OHR BiH Media Round-up, 15/5/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

Anniversary of Bleiburg tragedy

Employees protest in Zenica

SNSD’s Radmanovic on reforms

RS MoI ups vehicle checks

Employees protest in Fojnica

RS Govt in Dobrun

Dokic-Kalmeta meeting inSarajevo

Audit report on ICTY detention unit

EU on Montenegro

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Commemoration for Bleiburg victims

Preparation of assassinat. of RS PM

Tihic on visit to U.S. re amendments

11^th anniversary of a crime in BL

Tihic returned from the US

Dodik to be assassinated?

Dodik a target for assassination?

Kebo visits Slovenia

Kebo in visit to Slovenia

Effendi Spahic on ‘apartheid’ in BiH

Ril leads delegation to China

Kandic on Scorpions’ trial

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Tihic on his visit to United States

Dodik to be assassinated?

Preparation of assassinat. of RS PM

‘Circle 99’ on Corridor Vc

Congress of World Diaspora Ass.

Tegeltija on Special Prosecution

Avian flu, import of poultry issue

Construc. old-people’s home in Livno

Tihic returned from the US

Economic relations BiH-Turkey

EU Ministers on BIH constit. reform

NN on war crimes against Serbs

Oslobodjenje

[BiH Presidency Chair Tihic] Elections following new Constitution still possible

Dnevni Avaz

[BiH Presidency Chair Tihic] Amendments again in BiH Parliament by end of May?

Dnevni List

Soup kitchen 1st victim of VAT (on financial problems of Mostar soup kitchen )

Vecernji List

Dayton is to be balmed for emigration of Croats (Interview with Provincial of Bosna Srebrna Father Mijo Dzolan)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Features Croatia related titles

Nezavisne Novine

Assassination against Dodik being prepared

Glas Srpske

Families demand truth

EuroBlic

Dodik threatened with assassination

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

RS MoI ups vehicle checks in Banja Luka area

RHB – Following the threats that have been discovered against the RS PM, Milorad Dodik, the RS MoI has upped security measures in the Banja Luka area. The RS MoI has increased vehicle checks.

RS Minister Radmanovic confirms there is an assassination plot against RS PM, stressing nobody will prevent RS Govt from implementing reforms

RTRS – Nebojsa Radmanovic, RS Minister of local Self-governance, has stated that nobody will prevent RS Government from implementing reform processes. He commented on information regarding assassination plot against RS Premier, Milorad Dodik, saying: “We were aware that everybody bringing new ideas and prosperity to these people will be condemned by retrograde and criminal forces. Naturally, it was not simple to estimate that some criminal groups would be preparing to attempt assassination against Premier. The information you got hold off is true in information regard, i.e. they reached us from Belgrade. However, nothing will prevent Government from its reform orientation and efforts, especially not Milorad Dodik. We will find the way to protect both Premier and ourselves from criminals. It is in the interest of citizens. Naturally, nobody got afraid with that but it still exists.”

Ministers Kalmeta, Dokic to discuss improvement of traffic connections between BiH and CRO

RHB – Croatian Minister of Transport, Bozidar Kalmeta, is visiting Sarajevo on Monday where he is to meet with his BiH colleague, Branko Dokic. The two ministers are to address issues pertaining to improvement of traffic connections between the two countries and construction of the Peljesac bridge.

SDS Convention to start and decide on participation at October elections

RTRS – The Convention of SDS is expected to take place in Banja Luka today, which is to decide on participation at the upcoming elections in October 2006. Convention was supposed to commence at 12:00 hrs. The session of the SDS Chair Board will take place after the SDS Convention, which is to discuss some issues of statute and party itself. SDS Presidency held session at 10:00 hrs, but there was no press statement given afterwards. 

SIPA to interview SRS “Dr.

Srna – SRS “Dr. Vojislav Seselj” has today released a press statement, saying that at 10:30 hrs on Wednesday, 17 May in Bijeljina, the SIPA will hold meeting with Mirko Blagojevic, President of the Executive Board of this party and delegate at the BiH HoR. Release reads that topic of the meeting may be related with war crimes committed during the past war.

