Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 29 July
| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs) | BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs) |
| Police reform | Comments on Ljiljana Karadzic |
| Petritsch on | FBIH HoP in session |
| Is Karadzic alive? | Weather |
TV news broadcast on 28 July
| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
| EUFOR action in Security companies | EUFOR searches security companies | EUFOR operation in Mostar |
| Zagreb Bank’s apology | BiH HoP in session | EUFOR operation in Banjaluka |
| Colak met Security officials | RS NA in session | BiH officials discusses police reform |
| BiH HoP on security issues | BiH farmers continue protest | Audit reports on State institutions |
| NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
| High temperatures in BiH | Sex scandal in Brcko District | Wife invited Karadzic to surrender |
| EUFOR searches security companies | EUFOR searched security companies | EUFOR searched Security Companies |
| “Puma Security” obstructs DPA | EUFOR operation in Mostar | Meeting on Police reform in BL |
| RS parties support police reform | Wife invited Karadzic to surrender | Caucus of Centre on defence reform |
| Oslobodjenje | Radovan, surrender! |
| Dnevni Avaz | Ljiljana Karadzic called on Radovan to surrender |
| Dnevni List | Mostar to host 4th meeting of Bosniak youth: Young Bosniaks in Croat Home |
| Vecernji List | EUFOR blocked nine towns |
| Slobodna Dalmacija | EUFOR’s raids in nine towns |
| Nezavisne Novine | EUFOR searched security firms |
| Glas Srpske | Fog in Maglaj |
| EuroBlic | Textbooks still have not been written as yet |
| Vecernje novosti | Features Serbian related titles |
| Srpski Nacional | Features Serbian related titles |
LATEST NEWS OF TODAY | |
| Terzic says pressure on Karadzic family justifiable
| BH Radio 1 by Radmila Grubisa – BiH Prime Minister, Adnan Terzic,commented in Banja Luka Ljiljana Karadzic’s statement urging her husband, Radovan, to surrender saying that Karadzic should surrender and that the pressure on this family is entirely justifiable. “I wonder why that the International Community has not started to make pressure against Karadzic family even earlier,” stated Terzic. As for the citizens of |
| BH Radio1: BiH parties mostly welcome Ljiljana Karadzic’s statement
| BH Radio 1 by Senka Jasarspahic – Leading parties in BiH mostly welcome the message of Ljiljana Karadzic, however they all doubt in its sincerity. Radovan Karadzic’s brother, Luka Karadzic, doesn’t agree with call on surrender and concludes the statement was a product on unjustifiable pressure on the family. SDA Vice President, Elmir Jahic says one should wait before commenting Ljiljana’s statement. For HDZ, the statement is an indication of possible surrender, and party’s spokesperson Miso Ralota notes a great change in Ljiljana’s attitude on the issue. Nada Radjevic, member of SDS Main Board,from says that the statement was “courageous”, however adds she is not certain in its result. |
| NATO welcomes Ljiljana Karadzic’s statement
| SRNA – NATO welcomes the statement by Ljiljana Karadzic urging her husband to surrender, reads statement by NATO Commander Stephen Schook. With regarding to the claims that the family has been under an increased pressure, NATO stresses that Ljiljana Karadzic was never abused and that “the pressure she feels is a result of a circumstances her husband put her brought her in.” |
| FBiH HoP in session
| RHB, BH Radio 1 by Ljiljana Radl – FBiH House of Peoples at the session today adopted the Law on changes to the Law on FBiH Internal Debt. The law was adopted without the changes to the text endorsed by the FBiH House of Representatives. The law extends the deadline for verification of the old foreign currency savings, upon request of the OHR. Verification period has now been set to last from 12 September to 31 December. |
| Ashdown on police reform
| RHB – The last night’s meeting on police reform at |
| DNS insists Bijeljina is one of police regions HQ | SRNA – DNS issued statement requesting those responsible from RS side in the process of police reform to insist for Bijeljina to be one of the regional HQ of future police. DNS adds it is necessary to return the discussion in the institutions. |
| HDZ to approach European | SRNA – HDZ BiH says is it forced to approach the European Human Rights Court to achieve equality regarding the Public RTV system in BiH. The press release insists that the Croat people have the constitutional right to a channel in the Croatian language. |
War crimes | |
| Ljiljana Karadzaic urges her husband Radovan to surrender
