| CROAT RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | BH TV 1 (19,00 hrs) | FED TV (19,30 hrs) | RT RS (19,30) |
| Daimler Chrysler | Ashdown in Zagreb | New scandal in BiH | RS NA session |
| Ashdown in Zagreb | Law on Health Protection | Turkish investments | Ashdown in Zagreb |
| Oric’s defence | Salaries of MPs | Aluminium power price | Birac factory |
| World news | War in Liberia | High Rep in Zagreb | World news |
| Oslobodjenje | Muhamed Ibrahimovic, Chairman of the FBiH HoR – Increase of the deputies’ salaries stopped |
| Dnevni Avaz | Paddy Ashdown visits Zagreb – 5c corridor is the matter of BiH and Croatia |
| Dnevni List | “OHR in Mostar: Jahic’s proposal harmful for Mostar”; “There is no proposal on Mostar re-organization although deadline expires”; “Croatia and BiH will resolve issue of Corridor Vc”; “Drago Lukenda called off hunger strike” |
| Vecernji List | “8000 workers will lose job”. “Peace keeping mission is useful for BiH as well” |
| Slobodna Dalmacija | “Dalmatia in flame”; “Croatians will be defending Japanese in Iraq” |
| Blic | Minister Savanovic: opening of colleges; IMF against Government’s programme for providing for socially endangered; Legalisation of drugs for medicines |
| Nezavisne Novine | Mass grave at Crni Vrh: The remains of murdered Bosniaks found; How did Telekom Srpske become 100% ownership of Telekard: Greeks sought KM 3.8 million – Telekom claims it had never paid the sum; Paddy Ashdown in Zagreb: Building of 5C corridor is a matter for Croatia and BIH; The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Government will not protect interests of “Aluminij” |
| Glas Srpske | Change of street names in Sarajevo Canton: A shout at the wolf…. Zvornik: Birac is working again |
BiH/International Community | |
| Ashdown visits Croatia
| Croat Radio Herceg Bosna, BHTV 1, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg. 6 ‘Highway – a bilateral issue of two states’, Dnevni Avaz front page, pg. 4 ‘5c corridor is the matter of BiH and Croatia’, Nezavisne Novine, cover and pg. 2, ‘Building of 5C corridor is a matter for Croatia and BIH’; Glas Srpske, pg. 2, ‘Many obstructions to returns’ – Only seven days after BH official delegation, High Representative Paddy Ashdown also visited Zagreb on Wednesday. During the meeting with Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, Prime Minister Ivica Racan and other senior Croatian officials, Ashdown discussed the issues which burden the relationship between two countries. Discussion focused at the Adriatic motorway, 5C corridor, agreement on port Ploce, return of refugees and trade relations between Trebinje and Dubrovnik area. ‘One of the most important things which would lead to normalisation of the relations is constructive engagement of Croatian government and President Mesic personally towards BiH.’ – said Ashdown. President Mesic said that ‘BiH must start to fully function as the state with functional institutions. In that regard, Croatia wants to help, but also to have economic and business issues non politicised.’ Commenting on Croatian repeatedly expressed interest for participation in building 5C corridor in BiH, Ashdown said he believed that two countries would reach bilateral agreement on the issue. He added that the international community would not interfere in resolving these bilateral issues. “Those are bilateral and financial issues, which will be solved by the governments of two states. We intend to stay aside,” emphasized Ashdown. Slobodna Dalmacija (page 5, by T. Klauski, “Corridor is issue of BiH and Croatia”), Vecernji List (page 10, by Z. Bajt, “We are not interested in Corridor Vc”), Dnevni List (front and page 3, by Ivica Glibusic, “Croatia and BiH will resolve issue of Corridor Vc”, “Tomac talked with Ashdown about problems in Mostar”), Vjesnik (front and page 2, by Miroslav Roznakovic, “Ashdown wants that Croatian authority continues with current politics towards BiH”) and Jutarnji List (page 3, by N. Sajn, “Ashdown: Croats can be driving force of BiH development”) also reported on the visit. According to the dailies, during the HR’s talks with Zdravko Tomac, they discussed whether a new Dayton conference is necessary and whether BiH needs constitutional changes. The HR stated that the current situation should be changed however that the new international conference is not necessary but BiH citizens and institutions should be encouraged to take over responsibility for destiny of BiH. With regard to the Mostar re-structuring issue the HR stated: “It is rather certain that the Commission that is to draft a