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

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00hrs)

US Congress to disc. Croat position

Z. Lelek arrested in Visegrad

SIPA action in Visegrad

Visegrad: War crime suspect’s arrest

Mladic aides arrested

Serbian MoI in search after Mladic

HR CSS to meet Del Ponte today

Del Ponte in Sarajevo

Lavrov and Ivanic in Moscow

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

October elections announced

Regional News

October elections announced

PRD Managing Board ends session

Regional News

Del Ponte to visit Sarajevo

CEIS on cons. amendments

Del Ponte will meet HR on Thursday

6 ex BiH Army members’ indictment 

Tihic at Thessalonica summit

Thessalonica Declaration adopted

Three persons arrested in Serbia

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

ZDC war crimes indictment

6 ex BiH Army members’ indictment

HR asked for visa mitigation

October elections announced

Commemoration in Brcko District

Elections announced for October 1

PRD Managing Board ends session

BiH vs. SCG lawsuit, update

Report on police reform

Feature on high education law

October elections announced

CoM had session

Vojislav Kostunica sent a message: We have to locate Mladic

Dnevni Avaz

Elections on October 1 in line with current Constitution

Dnevni List

Terzic does not need 200 million Dollars (due to VAT procedure, mine clearing firms left without money for mine clearance and other expenses)

Vecernji List

With baby in arms he attacked his father-in-law with knife (on  family drama near Capljina)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Capljina is thirsty because of war in HDZ (on collapse of Capljina economy and infrastructure caused by disputes between HDZ BiH and HDZ 1990 members)

Elections on 1 October

Glas Srpske

General elections scheduled

EuroBlic

Vecernje novosti

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

SIPA arrested war crime suspect in Visegrad this morning

RTRS – Around 08:00 hrs this morning in Visegrad, the SIPA has arrested a war crime suspect acting upon order of BiH Prosecutor’s Office. RTRS learns from unofficial sources that the person arrested is Zeljko Lelek, formerly employed at Police Station Visegrad. Reporter adds that the arrestee, whose identity SIPA did not publish, will today be handed to BiH Prosecution for further proceedings. The arrestee is suspected of having committed crimes against humanity during war in BiH around Visegrad. Admir Katica, Spokesperson of SIPA, confirms in a statement to RTRS that SIPA, in collaboration with Visegrad Police, has this morning arrested one person in Visegrad. 

RHB, BH Radio 1 – also reports.

Serbian MoI raids several locations in Belgrade in search after Mladic

RTRS – Serbian MoI Special Unit has this morning carried a synchronized action of raids at several locations in Belgrade in search after Ratko Mladic. Accoridng to sources at Serbian MoI these sorts of actions will continue until General Mladic is located and arrested.

Trbic case to transferred to BiH Court

RHB, BH Radio 1 – ICTY spokesperson Anton Nikiforov stated that Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla del Ponte has demanded that former RS Army Commander Milorad Trbic stands a trial in BiH. Trbic has been charged with genocide due to participation in the Srebrenica massacre.

Elections and constitutional changes

BiH Central Election Commission schedules general elections on 1 October

BHT1 by Mirela Cosic – The BiH Central Election Commission (CEC) on Thursday scheduled the general elections for the BiH Presidency, BiH and FBiH House of Representatives, RS President and Vice President, RS National Assembly and Cantonal Assemblies in FBiH to take place on October 1. As the constitutional amendments failed in the Parliament, elections will be carried out in line with existing BiH Constitution with some changes in the elections legislative, most important being passive voter registration stipulating automatic registration of persons with CIPS ID, which will also increase a number of voters. The CEC Chair Branko Petric added: “As of October elections, it will not be possible for a single person to be elected for two positions.” CEC member Lidija Korac said the CEC assessed “the expenses of the October elections to be approx. 8-9 millions KM”. RHB – Korac added that the deadline for parties to register is May 19. Coalitions and Independent candidates are to register in period from 4 – 13 June. PINK – According to new BiH Election Law, one person can be directly elected for one position only or directly for one position and indirectly for the second. Petric said that political subjects would be allowed to spend 30 pfenings per voter in elections campaign, instead of 1 KM per voter as it was the case up to now. In addition, period of election campaign is reduced from 60 to 30 days. The CEC would receive 3,5 million KM from the state budget while the rest of the funds would be provided by the municipalities. RTRS – According to CEC, there are 2,644,545 voters in BiH – 921,223 in the RS, 1.649.546 in the FBiH and 73.766 voters in Brcko District. Election blackout on media would start a day before the elections, while media would not be allowed to broadcast public polls on the issue two days before elections. Hayat, FTV, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘General elections would cost about 9 millions KM’ by D. P. Mandic, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘2 644 545 citizens have right to vote’ by E. Medunjanin also reported. Slobodna Dalmacija pg 19  ‘Elections can be annulled’ by D. Pasic, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘General elections scheduled’ by Z.Domazet, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pg 3 ‘Elections scheduled for 1 October’ by N.Krsman, Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘Elections on October 1’ by D. S., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Voting on October 1’ also covered.