| BHT 1, FTV, RTRS, EuroBlic cover ‘Radovan, surrender!’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘The wife called on Karadzic to surrender’ by Beta – AP, Glas Srpske cover ‘Radovan, surrender!’ by AP, Vecernje Novosti cover ‘Surrender, Radovan!’ by Tanjug– The wife of notorious ICTY indictee, Radovan Karadzic, Ljiljana Zelen Karadzic has publicly called on her husband to surrender because, as she said, their family was not able to continue living under pressure any longer. “I have to address you this way, because there is no other way. Our family is under constant pressure from all sides. We are being threatened in every way, our lives and our property. We are living in a constant atmosphere of concern, pain and suffering. That is why, between loyalty to you and loyalty to our children and grandchildren, I had to make a choice and I have chosen. It is painful and difficult for me to plead with you – but I beg you with all my heart and soul – to surrender. That will be a sacrifice for us, for our family. In hope that you are alive and that you are free to make the decision yourself, I beg you to make the decision and do it for all our sakes. In all my helplessness and my weakness, the only thing that I can do is beg you,” said Ljiljana Karadzic shaken and in tears. She urged her husband to surrender via APTN television on Thursday evening. NOTE: The statement was released later in the evening, thus PINK, RHB, Hayat and Croatian press have not carried it. |
| DA speculates on reasons for Ljiljana’s message: Radovan has option to be either arrested or to surrender?
| Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 2 ‘Radovan, surrender!’ by A.H. – Daily says it learned form the sources close to EUFOR that Ljiljana Karadzic sent a message to her husband “after everything was agreed on surrender on most wanted war criminal Radovan Karadzic.” DA’s source claims that the international community has talked with his son Aleksandar several days to pass a message to Radovan that he will be arrested. Furthermore, the source says that Ljiljana’s message was performed and “rehearsed” and that her husband [if refuses to surrender] would face arrest in which people could be hurt. “This message is very serious. It says that all conditions Karadzic and his family made, were met, including financial compensations to his family and security,” claims the source. However, one of the leading politicians in RS told DA that the public in Bijeljina was not ready to trust image of shaken Ljialjan and many seen this as “desperate move” to finally “push back the foreigners who wont let them sleep or eat.” |
| Srebrenica Task Force: Serbian MoI still has not submitted information on Scorpions
| Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘No information on Scorpions’ by S. R. – The head of the Srebrenica Task Force for implementation of Srebrenica Commission’s conclusions, Jovan Spajic, told daily that the Serbian Interior Ministry has still not submitted the information on members of the Scoprions unit to RS MoI. “Despite the fact that RS MoI puts Serbian MoI under pressure in order to be provided with the information on Scoprion, nothing has happened as yet. Only after this documents is reviewed by RS MoI, it can be submitted to the Task Force,” explained Spajic. He added that the RS Defence Ministry is about to finalize its work, after which the sub-group of the Srebrenica Task Force will establish the methodology this Ministry used in gathering the information. Asked whether the work will be completed by end of September [as planned], Spajic said it would however stressed that the quality of the work will depend on other institutions. |
| 24 mortal remains identified and buried in
| RTRS,EuroBlic pg RS2, announced on cover ‘They were buried after ten years’ by Zeljka Knezevic, Vecernje Novosti pg 17 ‘Many bodies are still waiting’ by C. T., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Every name, one wound’ by M. Mihajlovic – 13 mortal remains of soldiers and 11 mortal remains of civilians from a memorial grave site in Banja Luka, which contains another 457 mortal remains, were identified and buried Thursday in Banja Luka. Most of the mortal remains were found on Ozren mountain. |
| Reis Ceric in
| Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Ceric looking for answers on missing Bosniaks’, not signed – The reis-ul-ulema, Mustafa eff. Ceric, who yesterday (Thursday) met with the Montenegrin President and Prime Minister, Filip Vujanovic and Milo Djukanovic respectively, called on the Montenegrin authorities to explain where are the mortal remains of Bosniaks from BiH, who were deported from Herceg Novi to BiH in 1992 and who went missing after the deportation. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Burning issues still await the answers’ by |
