OHR BiH Media Round-up, 9/6/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

HDZ: Croats in Sarajevo humiliated

Zelenovic to appear before BiH Court

HR CSS’ letter to PM Dodik

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK  (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi killed

BIH HoR session cancelled

RS deputies boycott BiH HoR

Ivo Miro Jovic in visit to Travnik

FBIH Government session

FBiH Gov. on Sarajevo Commission

‘Prlic and others’ case, update

RS Government session

100 days of RS Government

Bad weather conditions in Tuzla

Students to meet with Kasipovic

Ibrahimovic submits Declaration

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi killed

Zelenovic extradited to BiH Court

BIH HoR session cancelled

BiH HoR’s session cancelled

RS deputies boycott BiH HoR

HR on BIH HoR session

Sarajevo Commission’s candidates

FBiH Gov. on Sarajevo Commission

Families on Sarajevo Com. members

SNSD on referendum in RS

FBiH HoP in session

FBIH Government session

Oslobodjenje

Serb representative continued with blockade of BiH Parliament

Dnevni Avaz

[BiH CoM Chair Terzic] Sharp tongue brings profit to no one

Dnevni List

Croats will pick between two blocks (interview with HDZ 1990’s Bozo Ljubic)

Vecernji List

Pandemonium begins (football World Cup)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Students’ protests (students in Mostar protesting against increased enrolment fees)

Nezavisne Novine

An Austrian instead of Memic buried at Gradacac (identity switch)

Glas Srpske

Commission as stumbling stone

EuroBlic

Sarajevo was angry, procedure was respected

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related topics

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

RS President Cavic, Serbian PM Kostunica talk on special relation between RS and Serbia , no talks about referendum in RS

SRNA – RS President Dragan Cavic and Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica have agreed that the agreement on special parallel relations between RS and FRY from 2001 should be changed, bearing in mind the changed situation in Serbia , which is the successor of former FRY and SCG, as well as constitutional changes in RS related to the constitutionality of peoples. The referendum in RS was not discussed at the meeting. During talks on the cooperation with the ICTY, both of them agreed there was political will and readiness of Serbian and RS authorities for the cooperation. They also highlighted the need for respect of international agreements, such as the Dayton Peace Agreement and the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1244 (related to situation in Kosovo).

RS MPs boycott BiH HoR; Sarajevo Comm. update

RS MPs boycott BiH HoR session due to CoM’s failure to establish Sarajevo Commission; FBiH MPs claims real reasons are different 

Hayat – Session of the BiH House of Representatives scheduled for Thursday to discuss the VAT effects was not held as the RS representatives decided not to attend it due to the fact that the BiH Council of Ministers failed to establish the Sarajevo Commission. “The RS representatives came, but they do not want to attend the session until they are introduced with reasons as to why the BiH CoM has not completed its work regarding the Commission”, said HoR Deputy Speaker Nikola Spiric. “The CoM has absolutely no responsibility for today’s [Thursday] situation and Mr Spiric, in his speculative way, uses information so to make it looks like the CoM is responsible for it”, commented BiH CoM Chair Adnan Terzic. He explained that the BiH CoM has approved establishing of the Commission but entity Governments have not submitted their proposals for Commission members on time. The FBiH representatives criticized their RS colleagues, saying that they are responsible for delays in the work of the key institution of the authority. MP of RS Socialist Party Tihomir Gligoric said the Sarajevo Commission should be established as soon as possible. “It is obvious that we are faced with a serious campaign, which started with the issue of RS secession, blockade in numerous reform process, etc”, said MP in BiH HoR Elmir Jahic. BHT1- Terzic claims the real reasons for boycott of BiH HoR have nothing to do with the establishment of the Sarajevo Commission. RS deputies believe Terzic is responsible for failure of governments to submit the candidate lists on time, because he has not expressed enough interest. Gligoric said that Terzic didn’t even make a single phone call to entity Prime Ministers, which clearly shows that he wasn’t interested in solving of this problem. Most BiH HoR deputies believe the boycott by RS deputies is a tool in the service of the election campaign and an attempt of destabilisation of the state. SDA demands from OHR and PIC to prevent the blockade of state institutions by RS politicians. FTV – SBiH MP Beriz Belkic said that no issue or problem could be a reason for stopping the work of BiH HoR. RHB, PINK, RTRS, Dnevni List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘Parliament blocked again’, by D. P. Mandic, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Commission as stumbling stone’ by Z.Domazet, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Dispute over Commission’, announced on cover ‘RS delegates did not show up at session’ by Mirza Cubro, EuroBlic RS pg 1 ‘Terzic accuses Spiric’ by D.Stanisic – also carried.