UK Ambassador warns elections results could be challenged

BHT 1, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘General elections would cost about 9 millions KM’ by D. P. Mandic, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘2 644 545 citizens have right to vote’ by E. Medunjanin also reported. Slobodna Dalmacija pg 19  ‘Elections can be annulled’ by D. Pasic carried a statement given by UK Matthew Rycroft to Sarajevo daily ‘Dnevni Avaz’ that there is a chance for results of the upcoming elections to be challenged through an appeal submitted to the European Court for Human Rights [See OHR BiH Media Round-up on May 4].

BH Election Comm. Pres. rejects claims of UK Ambassador that October elections may be disputed

Glas Srpske cover pg report ‘Rules cannot be changed’ – Branko Petric, Chair of the BiH Central Election Commission, Thursday told daily that claims of UK Ambassador to BiH Matthew Rycroft (that upcoming election may be disputed) deserve no comment, adding: “According to what Ambassador Rycroft said, somebody may show up and demand annulment of Dayton Peace Agreement. Elections have been scheduled and it would be held in line with the election rules and valid Law.” He also stressed that “election rules for October elections cannot be changed even if constitutional amendments were adopted today and Election Law changed”.  Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Statement of Ambassador Rycroft is inappropriate’ by L.S.– Petric told DA that Rycroft’s statement “wasn’t really appropriate” and added: “Truly, in my current practise I have never heard of such a case”.

Comments following UK Ambassadors statement that October elections may be disputed: representatives from RS criticise his statement

Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Pressures are suffocating development of democracy’ by D.Momic – Branko Todorovic, Executive Director of the Human Rights Helsinki Committee in BiH, commented the statement of the UK Ambassador to BiH Matthew Rycroft that upcoming election may be disputed calling it humiliating, as it disputes election will of citizens and represent the most severe violation of human rights. He added: “IC officials cannot or do not want to acknowledge that democracy in BiH cannot be applied in a year time, when it took over 100 years to Europe to do that.” Petar Kunic, Professor at Banja Luka Law Faculty, shares his view, telling Rycroft to do his job. Daily notes it cannot be disputed that by supporting constitutional amendments, the RS has demonstrated it is not an obstacle on the BiH course to EU, noting it should not be forgotten that the job of Ambassador is mainly to represent interest of his state.

NN op-ed: pre-election campaign will crystallise Europe-oriented ideas and persons

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Elections’ by Sandra Gojkovic – Writing about scheduling of elections, the author expresses expectation that a battle for 4-year power will be turbulent, since various nationalists, fundamentalists, reformists, liberators will crawl out from all over the state, lobbying and making promises about their work. She concludes by saying that pre-election campaign will still crystallise those Europe-oriented people and options.

CEIS Director Slatina on sanctions agst BiH due to non-adoption of const. chgs:  Negative image of BiH in world would be created

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘’RS would not be able to survive under that name’, mentioned on cover not signed Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘RS can’t survive with current name’ not signed, Dnevni List pg 7 ‘International Community introduces sanctions’ by M. Zorlak – Director of the Centre for BiH Integration Strategies Senad Slatina stated that due to non-adoption of constitutional changes, the IC would introduce sanctions against BiH and added: ‘People from the IC will ask themselves whether they can trust in the BiH’s future with the political structure that we currently have. For this reason the trust towards BiH would be reducing and we shall be at margins of serious discussions at the international level.’ Slatina said that the most serious consequences would be felt at the moment when creating of a negative image of BiH in the world begins. According to Slatina, the most important thing is not to constitutional reform failure would not directly influence the BiH’s way towards the EU although the IC was sending different messages.

Mtg Cardinal Puljic/US official DiCarlo on const chgs/DiCarlo: US engagement in BiH would continue

Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Cardinal explained stand of Bishops’ by Z. Kresic carries that Cardinal Vinko Puljic met on Wednesday in Washington with Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo who expressed during this meeting regret over the fact that together with some BiH politicians BiH Bishops opposed constitutional changes. Caridnal Puljic said that the Bishops are not against the constitutional changes but they stand for more fair solution that would secure an equal position of Croats in BiH. VL says that DiCarlo promised continuation of the US engagement in BiH.

SDP leader Lagumdzija: some parliamentarians were bribed by SBiH; If I would have to choose between so-called ‘patriots’ and SDA, I would choose SDA!

Slobodna Bosna pgs 18-22, mentioned on cover ‘BiH Constitution was knocked down by Silajdzic’s traders, Seseljs’s chetniks and admirers of Mate Boban!!!’ by Asim Metiljevic – Commenting failure of the constitutional reform, SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija alleges in an interview to SB that those Parliamentarians who voted against the amendments were bribed by “[Haris] Silajdzic’s favourite businessman” [he did not specify the name, but presumably Hamzalija Ibric Jata] from Tuzla who allegedly illegally privatized Tuzlanska Bank: “Constitutional amendments would be significant step towards strengthening rule of law that would put an end to their multimillion plunder…” Lagumdzija expressed his opinion that there would be no sanctions raised against BiH, adding that though “sympathy and privileges offered by proven friends [of BiH] could be lost, and that would be disastrous for BiH.” Inset ‘Between so called ‘patriots’ and normal SDA, I would always go for Tihic!’ – Responding to allegations that possible SDA-SDP coalition is in sight, Lagumdzija stated: “Block gathered around overturning constitutional changes proved to be much more radical than SDA for example. Let me be clear: if I would have to choose between so-called patriots and SDA, I would choose SDA!”