RS PM target of assassination plot

Alleged preparations for assassination of RS PM

PINK – RS Minister of Interior Stanislav Cadjo stated for TV PINK that he is in possession of certain information on alleged ongoing preparation for assassination of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik. TV PINK carries that Belgrade media reported that Serbian Minister of Interior Dragan Jocic informed Dodik on existence of five persons in RS that are planning to carry out the assassination. Cadjosaid: “RS MoI has certain knowledge about preparations and plans for assassinations of some individuals in RS. In this regard, we are taking certain activities and this is all that I can tell you at this point”. BHT1 – BHT1 carries that Cadjo denied that Jocic informed RS MoI on a group of people form Serbia that is in RS planning the assassination of Dodik. Cadjo confirmed that the intensive investigation is ongoing without providing any other information. Dodik refused to comment this information.RHB – According to Belgrade-based TV-station B92, Jocic was the one to forward this information to Dodik. RHB carries that Cadjo confirmed that RS MoI received this information. He stressed that it was taken very seriously in Banjaluka, but added that nobody has been arrested so far. Hayat – According to Hayat, Cadjo gave a completely different statement for Belgrade-based daily ‘Vecernje Novosti’, when he said that he was not informed about any kind of police operation against alleged assassins. Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘RS Prime Minister warned by Head of Serbian MoI’, mentioned on cover ‘Assassination on Dodik is being prepared?’ by N.Diklic – RS Interior Minister Stanislav Cadjo told daily that he has information on preparations of assassination of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik: “Earlier we had only clues, now we received specific information.” For the sake of investigation, Cadjo did not want to comment whether there were some earlier attempts of a kind. FTV, RTRS, EuroBlic cover pg splash, pg 3 ‘Dodik threatened with assassination’ by R.R., Vecernje Novosti pg 3, announced on cover ‘Minister Jocic warned Dodik’ by Slobodan Pesevic, Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Assassination on Milorad Dodik was not prepared’, not signed [Cadjo’s statement for ‘Vecernje novosti’], Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Investigation on preparations for assassination on Milorad Dodik’, by id [Cadjo says RS MoI is investigating into the case], Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Dodik marked by assassins’ by B.B.-also covered.

RS police observed presence of two separate criminalised groups in B. Luka / analysts says assassination prepared either to radicalise situation in relation with Kosovo status or in relation with establishment of Special Prosecution for Organised Crime

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pg 3 ‘Assassination against Dodik being prepared’ by P.Klincov – carries confirmation of Stanislav Cadjo, RS MOI, (that Serbian BIA informed RS police of assassination preparation). Daily adds referring to statement of Serbian Interior Minister that the base of this group suspected of preparing assassination against RS Premier, Milorad Dodik, is in settlement of Trn near Banja Luka. Daily also notes that the presence of two groups of people, one of people from Bijeljina with criminal records, and second of people from Serbia known as members of “Magda’s group” (group that committed a series of murders in Vojvodina and Hungary ten years ago) was observed in Banja Luka over the past days. Daily stresses that analysts are of the view that the murder of Dodik at this moment would be in favour of radical forces in Serbia, since it would divert attention from possible extradition of Ratko Mladic to The Hague and would radicalise situation in the region prior to reaching decision of final status of Kosovo. On the other hand, those familiar with political developments in RS are of the view threats and warnings addressed to Dodik are related with the establishment of Special Prosecution for Organised Crime. Vecernje Novosti pg 3, announced on cover ‘Minister Jocic warned Dodik’ by Slobodan Pesevic – Dodik Sunday did not want to make any comment on allegations, saying “it is not necessary to raise the dust. Let the institutions in charge I have full trust in do their job and any comment of mine would be redundant.”  Glas Srpske cover pg report ‘There was no arrest’ – carries Rade Mutic, Spokesperson of PSC Banja Luka as saying that RS police on Friday did not apprehend five persons, as reported by some media.