Oslobodjenje: CoM Chair Terzic says Serb MPs boycotted session because of VAT dispute

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Serb deputies continues blockade of BiH Parliament’ by Almir Terzic – Continuation of the BiH House of Representative’s session was interrupted, since only 24 deputies attended it, of which 2 were from the RS [Elmir Jahic and Senija Kapetanovic]. Inset ‘Boycott because of VAT’- Council of Minister Chair Adnan Terzic concluded that one of the reasons for the blockade of the BiH Parliament is the content of the information which should have been discussed – on effects of VAT considering that some, as BiH HoR Co-Chair Nikola Spiric have asked “for differentiated rate”. “CoM isn’t nor can be responsible for the current situation as is alleged”, said Terzic. Inset ‘Blackmails are anti-constitutional activity’- Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Serbs failed to appear in parliament’ by H.Orahovac– Before he would leave the Parliament, the BiH HoR Chair Martin Raguz asked Spiric to stay and hear explanation that he and Terzic gave, but Spiric ignored this and left. “I am convinced that there are no procedural reasons because of which the session couldn’t be held. I will repeat again that responsibility for this position, in which BiH HoR is brought to should be taken by those that aren’t present here,” said Raguz.

HR Schwarz – Schilling: current situation evident lack of respect toward BiH Parliament

RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Boycott of the parliament has to stop’ by S.N. – The HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling stated that he expected that BIH House of Representatives session would be held soon since the work of state institutions cannot be endangered. BHT1, Oslobodjenje pg ‘Work of the state institutions must not be undermined’ not signed– “There is an evident lack of respect for the BiH Parliament as an institution and BiH as a democratic state” the HR commented. “Only two weeks ago I addressed the BiH Parliament and called on parliamentarians to step forward and take full responsibility. This means carrying out the tasks that progress requires, reforms that will bring this country, and its citizens, forward.”

FBiH Govt. proposed candidates for Sarajevo Commission; RS Association of Families of Missing object RS Govt’s proposal

Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Candidates for Sarajevo Commission proposed’ by Onasa – The FBiH Government has submitted a list of candidates for the Commission for Sufferings of Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Jews and others in Sarajevo to the Council of Ministers. The FBiH Ministry of Interior, Justice and Displaced Persons and Refugees proposed Smail Cekic, Enes Pelidija, Mirsad Kupresakovic, Enes Zeljkovic, Dzemaludin Mutapcic, Djordje Miseljic, Mario Nenadic, Zvonimir Janecek and Anton Zelic. The RS Government has also made a list of its own; Zeljko Rasevic, Dobrislav Planojevic, Miroslav Jankovic, Slobodan Skrba and Milan Jovanovic, however RS Association of Families of Missing object to the proposed candidates deeming they are incompetent and amateurs. The Association demanded from the Government to propose experts instead. Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘They asked for new candidates from RS’ by G.M. – RS PoWs Association also announced it would not cooperate with the Commission established on grounds of the political decisions. RHB, PINK, BHT1, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Government nominated Commission members’, by D. P. M, – carried similar reports.

GS op-ed critical of Amor Masovic: saying he is incapable of accepting the truth

Glas Srpske op-ed pg 2 ‘Sward and water’ by Boro Maric – The author is critical of latest statement of Amor Masovic, President of F BiH Commission for missing persons, who said that approximately 250 to 300 Serbs lost their lives in Sarajevo. The author says Masovic is incapable of facing with the truth. The author also lists of examples of Serb families from Sarajevo still looking for their family members. 

Debate on referendum initiative

FBiH HoR submits Declaration urging sanctions against RS PM Dodik and SNSD to Election Comm, OHR, OSCE, BiH Presidency

BHT1 – The Speaker of the FBiH House of Representatives, Muhamed Ibrahimovic, submitted the Declaration on anti-constitutional activities and attempts for destruction of state sovereignty and territorial integrity to the BiH Central Election Commission (CEC), OHR, OSCE and BiH Presidency. This Declaration was adopted at Wednesday’s session of FBiH HoR, as response to the statements of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik on referendum on status of RS. The Declaration demands from BiH CEC to penalize Dodik and his party (SNSD) for insisting on referendum on separation of RS from BiH. SNSD deputies in FBiH Parliament condemned the Declaration, claiming that it is not based on arguments. SNSD deputy Velimir Kunic stated that the FBiH HoR has overstepped the legislative framework of its authority and started to deal with daily political needs and interests of certain political parties and individuals, which is a true sign that the election campaign has started. Hayat– Kunic claims that neither SNSD nor Dodik have ever supported idea on RS’ secession and that the only thing they did was to state their opinion on referendum without saying that it was going to take place. “The issue of referendum has gained unnecessary political dimensions and connotations which are being abused in terms of daily politics”, says Kunic. SNSD members claim both the party and its leader have not violated of the provisions under the BiH Election Law. FTV – Kunic argued that expressing one’s opinion is not an anti-Dayton act: “We said what we think about referendum, but we didn’t say that we would organise a referendum. These are two different things.” He stressed that SNSD’s opinion on referendum is a reaction to demands for abolishment of RS. SNSD deputy Dragan Puzigaca stated that Dodik’s statements have been misinterpreted, adding that the demands for reaction by HR are not based on arguments. RTRS– SDA deputy Semsudin Mehmedovic reminds that the Declaration demanded from the OHR and BIH CEC to penalize anti-Dayton activities of certain political circles in RS.Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Ibrahimovic submitted Declaration to all authorized institutions’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Referendum is response to pressures from FBiH’ by S.Rozajac

