EPP’ by Z. Tulic carries that it was said during the meeting that if Covic does not withdraw from the leading position in HDZ by the end of the court process against him, the EPP would deprive HDZ of a status of an observer within the EPP at its first, next session that is to take place in January 2006. With regard to the meeting that Martens held with Bozo Ljubic, Josip Merdzo, Vinko Zoric and Dragan Primorac, SD says that after the meeting Ljubic stated that he is satisfied with the meeting but he refused to give any further comments. Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘What did Martens say to Covic and Ljubic’ by F. Vele – HDZ spokesperson, Miso Relota, told DA that the party is very satisfied with the meeting. However, DA notes that identical answer was offered by Ljubic. DA learns from sources close to this circle that Martens’ and EPP stance on Covic has not changed. DA learns that EPP will discuss the situation in HDZ at the session of its Assembly in January. Inset ‘Covic to withdraw?’ carries that information leaked from HDZ on Monday according to which Covic could withdraw from the HDZ leadership which would solve the current crisis. DA’s sources could not confirm the information. Nezavisne Novine, pg 4 ‘Ljubic and Merdzo happy with meeting’, by R. Cengic – NN also unofficially learns that earlier EPP positions that Covic is not welcomed in the office of HDZ President because of numerous criminal reports and proceedings conducted against him “were not brought into question”. RHB, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘EPP for solving of HDZ case’ by zk also report on the meeting.

FBiH PM Hadzipasic: 5 ministries will move to Mostar by end of year

Dnevni Avaz, pg 8 ‘I warned ministers not to postpone moving because of phone of bulb’, by A. Dedajic – The FBiH Prime Minister, Ahmet Hadzipasic, notes that the five FBiH ministries will have been moved to Mostar by end of year. He adds that none of the five ministers is against the move, however he warned them not to postpone the process because of “some chair, light bulb or telephone connection”. Oslobodjenje, pg 2 ‘Last preparations for moving of part of Government to Mostar by end of year’, by A. O. – Head of general services (of FBiH Govt presumably), Haris Ihtijarevic, told the daily that renovation of rented premises in Mostar was under way, stressing that the ministries will have completed the move by end of year. Oslobodjenje notes that the yearly rent of the premises will cost 1,2 million KMs, however it is yet not clear how much other costs (compensations for ministers and other staff etc) the move will incur. Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Three Ministries will move to Mostar in December’ by Agencies also carries Ihtijarevic. BHT 1 Martina Kristo Antelj –OHR Spokeswoman Sanela Tunovic explains the Ministers who oppose this decision will be asked to leave the Government. Moving of the ministries to Mostar will cause additional costs. FBiH Minister of Trade and Tourism Maid Ljubovic believes that all employees moving will keep their jobs.

On disputable state border contract between BiH and Croatia : DA claims Sanader urged new talks with CoM, postponement of the contract

Dnevni List cover pg splash ‘Our country takes Croatian islands?’ and pg 5 ‘Our country takes Croatian territory!?’ by I. Rozic carries that the Croatian Government has sent for ratification to the Croatian Parliament a proposal of the contract on the state border between Croatia and BiH. Croatia media report that if this proposal was adopted Croatia would lose a part of its territory. BiH Minister of Civil Affairs Safet Halilovic does not agree with the Croatian media and he says that what has been defined by the contract on state borders between BiH and Croatia was confirmed by all experts. Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Sanader claims the agreement signed between Izetbegovic and Tudjman is unjust’’ by Srna correspondent from Zagreb– DA carries that the Croatian Government has dropped the decision to send for ratification the agreement made up between Alija Izetbegovic and Franjo Tudjman in 1999 [heavily criticized as it would mean change of Croatian borders]. Apparently, Croatian PM Ivo Sanader proposed the BiH CoM the new round of consultations on the issue, adding that the agreement is unjust. Croatian media learn that because of this issue, the Croatian transport Minister, Bozidar Kalmeta, will arrive in Sarajevo today for talks. Oslobodjenje pgs 4 and 5, mentioned on cover ‘Border of Neum Municipality in Maliston Bay since 1974’ by Az. Kalamujic carries President of the BiH State Border Commission Muhdim Cukle as saying that the disputable area has never been the Croatian territory, at least not in the recent history. Slobodna Dalmacija pg 7 ‘Part of Klek will become part of BiH officially!’ by K. Sutalo carries a few Croatian historians who claim that the disputable area is the Croatian territory.

