OHR BiH Media Round-up, 29/9/2005

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

Del Ponte inSerbia and Montenegro

HR consults EU Ambassadors [NN]

Terzic announces talks on CoM

EU on Turkey , Croatia joining EU

Del Ponte in Belgrade today

Bosic statement

European MTV Video Music Awards

World news

Vladan Batic arrested

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA  (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

HDZ Brcko sues Maoca Muslims

EU Ambassadors on police reform

RS parties to discuss police reform

Ivanic on BiH CoM

Cavic on police reform

OHR on possible early elections

OHR won’t speculate on SDS action

Bukejlovic on Cavic Affair

BHT’s public opinion survey

EU Ambassadors on police reform

State Border Commission formed

Speculations on next HR

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Election Comm. on early elections

Draft law on state service

Reactions on wiretapping allegations

EU Ambassadors on police reform

Protests of Oil Refinery workers

RS parties to meet on police reform

Bukejlovic on police reform

Dodik on future organisation of BiH

HR’s deadline for SDS’s proposals

Cavic’s wiretapping affair

OHR on possible early elections

Police reform no threat for RS

Oslobodjenje

SDS threatens with new crisis in authorities, and HDZ with third entity

Dnevni Avaz

CoM Chair Terzic: Always when there is a crisis in RS, they demand my resignation

Dnevni List

Border with Croatia agreed upon

Vecernji List

BiH still has not official language

Slobodna Dalmacija

Strike against pocket of citizens ‘weighing’ at 70 million KMs (on VAT)

Glas Srpske

They are more often hungry than full [feature story on a family from Sijekovac]

Nezavisne Novine

CoM remains until elections

Blic

Cavic has no bugs

Vecernje Novosti

Serbia related headlines

Srpski Nacional

Serbia related headlines

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

SDS withdraws support to BiH CoM

BH Radio 1, RS Radio – SDS Vice President, Mladen Bosic, stated for SRNA news agency that the BiH Council of Ministers enjoys no support of this party as of today. “Well, obviously it is clear that as of this moment BiH CoM has no support of the SDS ,” said Bosic commenting the lack of the support by the parties creating parliamentary majority with regard to their efforts to resist measures by the IC. He said it is to be seen at the upcoming sessions of the SDS Presidency and the Main board whether SDS will propose voting on no confidence to CoM or will join some other party in such initiative. 

OHR reiterates stance on police reform: There is no giving up on three EU principles

Ljiljana Radetic, OHR Spokesperson, at today’s press conference in Bnaja Luka reiterated OHR’s stance in regard to RS Government’s call towards political parties on resumption of police reform talks. She said: “There is no stepping away from the EC’s three principles The IC stands united in its determination to see an agreement on police reform that meets the EU’s three principles adopted. The sooner the SDS presents a proposal that meets the EC’s principles, the sooner negotiations on an SAA can begin. If the SDS is serious about police reform they will present a proposal that meets the three principles in time.”

Del Ponte visits Belgrade, Montenegro and Croatia

BH Radio 1 Mustafa Karahmet, RHB, RS Radio – Chief ICTY Prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte, is in the one-day visit to Belgrade, where she will meet with the SCG Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and Human Rights Minister Rasim Ljajic. She will also visit Montenegro to meet with the President and Prime Minister, Filip Vujanovic and Mile Djukanovic. Del Ponte is expected to also visit Croatia tomorrow, and this week she is to report to the EU Council of Ministers on the cooperation of these countries with the ICTY.  

Political Developments/Reforms

Terzic announces replacements of Dokic, Ivanic in CoM

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘As soon as there is a crisis in RS, they demand my resignation’, pg 5 ‘I have replacement for Mladen Ivanic’ by Sead Numanovic – The Chair of the BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic has announced the beginning of the talks with the parties creating the parliamentary majority in order to find replacements for the Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic and Traffic and Communications Minister Branko Dokic. In a interview to DA, Terzic confirmed he has candidates for those positions, however refused to name them before wining the necessary support. “So far I have not dealt with this issue because I was too busy with reformatory processes, especially with the police reform. But, now I will come out with new names very soon, immediately after I hold consultations with political subjects,” said Terzic. Asked to comment the SDS initiative for his replacement, Terzic says: “As soon there is a crisis in RS, they ask for my resignation. I am certain this is not an issue of relation toward me, but an effort to transfer the crisis to the state level and buy time…. But, I don’t think this will help them in the relation with the International Community.”  On the police reform, Terzic said that he deems there could be progress made by the end of October, under condition that the IC stays united in this issue: “I am optimist that can happen with the full determination of the US Embassy to this project.”