SDA leader Tihic: Vanities and personal interests stolen four years from BiH

Dani pgs 12-15 ‘Vanities and personal interests stolen four years from BiH’ by Vildana Selimbegovic – In an interview to Dani, SDA leader Sulejman Tihic repeated a damage of failure of the constitutional reform is huge, and assessed four years have been lost as upcoming elections are to be held in line with current Constitution. Another consequence, argues Tihic, may be strengthening of the antireform forces and radicalization of politics in BiH: “One way [of possible radicalization] would aim at division of BiH by putting it in context of Kosovo status. The other would mean radicalization of Bosniaks, misusing categories of victims: families of missing, displaced and killed people.” Tihic added he explicitly has SBiH founder Haris Silajdzic and his party in mind, adding “SBiH and their satellites… misused legal possibility to keep their mandate exclusively for their personal needs and interests.” Tihic announced he would use his visit to the USA next week to regain American interest. Commenting allegations some parliamentarians were bribed to vote against constitutional reform, Tihic said that everything is possible.

Dani: Many used constitutional changes as start of their pre-election campaigns

Dani pgs 18-20 ‘Party for BiH and other Radicals’ by Dzenana Karup-Drusko – Commenting failure of constitutional changes, article [very negative of the failure] reads many used the issue to launch their election campaigns, in turn “nailing the Dayton Constitution”. This opportunity, says the author, allowed SBiH founder Haris Silajdzic to return to politics as he sees himself in the BiH Presidency, SDA faced the fact that personal interests rather than authority dominate the party, and the HDZ 1990 proclaimed itself the only protector of the Croats. Author argues that for SBiH this proved good for two reasons: firstly, Silajdzic proved to be true leader the party and secondly, he proved his opponents that they underestimated him. Also commenting reasons why ex SDA MP Mehmed Zilic voted against the most probable answer is that he was paid by Silajdzic. 

Feral op-ed: Due to non-adoption of const. chgs we shall get again incapable and inefficient authority at October elections

Feral pgs 28-29 ‘Brothers in lethargy’ by I. Lovrenovic comments on non-adoption of constitutional changes and the author concludes that SBiH and HDZ 1990 members made the most of those who opposed the constitutional changes. According to the author, the only thing that these 2 parties could agree upon and find some joint interest in is the FBiH and BiH in the Dayton’s status quo. The author also says that due to non-adoption of the changes the October elections will preserve the current political structure and type of the authority that turned out to be fatally incapable and non-functional. The author believes that the worst of all is the climate of the general political and ethnic radicalization and strengthening of the lack of trust, which kills every possibility that the will for talks and agreement on constitutional changes appears again. Dani magazine also carried this editorial. 

Chief BiH Negotiator Davidovic: suspension of SAA talks with SiCG is a warning for BiH as well

Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘They are looking for Karadzic too’ by Sl. Pesevic – In a short interview to VN, Chief BiH Negotiator Igor Davidovic has stated he is not concerned over non-adoption of the constitutional amendments at all, adding that even the European Parliament is of the stance that this failed episode with the constitutional changes would not halt the negotiations on SAA with BiH. Referring to the suspension of SAA talks with SiCG over failure to arrest and extradite Ratko Mladic, Davidovic stated that the suspension is surely a warning for BiH as well, having in mind Radovan Karadzic too is still at large ‘although it is not even known where he currently is’.

Police reform

OHR: Police reform delayed because of RS politicians

PINK by Ljubisa Davidovic – The OHR spokesperson Ljiljana Radetic said that the activities of the Police Reform Directorate have been delayed by the RS refusal to accept offered proposals on future police structure. Radetic added that RS offered no proposal that would satisfy three EC criteria demanding state competencies for police legislation and budget, organization on the basis of technical criteria and a system protecting police from political interference. According to Radetic, continuation of such practice is the way to postpone BiH integration process to EU, and added the RS is not ready to accept state police. Commenting stances expressed by the RS high-ranking officials that no agreement would be accepted unless it is reached through consensus, Radetic said: “If consensus is not reached, Directorate would have to continue its work with support of majority of BiH technical police experts. Directorate is obligated to complete the work on time”.  RTRS by Biljana Knezevic – Reporter commented the OHR is not worried with failure to reach consensus but with a delay of the police reform. Vecernji List pg 5 ‘RS refuses EC principles’ by bs also carries the OHR’s statement. FTV, RHB, BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Direction has to finish job in time’ by Onasa, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘A step further from EU’ by Rajna Radosavljevic and Dusanka Stanisic also carried.

