OHR BiH Media Round-up, 4/5/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA(12,00 hrs)

BiH CEC to scheduled Oct elections

Charges agst 6 ex BiH Army soldiers

PRD SB fails to reach consensus

No agreement on police reform

Commemoration in Brcko District

RS Board for Economy to meet

SEECP: Thessalonica summit

SEECP summit in Thessalonica

RS Econ. Minister on situation in BIH

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA(18,00 hrs)

ICTY sentences two BiH Croats

World news

PRD Steering Board in session

EU calls off talks with SCG

PRD Managing Board session

First trial for terrorism at BiH Court

Miroljub Labus resigns

Regional news

EU suspends SAA talks with SCG

Kostunica on Mladic

Regional news

Del Ponte on Mladic

FTV (19,30 hrs)

EU calls off talks with SCG

World News

Macedonian MoI on Mladic

SB PRD in session

Investigation on Vitez traffic accident

SAA negotiations with Serbia ended

RS NA to discuss BiH police reform

PRD Steering Board in session

PRD Managing Board session

Pack on BiH police reform

EU suspends SAA talks with SCG

RS NA Security Board session

EU suspended negotiations with Belgrade

Dnevni Avaz

There would be no sanctions for BiH [Doris Pack]

Dnevni List

Vehabis pose threat to us (Cardinal Puljic’s warning in Washington)

Vecernji List

America must acknowledge Croats (Interview with Cardinal Puljic on his messages sent in USA)

Slobodna Dalmacija

We want that USA rescues Catholics in BiH (Cardinal Puljic’s stmnt in Washington)

Talks called off (SAA talks with SiCG called off)

Glas Srpske

No decision without consensus (PRD SB session)

EuroBlic

Vecernje novosti

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

PRD SB Chairman Dumancic: SB will keep working professionally

RHB – Following the session of the Police Reform Directorate Steering Board which failed to reach a consensus on future model of organization of police forces in BiH but instead adopted an opinion according to which the police would be organized at two levels, PRD SB Chairman, Vinko Dumancic, stated for RHB: “In any case we will move on, we will act as professionals, the Steering Board of the Police Reform Directorate will keep doing its job. I know that certain political structures will not be pleased, however we have been appointed in accordance with a decision of the BiH Council of Ministers and we will work”.

BH Foreign Minister expresses concern over call-off of EU talks with SICG on SAA

RTRS – Mladen Ivanic, BH Foreign Minister, has expressed concern over call-off of EU talks with SiCG on SAA, because this opens, as he said “doors for deeper crisis, that is not desirable at this moment”. Being a guest at Greek state TV in Thessalonica [where he attends SEECP summit], Ivanic stressed that any extreme solution for Kosovo and Metohija would not be good, adding: “Any long-term solution must have assent of Belgrade and Pristina.” Ivanic also said that EU has been making promises for a long time now that it would introduce visa relaxations to SEE countries, while the real life sees the opposite of this, since the way in which citizens get visas is getting harder and harder every day.

Police reform

PRD Steering Board adopts opinion on future joint police: organization at two levels, state and local; state  competence over legislation, budget; local level not defined

RTRS late news broadcast by Momcilo Ostojic – The Steering Board of the Police Reform Directorate [PRD SB] ended its session late Wednesday night, after 10-hour session, without reaching a consensus on future model of BiH police structures due to the objections of PRD SB members from the RS. Instead of a decision, the PRD SB voted and subsequently adopted an opinion on the module of future joint police structure in BiH. Under this opinion, police structure would be organised at two levels, state and local, while the state would have sole competencies for legislation and budget. The Board Chair Vinko Dumancic stated that the authorities of the local level have not yet been determined, i.e. whether the local level would be entity, canton or any other area. He said after the session that certain political structures will not be pleased that the Board decided to adopt the opinion but added they were guided by three EU principles of state competencies for police legislation and budget, organization on the basis of technical criteria and a system protecting police from political interference. Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Instead of decision, adopted opinion on police structure in BiH’ by Az.Kalamujic Inset ‘No agreement on number or definition of police regions’ – Dumancic stated that PRD SB did not discuss either number or a definition of the local police region. He also confirmed the police regions would be proposing a budget, which would than be adopted at the state level. The adopted opinion will be forwarded to the PRD executive body in charge of drafting relevant legislation. The next session of PRD Steering Board is scheduled for May 24. Police restructuring is one of the pre-conditions for signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. BHT1 late news, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Opinion on model of BiH police structure passed’ by E.Sarac, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Two regions in RS’, announced on cover ‘Proposal that RS is divided into two police regions’ by D.Risojevic also reported.

Media: Acting RS Police Director Smajlovic voted against opinion, SIPA’s Novic abstained

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Opinion on model of BiH police structure passed’ by E.Sarac – DA learns that seven members where in favor of the Opinion, while RS official Nijaz Smajlovic voted against it and the SIPA Director Sredoje Novic abstained from voting. RTRS also unofficially learns Smajlovic voted against.

