OHR BiH Media Round-up, 9/7/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

No news broadcast due to strike

BiH CC discusses  Paravac’s request

Convoy arrives in Potocari

Srebrenica victims transported

Srebrenica march

Caution measures for July 11^th

Cycling marathon for Srebrenica

Action Plan for Mladic’s arrestment

Artist installation for Srebrenica

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Bodies transported to Srebrenica

BIH CC session

Dodik on police reform

Live from Srebrenica

Convoy arrives in Potocari

59 injured in explosion in Niksic

Exhibition re Srebrenica in Tuzla

Srebrenica victims in Potocari

3-year old boy died in car accident

Report on DNA identification

Srebrenica march

Terzic demands legal interpretation

Oslobodjenje

International community stopping suit

Dnevni Avaz

Let Zutic publicly say who is blocking privatization

Vecernji List

He keeps his son tied up at boards’ made shed (horrifying destiny of 18-yr old Semi Jarebica from Livno)

Nezavisne Novine

I did not make Resolution, but I have lobbied for a long time

Political Developments/Reforms

BiH CC discusses Paravac’s request; Tihic gives up his request

NTV Hayat – Following two-day-session of BIH Constitutional Court, BIH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic’s request regarding constitutionality of the name RS was withdrawn. The decision was made because BIH CC had already declared itself unauthorised in a case regarding implementation of EU conventions and Tihic explained that in the case the BIH CC declared itself unauthorised than the request couldn’t be discussed again. “I have temporarily withdrawn the request to avoid its rejection by BIH CC. I will wait for constitutional changes with which BIH CC would be authorised to pass decision on this requests. This issue will not be discussed before elections and reform of BIH Constitution according to which then EU Conventions would be above the BIH Constitution” said Tihic. Reporter stated that all those who expected abolition of RS name could be disappointed but also those, who expected BIH CC to declare itself unauthorised could be disappointed. BIH CC was also discussing the request of BIH Presidency member Borislav Paravac on BIH lawsuit against SCG. In this matter, BIH CC has held a preliminary discussion rejecting the request for organising public discussion on this matter since it is not relevant for reaching final decision. BIH CC has asked the BIH Presidency to provide it with relevant documentation from the date of filing the lawsuit before International Court of Justice. “This unnecessary extension raises a serious suspicion. BIH CC is not authorised in this matter. The only authorised institution is ICJ that ruled on its competency to discuss this issue” commented Tihic. Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover Motion for discussion on BiH suit against SiCG rejected’ by E.Duvnjak – Slobodan Radulj, Advisor to Paravac, expressed dissatisfaction with BiH CC’ decision to reject motion for public discussion, stressing the highest legal instance has disputed itself in this.  RHB, BHT 1, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2, announced on cover ‘Tihic gave up on demand for assessment of RS name’ by FENA – also report on BiH CC’s decision, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘I did not want to see my request was rejected’ by E.Sarac – report on Tihic’s statement

BiH Pres Chair Tihic fears political games including international community are behind decision of BiH CC on demand to hold public discussion on BiH suit against SiG

Oslobodjenje cover pg splash, pg 3 ‘International community stopping suit’ by A.O.- Regarding decision of BiH Constitutional Court (CC) to reject demand for holding public discussion on BiH suit against SiCG filed by Borislav Paravac, Serb member to BiH Presidency, Sulejman Tihic, BiH Presidency Chair says: “I am afraid political games of wide character are behind this, even by the international community to stop the suit.” He also expresses fear that owing to fact some international judges are siutting at BiH CC, some political reasons may be behind this issue. Daily also reports that BiH CC partially adopted appellations filed by Milorad Bilbija and Dragan Kalinic, who complained against violation of European Convention on human rights, saying it was violated through HR’s decision on their removals. CC established the mechanism of appeal does not exist, ordering BiH to ensure protection of rights of the two appellants. Oslobodjenje pg 2, announced on cover ‘Tihic gave up on demand for assessment of RS name’ inset ‘Appeals by Bilbija and Kalinic partially adopted’ by FENA, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover Motion for discussion on BiH suit against SiCG rejected’ inset ‘Kalinic’ appeal adopted’ – reports on BiH CC’ decision on Kalinic’ and Bilbija’ appeals