PRD SB Chair Dumancic: local police regions to prepare budget proposals for areas, execution of budget at state level’ RSNA Speaker Radojicic: BiH made a step backwards in police reform

Hayat ATV Banja Luka – ATV reports that the opinion adopted by the Police Reform Directorate Steering Board adopted on Wednesday caused fierce reactions in the RS. PRD SB Chair Vinko Dumancic stated that under the Opinion, police structure in BIH would be organized at 2 levels, with the legislation and budget in competencies of the state. Dumancic explained for ATV the local police regions would prepare budget proposals for their areas and execution of budget will be determined by the regulations set at the state level. ATV says that RS officials all oppose the fact that the RS stances have not been respected, and the RS National Assembly Speaker Igor Radojicic reminded the Assembly would discuss police reform at 10 May session: “It is not hard to suppose what the stance would be”. EC’s spokesman in BiH, Frano Maroevic, commented that the adopted opinion is a positive step forward. ATV comments the RS officials feel the reform has made step backwards, while FBIH and IC think opposite. BHT1 – Radojicic added the police reform is in ‘dead end’ after the Board adopted this opinion, adding crucial issues have not yet been solved. RTRS by Biljana Knezevic – PRD SB decided to discuss future police regions in the later stage and for an opinion not to include “minor” issues such as education, uniforms, forensics, etc. Radojicic commented: “What has been done by adoption of this opinion? Nothing that would mean a step ahead. Nothing that would be an acceptable answer for the police reform and nothing new for the RS. The opinion without stances from the RS will not result with the agreement or new model of police forces in BiH. Only new dimension of problem was introduced”. He added the problem occurred due to wrong initial conception and composition of PRD SB members. RTRS comments that the Board stil keeps voting on the opinion a secret while it has been disclosed that Nijaz Smajlovic, RS Acting Police Director, was the only who voted against and respected the stance of the entity. RHB, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘New problems in sight’ by O.V. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Police reform in dead-end once again’ by Srna, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘A step further from EU’ by Rajna Radosavljevic and Dusanka Stanisic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘A step backwards made’ by V.Popovic, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Another dead alley’ by D.Mo. – Radojicic. Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘Dodik is defending RS police’ by D. Stojakovic, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Outvoting leading to decisions’ by Z.Domazet, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘We will respect deadlines’ by M.C. – Dumancic.

Daily: Opinion on police model interprets three EC requirements, compromise on regions/finances?

Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Police to the state, money to the entities’ by Az.Kalamujic – Daily brings some details from the ‘Opinion on police structure model in BiH’ adopted by the PRD Steering Board, stating it represents the interpretation of three EC principles. First principle was interpreted as meaning that the “laws on police would be passed only at the state level”. Second principle means under opinion foresees that “only BiH Parliament would be passing the budget…meaning other levels wouldn’t have authority to do that”. PRD SB concluded that “future police regions must be determined on bases of technical criteria…in accordance with best European and international practise”. Since these principles are not in line with the RS demands, PRD SB has made a compromise leaving possibility to entity and even cantonal authorities to continue disposing with the finances. Namely, Opinion reads that budget would be established by the law at the state level, but that it could be “executed trough current budget systems in BiH”.  Inset ‘Would RS withdraw its people from PRD’- As daily learns RS authorities are considering the possibility of withdrawing their representatives from PRD SB and Executive Board, in charge of drafting legislative acts. However, daily didn’t receive official confirmation from RS authorities. Alternative to this solution is freezing of their work in PRD until after elections.

PDP: opinion has been imposed, unconstitutional decision on single police

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Problems in FBiH mustn’t be solved at RS’s expense’ by Srna, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Through reform to war goals’ by V.P.  – PDP Vice-President Goran Milojevic said that police reform is another attempt to reach “wartime goals of those advocating for full centralization of BiH”. Milojevic stressed that outvoting of RS representatives in PRD SB and insisting on abolishment of the RS Interior Ministry are endangering future course of reforms. RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Reactions’ by Z.Ma., Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Imposition of solution’ by P.V., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Reactions’ by Z.Ma., Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Actions not in line with constitution’ by V.P.  – Democratic Movement of Srpska, SRS and PDP believe that opinion of PRD SB is imposed decision on single police and that unconstitutional and invalid agreement was reached.

SNSD, SDS: over voting not good for police reform

Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Reactions’ by Z.Ma. – Following adoption of “Opinion” at PRD SB session, Krstan Simic, SNSD Vice President, Thursday stated it is not good for BiH that decisions are reached through outvoting. Dusan Stojicic, SDS Vice President, has stated that nothing, especially issue of such sensitivity like police reform, cannot be resolved through outvoting.

SDA Vice President Dzaferovic: SDA will not depart from European principles when police reform is in question

Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Dzaferovic: Involvement of Dodik is impermissible’ not signed – SDA Vice President Sefik Dzaferovic is embittered over the inefficient meeting of the PRD SB and he claims that SDA would not agree with any departing from European principles. He added: ‘Politics did not have to involve in expert meetings….It is obvious that RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik involved in this job in an impermissible way.’

SDA’ Ahmetovic announces SDA would withdraw support to RS Govt. over police

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘SDA re-examines relation toward Dodik’s Government’ by N.D.,, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Dodik is bringing best-men and friends’ by Srna­, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘They threat with cessation of support to RS Government’ by V.P. – Sadik Ahmetovic, SDA delegate at RS NA, has announced that SDA would remove support to RS Government if it stood on the way of police reform. Ahmetovic noted: “SDA will not support any concession referring to police reform. There is no Government composition, that would get SDA support without pledging for European course of BiH and its admission to EU.”