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘CoM remains until the elections’ and pg 4 ‘BiH Council of Ministers remains until next elections’ by M. Cubro – With regard to the announcement of SDS on possible withdrawal from the authorities, CoM Chairman Adnan Terzic claims there is no quality reason to dismantle CoM, regardless of whether SDS would be a part of the parliamentary majority or not.

Bukejlovic invited Cavic, Dodik and Ivanic to participate in new talks on police reform

BHT, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Bukejlovic invited Cavic, Dodik and Ivanic to participate in new talks on police reform’, Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Consultations on police reform on Friday’ by D. R., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Invitation to talks’ by G. D., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘PM calls for talks’ not signed – RS Premier Pero Bukejlovic on Wednesday invited on the leaders of the major political parties in RS to consultations on police reform in BiH this Friday, September 30, announced the RS PM Cabinet. In a letter to the leaders of the SDS , SNSD and PDP, the premier said it is necessary to exchange views and positions on police reform with a view to finding a solution that would meet European principles and satisfy the three constituent peoples of BiH.

Ashdown says SDS can offer new police reform proposal until Friday

RTRS – The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown sent a message to SDS, stating that new RS proposals on police reform can be offered until Friday, because meeting of EU Council of Ministers is on Monday, during which probably will be said “yes” to SCG for Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

EU Ambassadors in BiH: This is a moment of decision for RS Government

RHB, Pink, Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘This is a moment of decision for RS Government’, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘RS might be isolated more than ever before’, Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘EU Ambassadors: Police reform does not represent threat to RS’, by NINA, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Either police reform or complete isolation’ by M. Kusmuk, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘A ticket to Brussels’ by M. Mi. – RS Government faces a moment of decision on police reform, says the statement of EU ambassadors in BiH. Main message of the statement is that police reform is no threat to RS. The Dayton constitution – one state, two entities – is in place, and will remain. EU ambassadors have a positive vision for the RS, as a stable, secure and prosperous part of the state of BiH, which is moving closer to European integration. If the RS Government agrees to police restructuring in a form that meets the European Commission’s requirements, this country will be able to open negotiations with the EU. If they do not, the country will not be able to move towards the EU.

NN source: HR consulting EU Ambassadors re ban on issuing visas to RS officials

Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Either police reform or complete isolation’ by M. Kusmuk inset ‘Possible ban on issuing visas to officials from RS’ – a source close to diplomatic circles in BiH claims HR Paddy Ashdown is discussing with EU Ambassadors the possibility to ban issuing of visas for RS officials and delegates who oppose European principles on police reform.

OHR delivered a list of 20 corrupted policemen to Minister Matijasevic

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘A list of 20 corrupted policemen before Matijasevic’, announced on cover ‘OHR forwarded a list of 20 corrupted policemen to Minister Matijasevic’ by M. Kusmuk – According to a source close to RS MoI, OHR forwarded a list of corrupted high officials of police. The source claims the list includes 20 names, some of which are: Banja Luka PSC Chief Dusan Kos and his Deputy Perica Stanic, as well as the Head of General Crime Department at CID Darko Ilic, Head of Department for Traffic Control at the Police administration Milenko Martinovic, Head of Department for Planning and Development at Police Administration Milenko Boskovic, Head of the Minister’s Security Sasa Milovanovic and Advisor to the Minister’s Cabinet Aleksandar Milic. The source also claims OHR representatives held a meeting with Matijasevic to deliver the list and they demanded that Dragomir Andan leaves the meeting. OHR and RS MoI did not want to confirm whether the list was delivered.

Oslobodjenje feature on SDS threats to have new crisis in authorities, HDZ demands for third entity