Security issues | |
| EUFOR searches premises of security companies throughout BiH
| Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘EUFOR searched several companies providing security services all around BiH’, mentioned on cover ‘EUFOR search entire country’, by F. Vele – On Thursday, EUFOR carried out the searches of the private companies providing security services in several cities in BiH. Offices of the company “Puma Buntic Security” were searched in Mostar, Siroki Brijeg, Capljina and Stolac. “Over 20 kg of TNT explosive were found and seized in the operations… [in Mostar] A number of guns, ammunition, anti-tank mines, hand grenades and certain documents were also seized,” EUFOR spokesman Bruno Compagnone told Dnevni Avaz. RHB – Spokesperson for HNK Canton MoI, Drazen Mustafic confirmed that local police did not take part in actions. BHT1 Angela Cvitanovic – As for PUMA company, BHT1 says that two years ago based on US President George Bush’s decree, this company was listed among individuals and organizations that represent menace to peace and stability in Balkan courtiers or which provides shelters to the ICTY indictees. EUFOR blocked the building were “Puma Buntic Security” have offices, as well as several other companies. These companies complained for restricted movement in and around building, what blocked their daily work. Hayat also reported. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Action lasted for 5 hours in Prijedor’ – RS police spokesman Radovan Pejic confirmed for the SRNA agency that EUFOR has also searched Banja Luka premises of “Security Sector”, owned by Slavisa Krunic. Pejic added that EUFOR members were also checking the company’s premises in Bosanska Gradiska and Prijedor. The search of Prijedor premises lasted for about 5 hours. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Packages, computers and safe taken from Sword Security’ – EUFOR has also probed premises of “Sword Company” from RHB, RTRS, Hayat, PINK, Vecernji List, front pg splash ‘EUFOR blocked nine towns’ and pgs 2-3 ‘Mysterious operation’, by Zoran Kresic, Robert Soldo, Branka Stevandic, Dejan Jazvic, pg 4 ‘Are protection companies cooperating with terrorists?’, by Dalibor Ravic, Dnevni List, pgs 2-3, mentioned on front, ‘TNT in protection agencies’, by M. Dedic, M. Zorlak, and pg 4 ‘Sword security not afraid of EUFOR’s operation’, not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija, front pg splash and pg 14 ‘EUFOR’s raids in nine towns’, by Danijel Ivankovic, Ivanka Dzajic, Zoran Zekic, and back pg ‘EUFOR blocks ‘Eronet’s’ phones’, by Emil Karamatic, Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5, mentioned on cover, ‘Security companies searched’ by Antonio Prlenda – also reported on the searches of companies. |
| EUFOR says aim of operation to ensure companies act in line with DPA
| Hayat, RTRS, FTV, PINKDragica Tojagic – The aim of the EUFOR searches operations, as Chris Evans, EUFOR Spokespersons pointed out, was to check weapons used by the companies as well as to ensure the companies to act in line with the Dayton Peace Agreement. Evans pointed out that staff was interrogated as well as that all the premises were searched. “As far as the inspection, some items, which require further investigation, may be seized and in order to give no further inconvenience to the business, these items will be removed from inspection and if no irregularities are found they will be returned”, said Evans. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘We investigate whether arms that companies use are being contorlled’ by L.S., BHT1 –“EUFOR is conducting a serious action of checking up the companies that are under suspicion of carrying out anti-Dayton activities. EUFOR leads the action, but BiH military components are participating as well,” said EUFOR spokesman, Tom Ryall. |
| Owners of companies comment on EUFOR searches
| Nezavisne novine cover pg splash ‘EUFOR searched security firms’ by D. Muminovic, S. Karic and D. Kovacevic – Apart from reporting on EUFOR search actions in Sarajevo and Banja Luka, NN reads “Sword security” in Sarajevo mostly deals with securing diplomatic representations of middle-East countries to BiH, while owner of the firm Asim Jounis rejected speculations that his firm was searched due to connections with terrorism. RHB, RTRS, FTV – Director of “Sector Security” from Banja Luka Djordje Stanisljevic says the only explanation he got was that this is a “routine control” and he says he was embittered over the fact the search was done in this way since EUFOR could get any information they were interested in from them. FTV – FTV comments that it was interesting to note that the searches have occurred only 24 hours after the meeting of the BiH Security Ministry and the managers of the companies providing security. |