new Statute of Mostar will not achieve success that we have been expecting. In that case we shall have to admit our disappointment.” DL says that is can be expected that the HR will pass the decision on Mostar at the end because all parties involved in the negotiations are not interested in the final unification of the city. Asked to comment on this issue, Tomac stated: “If there is a wish do make something for Mostar and not for the other cities as well then it is not good. Principles should be applied everywhere in the same way.” In its editorial on the visit, Vjesnik (p 4, by Bruno Lopandic) comments that, taking into consideration political and economic indicators, Croatia is in a considerably better position and condition than other Balkan countries. “So Paddy Ashdown wants to make use of this fact as he realizes that BiH should have stronger ties with Croatia because of that. BiH needs all the assistance possible from all the sides and the assistance can be offered by Croatia and for this reason Ashdown will surely come to Zagreb again”, the editorial concludes. |
| Avaz interview with Ashdown | Dnevni Avaz pg. 5 ‘It is not up to me to decide on Dragan Covic’s resignation from the office’ – Interview with the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown. “If the reforms of customs and tax system are implemented in a proper way, and I am optimistic they will, then each citizen of this country will feel positive changes,” said Ashdown. |
| PDHR Hays meets with BiH Parliamnet leadership | Oslobodjenje pg. 7 ‘BiH Parliament will not be an obstacle to reforms’, Dnevni Avaz pg. 4, Nezavisne Novine, pg. 2, ‘Hays met parliament members and discussed reforms’, Dnevni List page 2, not signed, “Parliament will not be obstacle to implementation of reforms” – Leaderships of both Houses of the BiH Parliament held the first consultative meeting with Principal Deputy High Representative Donald Hays on Wednesday. Ambassador Hays informed them about activities of commissions established by the High Representative (commissions for indirect taxations, intelligence service and defence), as well as about the need to pass a number of other reform laws, the BiH Parliament stated in a press release. The BiH Parliament leadership expressed willingness to pass all necessary laws and expressed confidence that the Parliament would not be an obstacle to reforms. An important task lying ahead of the BiH Parliament in the upcoming period is the establishment of a joint parliamentary commission for security policy. They stressed that it is also important to define a method for presenting the contents of reforms to the public in order to better inform citizens about the essence and importance of certain laws. |
| Terzic attends South East Europe Prime Ministers’ meeting in Salzburg | Croat Radio Herceg Bosna, BHTV 1 – Chairman of BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic leads the BiH state delegation attending a traditional meeting of Prime Ministers from South-East Europe being held in Salzburg. During the two-day meeting which will commence on Thursday, Prime Ministers will have individual presentations, with focus on recently held EU summit in Thessalonika, economic development and fight against organized crime and corruption. Dnevni Avaz pg. 3 ‘We want to show how interested we are in regional cooperation’ – The newspaper interviewed Terzic on the Salzburg meeting. |
Economic/social affairs | |
| Aluminij Mostar
| Croat Radio Herceg Bosna, BHTV 1, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg. 6 ‘What will Hadzipasic order to Kreso’, Dnevni Avaz pg. 9 ‘Croat officials seek for FBiH Government’s reaction’ – BiH Presidency received a letter from Daimler Chrysler requesting that a decision at the national level is made for continuation of supplying Aluminij with electric power under current conditions in order not to bring work of the company into question. Corporation claims Elektroprivreda’s demands during negotiations were unrealistic and its representatives were lacking will to reach the agreement. Elektroprivreda’s behaviour jeopardises not just Aluminij operations but also economy relations between Germany and BiH Federation President Niko Lozancic sent a letter to the Federation Government condemning unilateral move made by BiH Elektroprireda regarding possible termination of contract with Debis and supply of Aluminij with electric power. Lozancic claims government’s indolence brings BiH’s credibility and foreign investments into question. Deputy Federation Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic describes