British Ambassador: Without Law on high education, BiH is facing with violation of its international duties

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Test for integrity of BH political leaders’ – In a brief interview to daily, Matthew Rycroft, British Ambassador to Bih, says that without Law on high education, BiH is facing with violation of its international duties. He notes that adoption of this Law is also a pre-requisite for World Bank loan of US $ 34 million worth. Being the Co-Chairman of the newly-formed body Task Force for High Education, he adds that for the first time, the political leaders have decided that harmonized version of the Law must be worked out by 9 December. He is convinced that all members of TF would leave their political differences in order to adopt this Law related to educational benefits of the BiH students, stressing: “This will be a test for integrity of political leaders to show whether the proposed Law is in line with agreement they signed a week ago.” Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘BiH must adopt Law on high education’ – carries Rycroft’ statement regarding TF, urging BH authorities to adopt state law

ATV int with BiH chief negotiator Davidovic: const. changes will not influence SAA talks

ATV ‘Dosje’ current affairs programm by Vladimir Susak – In an interview to ATV, BiH Chief negotiations on SAA with EU, Igor Davidovic, explains the structure of the future BiH negotiation team. He underlines that Chief Negotiator will respond directly to the Council of Ministers. Negotiation Team will consist probably of 8 Working Groups organized by the topic of the negotiations. Davidovic expects that the number of WG members very from 10-20 or even 25 in some important working groups [such as the one dealing with economic and trade issues] to those smaller ones consisting of only 2 to 3 officials. In total, the number of core people in the working groups should not exceed 80. In addition, elaborates Davidovic, each Group will have its own circle of external consultants selected not only the state institutions, but also from the NGO sector and Academic establishments. Consultations on the selection of the WGs members are still ongoing and Davidovic expects them to be completed by the end of the week. He underlines that members will not be selected in line with any other but criteria of their expertise and competence. As for the SAA strategy, Chief Negotiator says that BiH has already developed strategy for negotiations. In addition, comparative study on European standards and BiH current situation had already been made. Talking about the political aspects of the negotiations, Davidovic says that the current talks and the process of the constitutional changes will not influence the beginning or further progress of the negotiation process. EU will support constitutional changes, but only if they without any strong pressure and to satisfaction of all people living under its provisions, concludes Davidovic.

BH Security Ministry official: BiH to fulfill duties in 2006 to enable abolishment of visa regime in 2007

Dnevni Avaz cover pg splash, pg 3 ‘Without visas in 207?’ by T.Lazovic – As daily learns, the BiH authorities should soon get Map of the Road, which would list duties BiH must fulfill in order to enable EU state to abolish or loosen visa regime for Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to Bakir Dautbasic, Secretary General of BiH Security Ministry, BiH Ministry of Security prepared a proposal, according to which those duties will have been fulfilled during the course of next year, in order to enable BiH citizens to travel within EU states easier.

VL: 3 cantons from Herzegovina keen on forming economic region with Dalmatian counties

Vecernji List, front pg splash ‘Herceg-Dalmatia a new region’ and pg 11 ‘Herceg-Dalmatia’, by Zdenko Jurilj – Notes that economists, politicians and intellectuals from Herzegovina and part of Bosnia from three cantons with the Croat majority are proposing that their cantons be connected with counties of central and southern Dalmatia in order to create a common economic region. The connection would be based on Convention on trans-border cooperation and documents of the Convention that are being endorsed by the EC. Initiators from Herzegovina stress it is about economic version of the Washington agreement from 1994, which defines special relation between the FBiH and Croatia.

SD on Washington talks: Only US are entirely happy

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 16 ‘Tihic broke into tears, Serbs are happy, Colak and Jovic tricked Covic’, by Tomislav Zoric – Commenting on the outcome of the Washington talks on constitutional changes, the author, among other claims, notes that unlike the three peoples from BiH who are not happy with the outcome, because nobody was able to impose their respective proposals, it is only the Americans that can be entirely happy. Firstly, the US again confirmed their strength and reputation and secondly, the US have bought several months of stability for the issue of Kosovo “because they did not irritate the Serbs who are the only ones that can make problems in BiH”. “Stability of the region matters”, concludes the author.

Cavic met EU Ambassadors in Sarajevo

Nezavisne Novine, pg 4 ‘Cavic talked to EU ambassadors’, by V. P. – reports that the RS and SDS President, Dragan Cavic, met with EU ambassadors at Sarajevo last night. Topics that were discussed over a working dinner were the SDS’ position in light of BiH-EU negotiations and implementation of reforms that are necessary for BiH to join the EU. Opinions on constitutional changes were also exchanged. Host of the meeting was the UK Ambassador to BiH, Matthew Rycroft.