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘SDS threatens with new crisis in authorities, and HDZ with third entity’ by A. Omeragic – Daily brings comments on the possibility of early elections in RS and HDZ’s call on the establishment of the third entity. On the former, daily comments that the crisis would be worsened if, as OHR announced, early elections take place. “SDA is not afraid of the early elections, but it would be unrealistic to hold them as it takes six months to prepare them,” commented Ibrahim Nadarevic, SDA Vice President. SDP leader, Zlatko Lagumdzija, says his party is ready for the early election, however he stressed that they would have to be held not only in the RS but in entire country. NHI leader, Kresimir Zubak believes nether that SDS will withdraw from authorities nor that early elections will take place. HSS leader, Marko Tadic, adds that such initiative would only be good for the nationalists parties. Inset ‘Dodik doesn’t accept unfair conditions’ – “We will not accept for someone to throw us into the elections held in unfair conditions,” commented SNSD leader, Milorad Dodik to possibility of early elections. Member of SDS presidency, Borislav Bosic, says he doesn’t believe that the election would be held, stressing institutions have to function. Daily comments that while SDS threats to cause new crisis, HDZ seeks the third entity. Lagumdzija comments this is only election campaign by HDZ, HSS also dismisses this possibility and Zubak deems that the current situation is the worst possible, adding that third entity would be just. SDA completely rejects this initiative, and Nadarevic stresses that instead of creating new ‘states’ within a state, the local self-governance must be strengthen.  Inset ‘Frustrated Croats’ – carries Dodik who says that Croats are frustrated with their position in BiH, adding he would be ready to react to it, as long as any Federal organization includes RS as the unit. Bosic rejects possibility of BiH constitutional changes, and says that SDS already discussed SNSD proposal. Inset ‘Federation is a dungeon for Croats’ – Ivo Miro Jovic, Chair of BiH Presidency, comments that he would support early elections if the authorities do not function, however he adds that in this situation such initiative would not bring any radical change. On the third entity, Jovic reiterates: “If other two people have it, why we don’t as well?… Federation is dungeon for Croats… We have no rights.”  

SD op-ed: SDS tightening noose around BiH

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 16, mentioned on front ‘SDS tightens noose around BiH’, by Marin Erceg – Commenting on the recent measures by the High Representative and the SDS’ response to them, Erceg notes that one thing has to be clear to everyone, namely that the RS cannot function without the SDS, and that BiH cannot function without the RS, which are reasons because of which the HR dares not to remove SDS officials, even if he wanted to. On top of this, the author notes that the SDS is ready to cause a complete crisis within the authorities, however it does not want to let go of the police.

SNSD’s Dodik: Martens’ police reform concept fell through

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Martens’ police reform concept fell through’, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Constitution before reforms’ by D. Mo. – The president of the SNSD, Milorad Dodik, said that for his party the three EU principle in police reform are not a problem, but that the problem is their different interpretation. Dodik told reporters that this particularly pertains to the third principle which speaks of technical arrangement and where the IC requests that this be done by police technicians. He added that the Martens plan of reform has definitely failed and that it can not be proposed again in the same form.

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Early elections in the entire BiH’, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘SDS is pulling RS in an abyss’ by V. Popovic – Dodik also said that the SDS “underestimates the people” and is trying to “return to the scene what it has been promoting for 10 years by its policy of victims.” “The SDS has no right to exhaust this people and has no right to draw RS to the bottom because of its position,” said Dodik.

Commenting on the OHR’s announcements that extraordinary elections are possible, Dodik said that the SNSD will not take part if they are not held in the whole of BiH and with a four-year mandate. He stressed that BiH must reach a basic consensus on its internal arrangement. “We will take part in changing the BiH Constitution only if a consensus is reached, meaning that RS can say by its free will, that BiH is an internationally recognised state and something what we want, but under condition that RS is one of the federal units,” said Dodik. He added that it is not true that RS is ethnically pure and noted that all property was restored to pre-war owners, which means that they freely hold it. Commenting on reports that RS police minister Darko Matijasevic spied on president Cavic, said that this demonstrate how bad relations are in RS.

RS premier denies interior ministry eavesdropping on entity president

Pink, Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘WE have more important problems than intrigues’, Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Bukejlovic: RS MoI does not eavesdropping on Cavic’, EuroBlic cover pg splash and pg RS2 ‘Cavic has no “bugs”’ by Rajna Radosavljevic, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Pero Bukejlovic: The Government has nothing to do with eavesdropping’ by V. Popovic, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘A board demands for a report’ by E. G. S., FENA – RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic said on Wednesday that the entity government had nothing to do with reports of the alleged bugging of RS President Dragan Cavic, emphasizing that the Ministry of Internal Affairs did not deal with such things. He also denied a report that he informed Cavic that he had told Minister of Internal Affairs Matijasevic to stop bugging him, as was announced by some media in the RS. “I would know if the RS MoI did anything of this sort,” Bukejovic said. He also said that as he was not a member of the SDS Presidency and that unconfirmed information that Cavic accused RS police minister Darko Matijasevic of eavesdropping on him at a session of this body should be verified with the SDS presidency, not with the government. He said that he had received no written request from Cavic to investigate these allegations and that he had no information that the RS president was being monitored. “There is no evidence that the RS MoI has been eavesdropping on any official in the RS and Bosnia-Hercegovina,” he concluded. Bukejlovic said that althougth in the RS there were “much bigger issues that we should discuss and agree on today, we are dealing with all sorts of intrigues and unconfirmed information”.