Daily learns EUPM Commissioner prepared compromise plan on police regions: RS would be divided in 2 regions, Sarajevo with have special status

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Two regions in RS’, announced on cover ‘Proposal that RS is divided into two police regions’ by D.Risojevic – Daily learns from highly positioned official of the international community that the IC has prepared a compromise plan for territorial organisation of police, according to which RS would be divided into two police regions. Source from diplomatic core claims that the plan has already been presented to the RS top officials and was allegedly approved by them. The EUPM Commissioner Vincenzo Coppola is mentioned as the author of the plan regarded as one of possible solutions for territorial organisation of police. Source adds: “While RS would be divided into two police regions one east and one west, the status of Sarajevo would be specially defined. The regions would not be crossing IEBL, bar Sarajevo case and perhaps some other locations, where it would be necessary owing to functionality of police.”

PRD SB Chair Dumancic: decision would not be voted without consensus

PINK, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘No decision without consensus’ by Z.Domazet, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘To solution via consensus’, announced on cover ‘Dumancic: To solution via consensus’ by M.C., EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘No progress’ by R.Radosavljevic/D.Stanisic – Prior to the Wednesday’s session of the Police Reform Directorate Steering Board [PRD SB] in Sarajevo, PRD SB Chair Vinko Dumancic stated that the decision would not be voted without the consensus. RHB – FBiH Police Director Zlatko Miletic told journalists that there was an effort to reach a consensus on certain issues. Miletic added the PRDS SB members from FBiH were willing to bring decision while RS members disagreed with single police structure, as it was defined at previous SB’s session held on April 26. BHT1 by Mirela Cosic – Most SB members agreed with establishing single police authority with a single budget on the state level, regulated by the common law. However, RS representatives in the strongly opposed this proposal. RTRS by Branka Kusmuk – EUPM Commissioner Vinzenzo Coppola is also in favour of decision made by consensus. Reporter comments that during the session break, the Board members were given the letter by the HR Christian Schwarz Schilling who reminded them of three EC principles, but also the letter by the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik who repeated his dissatisfaction with the way members of the PRD SB are appointed and stressed the importance of decision making through consensus. FTV, Hayat, also covered. Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘No decision without consensus’ inset ‘A Schilling’s letter’ by Z.Domazet, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘No progress’ by R.Radosavljevic/D.Stanisic – carries HR’s letter was presented.

RS PM Dodik sends letter to PRD SB members accepting single police, budget but demands part of means to entity

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Opinion on model of BiH police structure passed’ by E.Sarac, Inset ‘What has PM Dodik asked for’- DA several times emphasized the importance of the session for the police reform and learns RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik sent the letter to the SB stating that he would accept single police and budget, under condition that part of those means are transferred to the entity, which – comments DA – basically foreseeing preserving the RS Interior Ministry. Dodik also accepted establishment of two levels, under condition that the RS is considered one police region. In return, crossing inter-entity line would be allowed, with approval of authorized Public Security Centres. Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Instead of decision, adopted opinion on police structure in BiH’ by Az.Kalamujic –Commenting Dodik’s letter addressed to PRD Steering Board, the PRD SB Chair Vinko Dumancic said that the letter was not discussed, adding that it is a political matter that should be addressed to BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic. Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Dodik trying to impose his concept!’, by R. Dautefendic – commenting on RS PM Dodik’s letter (in which he expressed displeasure with the way members of the PRD SB are appointed), DL says the issue of police reform is getting politicized again (by Dodik).

PRD SB session: EuroBlic: RS rep’s still supports 3-level police organisation; GS: Brcko rep’s Milicevic will support single Law

EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘No progress’ by R.Radosavljevic/D.Stanisic – Daily learns from unofficial sources that during Wednesday’s session of PRD SB, the Serb side represented the stance on organisation of police at three levels: state, medium and local. The members of SB from F BiH reject this solution. Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘No decision without consensus’ by Z.Domazet – Milenko Milicevic, Brcko District Police Chief, has stated that he would support a single Law on Police, adding when discussions on technical principles and regions are on agenda, he will maintain his stance (i.e. that Brcko District should maintain territorial organisation).

Daily: RS would not be pleased with adoption of opinion

Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Instead of decision, adopted opinion on police structure in BiH’ by Az.Kalamujic – Commenting the fact that the PRD has adopt the opinion on future police structure instead of the decision, article notes “the fact that opinion on police structuring model was adopted against the will of RS representatives would not please RS officials.”