EU’ Gallach: EU will not allow undermining of Dayton achievements

Oslobodjenje pg 3, announced on cover ‘Europe will not allow undermining of Dayton achievements’ by TANJUG, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘EU will not tolerate any undermining of Dayton’ by ONASA, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘No undermining of Dayton after OHR’ closure’ by Agencies – Christian Gallach, Spokesperson of the EU High Commissioner for foreign policy and security, stated that the EU and Peace Implementation Council (PIC) “will not tolerate any attempt of undermining” of everything Dayton Agreement has achieved. In an interview to Novi Sad daily Dnevnik, she has commented on possible referendum for secession of RS from BiH, saying EU and PIC will not allow undermining of Dayton following closure of OHR. On this she added: “The closure of Office does not mean international community will completely withdraw from BiH. On the contrary, PIC will remain completely engaged in all processes and EU will increase its engagement in the context of Office closure.”

Interview with SzBiH’ founder and Chair: I did not make Resolution, but I have been lobbying for it for a long time

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pgs 8-9 ‘I did not make Resolution, but I have been lobbying for it for a long time’ by Natasa Krsman – In a lengthy interview to daily, Haris Silajdzic, President and founder of Party for BiH (SzBiH) comments on Resolution on BiH PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe) adopted, saying: “The sole problem with the PACE Resolution is that it speaks the truth, and this hurts some people.” He stresses he has lobbied for constitutional changes, but not at CoE in Strasbourg over the last month, but instead in Brussels, a long time ago but also recently in USA. Silajdzic claims it is better constitutional changes were not adopted, noting the proposed amendments would have facilitated blocking of state institutions, after which only entities would function. He stresses he supports constitutional reform, but which would include public debates and civil society, not only political leaders. On RS he says: “This entity is much simpler owing to one horrifying and bloody fact – you have no people there. The graveyard is the stillest place in the world and you have no problems there.” On “no people” term, he explains he referred to those Bosniaks, Croats who were expelled, but also Serbs who left RS for some reasons.

Oslobodjenje op-ed: Russia should finally state who it supported – Sarajevo or Banja Luka

Oslobodjenje op-ed pg 9 ‘An adequate response’ by Senka Kurtovic – Writing about recent reaction of the Russian Foreign Ministry on Resolution on BiH Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) adopted, assessing it “as attempt to destabilise” situation in BiH, the author notes this stance was also effected by the recent visit Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, paid to Russia, during which he met with Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister. According to her, RS PM informed Lavrov of current developments, presenting his stances on RS existence, police reform. Author reports referring to its sources (who attended the meeting) that Lavrov openly said he supports completion of work of the ICTY. Kurtovic concludes by saying that in case of BiH, Russian policy shows to be dual, noting it is time Russia truly decided who it supported – Sarajevo or Banja Luka .

Issue of police reform in BIH will be “set in the right way” by the end of the year, says Cavic

BHT 1 – RS President Dragan Cavic stated for Novi Sad TV that he expects that the issue of police reform in BIH will be “set in the right way” by the end of the year. Cavic stated that every solution stipulating crossing over entity lines is unacceptable for RS politicians.

Dodik: Police reform to be addressed in best way after SAA negotiations

RTRS – RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik stated that the issue of police reform in BiH is going to be addressed in best way after the completion of negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, which means at the end of this year. According to Dodik, a political consensus regarding this issue has been reached in RS.

Round table on constitutional changes held in BL

RTRS – Round table on constitutional changes in BiH was held in Banja Luka. The round table was organised by Dayton Project and Forum of Citizens from Tuzla. The participants agreed that political dialogue prior to the reforms is necessary, stressing that the future changes of constitutions must be in accordance with the EU standards.  President of the Forum of Citizens Vehid Sehic stated that the present BiH Constitution was created under special, post-war conditions, adding that the major problem lies with insisting on ethnical principle and collective rights rather than individual human rights. According to Sehic, this problem could be solved through strengthening of local and regional self-governance. Professor Miodrag Zivanovic stated that in order to solve the major problems, it is necessary to overcome the ethnical principles. Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Sehic: Civic society does not exclude national identity’ by FENA – Sehic said that civic society does not exclude national identity, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Changes in line with European standards’ by SRNA – also reports

People’s Bosniak Party welcomes HR’ decision to lift ban on party functions against officials removed over DPA violations

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Schillings ban-lifts welcomed’ – The Peoples’ Bosniak Party on Staurday welcomed decision of HR to BiH, Christian Schwarz Schilling to lift ban on party functions of 60 officials his predecessors removed over violations of Dayton Agreement. The party also expressed hope that OHR would “re-examine decision of removal of frequency from Bosniak Radio Television.”