Elektroprivreda’s announcement on termination of contract with Debis as unfair. It was not that long ago when the same contract was keeping Elektroprivreda alive, says Vrankic. Aluminij is BiH’s biggest exporter and should be treated accordingly, he adds. Aluminj Company leadership calls Elektroprivreda’s demands for electricity costs increase irresponsible. Aluminij claims total increase of electric power cost would be 29 percent. Dnevni List front & p 5, “Germany breaks off business ties with BiH”, by M.R. and Slobodna Dalmacija p 13, “Electricity price higher by 29, and not 9%”, by Z.Zekic and “Conspiracy against Aluminij”, by Fena and p 18, “EPBH request is maximalist” and “Worrying indolent attitude of the Government”, both by Fena also report on the issue. It has been confirmed to DL that, following today’s regular session of the Federation of BiH (FBiH) Government, there will be a meeting of the highest-ranking Government officials with representatives of EPBH, Daimler Chrysler and “Aluminij”. Vecernji list (p 16, “Croatia does not protect its capital in Mostar’s “Aluminij””, by Zoran Kresic) reads that it is not known that the Government of Croatia, which owns 12% of “Aluminij” shares, has gotten publicly involved in protecting its ownership. The daily adds that the “electric shock” would also be detrimental to TLM Factory from Sibenik, to Ploce Port and Croatian Railways, which make business with “Aluminij”. Nezavisne Novine, cover and pg. 4, ‘The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Government will not protect interests of “Aluminij’ – Izet Zigic, Minister of Energy and Mining in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, yesterday stated that Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will not protect interests of “Aluminij” from Mostar and BiH Elektroprivreda. |
| FTV on pensioners’ problems | FTV – Pensioners ask from international organisations not only compassion but concrete measures for resolution of their problems. Pensioners comprehend position of IMF and the World Bank that it is not possible to use budget resources for pensions, but this population requires more dignity. OHR called on authorities to provide better living conditions for the pensioners. After being asked on future OHR measures, Spokesman Kevin Sullivan replied: “The problem of lack of funds for pensioners is a matter for the courts and police. OHR assists in establishing institutions, which are supposed to deal with these problems…Collection of contributions should be increased as well privatization and serious reforms are necessary…Citizens must press on the authorities to conduct reforms in next months.” Pensioners understand long-term strategy of international community, but they urgently need better living. |
| SNSD supports RS pensioners | Nezavisne Novine, pg. 5, ‘SNSD supports protests of pensioners’ – Dusko Glisic, member of the Chair Board of Bijeljina SNSD, yesterday stated that SNSD fully supports the justified protests of the pensioners in the Republika Srpska, because the incapability of the current authority has brought pensioners to the edge of their existence. As a solution to pensioners’ problems, but also some other problems in Republika Srpska, SNSD once more called on extra-ordinary elections in Republika Srpska. |
| IMF vs. Govt. programme
| Blic pg. 7 ‘Money from succession is not for social compassion’ – Although the IMF rejected proposal of the RS Government on social programme for dismissed workers, the proposal has not been withdrawn from the parliamentary procedure. According to the Government’s proposal, financial means for this would be provided from the succession and privatisation, while the IMF objected to that, explaining that the money would be spent very fast, and problems would not be solved but just postponed. Spokesman of the RS Prime Minister Goran Radivojac says the Government could not work against the IMF’s suggestions, due to which a solution will be looked for in the IMF’s programmes ‘Sosak’ and ‘Sotak’. |
| Drago Lukenda called off hunger strike