| DL on EUFOR raids: Let Ashdown say BiH is not protectorate
| Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘EUFOR barges in again’, by Ivana Rozic – Commenting on yesterday’s operations by the EUFOR troops, the author says it would appear that the EUFOR is doing what the domestic authorities should be doing i.e. controlling the security companies. Rozic is critical of EUFOR’s behaviour in general, saying that EUFOR can barge into a private property any time without announcement, and it usually does. The author concludes: “Let Ashdown say one more time that BiH is a normal European country without features of a protectorate. As if!” |
| Colak and Mektic with security agencies: Security activities increased
| RHB,Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Activities of security agencies increased’, Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Level of security was strengthened due to possible terrorit threats’ by M. Cubro and D. Muminovic, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Enhanced prevention of terrorist activities’, not signed – According to the statement of BiH Ministry of Security, the BiH Minister of Security, Barisa Colak, and his Deputy, Dragan Mektic, held a meeting with officials of BiH security agencies, during which they discussed and analysed the security situation in BiH, with special attention on recent events in the world. During the meeting, it was concluded that security agencies in BiH are conducting increased activities, with goal to prevent terrorist and other activities related to organized and other crimes. It was stressed that these agencies are in constant coordination and cooperation. Participants of the meeting have asked citizens for understanding, being that some traffic jams could be caused by their activities, especially during the holiday season. |
| Bosniak youth to meet in Mostar on Saturday, citizens fear arrests | Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 15 ‘Young Bosniaks in Croat Home’, by V. Soldo – Announces that the 4th meeting of the Bosniak youth, which will gather the Bosniak youth from BiH and abroad and which will also be attended by the Bosniak member of BiH Presidency, Sulejman Tihic, will take place in Mostar at the Croat Home ‘Herceg Stjepan Kosaca’ on Saturday at 1000 hrs. DL notes that the interviewed citizens fear of possible unrests. |
Police and defence reforms | |
| Meeting on police reform held in
| Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Terzic and Ashdown held urgent meeting on police reform in Banja Luka yesterday’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 3 inset ‘Meeting held’ by Fena– At initiative of the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, and BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic, a meeting with representatives of the Entity governments on police reform was held on Thursday evening at motel “Dragana” near Banja Luka. Terzic said that he and Ashdown convened the meeting given that they received support from SNSD and SDS for resolving the police problematic within the institutional system. “This is why we convened this meeting immediately so that we would not lose any more time”, Terzic told the press, adding that this is a constitutive meeting at which all interlocutors need to reach an agreement on how they will work and what are their goals. BHT 1 – Meeting was held behind the closed doors. BHT reports that the meeting was attended by Ashdown, Terzic, BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak, RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic and RS Interior Minister Darko Matijasevic. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘On police reform again’ by D. R. – NN says RS Minister of Finances Svetlana Cenic and SIPA Director Sredoje Novic also attended, as well as several officials from FBiH. Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Police reform still on hold’, by E. Mackic – announces meeting. |
| SDS, PDP, SNSD, DNS express support for police reform negotiations
| FTV, Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Cavic, Ivanic and Dodik gave green light to Ashdown’ by Az. Kalamujic – SDS, PDP, SNSD and DNS have agreed to the continuation of the police reform negotiations in the institutions during August. Leaders of these parties – Dragan Cavic [SDS], Milorad Dodik [SNSD] and Marko Pavic [DNS] – informed the HR, Paddy Ashdown, in written that they accept the conclusions of the meeting held on Tuesday in Sarajevo. OHR Spokeswoman, |