Cavic denies he talked about wiretapping

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Pero Bukejlovic: The Government has nothing to do with eavesdropping’ by V. Popovic inset ‘Cavic: I was not talking about eavesdropping’ announced on cover – Dragan Cavic stated on Wednesday evening that he was not talking about any kind of eavesdropping during SDS session on Monday and added that the story about eavesdropping ‘was put in a political context, where it does not belong’. He said he was talking about relations between him and RS Government at the session.

NN: RS MoI possesses wiretapping equipment

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘RS MoI has eavesdropping equipment’ by Mr. K. – A source close to RS MoI confirmed RS MoI is in possession of equipment needed for wiretapping phone lines at the entire territory of RS . The equipment was purchased in October 2001 and was put in function at the end of last year.

Comments of political officials regarding “Zero tolerance” politics

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Lazovic: It is time SDS and all those slowing down European path to Europe were sanctioned’ by A.Malagic – Daily carries comments of political parties regarding “Zero tolerance” policy. Safet Halilovic from Party for BiH, is of the view that neither Policy or OHR measures towards SDS are no adequate for everything SDS has been doing so far, owing to which reason SDS deserves more rigorous measures. He reminds that IC in BiH is not an observer but instead a part of Dayton project, that needs to sanction all those obstructing implementation of Dayton Agreement, i.e. integration of BiH, its functionality, human rights…Adil Osmanovic from SDA is of the view that SDS is responsible for the current situation it is facing with, adding that “IC should exert more serious pressure…” Miro Lazovic, SDU Vice President, says the meaning of “Zero tolerance” policy is not clear, adding: “Does this mean IC and HR have not as yet lost patience in confronting obstructions from SDS or is it a warning proceeding sanctions?. I am of the view the time has come to sanction not only SDS, but also politics slowing down BiH course towards Europe, including ban of work.” Mirnes Ajanovic BOSS President, says it is clear to everybody SDS has reached a bottom point. Krstan Simic from SNSD expresses opposition to any sort of punishment by international community, adding: “We are of the view that citizens should be those who will penalize politicians through demonstration or civil disobedience, and the most drastic one would be not to support their election campaigns.” According to inset ‘Relota: HDZ is following up situation’, Miso Relota, HDZ Spokesperson, did not want to make any comment regarding situation SDS is facing with. Daily reports referring to its source that Dragan Covic will visit Banja Luka in the coming days.

SDS Doboj to reach decision on giving back 17,600 KM today

RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Decision on giving back 17,600 KM today’ by Srna, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 – Doboj SDS should today reach a decision on giving back in total 17,600 KM – the amount SDS members had paid to the party’s account, as according to Doboj SDS statement.

NN op-ed critical of RS authority

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7, announced on cover ‘The finish’ by Zeljko Kopanja – The author stresses that by obstructing the BiH course to Europe, RS authorities have brought all of us in a dramatic finishing line, where the hours are counted down to the moment when everything will come down to only one issue – Dayton Agreement: yes or no. He notes that “IF RS authorities continue with an open obstruction, whose sole goal is to maintain control over the work of police, it is clear that the result for RS would be fatal. More than ever, the possibility has been left open of seeing the current RS authority sacrifice Dayton structure of BiH, including Republika Srpska for the sake of one sole goal – maintenance of control over police in order to protect criminal activities they and their close circles are engaged in.”

BiH Election Commission on early elections

Hayat – Head of BIH Electoral Commission Branko Petric in his interview for NTV Hayat talked about the possibility for early elections in BIH. He sad that early elections are not included in the BIH Electoral Law. Petric said that in order for BIH to organize the early elections it has to adopt the amendments to the Election Law for the elections to be legal. Petric added that High Representative also has the mandate to impose the amendments to the election law. The BIH election law foresees the early elections in the case of Government dismissal in accordance to the BIH/Entity Constitutions. The mandate of Government elected in early elections ends when the mandate of the dismissed government was supposed to end.