Members of RS NA Board for Defence and Security: RSNA to discuss police reform, Board deems Agreement on restructuring is violated

RTRS by Momcilo Ostojic – Members of the RS National Assembly Board for Defence and Security issues held a session on Wednesday prior to the session of the PRD Steering Board concluding that the RSNA deputies must be briefed about the course of the police reform especially since they Board deems that the Agreement on police restructuring in BiH adopted in September 2005 has been violated. The RS National Assembly is expected to discuss the issue on 10 and 11 May. The Chair of RS NA Board Velimir Sakan stressed any document reached without consensus would not be accepted in RS NA. The RS NA Speaker Igor Radojicic feel that opposed stances of FBIH and RS representatives on police reform does not necessarily mean that police reform is being obstructed. The SDS Chair and the RS President Dragan Cavic stressed every solution includes preserving the RS Police is acceptable for the party. “Police regions that cross inter entity lines are not acceptable for SDS,” emphasises Cavic. Chair of the RSNA SDA Caucus Tarik Sadovic on the other hand says that SDA does not support the survival of RS Police. Reporter concludes that RS NA will discuss police reform at a session scheduled for next week. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘No crossing of inter-entity border’, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘No progress’ by R.Radosavljevic/D.Stanisic – carried Cavic. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘RSNA will discuss information on police reform’ by Srna,, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘RS MoI must be preserved’ by V. P.

RS NA to discuss information on police reform on May 10 and 11

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘On May 10 and 11 on police reform in BiH’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Police reform in focus’ by G. D. – RS NA Collegium decided during a session held on Wednesday that the RS NA would discuss the information on the process of police reform in BiH at RS NA session on May 10 and 11. RS NA Chairman Igor Radojicic announced RS Government and RS NA Board for Defence and security would present the opening remarks on this item of the agenda.

SDHR Bas-Backer stressed importance of police reform, warned on consequences

BHT 1, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Srpska showed readiness’ by G. Dakic, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘F BiH must establish Commission for missing Sarajevo Serbs’ by D. R., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Backer: F BiH must establish the Commission’ by M. S. and Srna – SDHR Peter Bas-Backer stated that the police reform is extremely important. He expressed his hope that an agreement on this issue can be achieved soon. Otherwise, warned Bas-Backer, the consequences would be very serious. Reporter noted that the final deadline for adoption of a police-restructuring model is September 30 2006. RTRS – SDHR met with the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik who stated that the RS was supporting a solution by which the police would become more functional and efficient in fighting all kinds of criminal activities.

Doris Pack: I believe BiH politicians would agree on PBS Law and police reform

Dnevni Avaz cover splash and pg 5 ‘There would be no sanctions for BiH’ by Nadja Diklic– In interview for DA, Chair of EP’s Delegation for South-Eastern Europe Doris Pack stated that EU would not change standards for BiH and that failure to carry out any of 16 conditions from the Feasibility Study will result in calling off SAA talks with EU. Pack stressed that IC pays special attention to police reform and passing of the Law on PBS. Asked what if consensus is not reached on these issues, Pack said: “Failure to fulfil these standards could endanger BiH’s European future. When it comes to that we will not cut any slacks. We expect these issues to be solved, agreed and signed at the end of negotiations…”. Commenting on police reform, Pack expressed her belief BiH authorities would find compromise, adding that solution is hiding in three EC principles passed by BiH parliaments. “Prime Minister Milorad Dodik agreed with that as well, but I still think that his proposal to exempt budget is not possible”, said Pack adding that RS and FBiH would find the solutions. BHT1 – Pack stated that the police reform in BiH means establishing of state police authority that can act fully independently. In this way, explained Pack, any kind of political influence or ethnic domination can be avoided. Hayat, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Pre-election calculations halted constitutional changes in BiH’ by A.Sekulic – also carried. 

EU calls off SAA talks with SCG

EU calls off SAA talks with SCG, says this would not have consequences for negotiations with BiH