Constitutional/police reforms/ SAA talks

BiH Presidency Chair Tihic: US officials unanimous that constitutional reform important and it must be adopted; amendments to be discussed by end of May

Hayatby Elma Kazagic – Following his four-day visit to USA, BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic told press conference that US officials deem that it is still not too late to adopt amendments to the BiH Constitution. According to Hayat reporter, it seems that Tihic is an optimist too, because he said that the constitutional changes would certainly be discussed by the end of May – although RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik on Saturday said that changes to the BiH Constitution couldn’t be discussed before the October elections. PINK – Tihic said: “Single stance of all the officials, both Republicans and Democrats, from the White House, State Department, Pentagon, Congress including world financial institutions and NGOs is that the amendments are important step ahead and should be passed as soon as possible. These officials expressed concern due to the failure to pass the amendments since BiH should not allow itself to lose four more years. US officials also expressed concern that this would slow down the process of the reintegration and BiH’s way toward Euro-Atlantic structures and bring to the radicalization of the situation in BiH. For that reason, they believe that BiH should pass the amendments as soon as possible and start preparations for the second phase of the constitutional changes”. Tihic also informed that support of the world financial institutions such as World Bank and International Monetary Fund depends on the adoption of the constitutional changes. Tihic expressed hope that the upcoming elections might be held in accordance with the new Constitution. BHT1 – Refusing to reveal the new “mechanism” instructed by the US Government, Tihic confirmed that the new round of discussions and persuasions would be organised in the coming weeks. Tihic said: “We talked about many issues that I cannot reveal at the moment…I deem that even those deputies who voted against the proposed amendments, 18 days after the session of BIH House of Representatives, have become aware of the alternative and that everything remains the same and much worse than the situation would have been if the amendments had been adopted”. FTVBy Azra Bavcic – Reporter stated that insisting on the already proposed amendments would mean further discussions and ultimately adoption through parliamentary procedure. RTRS – Tihic said that there were also talks regarding military reform and cooperation with the ICTY. Nezavisne Novine pg 4, announced on cover ‘USA supports urgent adoption of constitutional changes’ by M.Cubro, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Parliament about Constitution at end of month?!’, by Erna Mackic – also reported.

BiH Presidency Chair Tihic: US urges BiH to adopt constitutional changes asap

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 2 ‘Amendments again in BiH Parliament by end of May?’ by A.Malagic – During his four-day visit to US, BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic met US Vice President Dick Cheney and State Secretary Condoleezza Rice. Tihic told press conference that US urges BiH to adopt constitutional changes as soon as possible, adding: “This does not mean new negotiations, but it means talks, explanations, persuasion and all the means of democratic practice when the important things are being adopted.” Answering the question whether it is realistic to expect amendments to be discussed in the BiH Parliament by end of May, Tihic concluded: “If there is a political will and if all the preparations are done good, then it is realistic.” Inset ‘Status of Kosovo and BiH’ – Tihic also discussed regional issues with US officials: “I repeated BiH stance that Kosovo status cannot in any way put in question territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country. All US officials agreed with that.” Oslobodjenje cover splash pg 2 ‘Elections following new Constitution still possible’ by E.Kamenica – also covered.

BiH Presidency Chair Tihic discussed issue of const. changes with BiH Diaspora in US

FTV – During the four-day visit to the US, BiH delegation headed by BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihicdiscussed the issue of constitutional reform with the representatives of BiH Diaspora. “They were rather misinformed on the entire process by various sources many months prior to the start of the negotiations on the constitutional reform” Tihic stated.

BOSS leader Ajanovic critical of SDA leader Tihic

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Tihic’s supporters should be prevented from completing vicious agreement with SDS’ – Commenting on SDA leader Sulejman Tihic’sstatement [that BiH Parliament should again vote on proposed constitutional changes by the end of May], BOSS leader Mirnes Ajanovic says in a press statement this proves that Tihic, driven by a promised seat, lost all moral frames, adding: “It is necessary to re-activate Patriotic Block in order to disable various “Tihic” supporters from completing a vicious agreement with SDS.”Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Clear rejection of idea of state’ not signed – also reported.

SDU Vice President Komsic reiterates: we pledge for abolishment of existing entities and ethnic blockades in BiH

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘We are in favour of abolishment of existing entities and ethnic blockades’ by L.S., Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Inappropriate campaign of constitutional changes advocated’ – In a public statement on Sunday, SDU Vice President Ivo Komsic stated that following the rejection of constitutional changes at BiH House of Representatives, the supporters of the so called constitutional changes are still engaged in inappropriate and incorrect public campaign. In a statement to the daily, he reiterates SDU would continue to pledge for abolishment of existing entities’ and ethnic blockades in functioning of the state, as well as for consistent implementation of the existing constitutional principle on equality of peoples.