On behalf of BHT, agency “Puls” conducted a public opinion survey on results of possible early elections

BHT Alenka Bruck – On behalf of BHT, agency “Puls” conducted a public opinion survey on results of possible early elections.  Almost 63% of citizens would vote. Most citizens of RS would vote for SNSD and SDS. Strongest party in FBiH is SDA, followed by Party for BiH and SDP. HDZ is the strongest Croat political party. As single candidate, Milorad Dodik would get the most votes in RS, followed by Dragan Cavic. Among Bosniaks, most votes would get Haris Silajdzic, followed by Sulejman Tihic and Zlatko Lagumdzija. Most Croats would vote for Dragan Covic. Only 11% of questioned citizens believe that present authorities in BiH are capable to deal with the economic problems of the country.

BiH Presidency hosted a meeting on preparations for Dayton anniversary

FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Preparations form marking 10^th anniversary of Dayton’, Dnevni Avaz pg 2, Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Ceremony on 10^th anniversary of signing of Dayton agreement’, by NINA – BiH Presidency Chair Ivo Miro Jovic and Presidency members Sulejman Tihic’s and Borislav Paravac’s Offices representatives held a meeting with ambassadors of countries that signed the Dayton Peace Agreement and EU Ambassadors. In accord to the BiH Presidency’s decision to mark the 10th anniversary of the Dayton-Paris Agreement Jovic informed the ambassadors that the central event of marking this anniversary would take place in Sarajevo on December 20-21 2005.

BHT: BiH, international officials on Dayton , constitutional changes

BHT Laura Bosnjak – EU Ambassadors and representatives of signatories of Dayton Peace Agreement have met on Wednesday with the members of BiH Presidency to discuss the future of BiH. In a conference that will be held at the end of October in Geneva, next High Representative will be promoted. According to BHT’s sources, candidates are Italian, Czech and Dutch diplomats. Events marking the 10^th anniversary of Dayton Peace Agreement will focus on the future development of BiH in accordance with the EU standards. US diplomat Richard Holbrook, who is one of the creators of Dayton Agreement, stated that the this agreement, which has brought peace 10 years ago, today represents the major obstacle for BiH’s integration processes. Former HR Wolfgang Petritsch also agrees that Dayton Constitution must be changed. According to him, BiH with two entities can’t be part of the EU, because EU doesn’t want to communicate with entities, but with states. British Ambassador Mathew Rycroft stated that, even he participated in negotiations on Dayton Agreement, he can’t say that it is perfect. According to Rycroft, Dayton Peace Agreement didn’t bring peace, but Dayton Constitution can’t last forever. Croat and Bosniak officials agree that BiH Constitution must be changed. However, Serb politicians vehemently oppose any changes of Constitution. BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravac stated that any changes of BiH Constitutions which would abolish entities are unacceptable. Russian Ambassador Konstantin Shuvalov stated that BiH without entities is only a hypothesis. Initiatives for change of BiH Constitution became very aggressive after failure of police reform.

Reactions to Dodik’s statement on BiH’s constitutional order

Nikolina Veljovic – SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated in the RTRS current affairs program ‘Crvna linija’ broadcast on Tuesday that there are only two solution for BiH’s constitutional solution – for it to be organized as the Federation consisting of three units “or separation.” This statement has caused bold reactions from other political parties. HSS leader Marko Tadic stated that Dodik’s statement is worrying, because it suggests that peoples in BiH should have constitutional right for separation. Sejfudin Tokic, Co-President of SDU stated that Croat and Serb nationalists are trying to achieve dividing of BiH in three ethnic units. According to him, Dodik as alleged social-democrat shouldn’t represents such ideas. Beriz Belkic from Party for BiH stated that Dodik’s statement is leading to disintegration of BiH. SDP President Zlatko Lagumdzija said that nationalistic authorities are trying to create a new crisis in government, adding that this attempt is surely going to fail. Reporter commented that Dodik’s statement is an attempt to protect SDS and cause controversy.

HDZ leader Covic on constitutional changes: BiH with three levels of authority

Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Correct injustice about Posavina’, by Valentina Rupcic, Slobodna Dalmacija, back pg ‘Covic for three levels of authority’, by Z. Zekic – A senior delegation of HDZ, led by HDZ President, Dragan Covic, visited Orasje, where it took part in a round table on constitutional changes. In his keynote speech Covic noted that the key problem in BiH is the current organizational set up, defective election law, big bureaucratic apparatus and the influence of the OHR. Covic noted that the HDZ advocated for three levels of authority in BiH: the state, middle level and municipalities. When it comes to the middle level, the HDZ advocates for three or more federal units, with a remark that the regions would have to have a noticeable (Croat) national majority. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 also carried the statement.