PDP vs. SDS

SDS: PDP expected to withdraw from public functions, Mihajlica agrees;

Tesanovic: Govt no longer has support of PDP at RSNA; Djokic: PDP’s decision positive; Stojicic: PDP’s decision would not block work of RS NA

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘SDS invited PDP to withdraw from public functions’, announced on cover ‘PDP should withdraw all personnel from the authorities’ by V. Popovic – SDS Presidency on Monday accepted the decision of PDP to act as an opposition party in future. SDS stated it expects from personnel of PDP to withdraw from all functions at BiH institutions and start acting as a real opposition. PDP’s Zoran Tesanovic on Monday stated RS Government should put its mandate to a test because it no longer has PDP’s support at RS NA. SPRS’s Petar Djokic assessed PDP’s decision as positive, while SRS’s Milanko Mihajlica assessed that the rating of PDP was degraded, which is why the party had decided to become an opposition party. Mihajlica agrees that PDP personnel should withdraw from public posts. RS NA Chairman Dusan Stojicic does not expect the decision of PDP would block the work of RS NA. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘From words to resignations’ by D. Mo. – Also carries the SDS statement. Hayat, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 19 ‘Leaders Cavic and Ivanic at war’, by A. Macanovic – carry two days old statements.

Cavic: We have tolerated failures of PDP PMs for four years; PDP surprised with Cavic’s decision

RTRS by Sinisa Mihailovic – PDP’s decision to go into opposition has been criticised, and the most of the political parties note the PDP’s bad reputation. SDS Chair Dragan Cavic says that this lack of political principles was caused by non-appointment of the former Minister of Transport and Communications Dragan Solaja to the position of the CEO  Visegrad hydro plant. “For four years we have been tolerating failures of their (PDP) Prime Ministers, for four years we have been tolerating various kinds of political accusations for duties we had no idea about, such as privatisation of banks, etc, and if they want this kind of a match they are going to get it”, said Cavic. PDP is surprised with SDS’ reaction, but it still tries to justify its decision. “We are lagging behind in terms of reforms and we have no active approach in terms of new jobs, unemployment is in increase…there are no pensions, health sector faces the same problems…these are the reasons why PDP decided to go into opposition and to take active part in criticizing the Government”, said PDP rep Zoran Tesanovic. SNSD says that PDP has been announcing such decision earlier on. SNSD states that it this is an honest decision, this means that PDP is not going to be represented at any authority level. “It is up to the RS President to once more decide whom to give mandate for constitution of the new Government”, says SNSD representative Nebojsa Radmanovic.

DA notes RS Govt. may fall following break-up of PDP- SDS coalition; Dodik: RS Govt no longer has majority support  

Dnevni Avaz pg 2, announced on cover ‘Will RS Government fall down? By N.Diklic – Daily notes that withdrawal of PDP from authority in RS, as Zoran Tesanovic, PDP Presidency memberannounced Monday, could disturb loose parliament majority at the RS NA and may also lead to fall of RS Government. Daily concludes by saying that Tuesday’s session of the RS NA would reveal whether PDP delegates still support proposals of RS Government or not. According to NN inset ‘Dodik suggested to Bukejlovic to demand vote of confidence’, Milorad Dodik, SNSD President told SRNA that following break of coalition between PDP and SDS, any serious government composition and premier would demand vote-of-confidence at Parliament, adding if confidence were absent, it would be correct from Government to resign. Hayat, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘The Government does not have majority’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘SDS invites PDP to withdraw from public functions’, announced on cover ‘PDP should withdraw all personnel from the authorities’ by V. Popovic – Dadded stated that the announcement on breaking of the coalition between SDS and PDP means RS Government no longer has the majority support. He said he has a feeling this is a definite misunderstanding between SDS and PDP.

DNS’s Kalabic: Ivanic and Cavic are trying to fool the public

RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Failure of reforms’ by D. Mo. – DNS’s Drago Kalabic said PDP’s Mladen Ivanic and SDS’s Dragan Cavic are trying to fool the public, because they have managed to get a consent in Washington for implementation of constitutional changes only after elections are held, so that they can again participate in one more election fraud. He also announced DNS will launch an initiative for removal of RS Government over the situation at Brod Oil Refinery. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Removal of RS Government over Bosanski Brod Refinery’ by Srna – also reports on the Refinery piece.

NN op-ed: this is not a conflict between SDS and PDP, this is start of pre-election campaign

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Battle of partners’ by Dragan Risojevic – with regard to the most recent development of events between PDP and SDS, the author says this is a finale of a battle of these two parties, which has a characteristic of a battle over chairs. The author says this actually is not about a conflict between the two parties, but instead is about the start of pre-election campaign.