DL: RS PM Dodik using MPs Kunic and Puzigaca after realizing he could be removed

Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Deep crisis in democratic state’, by Mensud Zorlak – carries statements by MPs Velimir Kunic and Dragan Puzigaca and the author notes that the SNSD leader, Milorad Dodik, after realizing he could be removed because of his recent referendum statements and growing pressure coming from the FBiH, is now using the said MPs to show that his statements have been misinterpreted.

RS PM Dodik: I do not take Declaration seriously

FTV- Commenting the Declaration adopted by FBiH House of Representatives which urges for sanctions against him, the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik stated he didn’t take it seriously adding that while the High Representative is entitled to take decision on issues regarding the Dayton Peace Agreement, this case was not of such nature. Dodik stressed this case was only a matter of freedom of speech. RTRS – SNSD stance is that referendum is a response to those parties who want RS to be abolished. “If there are any actions by OHR and Election Commission, it would only mean that they are under the influence of politics from Sarajevo”, says Dodik. Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Dodik: Declaration is a result of pursuit in F BiH’ by V.Popovic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Declaration of city gossip’ by Z.Markovic, EuroBlic RSpg 3, announced on cover ‘Dodik: I do not worry too much’ by Rajna Radosavljevic, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘One must not be influenced by politics lead in Sarajevo’ by Srna – also carried Dodik.

BiH Foreign Minister Ivanic: Declaration is biggest stupidity

Hayat, Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Tihic: Unnecessary fuss’ by P.Klincov– BiH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic said the Declaration passed in the FBiH House of Representatives was “the biggest stupidity which is not to be taken seriously.”

BiH CEC’s Petric: Declaration not relevant for BiH CEC

FTV- President of the BiH Central Election Commission (CEC) Branko Petric stated that the Declaration passed by the FBiH HoR was not relevant for the CEC. He explained all parties and candidates registered for the elections must sign a statement stating they are not to violate the Dayton Peace Agreement. However, said Petric, the Election Law didn’t determine which institution should monitor implementation of this statement, investigate cases of possible violations and impose sanctions in case something like this occurs. Petric also added the law fails to even indicate which acts can be considered anti-Dayton acts. RTRS – Petric stated that the CEC members addressed the issue and concluded that SNSD is verified for elections in accordance with the law. Hayat – Any violation of the Dayton Peace Agreement has so far been penalized by the HR to BiH. Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Pressure has no legal basis’, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Dodik and SNSD will not be penalized’ by M.K.S.– also carried Petric.  

HR’ letter to RS PM Dodik: Any discussion on issue of referendum would be considered as very serious move

Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘Not a word about referendum!’, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘To forget stories on secession’ by S.Numanovic – Daily carries that HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling sent a letter to RS PM Milorad Dodik, demanding from him to stop with talk on referendum. The letter said: “Talking into consideration nature and number of your recent actions in public and comments on issue of referendum in RS, with regard to forthcoming visit to of Serbian Government officials, I would love to inform you with my stance on this issue: RS has no jurisdiction to schedule a referendum on secession. I hope that You are clear that any concrete plans along that line would represent obvious breaching of Dayton Peace Agreement… I would like to inform you that any discussion on this issue would be considered as very serious move.” HR stressed that during Friday’s visit of Serbian delegation there will be no talks on referendum nor issues that would mean destabilisation of BiH. Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Declaration of city gossip’ inset “Office of the High Representative’ by Z.Markovic,Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘McElchany and OHR: No referendum’ – carried OHR spokesperson Ljiljana Radetic stating there are no bases for referendum in the RS.

US Ambassador McElhaney: no referendum

FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘McElchany and OHR: No referendum’, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘No referendum for RS succession’ by Fena, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘McElhaney: No Referendum’ by Fena– Commenting the latest statements of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik regarding the referendum in RS given in Novi Sad, the US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney only said: “There will be no referendum!”