| Dnevni List (front page, “Drago Lukenda called off hunger strike” and page 11, “OHR promised help, Coric should make next move” by M. Maslac), Vecernji List (page 7, by Oliver Cvitkovic, “Lukenda called off hunger strike”) and Slobodna Dalmacija (page 13, by Darko Juka, “Nothing of hunger strike”) carry that Drago Lukenda who started hunger strike in front of the OHR South building in Mostar called off hunger strike because his health was endangered. Lukenda stated: “I realized that continuation of hunger strike and endangering of my health would only help those who want to dispute the construction of the hydro-electric power plant and for this reason I decided to fight for my rights through some other means.” Lukenda also said that he had unofficial talks with OHR representatives who told him to address the Prime Minister of the Herzegovina-Neretva Cantonal Government Miroslav Coric and that the OHR will be following his case. DL says that the problem is the fact that Coric is refusing again to raise this issue. OHR South Spokesperson Avis Benes stated that the OHR deeply regrets because of this case, however, the responsibility does not rest with the OHR but with competent municipal and Cantonal authorities in the HNC. |
| Update to Telecom Srpske affairs | Nezavisne Novine, cover and pg. 5, ‘Greeks sought KM 3.8 million – Telekom claims it had never paid the sum’ – After a loss of KM 277,803 in the first six months of 2002 at “Telekard” firm, Telekom Srpske, that is the founder of the firm with 51% ownership, received an offer from the “Telekard” co-owners, Greek firms of “Hellascom” and “Gener S.A.” (owners of 49% of “Telekard”). The Greek firms offered their 49% ownership in an exchange for almost KM 3.9 million. However, Telekom Srpske has become the only owner of Telekard with 100% ownership without paying any compensation to Greek firms. |
| Birac working again | Glas Srpske, cover page story, ‘Birac is working again’ – After months long delay, Zvornik based factory of aluminium “Birac” has started working again. |
| Criminal charges pressed for money laundering in RS | Nezavisne Novine, pg. 3, ‘Republika Srpska budget loss of KM 9.5 KM’ – The Republika Srpska Interior Ministry has filed five criminal reports at the Prosecutor’s Offices in charge. The criminal reports are against nine persons suspected of having committed criminal act of money laundering, which caused Republika Srpska budget loss of KM 9.5 million. Republika Srpska Ministry of Internal Affairs did not want to reveal the names of the persons suspected. |
| Strike of Banja Luka medical staff continues | Glas Srpske, pg. 3, ‘No agreement, no salaries’ – Representatives of the Striking Board and the Syndicate of Banjaluka Clinical Centre yesterday reached no agreement with the management board of CC, regarding the payment of their backlog salaries and benefits. The strike of medical staff resumes. |
| DL: “If Eronet case was covered up what will happen with other criminal charges?” | With regard to removals in Steering Boards of public companies, Dnevni List (page 9, by S. Kuzman) carries that that HDZ is lobbying that Fuad Kasumovic comes to the position of the Head of Indirect Taxing Agency instead of Zelimir Rebac. DL says that most probably HDZ sees in Kasumovic its chance to compensate the loss incurred during the last three years during which HDZ was not in power. DL also says that this is probably a part of the game of national parties in order to cover up affairs from their earlier mandate that are being disclosed now and that the case of Ivan Bender, the first politician who was sentenced for the abuse of position and authorities, was a good lesson for them. The author wonders as to what will happen with the Eronet case and may other cases and adds: “If the Eronet case was covered up at the end what will happen with other criminal charges filed against high-ranked officials that arrive to the Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office every day?” DL says that in a few days the public will learn about some other well kept secrets about ‘protection of Croat national interests’, flats in famous Mostar building built for Ministers and Sarajevo affairs from nineties. |
| Editorial: “Positive economic vibrations from OHR’ | Dnevni List (page 2, by Miso Relota) carries an editorial dealing with the last week’s visit of Principal Deputy High Representative Donald Hays to Mostar. DL says that during this visit Hays was rather direct and according to the author this is not a characteristic of the International Community representatives in BiH. The editorial says that with regard to the increase of the electricity price for Aluminij company Hays stated that the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Government should support its biggest exporter. DL also says that asked to comment whether politics is involved in this issue PDHR stated that having in mind everything that was going on with regard to this issue political involvement obviously exists. The editorial says that Hays referred to Party for BiH, its founder Haris Silajdzic, member of Elektroprivreda of BiH Steering Board Safet Orucevic and FBiH Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Izet Zigic. The author says that these persons were standing for unified Mostar for years, however, when they got an opportunity to do it these forces became the main obstructionists in the unification of Mostar. DL says that the OHR obviously deciphered what is all about and for this reason Hays sent such clear messages. DL concludes: “However, the right question is whether the OHR will start with a showdown with those who obstruct development of economy, that is, whether the OHR’s bulldozer will sweep away obstructionists from both political and economic scene. |