War crimes

Trial to ‘Yellow Wasps’ group suspected of war crimes in Zvornik commences in Belgrade

Hayat, PINK, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash and pg 2 ‘Trial for crimes committed in Zvornik commenced’ by S. Gojkovic– The trial of six men – former members of the ‘Yellow Wasps’ military group – charged with war crimes against Bosniak civilians in Zvornik in 1992 opened before the Belgrade District Court’s Trial Chamber on Monday with the reading of the indictment. Branko Grujic, Branko Popovic, Dragan Slavkovic, Ivan Korac, Sinisa Filipovic and Dragutin Dragicevic are charged in this case. The indictment charges them with the forceful displacement of 1.822 Bosniak civilians from surrounding villages and killing of at least 22 Bosniak civilians in the area of Zvornik municipality in 1992. RTRS, FTV, BHT 1 Vesna Simic – Families of victims monitoring the trial hope that the procedure will be fair. However, they also emphasized that the indictment doesn’t include all crimes committed in this area. Oslobodjenje cover pg splash, pg 3 ‘There is no word in Serb language to describe crimes committed’ by Avdo Avdic, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Prosecutor could not identify adequate term in Serb language for crimes committed in Zvornik’ by Almasa Hadzic – The Deputy Prosecutor apologized to the victims in opening of the case, underlying the “Serb language knows no phrase which could be used to describe all the crimes committed by these suspects.” This is the first case the ICTY has transferred to the Belgrade judiciary for processing.

GS: domestic and international officials exaggerating the number of war victims

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Hunting in someone else’s blood’ by Z. M. – the article claims many local and international officials (HR Paddy Ashdown, SDA President Sulejman Tihic, US State Secretary Condoleeza Rice, NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer, EU Enlargement Officer Ollie Rehn) often exaggerate number of war victims in BiH, mentioning the number between 200.000 and 350.000. The Head of the “Veritas” Documentation Center, Savo Strbac, claims the Hague Tribunal Demographic Team had collected data on some 102.000 killed persons in the area of BiH, which, together with persons killed in other former Yugoslav Republics, results in the total of approximately 131.000 killed persons in the area of former Yugoslavia.

Economic issues

Report on competitiveness presented: BiH holds the 95th position among the 117 countries

BHT 1 by Sanita Lisica Biberovic – BiH holds the 95th position among the 117 countries included in this year’s Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum. Last year BiH was on the 81st place, however the previous report encompassed 104 countries so that BiH’s relative position is not easily comparable, was stated on Monday at the presentation of the BiH Competitiveness Report 2005-2006 organized by MIT Centre and the BiH Academy of Arts and Sciences. Some negative sides noted were inefficient administration, weak economic development and corruption. Professor at the Sarajevo Faculty of Economy Zlatko Lagumdzija, who also presented the report, explained that the weak technological development is also a big problem for BiH. He noted that one of the positive aspects is the lack of inflation in BIH. Chair of BiH CoM Adnan Terzic commented that the criteria for the Report is not very clear. He said that those who had prepared the report should clearly explain all valid criteria in order to explain the results. Head of World Bank’s Office in Sarajevo Dirk Reinermann stated that the situation in 2005 is somewhat different than 2004, adding that BiH has the highest economic growth rate in the region – 6%. However, he warned that the procedure for establishing small and middle-sized companies in BiH is too complicated. PINK by Adriana Domazet – PhD Bozidar Matic stated that BIH has fallen back in comparison to the last year. RTRS – Higher education in BiH should become state’s priority, since only 15-17 % of youth in BiH has university degrees. Hayat, FTV, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘BiH business environment pushed away big investors’ by M. Zorlak,Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘It is only Albania that is behind BiH’, by Eldina Medunjanin, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘BiH on 95^th place’ by M. Reneralso covered.

BiH HoP adopts set of fiscal laws necessary for VAT implementation

Hayat by Elma Kazagic – BiH House of Peoples has adopted the set of the fiscal laws necessary for implementation of the VAT during the Monday’s session. BIH Minister of Treasury of Institutions of BIH Ljerka Maric stated that they have adopted the draft law on procedure of indirect taxation, the draft law on forcible collection of indirect taxes and law on customs offences. She stated that this set of the laws will help the implementation of VAT adding that even if some of the laws from the set were not adopted it wouldn’t obstruct the VAT implementation. Maric stated that the law on Indirect Taxation Agency has been returned for further discussion due to issue of immunity among the ITA employees. “It should be carefully defined by the law who should have the immunity and who shouldn’t in order to avoid the abuse of the office” added Maric. RHB, PINK, BHT1, FTV, RTRS, djenje pg 8 ‘Law on indirect taxation adopted’, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Maric: State cannot be arbiter in distribution of taxes’ by H.O., EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Collecting of VAT as of January 1’ by D. S., Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Set of laws on inditect taxation was adopted’ by N. Krsman – also reported.