BHT1 Elvir Bucalo – The European Union has called off talks on closer ties with Serbia because of its failure to arrest war crimes suspect Ratko Mladic. The EU enlargement commissioner, Olli Rehn, made the announcement after consulting the ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte. The deadline set by the EU for Mladic’s arrest expired on Sunday. Rehn stated in Brussels that the EC has decided to postpone negotiations on SAA with Serbia and Montenegro because Belgrade still had not achieved a full cooperation with the Hague Tribunal.  Rehn expressed his disappointment over the fact that SCG didn’t manage to fulfill its obligations and fully cooperate with ICTY. He added that the Commission is ready to resume talks as soon as SCG meets the obligations under the full cooperation with the ICTY: “Serbia must show that nobody is above the law and that all indictees are going to face the justice”. Nicholas Whyte from the International Crisis Group stressed that this issue can’t be negotiated. EC officials agree that the suspension of negotiations with SCG won’t have any direct consequences for negotiations with BiH. However, nobody denied possible indirect consequences. PINK, RHB, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Negotiations suspended’ and pg 3 ‘Negotiations with SiCG suspended’ by Agencies, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Europe demands extradition of Mladic’ by D. Momic, EuroBlic cover pg splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Serbia as Mladic’s hostage’ by Ivana Cvetkovic, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Negotiations suspended’ and pg 3 ‘Negotiations with SiCG suspended’ by Agencies Inset ‘Carla del Ponte: they knew where Mladic was ten days ago’, EuroBlic cover pg splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Serbia as Mladic’s hostage’ by Ivana Cvetkovic also covered. Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘EU suspended negotiations with Belgrade’ by Branislav Boskov, Dnevni Avaz pg 20 ‘Rehn: Serbia must show that no one is above the law’ – whole page dedicated to the issue, with reactions. Dnevni List pg 23, mentioned on cover ‘Negotiations with Serbia suspended’ by Hina, Vecernji List pg 21 ‘Negotiations suspended’ by P. Petrovic, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 14 ‘EU suspended negotiations with Belgrade’ by I. Sabalic – also carried. Note that all major international media – including BBC, CNN, Wall Street Journal, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Kurier, Spiegel, Financial Times, Independent, New York Times, Washington Post, London Times – featured this as one of top day’s stories. 

ICTY Chief Prosecutor Del Ponte: Mladic hiding in Belgrade

BHT1 – The ICTY Chief Prosecution, Carla del Ponte, told press conference in the Hague on Wednesday that Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica had “deceived” her when he promised her in March that Ratko Mladic would be arrested by the end of April. She added the Serbian authorities had been able to arrest Mladic in late January, but had opted to call on him to surrender to the tribunal instead. The prosecutor stressed that the Serbian government had been aware of Mladic’s whereabouts some 10 days earlier, and that he had been moving quickly from one apartment to another “in Belgrade or its surroundings” ever since. “I don’t know if anyone knows where he is today, but I know that they knew his exact location two weeks or ten days ago”, said Del Ponte. PINK, Vecernji List pg 21 ‘Negotiations suspended’ by P. Petrovic, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 14 ‘Kostunica: Interests of Serbia endangered because of one man only’ by H also carried.

Serbian Deputy PM Labus resigns due interruption of SAA talks

RHB – Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Miroljub Labus informed the press he tendered resignation following the EC’s decision to call off the Stabilization and Association Agreement negotiations with the SCG. “I have tendered resignation; the EU has suspended SAA talks with SCG since our Government failed to meet political terms necessary for having the talks continued by which one of the most important state’s and citizens’ interest has been betrayed”, reads the Labus’ resignation letter. PINK, EuroBlic pg 5 ‘Labus is leaving, Government remains’ by N.M., Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Negotiations suspended’ and pg 3 ‘Negotiations with SiCG suspended’ by Agencies Inset ‘Labus resigned’ also covered. Dnevni List pg 23 ‘Miroljub Labus submitted resignation’ not signed reports on Labus’ resignation. Vecernji List pg 21 ‘Kostunica’s Government faced with breakdown’ not signed also carries that although Labus announced that his party will continue to support the Government because of negotiations with Kosovo, VL says that Serbia is to be faced with the authority crisis due to decreasing support to Vojislav Kostunica. 

Serbian PM Kostunica: Serbian Govt done all in its power to extradite Mladic

RHB, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Negotiations suspended’ and pg 3 ‘Negotiations with SiCG suspended’ by Agencies, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Europe demands extradition of Mladic’ by D. Momic, EuroBlic pg 4 ‘Kostunica: It is the first time people is atoning because of officer’ – Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said that the entire network of Ratko Mladic’s supporters had been broken and that he was left alone. Kostunica said that Serbian citizens had to be aware of the fact that the Government did all in its power to extradite Mladic to The Hague. BHT1 Vesna Simic – SCG Minister of Defence Zoran Stankovic refused to comment the failure of SCG authorities to arrest Ratko Mladic. SCG Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Draskovic commented Serbia is a victim of failure to arrest several fugitive ICTY indictees. Serbian Justice Minister Zoran Stojkovic claimed that nobody is to be held responsible for current situation, as all institutions have done their job well. Opposition party LDP (Liberal-Democratic Party) demanded resignations of entire Government, claiming that Kostinica is scarifying citizens of Serbia. Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Resignation of Serbian Government was asked for’ by S. Gojkovic – Opposition parties and majority of NGOs in Serbia have demanded from Government and Kostunica to resign following the suspension of SAA talks between EU and SiCG. FTV, RTRS also reported. PINK also carried Kostunica.

US Ambassador to SCG: US may cut assistance

PINK, FTV, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Negotiations suspended’ and pg 3 ‘Negotiations with SiCG suspended’ by Agencies Inset ‘It is possible US Government’s aid would be suspended’, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Europe demands extradition of Mladic’ by D. Momic, Dnevni List pg 23 ‘Further US assistance questionable’ not signed – US Ambassador in SCG Michael Polt announced that SCG might loose US help due to lack of cooperation with ICTY.