Slobodna Dalmacija, pgs 16-17, mentioned on front ‘If RS stays, Croats should be given third entity’, by Marijan Sivric – carries an interview Covic, which carries lines similar to those from the aforementioned round table. In addition, Covic says that basic principles in decision-making process at the state level should be the principle of parity. Furthermore, he says it is unacceptable for the HDZ to have the two entities, organized as they are at the moment. “…we believe we will create an ambiance at that middle level to have several of those or federal units or other forms of organization, the minimum is three. In other words, we will try to ensure an absolute equality of the three peoples”.

Party for BiH’s Belkic: Parties are discussing possible changes to BiH Constitution

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Step away from agreement on change to Constitution’, by Arijana Beus – According to an MP in the BiH House of Representatives, Beriz Belkic (SBiH), representatives of political parties, namely HDZ, SDS, SDP, SDA, SBiH, SNSD, PDP and HNZ, are in talks about carrying out possible changes to the Constitution of BiH. Belkic believes that “a combination of a constitution that respects the civic concept and the fact that three constituent people live in BiH will probably be made. We will always have a dose of federalism in those solutions”.

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Parties confirmed talks on changes to BiH Constitution’ by Srna, EuroBlic pg RS1, announced on cover ‘Donald Hays is a second from shadow’ by EuroBlic team also covered the issue. 

Economic/Social Issues

PDHR Butler: RS obstructs efficient statistics gathering

Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘RS obstructs efficient statistics gathering’, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Bad statistics – poor citizens’, by NINA,Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘RS negatively influences attracting of investors’ by G. G., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Farewell next year?’ by Srna,FENA – RS obstruction of efficient statistics gathering in Bosnia and Herzegovina is having a direct and substantial negative impact on efforts to attract investment and create jobs, Principal Deputy High Representative Larry Butler told business students participating on Wednesday at a roundtable on the BiH business environment, OHR said in a press release. Ambassador Butler said the RS authorities must ensure that the memorandum of cooperation that has been drawn up under the terms of the Law on Statistics and that will ensure better cooperation and a harmonized system of statistics gathering,  is signed by the RS representative without further delay.  “Good statistics gathering is a pillar of a functioning economy that can attract investment and generate new jobs,” Ambassador Butler said. However, he pointed out that the failure of the RS Statistical Institute to sign this agreement and thereby ensure better cooperation with the Federation Statistics Agency and the BiH Statistics Agency means that “the BiH economy – and the citizens who depend on that economy – must labor under a completely unnecessary burden.” He added that RS obstructionism is now affecting future donor assistance. The EC would assist the statistical system in a twinning project worth 1.5 million KM and with 500,000 Euros for technical equipment as of 2006. This will be put on hold if the RS does not stop its obstructionism. “We are not talking about State versus Entity here – we’re talking about a sensible system that will pool the resources of the various statistics gathering bodies so that they can provide the information that entrepreneurs, investors and government planners need,” Ambassador Butler said. The roundtable was organized by the Sarajevo Graduate School of Business. The School has been refurbished with the help of funds from USAID and offers a postgraduate course affiliated to Delaware University in the US , OHR said.

Critics following Butler ’s statement on ERS and “Srpske Sume”

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘What is coming behind the hill?’ by D.Vrhovac-Mihajlovic – Regarding the statement PDHR Lawrence Butler gave Tuesday in Banja Luka, regarding ERS and “Srpske Sume” (when he asked RS Government to give instructions to RS Prosecutor’s Office to investigate potential examples of bad management and criminal activities at these two companies), daily brings comments of Petar Kunic, professor at Banja Luka Law Faculty, Braco Kovacevic, sociologist from Banja Luka, Mirko Djukic, Vice President of the RS Confederation of Unions. Kunic is of the view that Government cannot and should not interfere in judicial activities, adding: “It is inadmissible that Government should instruct Prosecutor’s Office how to do its job, since it is not authorised to do that.” Kovacevic and Djukic share the view that this is another pressure in series of such against RS, noting that some people from the international community are personally interested in sale of public companies in RS. According to inset “Prosecutor’, Amor Bukic, RS Chief Prosecutor, stated that audit reports on ERS and “Srpske Sume” have previously been forwarded to PO , adding that PO are independent in its work.