Political developments | |
| OHR disappointed with lack of progress in unification of Mostar
| Croat Radio Herceg Bosna, Oslobodjenje pg. 4 ‘Jahic obstructs unification of Mostar’ – Deputy High Representative and head of OHR Mostar South, ambassador Jean-Pierre Bercot, is strongly disappointed with the fact that the City Council of Mostar didn’t have enough responsibility and political wisdom at its last session to make some concrete decisive steps in the unification of Mostar, the OHR said in a statement. Namely, at this session of the City Council preconditions should have been made for the formation of a new single solid waste utility company according to the proposal of the World Bank which was ready to sign a subsidiary credit arrangement for Mostar to the amount of 2 plus 5 million dollars (2 for the establishment of the regional waste disposal and an additional 5 from the Global Environment Fund for cleaning the Neretva River). “Unfortunately, the proposal submitted by Mayor Hamdija Jahic at the session was absolutely not in line with the proposal of the World Bank,” the statement read. It added that this is very damaging for the whole city as ambassador Bercot pointed out to Mayor Jahic a few days before the session. “There is a real danger of loosing the valuable help of the World Bank to Mostar and if this happens, those responsible should be held responsible by the people of Mostar,” Bercot told Jahic. Moreover, the city administration also refused to adopt the transition and business plan for Mostar airport. The airport is now to be fully under the city administration’s control, after the municipalities with Croat majority transferred its competencies to the city. Vecernji List (p 4, “Bercot angry with CD Coalition”, by Fena), Dnevni list (front & p 16, “Jahic’s proposal harmful for Mostar”, by V. Soldo) and Slobodna Dalmacija (p 13, “Jahic discarded 7 million dollars”, by Zoran Zekic) also covered the issue. |
| Mostar City Statute | BHTV, FTV – Deadline set up by the High Representative Paddy Ashdown for drafting new Mostar city’s statute expires on Thursday. OHR announced that a session of the City Statute Commission would take place, even though it has no necessary two-third majority after Bosniak representatives left the body. OHR Spokesperson Avis Benes did not want to comment on either possible result of today’s session or steps to be taken by High Representative in case deadline was not met. Giving the overview of the history of the Commission that is to draft the new Statute of Mostar Dnevni List (front & p 15, “Ashdown’s Commission’s fiasco – No proposal for Mostar re-organisation despite expiry of deadline”, by Zvonimir Jukic) carries that the Commission has not offered a solution of the new administrative organisation of Mostar by the deadline of 31 July nor has it given any indications that the city could become unified soon. The article reads that diametrically opposite positions of the coalition partners, SDA and HDZ, made Ashdown’s vision of the Commission which would unify Mostar naive and pointless. In the Commission sessions, during which they have spent 50 000 KM, both national blocks dealt with counting on national basis without any will to give up their hard positions. DL goes on to say that Ashdown’s claims on reformed national parties are a fiasco and that Ashdown’s mandate could, instead of next May, end this winter or even autumn unless he changes something about his doctrine. Bubbling to national blocks and letting them control all segments of life (public companies, secret services, police) will turn Ashdown’s engagement into the opposite of what he verbally advocated – fight against crime. By the national blocks getting stronger, Mostar will be further and further away from unification and reforms in the country will not be implemented, the article concludes. |