RS President Cavic: Brussels’ decision presents a problem to whole region

BHT1, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Resignation of Serbian Government was asked for’ by S. Gojkovic Inset ‘Cavic: RS too should understand the message from Brussels’, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Europe demands extradition of Mladic’ by D. Momic – Commenting the suspension of SAA negotiations between SCG and EU, RS President Dragan Cavic stated Serbia is going to face serious political crisis, which might lead to early elections in Serbia. He stressed that RS Government and Ministry of Interior must intensify the cooperation with ICTY in order to avoid possible consequences for the RS and BiH. He stated that RS MoI has the full support of Government and all regional institutions necessary for solving of this problem. RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘RS authorities have to take Brussels’ message seriously’ by Fena –Cavic that the fact that the EU suspended Stabilization and Association Agreement talks with SCG presented a problem to whole region.

Doris Pack: there is no possibility for BiH’s negotiations with the EU to be suspended because of ICTY cooperation

Dnevni Avaz cover splash and pg 5 ‘There would be no sanctions for BiH’ by Nadja Diklic– Asked if BiH could end as SCG [i.e. that negotiations on SAA are called off over ICTY cooperation] Chair of EP’s Delegation for South-Eastern Europe Doris Pack said: “I believe that there is a political will in BiH for this issue with the ICTY to be solved once-and-for-all…In BiH, there is still no possibility for lack of cooperation with the ICTY to lead to suspension of talks on signing of the SAA, because situations in your state and neighboring one differ.”

EU suspended negotiations with the SCG; General Weber deems that RS and BiH authorities are doing the best they can

Oslobodjenje cover splash and pgs 4-5 ‘EU suspended negotiations with Belgrade’ by Branislav Boskov – Inset ‘General Weber disappointed with SCG relation’ by A.P.– Commander of NATO HQ in Sarajevo Brigadier General Louis Weber stated for daily that he is disappointed with the fact that SCG authorities haven’t arrested Ratko Mladic until the deadline. “Naturally the situation is not positive. We have to overstep this chapter and close it. Peoples of BiH are prevented from proceeding on their way toward progress by that…International Community hoped that Mladic would finally be extradited to The Hague. However, those responsible haven’t accomplished that…” said Weber. Commenting on the cooperation of the RS after Milorad Dodik became the Prime Minister, Weber said: “Overall, considering the situation it can be said that everybody is doing the best they can in order to solve the issue”.

DA op-ed: RS uses warning from Brussels used to gain support; DL op-ed: It is clear destiny of Serbia depends on arrest of Mladic

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Why is Cavic worried by messages from Brussels’ op-ed by Lana Sinanovic– Commenting the decision of the EU to suspend SAA talks with the SCG, Sinanovic comments that also open an issue whether BiH would also be punished. Author notes the RS President Dragan Cavic is aware of this and therefore rushed to warn that RS authorities should pay special attention to cooperation with the ICTY.  Sinanovic comments that this is now used as mean for gaining of political points, considering that indictees could have been arrested, while BiH can now only wait to Europe’s reaction. Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Suspension of negotiations’ by D. Kozina comments on suspension of EU negotiations on SAA with SCiG and the author says: ‘Perhaps, after such harsh stand of the EU, Serbs would take their task seriously and finally arrest Ratko Mladic since it has become completely clear that destiny of Serbia depends on him.’

Political issues

Meeting of BiH and EU parliamentarian delegations ends in Banja Luka

RTRS by Biljana Knezevic – Meeting of BIH and EU Parliament delegations ended in Banja Luka on Wednesday. BiH and EU Parliamentarians called upon concrete progress towards legislative framework and administrative capacity in BIH as well as full implementation of police reform and cooperation with ICTY. Chief of EU Parliament delegation Doris Pack stressed that police reform is no longer an issue since in her opinion support for it exists. EU parliamentarians on the other hand stressed the importance of ICTY cooperation for BIH. EU parliamentarians are encouraging BIH to continue ICTY cooperation as well as BIH politicians to continue negotiations on constitutional amendments. They feel that constitutional amendments and law on high education should speed up BIH’s path towards the EU. They also pledged support to better visa regime for BIH. PINK, BHT, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘It is shameful that Karadzic and Mladic are not in the Hague’ by O.Vukovic, Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘It is shameful that Karadzic and Mladic are still at large’ by Fena, EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘Europe is encouraging reforms in BiH’ by R.Radosavljevic, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Continuation of reforms with full cooperation with The Hague’ by SRNA, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Key of European lock is in reforms’ by Z.Markovic, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Karadzic and Mladic are disgrace for our country’ by T. Calic, Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Karadzic’s case disgrace for BiH’ by bs  also covered.