SD on consequences of VAT law: BiH will need 70 million KMs

Slobodna Dalmacija, front pg splash and pgs 16-17 ‘Strike against pocket of citizens ‘weighing’ at 70 million KMs’, by Emir Felic – carries a feature on consequences of the introduction of the VAT in BiH. Among other claims, the author says that estimates have it that BiH will in 2006 need something like 71 million KMs (FBiH 50,44 million, RS 20, 96 million) to soften the consequences of the introduction of the VAT, and that only covers for ten basic groceries.

Education/PBS

HSS complains to OHR about BHTV broadcasts

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘PBS needs reform’, Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Representatives of OHR visit HSS’, by NINA, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 20 ‘Abolish FTV and RTRS’, by M. Landeka, FENA – The chairman of the Croat Peasants’ Party of BiH [HSS], Marko Tadic, and the party deputy chairman, Anto Colak, had talks in Sarajevo on Wednesday with OHR officials, Senior Deputy High Representative Martin Ney and Frank Hartmann, in which they discussed reform of the public RTV [Radio and TV] service, educational problems – paying particular attention to the school curricula in Sarajevo, Vares, Zepce, Rozor/Rama and Stolac – the implementation of reforms in Mostar and defence reform in B-H. On that occasion Tadic expressed a great deal of dissatisfaction with the current programmes broadcast on BHTV One and emphasized the need to reform the public RTV service by abolishing entity broadcasters and by giving the state of B-H one public television in which all three constituent nations will be equally represented. The HSS of B-H supports children’s right to study their own language, history and culture and their right to study from school-books written in their own language. The HSS also supports the continuation of reforms in Mostar and defence reform in B-H, says an announcement released by the HSS of B-H.

HR Ashdown again warns PM Bukejlovic to dismiss Dean Lukic

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Ashdown again wants that professor Lukic be fired’, by NINA, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Police to throw out Lukic’ by M. Filipovic, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Help of police wanted as well’ by D. S./Srna – Tanjug news agency reported that the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, again warned the RS Prime Minister, Pero Bukejlovic, that he has not observed his decision according to which the Dean of Law School in East Sarajevo, Radomir Lukic, should have been dismissed.

Eastern Sarajevo University against removal of Radomir Lukic

Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Eastern Sarajevo University against removal of Radomir Lukic’ – Staff of Eastern Sarajevo Academy considers High Representative Paddy Ashdown’s request for resignation/removal of Dean of the Law Faculty Radomir Lukic as political. They asked the relevant RS Institutions to protect educational institutions from interferences of this kind.

BiH could lose 24 million US$ if it fails to adopt law on higher education

Dnevni List, pg 9 ‘Will BiH lose 24 million dollars?’, by D. Pusic – BiH could lose a World Bank’s loan worth 24 million US$ in case it does not adopt the state law on higher education by end of the year. According to a WB spokesman, Sreko Latal, a meeting with cantonal finance ministers and Governor of BiH Central Bank is scheduled at the World Bank’s for today (Thursday). Inset ‘Losing national interests’ carries the Canton 8 Education Minister, Jozo Maric, who says that the national status and future are above the deadlines.

DL: Joint core curriculum reminds of assimilation

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Assimilation through education’, by I. Rozic – commenting on the education related issues in BiH, especially about the issue of joint core curriculum, Rozic says that one senses that the joint core curriculum carries an amount of the ‘brotherhood and unity’, in other words of assimilation, something which will not go down likely with the parents and pupils.

RS NA adopted conclusions regarding education

Pink, BHT, Hayat, RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘A thicker envelope – for the beginning’ by G.Dakic – RS National Assembly Wednesday adopted 29 conclusions, including the one demanding RS Government to immediately return the salaries of the educational staff to the level from December last year. That means 3% increase for the primary school teachers and 8% for high schools and cultural institutions. SNDS demand for 20% increase was rejected. RS Union Association had the same proposition. Union still has to consider further steps. Another conclusion demands from RS Government that budget for 2006 should include increase of resources necessary for material expenses and salaries of educational staff. RS NA also adopted Report on implementation of Programme for refugees, displaced persons and returnees for last year, which noted that property implementation legislation is to be finalized, adding that PLIP has been realized with 99.5% so far. According to inset ‘Good, but not enough’ by M.M. – Ranka Misic, President of the RS Syndicate Union, stated Syndicate Union fully supports RS NA decision, noting it is not satisfied with the fact that the proposal for 20% has not been accepted.