| OHR/OSCE send letter to Trebinje Mayor | Blic pg. 7 ‘OHR and OSCE ask for report’ – Head of OHR South Jean-Pierre Bercot and Head of OSCE Mostar Thomas Jung have sent a letter to Trebinje Mayor Mihajlo Mijanovic asking him to provide a report on funds that the RS Elektroprivreda and hydro-power plant Trebinje need to pay to Trebinje municipality in accordance to the law. |
| RS National Assembly session
| BHTV 1, RTRS, Blic pg. 7 ‘Legalisation of drugs for medicines’, Glas Srpske, pg. 2, ‘Power shaking Parliament’; Nezavisne Novine, pg. 6, ‘MP’s denied draft law on addenda to law on health care’ – In continuation of its session on Wednesday, RS National Assembly postponed the discussion on action plan on restructuring and privatisation of electro-energetic sector in the entity/BiH. Delegates discussed draft Law on changes and amendments to the Law on Health Protection, which did not get needed Assembly’s majority. This draft Law foresees abolishment of double doctors’ practice, and caused turbulent reactions between the delegates, among whom there are 13 doctors. President of RS Health Syndicate, Milenko Granulic said that he would insist for this draft Law to be returned to the Assembly’s procedure. ‘We are not against private practice, but we are against additional work. The Law must be regulated, and it would be the best to ask our patients, citizens for their opinion on this.’ – added Granulic. |
| FBiH HoR Speaker on MPs’ salaries, House’s performance | BHTV, FTV, Oslobodjenje front page, pgs. 4-5 ‘Increase of deputies’ salaries stopped’, Dnevni Avaz pg. 11 ‘Ibrahimovic against increase of salaries’ – ‘The salaries of representatives in the FBiH Parliament were increased to match the salaries of the government, increased in previous mandate.’ – stated FBiH House of Representatives Chairman Muhamed Ibrahimovic at a press conference in Sarajevo on Wednesday. He added that the decision on increase of the salaries has not yet been implemented, and stressed that it would not present additional burden on the FBiH budget. ‘These harmonisations do not foresee any additional resources from FBiH budget.’ stated Ibrahimovic. He also pointed out that in these six months FBiH House of Representatives adopted 67 Laws and 20 other documents. He also expressed the hope that in the future there would be less of the Laws adopted in urgent procedure, and announced that FBiH HoR would held several theme sessions, on such topics as defence reforms and privatisation. |
Media | |
| PBS Executive Board | BHTV, FTV, Nezavisne Novine, pg. 3, ‘Constitutive session of Steering Boards held’, Dnevni List page 5, by De.L. “To come out with as efficient as possible model of payment”, Sarajevo dailies – PBS Executive Board comprising members of PBS, FTV and RTRS executive boards, at its first session held on Wednesday adopted strategic plan of assignments. Priorities are as follows: first, financial consolidation of all three public broadcasters, increase of income and decrease of expenditures – a key task of management in this period; second, Executive Commission has been tasked cooperate with CRA and OHR to find the most efficient model of subscription collection; third, PBS executive board, through Executive Commission, is to be actively involved in the process of proposing changes and amendments to the Law on PBS, being prepared by OHR; fourth, to start establishment of optimal personnel structure to support BBC team and fifth, by end of August 2003 to lay down all preconditions to be met to ensure start of future BHTV1 channel. |
War crimes | |
| Zvornik mass grave
| RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg. 3 ‘Wounded people were being killed as well’, Nezavisne Novine, cover and pg. 3, ‘The remains of murdered Bosniaks found’; Glas Srpske pg. 3, ‘Human remains found’ – First body remains of Bosniaks killed in the war were exhumed in mass grave at the locality Crni Vrh near Zvornik. Body remains were found at the depth of 1.5 to 2 metres, and experts assume that mass grave of 4 metres depth hides at least 500 body remain buried in two levels. It is assumed that this was one of the largest mass graves found in BiH. ‘We have taken out only several body remains, but if we look at the mass grave, we discovered dozens of body remains. Having in mind that remains are connected, not physically but while loaded out of the track they broke and connected, so we cannot say how many exactly we found so far.’ – said member of FBiH Missing Persons Commission, the Tuzla office, Murat Hurtic. ‘Information we have indicated that these are victims from 1992 and there is possibility that there people who were killed in 1995 were buried here as well.’ – explained Silva Stankovic, investigative judge in the Tuzla Cantonal Court. Body remains are being transported to Commemorative Centre in Tuzla. Exhumation is also assisted by ICTY anthropologists and experts from International Missing Persons Organisation, and is being monitored by Zvornik Crime Police investigators and RS Office for Missing Persons also participate exhumation. Slobodan Skrba from abovementioned RS office said that ‘factually, we help each other in this processing of seeking. We help each other on the field. We are have same problems.’ Exhumation will last at least a month. |