Doris Pack: there would be no sanctions for BiH because of failure of const. reform

Dnevni Avaz cover splash and pg 5 ‘There would be no sanctions for BiH’ by Nadja Diklic– In interview for DA, Chair of European Parliament’s (EP) Delegation for South-Eastern Europe Doris Pack stated that BiH authorities are expected to sit after the elections and start with new negotiations on constitutional reform, emphasizing: “No, there would be no sanctions for BiH. We have asked you to establish more functional state. When it comes to negotiations with the EU there is no relation. You are those that need constitutional changes not us.” She added it is not the time to talk about future possible constitutional changes, since politicians weren’t able to agree on the first phase, adding that it is not late for this issue to be solved after elections. Inset ‘Loosened visa regime’- Pack said that Balkans countries were exempt from recent increase of prices of visas. “By the end of the year new changes in visa regime would be implemented and we will see what BiH could expect,” said Pack.  

HR CSS in Vienna to advocate for EU to ease visa regime for BiH

BHT1- High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling will meet the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers on Thursday in Vienna. OHR announced that Schwarz-Schilling would invite the Ministers to make concrete steps in order to liberate the visa regime for BiH citizens. BiH Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic earlier expressed his disappointment, stating that despite of expectations of BiH citizens, the process of visa issuing has become more complicated and more expensive. Commenting this, Ivanic said that “something in Brussels must be wrong”. Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Something is wrong with Brussels’, by NINA – carries Minister Ivanic as saying that contrary to expectations, issuing of visas for EU has become more complicated and expensive. Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Something’s wrong with Brussels’, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Visa regime breaks BiH’s development as well’ Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Schwarz-Schilling lobbies against restrictions again’ by T.Lazovic, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Schwarz Schilling lobbying for visas’ by M.S., Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Lobbying for milder visa regime for BiH’ by A.S., Vecernji List pg 5 ‘More liberal visa regime’ by eme – also covered.

Cardinal Puljic in visit to USA: USA authorities must not ignore disappearance of Catholics in BiH; warned that Islamic countries might impose radical Islam to BIH

RHB – Cardinal Vinko Puljic is in visit to USA, where he is going to meet with USA Congressmen, State Department and National Security Council officials in order to discuss position of Croats in BiH and failed constitutional changes. Puljic said that USA authorities must not ignore disappearance of Catholics in BiH. Puljic said that he was going to advocate constitutional changes, which would guarantee equality to BiH Croats. Dnevni List cover pg splash and pg 7 ‘Vehabis pose threat to us’ not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija cover pg splash and pg 17 ‘We want that USA rescues Catholics in BiH’ by F also carries Cardinal Puljic as saying: ‘Our main criticism was not directed against the Constitution, but against the principles that would cement the division of BiH and on the ground of which Croats would be deprived of equality in BiH.’ He added that Vatican supports this stand. Vecernji List cover pg splash ‘America must acknowledge Croats’, pg 2 ‘We are not against changes but America must acknowledge Croats’ by Z. Kresic carries an interview with Cardinal Puljic in which he reiterates the things said above. RTRS – Puljic warned that Islamic countries might impose radical Islam to BIH Muslims. Puljic stated in International Peace Institute in Washington that radical versions of Islam are opposed to traditional culture of BIH Muslims. FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘USA cannot ignore disappearance of Croats in BiH’, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Radical Islam is a danger’ by KTA , also carried.

EC’s Humphreys commends HDZ BiH’s positive approach to constitutional changes

RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘You showed courage and vision’, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘To continue process of constitutional changes’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Content with contribution to constitutional changes’, Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Courage shown in constitutional changes’, by NINA – The Head of the EC Delegation to BiH Michael Humphreys sent a letter to BiH HDZ Chair Dragan Covic, praising HDZ’s positive contribution regarding constitutional changes in BiH. You and your colleagues were willing to negotiate till the end; you have showed courage and vision in such an extremely complex process; we are all aware of the fact that it is extremely difficult to reach a solution which would suit all people in such a complex state, reads the letter. The letter furthermore states that constitutional changes talks had to be continued.

SDS Presidency: SDS will not participate in const. changes that are different to reached agreement

RTRS – SDS Presidency held a session on Wednesday. It was concluded that SDS will not participate in negotiations on BiH Constitution that are different to reached agreement and determined constitutional amendments that were already discussed in BiH parliament. RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘No crossing of inter-entity border’ – also carried.

SDHR Bas-Backer met RS PM Dodik over const. changes, police reform

RHB, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Srpska showed readiness’ by G. Dakic, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘F BiH must establish Commission for missing Sarajevo Serbs’ by D. R., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Backer: F BiH must establish the Commission’ by M. S. and Srna – Senior Deputy High Representative to BiH Peter Bas-Backer on Wednesday met RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik and expressed his regret over rejection of constitutional amendments to BiH, pointing out that it was of extreme importance to have the talks continued. Dodik said that a new approach to the issue had to be established.