State Property Commission in session, no decision on BiH Court detention unit; Next discussion on 5 Dec

Dnevni Avaz, pg 10 ‘Who has to give consent for building of prison at Kasindol’, by H. Orahovac – The only result of Monday’s session of the BiH State Property Commission is that Dzemaludin Mutapcic was appointed the Commission Chairman. The Commission did not discuss the issue of construction of State Court detention facility because the Bosniak and RS representatives have different positions as to who is competent to give the necessary consent whether it is the state or the entity. RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘On land for state detention unit next week’ by R. C. – The Commission expected to discuss the issue of kasindol detention centre at the next session to take place on December 5^th.BHT1 Boris Grubesic – Mijo Katana from BiH Ministry of Justice stated that after the work of Commission is completed, CoM will need to establish an Agency for state-owned property management. 

DA op-ed on Kasindol detention unit: Urging to register BiH property at deed registry

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘State property’ by Husein Orahovac – In regard to the issue of building of Kasindo detention unit, the author urges the preparation of the estate inventory of BiH (obtained through succession of SFRY’ property) and its registration at deed registry (real-estate records) as BiH entity, in order to prevent registration of that property as entities’ property. He views OHR stance on this issue of Kasindo weird, since OHR suggested State Property Commission to allow land being registered as RS property and make an exception.

Defence / security issues

BiH officials receive Leakey in farewell visit: BiH still needs EUFOR

RHB, PINK, Hayat, FTV, RTRS Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘BiH still needs EUFOR’, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘EUFOR presence still necessary’, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘EUFOR presence in our country necessary’ by NINA – BiH Presidency Chair Ivo Miro Jovic and Presidency member Borislav Paravac received EUFOR Commander General David Leakey in Sarajevo on Monday in his farewell visit. They all agreed that defence reform has been successfully implemented, and that it has made a concrete contribution to the overall progress of BiH during the past year. Officials also agreed the EUFOR presence in BiH is still necessary, however, with a gradual reduction of potentials, but with the same operational authorities. In the context of preventing any possible connections of BiH to terrorism Leakey supported the proposal for resolving the security of the “Vitezit” installation presented by Jovic. It was also stressed that all war crimes suspects still at large must be apprehended. Leakey also met with FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic who asked for EUFOR’s assistance in sale of BiH surplus of heavy weapons and helicopters.

VL interview: Minister Radovanovic on BiH joining NATO

Vecernji List, pgs 6-7 ‘We have support for joining Partnership for Peace’, by Mila Stankovic – In an interview for VL, BiH Defence Minister, Nikola Radovanovic, answers to the journalist’s question whether there is hope for BiH to join NATO in 2008. Radovanovic says that BiH is being offered a ‘speedy process’ in order to join NATO in short period of time, arguing that the feat will require a lot of work. “The Partnership for Peace is not good enough a guarantee and it is important to us to join the system of collective security so we have a defined position towards the surrounding (countries) and stability within the country”, says Radovanovic.

IHT on terrorist cell in BiH: BiH is a haven for Islamic radicals?

Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘BiH is a haven for Islamic radicals’ by D.Ra. – Daily carries article published by the International Herald Tribune reporting on a police raid last month on an apartment near Sarajevo’s airport, which [as it was reported] uncovered evidence of an imminent suicide bombing, intensifying the fears of Western security services that Bosnia is becoming a haven for Islamic radicals. The weapons seizures and arrests have provided government and international officials in BiH with evidence of a working terrorist cell. According to IHT, this has also shed light on a complex web that stretches well beyond the Balkans and that security services fear could threaten Western Europe. Diplomats and international officials close to the investigation describe it as a series of overlapping networks, in which young Muslims from Scandinavia have been recruited as possible suicide bombers and sent to Bosnia. Government officials in Sarajevo say the group in Bosnia used the former Yugoslav state as a staging ground for attacks elsewhere in Europe. “All the indicators show that Bosnia is a territory where they can come and rest, organize their activities and then go and carry out” an attack elsewhere, Dragan Mektic, Bosnia’s deputy security minister, said in an interview to IHT.