Miscellaneous

BiH HoR: Laws on Defense, Military Service adopted

RHB, Pink, BHT, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Laws on Defense, Military Service adopted’, Dnevni Avaz pg 10, Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘SDP wants changes to VAT law’, by I. Glibusic, Slobodna Dalmacija, back pg ‘Law on defence adopted’, by Zdenko Rerig, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Defense Laws were unanimously adopted’ by M. Cubro, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘First battle was won’ by N. Zelenovic, EuroBlic  pgRS2 ‘Law passed the first reading’ by D. S.– BiH House of the Representatives adopted the principles of defence law. BiH Minister of Defense, Nikola Radovanovic stated that the offered law proposal is a result of the great compromise. During the session some representatives stated that numerous amendments should be expected during the second reading consideration, underlining that all the important reform laws were adopted under big pressure and in very short time. BiH Defense Reform Commission Co-chair Raffi Gregorian addressed the representatives saying that only obstacle between BiH and NATO Partnership for Peace is cooperation with ICTY. In first reading, BiH HoR also adopted the Law on service in the BiH Armed Forces, which should have 5.000 professionals and not more than 10.000 in reserve.

HDZ submits amendment to defence law

Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Name regiments after HVO too’, by Dejan Jazvic – Reports that HDZ MPs in the BiH HoR submitted an amendment to the Law on Defence according to which the future BiH Armed Forces would include in its organization the HVO Regiment, the BiH Army Regiment and the RS Army Regiment, which would have insignia of former national armies. Although the relevant parliamentary commission did not support the HDZ’s amendment, the HDZ Caucus repeated its amendment, therefore the MPs will have to vote on it.

FBiH HoR held session

BHT, FTV, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Invalid pensions wait for budget rebalance’, Dnevni Avaz pg 11, Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Voting on budget re-balancing postponed’, by Ivica Glibusic – FBiH House of Representatives adopted the draft laws that will abolish entity Ministry of Defence and conscription system in FBiH Army. FBiH HoR decided that the pensions to decorated war veterans will be paid starting from January 1 2006. FBIH HoR postponed the discussion on law on purchase of nationalised apartments and budget rebalance.

DA on list of participants of crimes in Srebrenica

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘A list of participants in genocide considerably reduced’ by A.Hadzic – In regard to list of those who participate in war crimes against Srebrenica people (which is to be completed by Sunday), a daily’s source demanding anonymity claims that “what I know is that the list contains less names than initial list did, which included the names of tens of hundreds of people who took part in operations around Srebrenica.” Source further notes that apart from persons already charged by the Tribunal and marked with “A” label cases, the list will also include the names of many people “who have been – for years now – hiding and pretending they had nothing to do with crimes in Srebrenica”. Daily also learns that the list will include the names of main/direct executors of crimes, participants and co-participants of Srebrenica crimes. Daily’s source also claims that some of those people have already been “given signs” to leave BiH, expressing suspicion that the entire list would be disclosed to public. According to inset ‘Panic in four cities’, the greatest panic over the lsit is present in Zvornik, Bratunac, Vlasenica and East Sarajevo.

DL: Identification of borders between BiH and Croatia is done deal

Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 3 ‘Border with Croatia agreed upon’, by Marko Karacic – According to a member of BiH Commission for borders, Zeljko Obradovic, identification of borders between BiH and Croatia is a done deal as of yesterday (Wednesday). He explains that Croatian side has sent into the ratification procedure the agreement on borders.

VL: BiH has no official languages

Vecernji List, front pg splash and pgs 4-5 ‘BiH still has not official language’, by Milan Sutalo – Analysing the contents of web pages of BiH authorities, namely the BiH Presidency, BiH CoM, BiH Parliament and BiH Ministries, the author notes that not all of them have versions in languages of the three constituent peoples in BiH. However, Sutalo says that, unfortunately, the authorities are not breaking any law because the BiH Constitution does not specifically state what official languages in BiH are, nor it prescribes the application of the languages in the state institutions.

Investigations against Hasan Cengic and 17 other persons integrated into one investigation

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Integrated investigations against Hasan Cengic and 17 persons’ by A. Sisic – The Special Department of BiH Prosecutor’s Office for Organised Crime launched a new investigation against Hasan Cengic and another 17 persons at the beginning of September on alleged financial malfeasant acts of the Foundation for Aid to Muslim population in BiH, as the Prosecutor’s Office confirmed. Prosecutor Drew Engel (sp!) on September 9 integrated several investigation the BiH Prosecutor’s Office was carrying out with regard to business conducting of Cengic and associates through activities of the Foundation, TWRA and BIO.