Ambassador Rycroft: it is possible to annul election results as Dayton Agreement is not in accordance with EU Convention on Human Rights

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Elections could be invalid’ by S.Numanovic– UK Ambassador to BiH Matthew Rycroft said to DA that there is a chance for results of the upcoming elections [to be scheduled on May 4] to be challenged through an appeal submitted to the European Court for Human Rights. “Considering that BiH is member of Council of Europe and that Protocol 12 VE emphasizes that Dayton Agreement is not in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights it is possible for someone to show up and asks for the opinion of highest legal authorities” said Rycroft, adding that this is why Venice Commission has supported the constitutional reform. Ambassador stressed that hence it is possible for the BiH Court or the European Court for Human Rights to simply annul the election results. “It is up to leaders of the parties and BiH Parliament to decide what would happen. Personally, I hope it is possible to preserve as much of the package that was before the MPs. It is not perfect, but it is a few step ahead the current status,” said Rycroft.

BiH CEC to schedule election on May 4

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘No one asked for postponing, scheduling of elections today’, mentioned on cover by A.Malagic– As Chair of BiH Central Election Commission Branko Peric stated for DA that CEC would schedule general election on May 4, since no one asked for postponing. Peric also said that CEC has conducted audit in nine strongest parties and that final reports would be published for six of them. Peric explained that other reports would be passed in few days and submit all to the BiH Parliament.

SDHR Bas-Backer: Serbs have the right to be informed about destiny of Serbs from SA

Hayat by Igor Pozgaj (ATV) – SDHR to BiH Peter Bas-Backer visited Banja Luka on Wednesday, where he told the RS officials that he supported them in investigating destiny of missing Serbs from Sarajevo. FBiH Government has to implement BiH Constitutional Court’s decisions, said Bas-Becker. He expects the FBiH Government to solve the issue as soon as possible. “We have to see that the Commission is established and that the job is done; Serbs have been waiting for that to happen for a long period of time; they have the right to be informed about destiny of their beloved ones”, said Bas-Backer. Unless the issue is to start being solved by the end of May, families of the missing Serbs are going to organize protest in front of the OHR building. RTRS also carries SDHR’s statement that the FBIH must respect the decision and form a Commission for missing Sarajevo Serbs. Bas-Becker also met with RS National Assembly Speaker Igor Radojicic. Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Srpska showed readiness’ by G. Dakic, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘F BiH must establish Commission for missing Sarajevo Serbs’ by D. R., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Backer: F BiH must establish the Commission’ by M. S. and Srna – also covered.

SEECP summit starts in Greece

PINK – Two-day Thessalonica Summit of the SEECP (South-East Europe Cooperation Process) started on Wednesday with the meeting of the Foreign Ministers. The Chiefs of states would meet on Thursday. BiH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic attends Wednesday’s session, while Chair of BiH Presidency Sulejman Tihic would address the participants on Thursday. Ivanic stated over the telephone that he addressed the issue of visa regime. “Clear message was that the current practice is unacceptable for us”, stated Ivanic. RHB, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Tihic ar Summit in Thessalonici today’ not signed also covered. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Process of issuance of visas becoming more expensive’ by Agencies – carries Ivanic.

DL: ‘It is being worked on establishment of anti-Covic’s coalition’

Dnevni List pg 4 ‘It is being worked on establishment of anti-Covic’s coalition’ by D. Pusic – According to the latest information it is being worked on establishment of a big coalition of Croat parties led by HDZ 1990. Apart from HDZ 1990, this coalition would be made of People’s Party Working for Prosperity, HKDU, HD and HSS. HKDU President Ivan Musa confirmed that the talks on this issue have been underway. President of HSP Djapic-Jurisic Zvonko Jurisic said that they will not form coalitions with HDZ 1990 and HDZ BiH at the FBiH and state levels, while it is possible to form the coalitions with these parties at the Cantonal level especially in the Cantons where it is hard to expect that any Croat party will pass the election threshold.

Danas: HDZ President Covic to form coalition of Croat parties

Danas cover pg splash and pgs 14-17 ‘Covic invites in coalition Zubak and former HDZ members’ by Z. Jukic says that HDZ President Dragan Covic and the HDZ BiH leadership intend to form a big coalition of Croat parties that would amortize negative effects caused by establishment of HDZ 1990. Sources close to the HDZ top says that, first of all, Covic would offer former HDZ BiH members who formed new parties (Kresimir Zubak (NHI), Miro Grabovac Titan (HDU) etc.) to join this coalition. Danas also says that as far as this coalition is concerned Covic can count as always on support Milenko Brkic and his party, HNZ, as well as on the Croat Block of Ivic Pasalic. According to the weekly, Covic will also invite to this coalition UHSP, HSP, HPB and HKDU.