Ivo Miro Jovic convinced in his victory at elections for Croat member to BiH Presidency

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Victory of Zeljko Komsic would be an absurd of this state’ by Husein Orahovac – In an interview to daily, Ivo Miro Jovic, currently Croat member to BiH Presidency and also HDZ candidate for the same positions for upcoming electiuoins stresses he is waiting for election run in a relaxed environment, noting he would win the race. Responding to press question regarding HDZ BiH fear from SDP’ Zeljko Komsic candidature for the same position, he says that “victory of Mister Komsic would be an absurd – not only for me but instead it would be an absurd of this state.”

PACE Chair visited Mostar: Mostar is still divided

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Mostar is still divided’ by S.Djuderija – Renee Van der Linden, President of the PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe) Saturday visited Mostar and returnees village of Pijesci near Mostar, expressing satisfaction with developments in return process over the past ten years. He also said: “Unfortunately, this city is still divided and I expect a progress in this segment in the upcoming period.” Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Van der Linden in Mostar’ by tk – also reports

Candidate list of Socialist Party

RTRS – RS Socialist Party’s list leader for Electoral Unit 4 for RS National Assembly will be Petar Djokic.  Leader of list for BiH Parliament Assembly are Dragan Peric and Sinisa Kisic.

War Crimes

Remains of Srebrenica victims transported to Potocari

NTV Hayat – By Adnan Rondic, Srebrenica – Mortal remains of 505 killed people from Srebrenica have been transported from Visoko to Srebrenica where they will be buried on 11^th July. The funeral, followed by religious ceremony starts on Tuesday at 12 o’clock. Reporter criticized the fact that less people went out to meet the bodies in Srebrenica adding that the same situation was in Sarajevo. Rondic also criticized politicians and BIH high officials who were also not present at the Sarajevo and Srebrenica streets ironically adding that the reason was most likely because they heard that not many reporters and cameras will follow the transportation as well as it was Saturday so most of the politicians did not want to miss a day for resting. He noted that decision not to allow political speeches with politicians’ attitude on Saturday got justified sarcastically adding that Banja Luka’s officials were actually expected to behave in that way. Participants of “March of Death – A Road to Freedom” have arrived to village Glodi where they are expected to spend a night. The Death March is finishing on Monday when participants are expected to arrive to Srebrenica at 16 hrs. Participants were caught in storm on Saturday no one was hurt. Rondic announced that NTV Hayat will closely report from Srebrenica in next few days including the central religious ceremony. FTV – Assistant the UN Secretary General Diego Enrique Arria, who arrived to BiH in order to attend the memorial ceremony in Potocari on Tuesday, was also amongst those waiting for remains. Head of the Associations “Mothers of Srebrenica and Zepa Enclaves” Munira Subasic expressed her regrets over the fact that so few citizens of Sarajevo have gathered to pay their respect to the victims and support their families. ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte also announced that she is going to attend the memorial ceremony in Potocari on Tuesday. RHB, BHT 1, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5, announced on cover ‘Moans louder than speech of criminals’ by E.Kokor, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Wherever the souls of those innocently fallen, they hear Fatiha’, announced on cover ‘505 coffins transported to Potocari’ by Dnevni Avaz team, Vecernji List pg 3 ‘Remains of 505 victims transported’ by E.Me., Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Seen off to last journey’ by E.Duvnjak – also report

UN’ Arria: There are people who do not believe genocide took palce in heart of Europe

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘There are people who do not want to believe genocide took place in heart of Europe’ by Z.Persic – In a statement to daily, Diego Enrique Arria, Assistant to UN Secretary General says that duty of Bosnian friends and Bosnians is to keep reminding the world of genocide that took place in the heart of Europe, since there are people who do not believe in this. He says that when he went to Srebrenica during the war, he saw UNPROFOR was guarding a concentration camp.