Interview with EC Head: There will be no conclusion of SAA agreement without agreement on police reform

Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘No agreement with EU without police reform’ by D.Risojevic – In a half-page interview to daily, Michael Humphreys, Head of EC delegation to BiH, welcomed a majority-voted decision of the PRD SB that has given the authority to state over laws and budget related to joint police force, adding: “This decision represents a sort of progress in police reform. However, it is disappointing there has been no progress in the work of Police Reform Directorate for the last few months. This is an obligation BiH has taken by itself. It is clear it would be very hard to end talks with BiH without a concrete progress in police reform.” He also expressed belief that everybody is aware of the fact police reform is a second priority task EC has marked for SAA talks, adding if no agreement is reached on police reform, BiH will not conclude Agreement on stabilisation and association. He added that talks will not halted if there is not agreement, reiterating condition that progress should be reached prior to conclusion of SAA talks. Responding to press question what IC would have done if RS had rejected agreement on constitutional amendments, Humphreys says that European Union would have reacted the same, adding it would not be harsher towards RS politicians. He stresses RS politicians were consistent, responsible and compromise-oriented during talks on constitutional changes.

HR Schwarz Schilling expresses concern over RS Govt’ stance regarding police reform

Nezavisne Novine pg 4, announced on cover ‘Concerned over RS Government’ stance’ by D.Risojevic – In a phone statement to daily from Vienna, where he is attending the meeting of EU Interior Ministers, Christian Schwarz Schilling, HR to BiH, Thursday expressed concern over the failure to reach consensus regarding future model of the police forces in BiH. HR assessed that the issue of reliability of those who have committed to follow up on agreed European principles on police reform is raised, adding: “I am very much concerned over such position, first of all over the stance of RS Government, i.e. Premier Milorad Dodik. Once he says – all right, we will follow up agreement from October, and now he pledges for entity police without a single budget and akin.” HR also said that decision reached by PRD SB through outvoting “does not make Dodik a serious partner in these talks”. He further estimated that in line with experience related to police reform, the political scene is obviously not ready to hold new round of talks on constitution changes until October elections, adding talks should resume immediately after elections. 

DL: How can HR do anything is BiH refuses police reform?

Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Barricades from RS on way to Europe!’ by R. Dautefendic – DL also wonders how BiH citizens can even hope that High Representative Christian Schwarz Schilling can do something when easing of the visa regime is in question when BiH is refusing the police reform according to the EU standards.

EUPM denies EUPM Commissioner Coppola was the author of the plan on territorial organization of police

Nezavisne Novine pg 7 ‘Coppola is not the author of the plan’ by EUPM – Following the article published on May 4 in Nezavisne Novine, which reads: “The EUPM Commissioner Vincenzo Coppola is mentioned as the author of the plan regarded as one of possible solutions for territorial organisation of police’ [see OHR BiH Media Round-up, May 4], EUPM published a reaction in which it denies Coppola was the author of the plan. EUPM also added there is only one plan on police reform – the one parliaments adopted in October last year.

Oslobodjenje op-ed: adopting opinion means avoiding to take a stance on entity police

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Too heavy word’ op-ed by Zija Dizdarevic – Commenting that Police Reform Directorate Steering Board [PRD SB] adopted an ‘opinion’ instead of ‘decision’, since that word would be too heavy, editorial reads that this was way of avoiding to take a stance on issue of entity police. Author raises the issue, whether that was only part of pressures from Banja Luka to preserve influence of RS on future police hierarchy, or RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik has some more radical intentions, that would put in question all the reform’s process. Editorial stresses that unlike constitutional changes, police reform is a key condition for successful end of negotiations with the EU on Stabilisation and Association Agreement [SAA], concluding that: “Firmness of international authorities in their stance regarding this issue would point out degree of interests for BiH today, and heaviness of consequences of refusing amendments to the Constitution.”

DA op-ed: Polcie reform a victim of pre-election campaign?

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Police reform and pre-election shooting blanks’ op-ed by Edina Sarac– Commenting on police reform and the difficult way that led to signing of the Agreement, which after all problems was written by current RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik and RS President Dragan Cavic, Sarac comments that the same people are now objecting the police reform, aware that the reform would pass, but eager to start pre-election campaign in the RS. “Just because of the fact that these are pre-election shooting blanks, Directorate has to be allowed to do its job. The laws would be passed by new compositions of Parliaments. At this moment the political timing is simply wrong. Police would be reformed, all it takes is patience until the end of elections” concludes Sarac.

VL commentary: Step back was made when police reform is in question

Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Police reform in blind ally’ by dja negatively comments on the police reform course in BiH and the author concludes that after the last PRD SB meeting the police reform was returned a step back compared with the situation from a few months ago.