BiH CoM Chair Terzic: Every further discussion on referendum only damages BiH and deviating its European path; says OHR’s behaviour in this regard “peculiar”

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Sharp tongue brings profit to no one’, pg 5 ‘Greater Serbia is at dump of history’ by Sead Numanovic – Commenting statements of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik regarding right of RS to schedule referendum on secession, in an interview for the daily, the BiH Council of Ministers Chairman Adnan Terzic said: “Historical circumstances in which a separation of one part of BiH was possible are behind us. We defended ourselves from aggression, Slobodan Milosevic is dead, JNA [Yugoslav People’s Army] fell apart, and thought of Greater Serbia ended in dump of history where it belongs, for it was grounded on ideology of blood and evil. This country today has institutional possibilities to defend itself from such attacks and every similar effort would be prevented. Every further discussion on referendum only damages BiH and deviates from its European path… It is time for responsible politics. Sharp language, recently used by most politicians, cannot bring any profit, before all not to BiH citizens.” Terzic noted the time would show that some political parties from Sarajevo still supporting Dodik’s Government, did not make a good choice: “I have to admit that such support is product of group of people, not party’s [SDA] bodies.” Inset ‘Peculiar behaviour of OHR’ – Noting that RS politicians are using OHR transition period and lack of common IC stance to the talk of referendum, Terzic said: “I am very surprised by behaviour of the IC … Such attitude towards Dodik only gives him wings and cements his belief that he can talk and do whatever he wants without consequences.”

SDA’ Tihic: Unnecessary fuss about referendum story

Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Tihic: Unnecessary fuss’ by P.Klincov – Sulejman Tihic, SDA President, stated on Thursday [without specifying at what occasion] that the media in F BiH have assigned an unnecessary level of attention to the statements related to possible referendum in RS, adding the cause for current developments is the failure to adopt constitutional changes in the BiH Parliament and activities related to the so called Patriotic Block led by Party for BiH. Tihic said: “If constitutional changes had been adopted, these sorts of situation could not have happened. The stories that changes to Constitution would facilitate secession are ungrounded. As no abolishment of RS can be voted at referendum, so its session can be voted either.” He reiterated he views all statements and initiative on possible referendum unserious and haste. He also said that future support to RS Government will depend on results of its work, but also statements RS Premier, Milorad Dodik, gives, noting: “It does not mean we have withdrawn support to RS Government since some SDA delegates in the F BiH Parliament supported Declaration (demanding from HR to penalise SNSD and Dodik).”

RS parties condemn FBiH Parliament’s Declaration

Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Tihic: Unnecessary fuss’ by P.Klincov – Daily carries further comments on Declaration F BiH Parliament adopted (demanding sanctions be imposed against RS PM Milorad Dodik over referendum statements). Igor Radojicic, RS NA Speaker, expressed astonishment that F BiH Parliament, as a serious institution, has time to deal with enactment of declaration which condemns certain political parties and individuals, assign it as “cheap political pamphlets”.  Dragan Cavic, SDS President, stated Declaration represented a vain initiative which cannot bear results. Mladen Bosic, SDS Vice President, also viewed Declaration “a stupidity” representing continuation of bad practise of F BiH politicians. Tihomir Gligoric from SP RS, stated: “We should think of a message voiced out from F BiH to Serb people, i.e. what can Serb people expect in case that BiH becomes a centralised state.” DSS viewed Declaration as continuation of pursuit against anything coming from RS for months now. Beriz Belkic, member of SzBiH Presidency, expressed expectation Dodik will “seriously think of Declaration’ content and consequences of his statements.” HDZ’ Miso Relota stated that “various statements can be heard during pre-election campaign”. OHR did not want to comment on Declaration, according to daily. 

SzBiH calls on parties to withdraw Ministers in RS Government

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Call to re-examine further participation in RS Government work’ by V.Popovic – SzBiH Thursday called on parties, “whose political basis is inviolability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH” to re-examine their further participation in the work of RS Government led by Milorad Dodik. Muharem Murselovic, SzBiH’ delegate in the RS NA, said that SDA should also examine this possibility. Omer Brankovic, RS Minister for Refugees and DP’s, nominated to position by SDA has stated SzBiH cannot call on his to leave Government, assessing SzBiH’ call as political marketing.

SDA’s Osmanovic: SDA delegates at RS NA will reconsider their support to RS Govt

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘We will reconsider the support to RS Government’ by N. D. – SDA Deputy President Adil Osmanovic confirmed SDA delegates in the RS NA would reconsider their stances towards the Government of RS PM Milorad Dodik. Osmanovic supported the Declaration that was adopted at F BiH HoR and added the latest stances of Dodik represented politicizing by which he had wanted to shift the attention away from poor economic situation and poor effect of the work of RS Government in the first 100 days of its mandate.