| SNSD warns political parties to use police reform to score more electoral votes
| RTRS, Glas srpske pg 5 ‘Both consent and distance’ by Z. Markovic, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘All parties will use meetings to gain more votes for elections’, Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘Dodik to Ashdown: SNSD will not sabotage reaching of agreement on police’, not signed – SNSD leader, Milorad Dodik, on Thursday addressed a letter to the HR Paddy Ashdown asking him to “accept the fact that due to the recent elections we wish for the authorities to take the leading role in police reform while we will support their initiatives. If the two leaderships in power reach compromise in this field, we will not block it.” Dodik also stressed that SNSD is for sustainable and reformed police which is to be agreed through institutions and political consensus of two governments. He also point to the need for the RS National Assembly to be respected. SNSD leader said his party fully supports reforms, including this one focused at police. Finally, Dodik urges “Ashdown to be cautious, because all parties will attempt to use such gatherings for scoring election points, and the opposition in RS cannot allow itself to be in a more disadvantageous position because of such events”. |
| DNS, SDS on their stance on police: solution in institutions
| Glas srpske pg 5 ‘Both consent and distance’ by Z. Markovic, RTRS – Leader of DNS, Marko Pavic written to the HR that his party never was obstructer of reforms, and supported further negotiations on police reform. “We have always advocated for this issue to be discussed in Institutions of the system, especially in RS and FBiH Governments. Out of these reasons, we are supporting the stand that other Parties have taken now as well, by which process of negotiations is to be transferred to Institution of the system and that final solution is reached by agreement between government bodies,” reads DNS letter. SDS sees the solution in unified stance of RS Parties. Without commenting what they wrote to the HR, they stress that final solution is inside Institutions. Representative of SDS, Borislav Bojic stated: “It is to be expected that RS Institutions, first of all RS Government and RSNA will get certain form of solutions, which we will discuss. In my opinion that is the only possible option, after decision of the RSNA”. |
| Matijasevic: RS MoI must remain
| RTRS, Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘RS MoI must remain’, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Condition is survival of RS MoI’ by Fena – RS Interior Minister Darko Matijasevic has said that the RS Interior Ministry must remain after the police reforms in BiH. “The RS MoI must and will remain. The RS MoI could be one part of the integral security area in BiH and we support this,” Matijasevic told journalists in Banja Luka, adding that this means the RS MoI, the police and its director could be part of an indivisible security sector in BH. |
| Op-ed says police reform possible turning point for BiH
| Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Turning point’ op-ed by Zija Dizdarevic – Author underlines the decision on police restructuring in BiH is the most difficult post-Dayton political decision for the RS. “Objectively, the [decision] on defence reform has a bigger importance as it leads towards the NATO… However, the police reform weakens the influence of RS politicians in an entire system of the authorities, also bearing some psychological implication, especially with those without clean war conscience,” reads editorial concluding this is possible turning point in BiH’s development in which RS would through parliament’s approval of this reform ‘finally’ see BiH as its country. |
| Gregorian: Set of defence laws in parliaments in next few days
| Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘Defence Laws in Parliament next week?’ by L. Sinanovic – Co-Chair of the Defence Reform Commission, Raffi Gregorian, says that the set of draft laws on defence and service with the BiH Armed Forces will be forwarded to the parliaments at both state and entities levels in next few days. In a statement to DA, Gregorian added he is ‘carefully optimistic’ about the parliamentary discussions, especially as he and BiH Defence Minister, Nikola Radovanovic, have met with entities an state Prime Ministers to discuss this procedure. Asked to comment reports of Croat media who said that Herzegovina will stay without Army, Gregorian underlined no final decision was made, as the DRC proposed locations and the final approval rests with the Presidency. |