Interview with ICTY President Pocar: Tribunal cannot close without both Karadzic and Mladic, and also the other four indictees, who must be arrested and prosecuted

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Trials in Tribunal may complete in three years’ by IWPR – In an interview with IWPR (Institute for war and peace reporting), Fausto Pocar, President of the Hague Tribunal, has stated it is realistic that trials in the Hague Tribunal complete in three years time, adding: “much would depend on whether major unforeseen problems arose – including health issues – in any trials, and whether new rules recently adopted by the judges, are fully respected. This is a reference to a new measure giving judges the power to order prosecutors to drop sections of an indictment, in order to speed up trial proceedings. According to him, the 2009 deadline would also depend on all indictees being in custody in The Hague within months, noting: “If (Ratko) Mladic or (Radovan) Karadzic were to be arrested in 2008 or 2009 I don’t see how we can finish the trials in 2009.” He added: “The tribunal cannot close without both Karadzic and Mladic, and also the other four [indictees], who must be arrested and prosecuted.” On announcement of Carla del Ponte, ICTY Chief Prosecutor, that she would not candidate for re-election and whether this may effect exit strategy of ICTY, Pocar said: “Generally speaking, my view is it should not essentially effect proceedings. However, if fugitives are not apprehended, it might.”

BLIC on Action Plan for Mladic’s arrestment

RHB, BHT 1, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Serbia proves it wants to complete cooperation with The Hague’ – According to Serbian magazine “Blic”, the Action Plan for arrestment and transfer of Ratko Mladic to ICTY that is being prepared by Serbian Government will consist of six sections. It will regulate the work of secret services and plans for braking down the network supporting Mladic. Head of Serbian Council for Cooperation with ICTY Rasim Ljajic announced that Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica is going to present the Action Plan in Brussels on July 16^th. According to Ljajic, this Plan will be similar to Croatian Action Plan for cooperation with ICTY, and it will represent a clear political determination for fulfilment of all international obligations.

Economy, Social Issues

Correspondence btw officials of F BiH Govt and Privatisation Agency of privatisation process

Dnevni Avaz cover pg splash ‘Let Zutic publicly say who is blocking privatization’, pg 4 ‘Grahovac asks from Zutic to publicly say who blocked privatization’ by M.Kukan – Daily reports that Resad Zutic and Franjo Saravanja, Director and President of the Steering Board of APF (Privatization Agency in F BiH) respectively, on 19 June informed F BiH Government of privatization process, expressing concern and warning of serious consequences in blockade of privatization in F BiH. Moreover, Gavrilo Grahovac, F BiH Vice Premier, responded with letter to Zutic and Saravanja, expressing surprise that the two is “searching for culprits in other places than APF””, stressing he expects from APF to present arguments and substantiate claims on seriousness of blockade.

ITA President reports on good results of ITA work

Dnevni Avaz pg 5, announced on cover ‘Quasi-statisticians are minimasing our results’ by F.Cardzic – In a statement to daily, Kemal Causevic, Director of BiH Indirect Taxation Administration (ITA) says that in first six months of 2006, the ITA has collected the amount of BAM 1.94 billion, noting this is extremely good indication showing 53% of the overall planned resources for 2006 have been collected so far. He says that imports’ coverage with export still remains over 50%. He stresses: “I am sorry some quasi-0analysts, quasi-statisticians, quasi-economists persistently try to minimizes the results of ITA.”

FBiH Parliament adopted law on purchase of nationalised apartments

RTRS – Last month, FBiH Parliament adopted a law which will enable tenancy right holders in nationalised apartments to purchase the apartments they live in. Exempted from this law are the apartments owned by funds and legacies. This law has caused harsh discussions. Original owners of the nationalised buildings demand return of their property, while the tenancy right holders want to purchase the apartments they have been living in for decades. BiH Inter-Religious Council is also not satisfied with this law, since many nationalised buildings were originally owned by religious communities. Vanja Jovanovic from the Inter-Religious Council believes that this issue has been politicized within the pre-electoral campaign. According to him, the parliament deputies must be aware of the fact that this law is violating the human rights. Metropolitan Dabrobosanski believes that this law discriminates the Serb orthodox Church, because it doesn’t treat all nationalised property in the same way. Metropolitan’s Spokesman Mitar Tanasic stated that there will be nothing left for return in restitution process, because all nationalised apartments are going to be privatised already. Croat Caucus in FBiH House of Peoples announced filing request for assessing the constitutionality of the law on purchase of nationalised apartments. Report features story on family Hitrov whose apartment building was nationalised in 1945.