Serbian delegation to visit BL on Friday, focus on economy: BiH Foreign Minister confirms visit announced by procedure

RTRS by Sanja Popovic – Serbian official delegation is scheduled to visit RS on Friday. Serbian Embassy announced that the visit has been announced to authorized BiH institutions. Serbian Justice Minister Zoran Stojkovic stated the topics of conversation with RS officials would mostly relate to economic issues. BIH Foreign Affairs Minister Mladen Ivanic confirmed the visit has been announced in accordance with procedure. BiH Presidency President Sulejman Tihic stated that he doesn’t know whether the correct diplomatic procedure has been respected. RS President Dragan Cavic on the other hand feels that an unnecessary frustration is being created in certain circles of international community. RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik also says that the procedure has been respected and adds that various forms of cooperation will be discussed at the meeting of Serbian and RS officials. “Story on referendum will not be discussed”, says Dodik. RS National Assembly Speaker Igor Radojicic stressed that the visit is very welcome and should not be disputed by anyone. Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Talks on separation of Serb people?!’, by Ljiljana Vidacak – the spokesman for BiH Foreign Ministry, Nebojsa Regoje, also stated that the visit of the Serbian Government’s delegation was announced in a timely manner. BHT1, FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Talks on economy’ by N.N., Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Dilemmas removed’ by Z.Markovic, EuroBlic cover pg splash, RSpg 3 ‘Sarajevo was angry, procedure was respected’ by T.V., Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Serbian Delegation received all necessary approvals’ by E.S.– also carried.

BiH Presidency Chair on visit of Serbian Delegation to BL: no talk of referendum

Hayat, Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Kostunica has nothing to say about referendum’, not signed– Commenting the announced visit of the Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica to Banja Luka on Friday, BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic said that Kostunica should not hold talks on referendum in the RS, since he had nothing to do with the issue as much as ‘I have nothing to do with referendum in Sandzak or Vojvodina’.

CoM Chair on visit of Serbian Delegation to BL: Sarajevo is the address

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 5 inset ‘Message to PM Kostunica’ – Commenting referendum as an announced topic of Friday’s talks between RS and Serbian Governments in Banja Luka, CoM Chair Adnan Terzic stated that Serbia needs ‘European reality check’: “[Serbian PM Vojislav] Kostunica cannot seek Serbian path to EU through Banja Luka. Sarajevo is the right address.”

SNSD’s Vasic: New constitution of BiH has to include provision on right of people to self-determination

Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Time of Bonn powers is over’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Dodik: Declaration is a result of pursuit in F BiH’ by V.Popovic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Declaration of city gossip’ by Z.Markovic, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘SNSD will accept new BiH Constitution only if it includes provision on referendum’ by Onasa – Member of the SNSD Main Board, Rajko Vasic, stated in Banja Luka (DL does not state when) that everyone in BiH has to be clear that any story about constitutional changes or new constitution, as far as the SNSD is concerned, has to include a provision on the right of a people to self-determination. Commenting on the Declaration of the FBiH Parliament, which calls on the HR to use his Bonn powers and penalize the SNSD and its leader Milorad Dodik, Vasic noted that the time of the Bonn powers was over.

RS President Cavic: Great Britain supports DPA, not Times’ predictions 

RTRS – RS President Dragan Cavic stated that the right to a political stance is a democratic right of every person in BIH, especially officials. Cavic, who returned from official visit to London, stated that Dayton Agreement is the basis for BIH future, and he informed that British officials have emphasised that UK supports Dayton Agreement. When it comes to the latest article in London Times, which read that Europe could have at least 18 new states by 2020 [whereas RS and Herceg-Bosna could possibly exist outside of BiH] Cavic says that official British policy does not support such predictions. He also stated that he doesn’t see any political exhibitionists in RS that could contribute to that article. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Support to Dayton order of BiH’ by SRNA

DL op-ed: RS PM Dodik’s statement that Croats are minority show entity voting in BiH Parliament is wrong

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Dodik and Croats’, by Pejo Gasparevic – commenting on the RS PM, Milorad Dodik’s, statement according to which the Croats in BiH have become a minority and that the Bosniaks and Serb would shape the future of BiH, Gasparevic notes the statement has to be disturbing for the Croats and it practically shows all the deficiencies of the recently rejected constitutional changes especially in the part on survival of the entity voting in the BiH HoR, which would in reality legalize that the Croats have become a minority since they would not be in position to influence the voting. Gasparevic also notes that one has to understand now why the Croat MPs and the Catholic Church were against the proposed constitutional changes.

VL comment: Region has to count on radicalization of situation in Serbia should Kosovo become independent

Vecernji List, pg 13 ‘EU is target of new Serb radicalism’, by Alexander Orsolic – the author comments that after Montenegro declared its independence, the political climate in Serbia is becoming more radical, which is foremost related to the behaviour of the Serbian PM, Vojislav Kostunica, who is still contesting the validity of the Montenegrin referendum. Orsolic also notes that Belgrade is conducting a few ‘lateral manoeuvres’ outside Serbian borders, one of them being the RS PM, Milorad Dodik’s, announcement of the separation referendum of the RS, which came as a surprise because he was deemed a ‘(peace) dove’ and advocator of getting closer to the EU. Finally, the author notes that all countries in the region must count on even further radicalization of situation in Serbia , should Kosovo become independent. 