| Spiric: possible parallel discussion on defence laws in both BiH Houses | Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘Parallel discussions in both houses’ by L.S. – BiH House of Representatives’ Speaker, Nikola Spiric, says that expectations of Raffi Gregorian are very realistic: “I am certain we will find a way in the Parliament to ensure that for both laws are in the procedure and to have parallel discussion in both Houses.” |
| Centre Club asked for convening of special session on defence reform | RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘We want the truth’ by M. Mi. – Centre Club at RS NA asked from RS Government Thursday to urgently launch a procedure for convening a special session, at which a report on the course of defence reform would be discussed. A press release of the Centre Club warns there are ongoing attempts to transfer constitutional authorities from RS to BiH level without consent or decisions of RS NA. |
Political stories / Audits | |
| BiH HoP on state of security, illegal border crossings, law on confidential information
| RHB, FTV, Hayat, RTRS, PINK, Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘It is inadmissible there are still illegal border crossings’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Law on protection of confidential information adopted’ by A. Terzic, Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Responsibility over illegal border crossings requested’, by N. Bise – Carries a report from yesterday’s (Thursday) session of the BiH House of Peoples. The MPs were presented an information about the state of security in BiH, which was presented by the BiH Council of Ministers on basis of reports of ministries on interior. Since the information did not contain anything about possible threat of terrorist attacks, Djoko Tadic (MP, SDS), noted that one should not overlook the recent threats issued by the Al Qaeda against countries that have troops in Iraq. Moreover, the chamber adopted the Law on protection of confidential information, which was proposed by a joint Security-intelligence commission. Osman Brka (MP, SDA) reacted to information that there are 408 registered illegal border crossings along the BiH borders. He noted that something like that simply could not be after having the State Border Service for 5 years, saying the SBS should be held responsible. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘BiH owes almost 4 billion KM’ by A.T. – BiH HoP did not discuss the information on foreign debt of BiH which amounts to almost 4 billion KM, as nobody from Council of Ministers attended the session. |
| Hayat on possible conflict between Terzic and others inside SDA
| Hayat Lejla Gutlic – The Chair of BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic “admitted” publicly his partisan colleagues wanted to remove him. Reporter says that the problem aroused when Terzic decided to accept BiH Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mladen Ivanic’s resignation, due to what PDP representatives requested BiH House of Representatives’ representatives to take stance on whether they supported Terzic’s removal. Most of the representatives disagreed with such idea. Recently, in newspapers, statements on SDA preparing to remove Terzic could be seen a lot. According to several dailies, Terzic admitted that he had heard such statements. “Situation in SDA has decreased my impact in the CoM. some SDA representatives realized that they could get my position. But regardless of speculations, there is no dispute between Sulejman Tihic and me”, said Terzic in a daily (read by the reporter). There are speculations that Sarajevo Canton Prime Minister Denis Zvizdic or BiH Minister for Human Rights and Refugees Mirsad Kebo could replace Terzic. Terzic says that Kebo has ambitions, but he questions his loyalty. Kebo denies Terzic’s allegations. “I have no such ambitions and I have not had thoughts on such position”, said Kebo. |
| Kebo denies being against Terzic: ‘I think I was the most loyal to the Prime Minister’’
| Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Kebo: I think I was the most loyal to the Prime Minister’, announced on cover ‘I will not steal Terzic’s position’ by H. Handzic – BiH Minister for Human Rights and Refugees Mirsad Kebo says he was surprised with suspicion the Chair of the Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic has expressed in his loyalty. Apart from this, in a statement to Dnevni Avaz on Thursday Terzic also stated Kebo had certain ambition to steal his position. Kebo denied this was true and listed a number of situations in which he had proved his loyalty to Terzic. |
| SD: Bakir Izetbegovic to take over CoM Chair?
| Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 15, mentioned on front ‘Bakir Izetbegovic a new BiH Prime Minister?’, by Zlatko Tulic – Reports that after several meetings on crisis in the BiH Council of Ministers have failed, the Bosniak political circles are talking about possible departure of the current Chairman of BiH CoM, Adnan Terzic, from the respective office and thorough reconstruction of the BiH CoM. According to sources close to the SDA, Terzic will, after the police reform has been completed in September, leave the BiH CoM with commendations from the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown. SD goes on to say that several senior officials of SDA are not happy with Terzic’s work, especially in last half year, and that he is not cooperating with his party chief, Sulejman Tihic. Finally, SD says that according to information from sources close to the SDA and certain international circles, it is Bakir Izetbegovic, who could be replacing Terzic. |
| BiH Auditors publishes reports in another 6 institutions
| BHT 1, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Parliamentarians slept in Holiday Inn and Terex for price of 84.262 KM’ by M. Kukan – The BiH Audit’s Office for BiH institutions has published another 6 reports on work, which refer to the work of BiH Parliament, Ministry of Finances and Treasury, High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, BiH Archives, Commission for Property claims of refugees and DPs and Commission for protection of national monuments. Most of the irregularities noted were discrepancies in internal procedures. The Office also noted lack of documents justifying expenditure of 2 million KM for opening of |
| Audit Report on BiH Finances Ministry: not known how much money was spent for investment conference in Mostar
| Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘It is not known how much did the investment conference in Mostar cost’ by |
| Sego denies reports on money embezzlement mentioning FIPA and Covic: Case of procedural error
| Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Auditors: It is about procedural error’, by A. Beus – Following yesterday’s report that talk about possible embezzlement of 500.000 KMs, which was presented by the Audit Office of BiH institutions and which mentions FIPA, Mostar Investment Conference and Dragan Covic, (see OHR Media Round-up, August 28, 2005), today’s DL carries the Chief BiH Auditor, Milenko Sego, who says that, after an audit of the (BiH) Ministry of Finance and Treasury was completed, it was established that it was about a procedural error and that there was no illegal transfer of money. |
| Music says CoM/ BiH HoR’s decision regarding auditors and law ‘great democratic even’
| Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Auditor’s job is not for ‘quiet’ ones’ by M. Kukan – The Deputy BiH Chief Auditor, Samir Musovic, comments that the decision of the Council of Ministers to forward the draft Law on Audits of BiH institutions in “original and unchanged form” into the parliamentary process and rejection of the BiH House of Representatives to appoint deputy auditors at the session on Wednesday “were extremely important democratic events for our country.” Musovic argues that this has ceased the opportunity for those close to the “cabinets” [referring to BiH presidency] to be appointed to these positions. “[Experts] will now have a chance to take my or Milenko Sega’s or Dragan Kulina’s place for without any political relations, but through the vacancy announcements which will appears in October or November,” says Musovic. |
| Teachers worried, OSCE hopes Pecelj will sign guidelines for history/ geography textbooks | EuroBlic cover pg splash and pg RS1 ‘Textbooks have not been written as yet’ by Tijana Veselinovic and Rajna Radosavljevic – History and geography teachers in RS have expressed their concern over the fact RS Minister of Education Milovan Pecelj had not signed guidelines for writing history and geography textbooks, although the next school year will begin in only a month. OSCE expressed its hope Minister Pecelj would soon sign the guidelines. |
| OHR demands removal of Easter Sarajevo Faculty’s Dean
| RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘First removal, then resignation’ not signed – OHR has asked in written from RS Government to replace the Dean of Eastern Sarajevo Faculty, Radomir Lukic by Monday. According to the decision of High Representative Paddy Ashdown from June of 2004, Lukic is on the list of 59 replaced officials. Lukic was a member of the SDS Main Board at the time. Sources close to RS Government have stated the decision of OHR had no legal grounds, while professor Lukic has stated he had no intention to resign from the position and claims his colleagues from the Faculty and Universities in |
| Former HR says BiH needs no new DPA
| Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘BiH doesn’t need new Dayton’, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Geneva determines the future’ by M. B., Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘BiH does not need new Dayton’ by V. Duka, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 8 ‘BiH needs ‘democratic revolution’’, by H – Report on the visit of Wolfgang Petritsch, the Chairman of “Association BiH 2005”, to Trebinje. He stated the aim of this Association, as well as of the international community, was to point on resolving of priority issues in order for BiH to create a better future for BiH citizens. NN quotes Petritsch as saying: ‘BiH does not need a new |
| Jurkic on PBS law: HDZ top turns back on Croat MPs
| Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘HDZ top turns back on Croat parliamentarians’, by Marko Karacic – According to the initiator of petition aimed at establishment of Croat TV channel in BiH, Stjepan Jurkic, the Croat MPs in the BiH Parliament have done everything they can to have the Croat TV channel established, however they did not have the concrete support from the HDZ leadership, they only got verbal support. He says the Croat MPs will most likely address the issue with the European Human Rights Court in |
| Kukic argues current draft PBS law in interests of HDZ
| Dani magazine pgs 18-19 ‘Double game for three-part television’ by Slavo Kukic – Referring to the HDZ’s objections to the Law on Public Broadcasting System. Kukic argues that HDZ will have its interests satisfied even without the establishment of the Croat channel, which was their key objection: “HDZ hopes for double victory through this law: introduction of nationalized channels through backdoors [referring to the compromise solution of establishing three newsrooms in future PBS system, i.e. in Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Mostar], but also for homogenization of electoral body composed of BiH Croats around this party [author says that HDZ will use this to argue that there is a discrimination against Croats, which will ensure them with votes].” |
| NN op-ed critical of HR and politicians for not pleading for employment of common people | Nezavisne novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Salaries for “justice”’ by Almedin Sisic – the author refers to a statement HR Paddy Ashdown gave with regard to salaries of judges, explaining the salaries were high to prevent corruption, and he criticizes both HR and politicians for failing to say: “We must give jobs to unemployed, or else they would starve to death.” |
Economic issues | |
| Farmers: Terzic is losing the war
| PINK, FTV, RHB, Dnevni List, pg 9 ‘Terzic is losing war to Bakic’, by Mensud Zorlak, Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘No agriculture without laws’ by Srna – The farmers, who have been protesting in front of the joint institutions building for 35 days, claim that the protests are already giving results. The Association of Farmers President, Ranko Bakic, argues that things have started moving since the BiH Parliament spent three hours discussing effects of the Law on customs tariffs, having in mind that they did not want to hear about their problems before. The farmers are optimistic that there will be a dialogue with the Chairman of BiH CoM, Adnan Terzic. FBiH Vice-president, Sahbaz Dzihanovic has met with Farmers’ delegation, represented giving his full support to Farmers’ demands. PINK – “BiH Parliamentary Assembly has adopted reports of the Commission and BiH Council of Ministers, which are contradictory. This supports my request that Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development should be established at BiH level”, said Bakic. |
| VL: IMF and EC say Islamic banking not appropriate for BiH at the moment
| Vecernji List, pg 5 ‘IMF and EC – against’, by Zoran Kresic – VL announces that the FBiH House of Peoples will be voting today about amendments to the Law on Banks, which would allow introduction of the so-called Islamic banking that prohibits interest rates on loans. VL notes that the International Monetary Fund, European Commission and FBiH Banking Agency have expressed ‘reservations’ towards such amendments, stressing that such banking principles are not appropriate for BiH at this moment. Apparently, the IMF and EC have sent a letter to the FBiH Prime Minister, Ahmet Hadzipasic, asking him that the amendments be withdrawn. VL also reports that reis-ul-ulema, Mustafa eff. Ceric, has sent the MPs in the HoP a letter ‘telling them off’ for not adopting the amendments last Friday, arguing that the Islamic banking would strengthen the BiH economy and attract investments from both the west and the east. Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Arguing about Islamic principle of banking’ by S. Se. – also announces session of FBIH Parliament. |
| Madunic (MP, HDZ) criticizes FBIH Finance Ministry over verification of old savings | Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Ministry of Finances works without seriousness and irresponsibly’, by Nermin Bise – In an interview to DL, the president of HDZ Caucus in the FBIH House of Representatives, Ivan Madunic, harshly criticizes the FBIH Government, namely the FBIH Finance Ministry because it failed to verify claims pertaining to old foreign currency savings. Madunic believes it is unrealistic to expect that the verification process will be completed in the next 4 months since it was not done in past 9 months. |