EU – BiH relations: visa regime

HR meets EU Foreign Ministers, demands relaxation of visa regime for BiH

FTV – At the meeting of EU Interior Ministers in Vienna, the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana and the HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling called on the EU to undertake concrete steps in alleviating visa regime for BiH citizens. The HR pointed out that BiH had achieved great progress and said that the existing restrictions regarding visas limited BiH’s potentials in terms of economic development. PINK – OHR Spokesperson Ljiljana Radetic said that BiH refusal of police reform in accordance with the EU standards could only have negative influence on mitigation of visa regime. Hayat, RTRS also covered.

DA int with CSS: Events from last and this week are helping BiH or my efforts to alleviate visa regime; calling off negotiations with EU is possible

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Calling off negotiations with the EU is possible’ by S.Numanovic – In an interview to DA, the HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling said that failure of the constitutional reform and delays in police reform send bad message to the EU. He underlined a lack of responsibility on part of the politicians adding this undermines his efforts to help BiH. The HR currently attends the EU Interior Ministers meeting in Brussels, where the interview has been conducted, and has already spoken in a favor of relaxing visa regime for BiH, especially for businessmen. Schwarz-Schilling was this relaxation could be expected as “negotiations have just started”: “But I have to say that events from last and this week aren’t helping neither BiH nor my intentions to ease the visa regime. First Parliamentarians rejected amendments, now we have a blockade in police reform. And as I lobby for more positive approach on BiH, I am getting hits in the back”. He stressed the behavior of BiH politicians could not be worse at time when he is trying to do something good for BiH. “I can lobby, explain, and suggest. But EU, and especially EC are carefully monitoring what is happening in BiH, same as they did in case of Serbia. I am very sad that BiH is not using this present situation to be in the first line for negotiations with the EU, but instead places more and more new obstacles,” said HR. He emphasized such behavior would cause “very serious repercussions, and I can’t do anything if they keep passing the wrong decisions”. Asked if this means that negotiations would be halted, Schwarz-Schilling said that he doesn’t see this happening at the moment, but that BiH authorities have to be aware of this possibility. Inset ‘Dangerous halt- “I have to admit that reform process in global is in dangerous situation. But I can’t do anything. BiH authorities have to take the responsibility…to be prepared to pass right decisions and take credits for them, but also to face sanctions in case of mistakes” said the HR. Inset ‘Importance of elections’-“I am glad that everything is prepared for upcoming elections” said HR adding there is no reason for any delays.

BiH Presidency Chair Tihic at SEECP summit in Thessalonica: EU should consider possibility of ease or abolishing visa regime for regional countries

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Adopted declaration Together in Europe’ – Leaders of BiH, Croatia, Macedonia, SCG, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Turkey and Greece took part at South-East Europe Cooperation Process [SEECP] summit in Thessalonica. Newly appointed Chair of SEECP, Croatia, will host next summit in 2007. BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic had bilateral meetings with Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, Turkey PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan and SCG President Svetozar Marovic. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Kosovo status must not be connected with BiH’, mentioned on cover ‘Adopted declaration Together in Europe’ not signed – Tihic addressed SEECP informing the SAA talks are going well, adding that the singing is expected by end of this year. He expressed hope that BiH will carry out constitutional reform in near future. Tihic stated: “Most of regional countries are heading towards harmonizing borders control regime with EU and the Schengen agreement. I think that it is a time for EU to consider possibility of ease or abolishing visa regime with countries from our region. That would be important support in implementing reforms and a message to citizens that they should also support it.” He added that issue of Kosovo must not be connected with BiH in any way. Countries also agreed to intensify regional cooperation and endorsed declaration ‘ Together in Europe’. BHT1 – Tihic welcomed the fact that regional cooperation has been intensified and expressed hope the BiH would join NATO’s Partnership for Peace by the end of 2006 and NTO itself by the end of 2008 to join NATO by 2008. PINK, RTRS, RHB, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘In Partnership for Peace by end of year’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘BiH in NATO until 2008’ by Agencies also reported.

BiH Security Minister Colak: EC confirmed increase of visas prices do not refer to the Western Balkans

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Frattini: Visas’ prices won’t get more expensive for BiH citizens’, mentioned on cover by F.V.-T.L.– EU Commissioner for Justice and Internal Affairs Franco Frattini stated that negotiations on mitigating of visa regime would first start with Macedonia and SCG and then with BiH and Albania, all to be competed by end of 2007. Commenting this statement, BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak told DA that the HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling argued the BiH deserves to be in the first round of countries whose visa regime would be relaxed: “Frattini told me that he intends to end negotiations with BiH by end of year, but that this doesn’t depend only of him.” Colak said the negotiations on the issue would start on May 31, and added Frattini confirmed to him that decision on increase of visa prices do not refer to the Western Balkans countries.

Dani on visa regime: BiH gave its sovereignty to EU while its citizens are humiliated in waiting lines

Dani cover splash, pgs 22-26 ‘European stamp for Bosnians’ by Esad Hecimovic – Long article refers to possibility of increasing visa costs for the EU being very critical. It also comments that the EC and Council of Europe, through the High Representative, have greater competences in BiH than any other legally elected politician in BiH and they [EC and CoE] also have a full police and military supervision through EUPM and EUROFOR while, at the same time, they carry no responsibility towards BiH citizens, nor they have accepted BiH citizens as equal to other citizens of EU. The author concludes by saying BiH gave its sovereignty to someone else’s administration, which is neither responsible for its fate nor is it accountable to BiH, and this is the true reason ‘why we are being humiliated in waiting lines for visas’.