SDP’s Lagumdzija: only entire pack of proposals presented to BiH Parliament can be discussed; RS PM Dodik: implementation would be impossible even if amendments were adopted

BHT1 By Marina Boskovic – Leaders of the parties that reached the proposal of the amendments to the BiH Constitution warned that no new solutions could be discussed. SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija stated that only if the entire pack of proposals has been presented to BiH Parliament they can discuss it: “This means that some of the 16 MPs who voted against the proposals in the first place have decided to jump off the gravediggers’ train for European BIH”. On the other hand, RS Prime Minster Milorad Dodik, although supporting the constitutional reform, doesn’t believe that even if the amendments were adopted that their implementation would be possible for the October elections: “The registration process is ongoing, and this would be completely technically unachievable. Therefore, the constitutional changes can be discussed after the elections”. Reporter stated that as parties did not change their stances regarding this issue so did not the individuals, which are still requesting the new proposals. US officials asked for the urgent adoption of the amendments warning that in case of failure BIH might lose the support of major financial institutions.

Provincial of Bosna Srebrna Father Dzolan: ‘ Dayton is main cause of emigration of Croats from BiH’

Vecernji List cover pg splash ‘Dayton is to be blamed for emigration of Croats’ and pgs 8 and 9 ‘Dayton is responsible for decreasing number of Croats’ by D. Jazvic carries an interview with Provincial of Bosna Srebrna Father Mijo Dzolan. Asked about the stand of Franciscan priests when the constitutional organization of BiH is in question, Dzolan says that BiH should meet needs, survival and perspectives of all peoples in BiH including the Croat one and its organization should encourage return of all peoples to their pre-war homes. Dzolan also says that the main cause of the decreasing number of Croats in BiH is the war and unfair, Dayton’s BiH. Asked about the International Community’s responsibility when disappearance of Croats in BiH is in question, Dzolan says: ‘It lies in imposing of unfair political and state framework with the Dayton Accord and its subsequent aggravations.’

Interview with Cardinal Puljic: ‘BiH needs fair Constitution!’

Vjesnik pg 8 ‘BiH needs fair Constitution!’, mentioned on cover ‘‘BiH needs fair Constitution for all!’ by E. Avdovic carries an interview with Cardinal Vinko Puljic. Asked to comment on the journalist’s impression that judging by the meeting that High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling had with Pope Benedict XVI, Vatican did not have anything against constitutional changes in BiH, Cardinal Puljic said: ‘It should be clear that neither the Holy See nor BiH Bishops had anything against constitutional changes. After the Dayton Accord was signed we have been standing for constitution changes, but for the constitutional changes that would be fair.’

Former EUPM Commissioner Carty: Future police must cross IEBL

Dnevni Avaz pg 9, mentioned on cover ‘SIPA is perfect example what efficient should look like’, by L. Sinanovic – in a short interview for daily, former EUPM Commissioner Kevin Carty argues that the future police forces should be able to cross the inter-entity border lines [IEBL] if the police is to take on the organize crime successfully. As a perfect example of a successful police/security agency, Carty notes the SIPA, saying it is becoming more professional and an example what efficient police should look like.

Director for European Integration Topcagic: There are no indications that negotiations with EU would be suspended due to non-arrest of Karadzic

Dnevni List pg 9 ‘There are no indications that negotiations would be suspended’ by D. Polovina-Mandic carries an interview with Director for European Integration Osman Topcagic. Asked whether non-arrest of Radovan Karadzic might slow down the BiH’s way to the EU, Topcagic stated: ‘At the moment there are no objections when our cooperation with the ICTY is in question and there are no indications that suspension of the negotiations might take place.’  Asked whether he is satisfied with the speed and efficiency with which BiH meets set pre-requisites, Topcagic said: ‘We would like that the things goes faster, but on the other hand this is the process that requires maturity and creating of an ambient that can accept these changes and this also takes its time.’