| RS Government report on Srebrenica
| Nezavisne Novine editorial by Nihada Jablic, page 7, ‘The Hague is responsible for everything’ – The author criticises the Republika Srpska Government, namely its recent preliminary report on Srebrenica. She brings bits and pieces from the report, signed by Milan Dupor, legal representative of the Republika Srpska Government. She says that: “Since preliminary report presented some restricting factors, it is a miracle that Government managed to “establish” that “remains of 2082 persons were found around Srebrenica”, out of which 325 persons were killed from immediate distance. They also somehow managed to establish that “a large number of Bosniaks committed suicide”. It would be gruesome to even think what data Government would have compiled if “the investigation” had not been hindered from all sides possible.” The author concludes the editorial by saying the following: “And if, God forbid, there were not The Hague Tribunal, which passed the first verdict for genocide over Srebrenica case, there would still be more political fights as to whether a great storm took place in this small city in July 1995 with a few human casualties!” Vecernji List (front & p 2, “Srebrenica people killed their own selves”, by Eldina Medunjanin) reports that, in light of last week’s OHR/OSCE warning to the RS Government that it has to fulfill its obligations concerning the law-suit by 49 Srebrenica residents who survived the 1995 massacre, as ordered by the BiH Human Chamber, the RS Government submitted to the Chamber the Temporary Report on the Execution of the Chamber’s Decision. The Report reads that the investigation on the Srebrenica events is not possible since military documentation is usurped by SFOR, since the RS bodies’ investigation is hindered by the ICTY’s investigation activities and since COMSFOR has banned the RS Army from conducting any investigation. VL unofficially learns that the Report reads that the suffering of the Srebrenica people is the consequence of “an accident”, that a number of Srebrenica victims committed suicide whereas some died of starvation or downing while trying to flee the area, while the planned killings by the RS Army is persistently made relative. VL comments that the content of the Report greatly coincides with the previous RS Government Report on the massacre so it could be expected that this one provokes equally bitter reactions by both domestic and international political factors. |
| Dodik to start testifying in trial of Brdjanin today | Glas Srpske, pg. 2, ‘Milord Dodik to testify’ – Milorad Dodik, SNSD President, will appear as a witness in the trial of Radoslav Brdjanin before the ICTY today and tomorrow. Sarajevo media also reported on the issue. |
Other issues | |
| Change of street names in Sarajevo Canton
| Glas Srpske, cover page story, ‘A shout at the wolf’ – While the representatives of Bosniak political parties demand that flag, coat-of-arms and hymn of Republika Srpska are changed, anything, that may remind of Serb people and its outstanding persons, is erased and altered. There are hundreds of examples for such a change of names of streets, squares, institutions… Owing to this reason, the Bosniak requests for alteration of anything with “Serb” prefix remind of an old proverb: “Shouting at wolf, while the foxes are eating the meat”. |
| Serbs rent houses to Croats in order to survive | Nezavisne Novine, pg. 9, ‘Serbs rent houses to Croats in order to survive’ – The municipal authorities of Drvar confirmed that the implementation of property legislation in the municipality of Drvar has been fully completed. Ratko Sobot, Drvar Mayor, confirmed that the Serbs, who repossessed their houses and apartments in Drvar, are renting around 400 facilities to displaced Croats. The Serbs have to rent the houses and apartments in order to provide the minimal resources for living. Sobot also said that the main problem in Drvar is related to lack of jobs. |