War crimes

Daily: Kostunica says Mladic must be arrested, his three aids apprehended 

Oslobodjenje cover splash and pgs 4-5 ‘Vojislav Kostunica sent a message – we have to locate Mladic’ by Branislav Boskov – Daily carries statement of Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, given to Serbian media after EU suspended negotiations on SAA for failure to arrest Ratko Mladic, in which he said: “We have received a serious punch! But we have to return it in the best way – we have to locate General Mladic. We will double our forces and fulfil the obligation”.  Further on, daily carries that Kostunica, as well as Serbian President Boris Tadic have addressed the public only in written statements.  On the other side, former Serbian Deputy PM Miroljub Labus, after resigning, said that he would also call other Ministers, members of G17 to withdraw from the Government.  Most critical toward the Government was Liberal-democratic Party, led by Cedomir Jovanovic, that compared it with the time of Slobodan Milosevic, emphasizing that both “sacrificed citizens in the same way”. Daily stressed that other opposition parties also demanded resignation of Government, but it seems nothing would happen. Inset ‘Three people detained’- Three people Borislav Ivanovic, Tatjana and Bojan Vaskovic, were detained on Thursday in Belgrade under suspicion of aiding Mladic. BHT1, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni List last pg ‘Mladic’s aids arrested’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 20, mentioned on cover ‘Mladic’s aids arrested’ by P. Pe., Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Three of Mladic’ aiders arrested’, announced on cover ‘Kostunica: Net of aiders detected, arrest to follow’ by Agencies – daily does not bring names of aiders arrested, Vecernje Novosti pg 2 ‘They are tightening the circle’, EuroBlic pg 4 ‘Mother, son and daughter arrested’ by V. Z. C – carry similar articles.

Chair of SiCG Council for Cooperation with Tribunal Ljajic: there will be no new deadlines, no negotiations until Mladic is in Hague

Vecernje Novosti pg 2 ‘There will be no more deadlines’ by J. Kosanovic – In an interview to VN, Chairman of SiCG National Council for Cooperation with the Hague Tribunal Rasim Ljajic has stated he does not feel responsible for the fact Ratko Mladic had not been extradited to the Hague Tribunal because it is not the task of the Council to arrest war crimes indictees, adding the Council will continue cooperating with the Hague Tribunal. Asked to comment the statement of Erhard Busek, the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South-East Europe, in which he had mentioned May 10 as a new deadline until which Mladic might be extradited, Ljajic said he does not know where Busek got this information ‘but I would not treat it as serious’. Ljajic also noted: ‘there are no more deadlines, nor anyone would give any to us. There will be no negotiations until Mladic arrives to the Hague’.

EU’s Solana, US urge Mladic’s arrest

PINK, BHT1, RTRS, Oslobodjenje cover splash and pgs 4-5 ‘Vojislav Kostunica sent a message – we have to locate Mladic’ by Branislav Boskov, Vecernje Novosti pg 2 ‘There is no other place for Serbia bar EU!’ by Zeljko Pantelic – Christina Gallach, the spokesperson of Javier Solana, EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security reported that Solana sent message to Boris Tadic, Serbia President in which said that urgent arrest of Mladic would enable continuation of negotiations on SAA and signing of SAA by the end of this year. Gallack added that there is still time to end negotiation by the end of the year, as planned. Oslobodjenje cover splash and pgs 4-5 ‘Vojislav Kostunica sent a message – we have to locate Mladic’ by Branislav Boskov Inset ‘USA asks from SCG to arrest Mladic’- US State Department stated: “US continues to ask from SCG to fully cooperate with the ICTY and arrest and extradite all indictees at large, Mladic first of all”.  

ICTY Chief Prosecutor Del Ponte to meet HR CSS

PINK – OHR announced meeting between the ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte and the High Representative Christian Schwarz Schilling on Friday in Sarajevo. The meeting is part of constant reviews of cooperation between BiH, especially the RS and the ICTY. PINK comments it is unknown whether Del Ponte would meet BiH officials. BHT1, Hayat, RTRS, RHB, Oslobdjenje pg 3 ‘Schilling and Del Ponte on BiH cooperation with The Hague’ not signed, Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Del Ponte in Sarajevo today’ not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Carla Del Ponte would meet Schwarz-Schilling and Jurcevic’ by E.S., Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Meeting of Carla del Ponte and Schwarz Schilling today’ by A.Dj.  – also covered.

Cantonal Court in Zenica confirmed bill of indictment against 6 members of BiH Army

RHB, BHT1, Hayat, RTRS, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Bill of indictment against 6 members of BiH Army’ by Zeda, Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Those who tortured HVO soldiers stand trial’ by Zeda, EuroBlic pg Rs2 ‘Another six indictments’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Charged with torture of HVO members’ by ZEDA – Zenica Cantonal Prosecutor on Thursday filed charges against six former members of the BiH Army for torturing captured members of the Croat Defence Council [HVO] in Vares. The charges allege that the during the armed conflict between the BiH Army and HVO in this municipality, the six accused treated four HVO members – from April to June 1993 – in an inhumane manner, breaching Geneva Convention regulations on the treatment of POWs.