Other  political issues

BiH Minster for Human Rights and Refugees Kebo to sign agreement on avoiding double taxation with Slovenia

PINK, BHT1, Hayat, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Agreement on evasion of dual-taxation’ by FENA, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Meetings with Drnovsek and Jansa’ not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Minister Kebo signs agreement on avoiding double taxation’, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Agreement on avoiding double taxation’ not signed  – BiH Minster for Human Rights and Refugees Mirsad Kebo will pay an official visit to Slovenian Minister of Economy Andrej Vizjak on May 15 and 16. The Ministers would sign an agreement on double taxation of the property and income. This agreement should enable free circulation of goods and capital and it also provides pensioners that have obtained pensions in Slovenia to be exempted from paying taxes.

Third Congress of BiH Diaspora held in Sarajevo on Friday

Hayat – The 3^rd Congress of the BiH World Diaspora Association ended on Sunday in Sarajevo. In a short interview for NTV Hayat, former Chair of the Association Namik Alimajstorovic briefly described what happened during the Congress. According to Alimajstorovic, this was the best-organized Congress so far, simply because there were no problems that would attract media attention. New Chair of the BiH World Diaspora Association is Senada Softic-Telalovic, who lives and works in Australia. Alimajstorovic stressed that representatives of Association once again informed representatives of BiH authorities about their problems. BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Mladen Ivanic did not attend the Congress in Sarajevo, although he was properly invited, which, according to Alimajstorovic, clearly shows that BiH authorities do not care about BiH Diaspora. FTV – Softic-Taletovic stated that the association would continue with attracting the investors to BIH, cooperation with BIH Ministries and with Youth Organizations. Former Chair of the Diaspora Board Namik Alimajstorovic said that almost all their goals have been accomplished adding: “even if some haven’t been achieved it is because of the parliamentary procedure”. Deputy Chairs of the BiH Diaspora Board Milorad Muratovic and Zaim Pasic expressed determination to cooperate with the BiH authorities. The Board wishes to become a strong partner of BiH. BHT1 – Softic-Taletovic stated that the issue of dual citizenship represents a big problem to BiH citizens who live abroad. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Diaspora will continue with investments’ by FENA, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘New chair Senada Softic-Telalovic from Australia’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Strength of Diaspora depends of state’s unity’ by M.K.S.– also reported on the Congress.

HR at Inter-Religious Council session / VL: HR to ‘reconcile’ religious leaders

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Christian Schwarz-Schilling at Inter-Religious Council session today’, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Christian Schwarz-Schilling at Inter-Religious Council today’– The High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling will attend a meeting of the Inter-Religious Council in Sarajevo on Monday. OHR stated: “This institution has a key role to play in promoting dialogue among the religious communities whose collective heritage makes Bosnia and Herzegovina unique in Europe.” Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Schilling ‘reconciles’ religious leaders’, by D. J. – announces that the HR CSS will attend the meeting and notes that one cannot be certain why the HR is attending the meeting in the first place. However, VL notices that this is the first meeting of the Inter-religious council after last week’s exchange of open letters/statements between the Reis-ul-Ulema, Mustafa eff. Ceric, and Cardinal Vinko Puljic, in which they engaged in debate about Puljic’s visit to the US and his statements about status of Croats. VL reckons that the HR’s presence is likely aimed at providing support to dialogue between the religious communities in BiH.

BiH Presidency Chair Tihic: US expressed readiness to support construction of Corridor 5C

Hayat – During its four-day visit to US, BiH delegation met representatives of the World Bank [WB] and International Monetary Fund [IMF] and discussed, among other things, the construction of the Corridor 5C. Hayat carries that the support of international monetary institutions to this, as well as all other projects in BiH, very much depends on the adoption of constitutional amendments. BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic comments: “Just like European Union and NATO, they want the state of BiH which can negotiate, take over and carry out the obligations”. RTRS – Tihic said that US expressed readiness to support construction of Corridor 5C.