Dani slams PDHR for saying that there will be no referendum while OHR is in BiH

Dani pg 16 ’OHR’ – Dani slams PDHR Larry Butler for saying that while OHR is in BiH, there will be no possible talks of referendum, explaining that this means Butler left opened doors for secessionist streams, who are only waiting for OHR to leave BiH next year. Editorial concludes: “International Community in BiH made errors lots of times. Any ambiguous – lost in translation or not – is adding fuel to the flames and rubbing salt into the wound.”

NN op-ed: “Dodik case” shows how badly things are placed in BiH

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Declaration’ by Dragan RIsojevic – Writing about recent statement of RS Premier, Milorad Dodik, and Declaration F BiH HoR adopted demanding sanctions be imposed against him, the author stresses that Dodik only spoke about theoretical possibility of referendum in order to put an end to stories about abolishment of RS. According to NN “Dodik case shows who badly things are actually placed in this state. His statement on referendum as an option encountered a request for withdrawal from the election list, upon initiative of those who on a daily basis request constitutional order of this state be destroyed.”

DA op-ed: RS PM Dodik is making fools of BiH citizens, political opponents and Intl Community

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Who is Dodik making a fool of’ by op-ed by Edina Sarac – Slamming RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik for his recent statements, calling him “a manipulator,” editorial reads: “He is maximally using announcements on withdrawing of OHR, interpreting this transition period as anarchy, which he is managing well and taking over control of political scene in this country making profit out of it. Only Dodik, as he thinks, has a right to teach lessons to everyone… and no one must say anything against him. For one who is not with him, then he is with crime, corruption, against RS, against Serbs… It is obvious that he is making fools of citizens of this country, his political opponents and International Community as well.”

Oslobodjenje op-ed: RS PM Dodik is much more successful with political games than reforms

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Dodik’s rule’ op-ed by Orijana Vukovic – Commenting work of first hundred days of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik’s Government, editorial reads that not much of his promises came true: audit of privatisation and fight against organized crime is not evident, while citizens were not influenced by the talk of economical and social progress: “Dodik was maybe much more successful in his political games. He waved BiH, region and European public with his stories on rights of BiH peoples to self-determination…” Author notes that at the occasion of marking first hundred days of his Government’s work, Dodik promised that this cabinet will work for at least next eight years, concluding: “If he continues with similar political stories, his political wishes may come true.”

SB commentary: Dodik’s promises not fulfilled, referendum talk will help him score points with voters

Slobodna Bosna op-ed pgs 4-5 ‘In hundred days, Dodik’s Government suffered a complete debacle: utopian referendum is his only wild card for elections’ by Senad Avdic – the author reminded of all promises RS PM Milorad Dodik gave at the beginning of his mandate and commented none of the things he had promised was fulfilled. At the end, Avdic concluded Dodik was aware no referendum would be held but, despite to this, he was also aware that this nationalistic idea would serve him good to gain points for elections.

Economic and other political issues

Presidency chair Tihic: Qatar to participate construction of Corridor Vc

BHT1- BiH delegation led by Chairman of BiH Presidency Sulejman Tihic has returned from the official visit to Qatar. Tihic stated that he has initiated the participation of Qatar in construction of Corridor Vc. He also announced that Qatar is going to enter the gas and oil market in BiH through privatisation and co-capitalisation of BiH companies. Tihic said that the Emir of Qatar has promised to financially support the work of BiH Court and the construction of state prison. RHB, PINK, Hayat, Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Spring water on Arab market’, by R. Dautefendic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Door for investing in BiH economy opened’ by N.K. , Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Qatar interested in BiH Airlines and water’ by A.P., Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Qatar showed interest for import of fresh water from BiH’ by T.Lazovic – also carried.

BiH CoM Chair Terzic: Dodik’s [RS] Government came with intention to undo results of reform processes

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Sharp tongue brings profit to no one’, pg 5 ‘Greater Serbia is at dump of history’ by Sead Numanovic – Commenting announcements that RS would take back powers that have already been given transferred to the High Judicial Prosecutorial Council [HJPC] and Indirect Taxation Administration [ITA], BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic stressed: “New RS Government came with intention to undo the results of reform processes in last three and half years… It is legally unclear whether RS can withdraw their powers, which are already transferred to the state level, but it is for sure that such activities can show frivolity of BiH politicians and halt talks with EU.” Inset ‘Police reform is precondition for EU’ – Underlining that the police reform is the key precondition for signing Stabilisation and Association Agreement [SAA], Terzic said: “Tactics of RS politicians is to involve Europe again in political talks on police reform. But political talks are finished long time ago, and on that basis we started the SAA talks… What is going on now is strong political pressure on experts and yet another proof that police must be reformed in a way that politicians cannot run the process.”