Danas sources: Many HDZ BiH of Mostar members to join HDZ 1990 including Mayor Beslic?

Danas, pgs 22-25, mentioned on front ‘Who is leaving Covic’s HDZ in Mostar?’, by Zvonimir Jukic – According to Danas’ sources close to HDZ 1990, the party has tasked Josip Merdzo to organize its branch in Mostar. The weekly also speculates that many current and former members of HDZ BiH will be joining HDZ 1990, including some of the councillors in the Mostar City Council. Inset ‘Mijo Brajkovic does not mind new HDZ either’ – sources close to ‘Danas’ reveal that the CEO of ‘Aluminij’, Mijo Brajkovic, is also close to HDZ 1990, however he cannot openly support them because the President of HDZ BiH, Dragan Covic, is controlling the ‘Elektroprivreda of Herceg Bosna’, which would make the position of the company more difficult when it comes to electricity supplies. Danas, pg 6 ‘Beslic started ‘flirting’ with HDZ 1990’, not signed – Magazine also claims that even the Mayor of Mostar, Ljubo Beslic, could be joining the HDZ 1990. 

Terrorism and war crimes

ICTY Appeals Chamber confirmed 20 years imprisonment to Mladen Naletilic Tuta and 18 years imprisonment to Vinko Martinovic Stela

RHB, PINK, BHT1, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Sentence of 20 and 18 years confirmed to Tuta and Stela’, mentioned on cover by F.V. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ’20 years to Naletilic, 18 to Martinovic’ mentioned on cover by Hina, Dnevni List pg 5, mentioned on cover ’In total 38 years imprisonment to Tuta and Stela’ by I. Glibusic, Vecernji List pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘The Hague confirmed verdicts against Tuta and Stela’ by G. Jungvirth, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 7 ‘The Hague confirmed 20 years imprisonment to Tuta and 18 years imprisonment to Stela’ by H, – The ICTY Appeals Chamber confirmed on Wednesday sentences against war crime indictees Mladen Naletilic Tuta and Vinko Martinovic Stela. In 2003 the ICTY sentenced Naletilic and Martinovic to 20 and 18 years imprisonment, respectively, for war crimes committed over Bosniaks in the Mostar area during the Croat-Bosniak conflict.

First trial for terrorism starts before BiH Court, suspects plead not guilty

BHT1– At a hearing held today before the preliminary hearing judge of Section II for Organized Crime, Economic Crime and Corruption of the BiH Court in the Bektasevic and others case [of terrorism suspects], all the accused (except Amir Bajric) pleaded not guilty to all counts in the indictment. The indictment filed by the BiH Prosecutor’s Office charges Mirsad Bektasevic, Ikanovic Bajro and Cesur Abdulkadir with the offence of terrorism pursuant and of attempted obstructing an official person in execution of official activity pursuant. The remaining two accused, Bajric and Senad Hasanovic, are charged with the criminal offence of illicit possession of weapons or explosive substances.  This is the first indictment raised before BiH Court for terrorism planning. RHB, PINK, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 38, mentioned on cover ‘Indicted for terrorism, plead not guilty’ by A.S. Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Bektasevic, Ikanovic and Cesur plead not guilty’, EuroBlic RSpg 3, announced on cover ‘Indictees claim they were not preparing attacks in BiH’ by SRNA, Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘Those charged with terrorism pleaded not guilty’ by A.Djozou – also carried.

DL, SD: Terrorism indictee Bajric fled the country?

Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘Terrorist escaped? Arrest warrant for Amir Bajric’, by Erna Mackic – DL wonders whether Bajric has fled from BiH since his lawyer, Muhidin Kapo, noted that his client had not been talking to him since Bajric was released from custody on April 14, nor could he reach him on the phone. The BiH Court will check whether Bajric is in BiH and act accordingly. Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 19 ‘They wanted to return army from Iraq’, by Zlatko Tulic – carries similar report as DL, noting that the indictment reads that the indictees planned terrorist attacks in order to force BiH and other countries’ authorities to withdraw troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. Vecernji List, pg 5 ‘Bektasevic: False charges’, by Dejan Jazvic – also reports.

Globus: Documents discrediting Reis Ceric found in premises of Moslem organization TWRA in Vienna

Globus pg 11 ‘Discrediting documents from Vienna’ by M. T. says that recently discovered documentation during the search of premises of a Moslem organization TWRA in Vienna puts Head of the Islamic Community in BiH Musatafa Ceric in a negative context. Globus explains that TWRA is an agency for assistance to Moslems in the Third World countries and that in 1992 Reis Ceric took care of its spreading in BiH (at this time he was a Chief Imam in Zagreb). According to the documents, TWRA sent during the war weapon worth about 400 millions Dollars and brought volunteers from Arabic countries to the BiH Army.