DA:  RS still has not located Avdo Palic’s body remains

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Exhumation of colonel Avdo Palic is still awaited’ – Article carries that although the HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling instructed the RS Government to exhume the body remains of late BiH Army colonel Avdo Palic as soon as whether conditions allowed it, nothing has happened as yet. Palic’s spouse Esma Palic told daily the OHR promised her it would keep insisting that the RS Government msut complete the investigation in this case in line with the decision of the BiH Human Rights Chamber. RS Interior Ministry claims that they are still trying to find exact location of Palic’s gravesite.

Security issues

A. Bajric charged with terrorism pleads not guilty

Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Almir Bjaric pleaded not guilty’ by E. Mackic – Amir Bajric, who failed to appear before the BiH Court on Wednesday when other suspects charged with terrorism entered pleas, pleaded not guilty after the Police had brought him in on Thursday. Explaining the reasons as to why he did not appear before the court on Wednesday Bajric said that he did not receive a court summon on time. After he had entered a plea Bajric was released from custody.

SIPA Deputy Director on ‘white Al’Qeada’ in BiH: Investigation was never carried out, but security agencies are on alert

BHT1 current affairs program ‘Javna tajna’ by Suzana Stambol – Referring to the first trial for terrorism charges carried out before the BiH Court [in which two persons were indicted for planning terrorism attacks, and other two for illegal possession of weapons], reporter comments the tensions in this case were risen following the publication of the report prepared by the US and Croatian Intelligence Services claiming that ‘terrorist camps’ and so-called ‘white Al’Qaeda’ exist in BiH. Commenting the issue, SIPA Deputy Director Dragan Lukac explained that an official investigation has never been conducted, but he emphasized that security agencies in BiH are always alerted and ready to fight terrorism if necessary.

Ex Bocinja village leader Abu Hamza: If citizenship taken away, we would use every legal remedy to fight for our rights

OBN current affairs program ‘Telering’ By Mato Djakovic– In interview to OBN, former head of Bocinja village near Maglaj, Al Husin al Imad alias Abu Hamza, said he to BiH to fight in war and added all members of ‘El Mujahid’ unit received a citizenships in line with the law in effect at the time which allowed every foreign member of BiH Army – or anyone else who paid 1,000 USD– to become BiH citizen. Asked what would happen if he and “his brothers” are deprived of the citizenships, Abu Hamza answered they would use all legal means to fight for their rights. Commenting his statement in FTV magazine ’60 minuta’ on April 17 when he said that he would use all, even non-democratic means, in case of citizenship taken away, Abu Hamza said he had to use such harsh words in order to turn public attention to their problem. He added that both he and “his friends” were extremely discontent with the way that ’60 minuta’ host, Bakir Hadziomerovic, conducted the interview. He also harshly criticised the United States, claiming they proclaimed war on all Muslims including those in BiH.

BiH CoM accepts information on implementation of decision to find permanent seat for SIPA

PINK by Aida Doric – The BiH Council of Ministers at its session on Thursday accepted information on implementation of decision regarding the issue of permanent seat for the State Information and Protection Agency [SIPA]. In next 15 days, SIPA should make and deliver financial plan on resources necessary to construct the HQ building in Lukavica. CoM was supposed to discuss proposal of annual platform on security and intelligence politics as well as report on work of BiH Intelligence and Security Agency for 2005, however failed to do so due to the absence of competent ministers. FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Plan of building of SIPA headquarter by end of the month’ by M.K.S., also reported.

Economic issues

DL: Due to VAT procedure mine clearing firms stayed without money for mine clearance and other expenses

Dnevni List cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘Terzic does not need 200 million Dollars’ by D. Pusic says that, practically, the mine clearing process has stopped ever since the VAT was introduced and the reason are donors who do not want to get involved in a complicated procedure of the VAT settling up. DL also says that due to this situation the announced tenders were annulled meanwhile and one of the bigger donations that is still blocked is the one from the EU and International Trust Fund amounting to 200 million Dollars. DL also explains that although according to the Law on VAT donations have been exempted from VAT a certain procedure must be respected before refund of the VAT is received. Also, according to the sources close to the state top the way to resolve this problem was agreed at the session of the Indirect Tax Administration Steering Board and it has been expected that payment of donations would continue soon. (N.B. The name of BiH CoM Chairman Adnan Terzic was mentioned in a headline only).

SDS criticises RS PM Dodik for illicit dismissals at companies

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘SDS accuses Dodik’ by V.P. – The Serb Democratic Party (SDS) has accused Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, that since he has assumed the position, he has been conducting illegal removals of unfit personnel. SDS released a press statement saying: “Nepotism, applied at RS Premier’s Cabinet, is now spreading on other levels through Premier’s attempts to install his power levers at all public companies by violating legal norms referring to public tender.” However, SDS does not give examples where, i.e. at what companies election procedure was violated.