RS Government and RSNA mark 100 days; RS PM Dodik: none Government had such good results in 100 days

RTRS by Sinisa Mihailovic – RS Government marked its 100^th working day. RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik stated that none of the Governments so far had such good results in the first 100 days. He stated that audit of privatisation and adoption of new laws and regulations related to fight against organised crime are of great significance for the work of RS Government. Dodik stressed that among many good things his special pleasure is directed at the announced “slaughter” of negative regulations. “We will eliminate all regulations that might create problems to business community”, says Dodik. SDS representatives on the other hand do not share Dodik’s enthusiasm. RS President Dragan Cavic stated that the most important thing is that key political parties in RS are united. RS National Assembly Speaker Igor Radojicic also marked RS NA 100^th working day.  He stressed that RS NA is working more efficiently and communicates better with citizens and NGOs, Trade Unions and Associations. Former RS NA Speaker Dusan Stojicic disagrees. He feels that Radojicic is favouring Dodik in RS NA benches. Reporter comments that pre-election campaigns are about to start which will show the relations between position and opposition. PINK, BHT1, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Not a single Government did what we did’ by SRNA, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Authority is self-content’ – also carried.

Osl op-ed by PDHR Butler: single law on medicaments and medical supplies to regulate production and trades of medicaments

Oslobodjenje op-ed pg 8 ‘The law for health of people and economy’ by PDHR Larry Butler – PDHR Larry Butler addressed the issue on non-existence of a single market of medicaments in BiH and lack of legislation regulating the medicaments production and trades and he said pharmaceutical and legal experts from the state and entity level and from Brcko District have achieved consent, with full cooperation of the international community, on the text of a single law on medicaments and medical supplies. He added that the law was adopted in the BiH CoM last week and he noted BiH Parliament has the possibility to ensure use and production of medicaments that would be safe for use and available throughout BiH.

RS Government passes the proposal of law on higher education

RTRSby Momcilo Ostojic – RS Government adopted proposal of law on higher education and strategy for development of agriculture production. RS Minister of Education and Culture Anton Kasipovic stated that proposal of provided basis for integrated Universities as well as regulated the work of private Universities. Kasipovic also stated that solutions that are agreed at the state level were included in the entity law. He also stated that accreditation should be performed in RS at the moment. RS Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Waters Slaven Pekic stated that strategy for development of agriculture production was a capital document that deals with the issues in this area by 2015. Pekic added that this strategy provided more initiative for development of agriculture in RS budget thus meaning that the import of food in BIH should be reduced. Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Entity law on education’, not signed – The RSNA Speaker, Igor Radojicic, announced on Thursday that the RSNA would adopt the entity’s law on higher education in the next two months. PINK, Hayat, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘A first step towards modern classes performed’ by D.Risojevic, EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘Draft Law on high education adopted’ by M.S., Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Integrated university in RS’ by O.V. – carried.

HDZ 1990’s Ljubic: Party is ready for pre-election campaign, open for cooperation with all parties that recognize BiH, equality of peoples

Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 8 ‘Croats will pick between two blocks’, by Ivica Glibusic – carries an interview with the leader of the HDZ 1990 – Croat Unity, Bozo Ljubic, in which he notes the party is ready for the forthcoming pre-election campaign. Ljubic further notes that out of 18 parties with Croat prefix, there are three blocks of Croat parties (NB: one led by HDZ BiH, one by HSP Djapic-Jurisic and NHI and one by HDZ 1990) that could go together in the elections and in the same time Ljubic says the number could go down to two blocks, which is his personal wish in order to prevent squandering of the Croat votes, especially when it comes to the election of Croat member of BiH Presidency. Asked whether he is in contacts with some Serb and Bosniak parties about forming of possible coalitions, Ljubic says there are no such talks, however the party is ready for cooperation with any party that acknowledge BiH as their state and support equality of peoples in BiH.

Reis Ceric: Catholic and Orthodox bishops working against interests of Muslims in BiH

Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘The Da Vinci’s code to be blamed for rift among religions?’. By V. S. – The Reis-ul-ulema, Mustafa eff. Ceric, accused the Catholic and Orthodox bishops in BiH of working together against interests of Muslims in BiH and pondering about division of BiH. Ceric made the statement whilst addressing students of the Islamic pedagogical academy in Zenica (probably two days ago). He noted: “When two agree against the third, it is evident there is a problem in Bosnia, it is an invitation, it is a war…” He also commented the disputable poem published by a Sarajevo high school and which insults Jesus Christ (which was condemned by Catholic and Orthodox Church). Ceric noted that one should be asking for an apology from the author of the ‘The Da Vinci Code’, Dan Brown, because the poem was inspired by Brown’s book. Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 13 ‘Agreement between two, without third party, that is problem in BiH, it is war!’, by Ivica Milesic – Ceric asked that Brown apologizes to Muslims because his book inspired the author of the poem. (also covered by Vecernji List pg 14 ‘Bishops are working together against Muslims and they are dividing BiH’, not signed)

EC’ Barosso: Balkans must become a part of EU; HR CSS starts with European tour

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Balkan must become a part of European Union’ by DPA – Jose Manuel Barosso, President of European Commission, is of the view that EU must in few years time admit the Balkans states in its membership, adding the Balkans must become a part of EU. He also noted that EU expansion with BiH, Albania, Serbia and Montenegro represents a test for political leadership of EU, stressing the Balkans state must fulfil certain requirements. Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Schwarz-Schilling to visit Moscow, Berlin and Brussels’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Schwarz Schilling is lobbying for BiH’ by Agencies – OHR spokesperson, Ljiljana Radetic, Thursday announced the HR, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, on Thursday afternoon left for Moscow on the first leg of a six-day trip during which he will meet senior officials in Moscow, Berlin and Brussels.   On Wednesday, the HR will also meet EU HR for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana and discuss issues related to the political and administrative aspects of OHR’s transition into EUSR Office.

French Ambassador De Fabiani: BiH deserves to become part of EU family as soon as possible; invited BiH citizens to turn out in elections

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘BiH citizens must come out on elections’ by N.C. – On the occasion of the farewell reception in the honour of French Ambassador Henry Zipper de Fabiani, organized by Croatian Ambassador Josip Vrbosic in Sarajevo on Thursday, De Fabiani described the start of talks on Stabilisation and Association Agreement [SAA] as the high point of his mission: “The task of diplomats and the International Community is to help BiH fully normalise the situation in the country and to contribute to its fast accession to the EU. BiH deserves to become part of EU family as soon as possible.” Commenting statements of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik on RS referendum, De Fabiani said it is against Dayton Peace Agreement, adding that it cannot be discussed at all. French Ambassador invited BiH citizens to turn out in October elections. Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘BiH deserves to be part of European family’ by Fena – also carried.

NN op-ed by PDHR Butler: reasonable politics means reasonable salaries for parliamentarians

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Pensioners ahead of politicians’ by Lawrence Butler – Writing the op-ed, the PDHR Butler notes that there are finally signs showing BiH economy has headed upwards (some of indicators are increasing investments and tax incomes, Moody’s rating, opening of new posts). According to him, it is an imperative for the political leadership not to waste opportunities surfacing, stressing they must ensure they are developed and heading towards sustainable prosperity. The author is also critical of the intention of BiH parliamentarians to increase their salaries and other benefits (which would provide them higher pensions than for average citizens), concluding that reasonable policy equates with reasonable wages for parliamentarians. He also urges the Finance Ministry to complete preparations for the adoption of the Law on wages in BiH institutions.

War crimes and security

ICTY suspect Zelenovic extradited

FTV – ICTY indictee Dragan Zelenovic has been transferred from Moscow to BiH Court on Thursday. Zelenovic, ICTY suspect for crimes of torture and rape in Foca area, was arrested in Russia last year for possession of false passport. ICTY representative in BiH Matias Hellman confirmed the Zelenovic case would be transferred to the BiH Court. Dnevni Avaz pg ‘Russia extradited Dragan Zelenovic to BiH Court’, mentioned on cover by H.Orahovac– President of BiH Court Meddzida Kreso confirmed for DA that Zelenovic was extradited to BiH Court on Thursday afternoon and is now in detention. Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘ The Hague indictee Zelenovic extradited from Russia to BiH?’- also reported.

BiH officials accuse each other because BiH was mentioned in latest CoE report on CIA arrests

BHT1 by Svjetlana Todorovic – Council of Europe issued its latest report on illegal CIA arrests and transport of prisoners suspected of terrorism in several European countries. The report mentions BiH as one of these countries, and the Chair of BiH Council of Minister Adnan Terzic has acknowledged the importance of solving the problem of “Algerian group” already in 2005 [in 2002, six Algerians living in BiH were accused of plotting an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo. No evidence of the alleged plot was made public, and competent BiH court dismissed the charges and ordered the men are to be released, however they were taken to Guantanamo]. The report also notes that, despite of all adopted resolutions and promises, the initiative to free “Algerian group” hasn’t yet been launched. Commenting the report, Terzic said that the report mentions his name only because he takes seriously BiH’s full membership in CoE. He also stressed that the letter he sent to the US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice calls for release of “Algerian Group” members, who are also BiH citizens. He added that was all he was able to do within his authorities. Terzic explained that BiH Presidency must make further steps. Chair of BiH Presidency Sulejman Tihic on the other hand claims the Presidency couldn’t make any steps without the official stance of BiH CoM. Neither Terzic nor Tihic wanted to comment the speculations on possible illegal flights over BiH. BiH Ministry of Security refused to comment the CoE report, claiming that the Ministry has not yet received the report. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Algerian group is issue of Council of Ministers’ by A.P. – also reported.