‘Circle 99’ discusses construction of Corridor 5C

FTV, Hayat – The construction the Corridor 5-C was discussed at a regular session of Association of Independent Intellectuals ‘Circle 99’ in Sarajevo on Sunday. Experts who participated at the session agreed that the highway should end in the city and port of Neum, rather than in port of Ploce [Croatia], because it would significantly improve the development of 25 kilometres of BiH seashore. According to Seval Kovacevic, permanent court expert for transportation, it would be a cheaper solution as well. Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Tanovic: Domestic officials fight for Croatian interests’ by L.Sinanovic – Professor Bakir Tanovic stated: “Domestic officials accept western alternative of a Corridor’s southern exit, which is fight for Croatian interest. First initiator of this option is BiH Transport and Communications Minister Branko Dokic. Their option was not logical, and if our uneducated politicians preserve their stance, BiH citizens will pay the price.” Inset ‘Why Brankovic did not appear’ – Although previously announced, as a participant in the discussion, FBiH Traffic and Communications Minister Nedzad Brankovic did not appear, which other participants estimated as the example ‘how BiH politicians treat project that is about to ensure the future’. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Take Slovenians as raw model’ by E.K. – Article carries that participants urged for defining BiH maritime borders in the first place, before opening of discussion on Corridor 5-C.

MP Gligoric: Report on ‘Coup d’etat’ affair is incomplete, OSA influenced by politics

Dnevni List, pg 5, mentioned on front ‘Dominant party influence within OSA’, by Ljiljana Vidacak – According to Tihomir Gligoric, an MP in BiH HoR and chairman of Commission investigating the ‘Coup d’etat’ affair, the report on the affair, which was prepared by OSA, has been signed and sent to the BiH Parliament by the BiH CoM Chairman, Adnan Terzic. However, Gligoric argues that the report is extremely incomplete and rigged and that it defends people who committed illegal acts in the first place because it insists that former Director of FOSS, Munir Alibabic, was responsible for the affair (Alibabic was accused of leaking confidential documents and subsequently sacked). This leads Gligoric to say that certain people within OSA are still working for interests of political parties, therefore they need to be dismissed.

VL: ‘Dzuvo to lead OSA until October elections?’

Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘‘Dzuvo to lead OSA until October elections?’, by Eldina Medunjanin – VL notes that despite the fact that vacancy for appointment of new leadership of OSA has already been issued, unofficial information has it that the current principals, namely Almir Dzuvo, Risto Zaric and Ivan Cosic will remain in their offices until October elections despite poor results they’ve achieved. According to VL, the decision to appoint new leadership might be prolonged because the procedure (on appointment of new leadership) would almost certainly cause new conflicts within the ruling authorities. VL reckons it is the Chairman of BiH CoM, Adnan Terzic, who could be insisting on the postponement since, according to VL, he takes most credits for original appointment of Dzuvo.

BiH HoR to discuss vote of no confidence to BiH CoM on Thursday

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Deputies will vote on confidence to Council of Ministers’ by A.Malagic – Vote on confidence in BiH Council of Ministers will be included in the agenda for Thursday’s session of BiH House of Representatives. Vote of non- confidence, initiated by the Mixed Club [Tihomir Gligoric, Petar Kunic and Mirko Blagojevic], was at BiH HoR agenda a month ago but Gligoric demanded postponement due to the fact that 11 deputies were not present at the session, including Gligoric himself who was at the time in Strasbourg. BiH CoM Chair Adnan Terzic also demanded a postponement, claiming that he wants to check whether BiH CoM has a true support of the BiH HoR. Inset ‘General support from RS, ten votes needed in FBiH’ – Gligoric claims that his initiative has a general support of the RS deputies, adding that ten votes from FBiH are still needed: “If SDP supports this initiative, we will vote no confidence to the BiH CoM for sure,” adding that he counts on votes of HDZ 1990 and Ivo Lozancic.

BiH HoR to discuss draft law on additional benefits for the MP’s on Thursday

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘New privileges of deputies are out of question’ by A.Terzic – At its Thursday’s session, BiH House of Representatives will discuss a draft Law on rights and duties of deputies and representatives in the BiH Parliament, which anticipates additional benefits for the MP’s. Head of SBiH Caucus Beriz Belkic and BiH HoR Co-Chair Sefik Dzaferovic [Head of SDA Caucus] confirmed for daily that they would not support the proposed law. After being harshly criticized by his party leadership, BOSS deputy Muhamed Moranjkic changed his stance and decided to vote against the draft law.

IRI poll: if elections were held tomorrow, SNSD would win with 16.6%

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘SNSD and SDP of BiH enjoy the biggest support of citizens’ by S.Gojkovic – The latest research carried out in April by IRI (International Republican Institute) on the sample of 1550 citizens of BiH shows that if elections were held tomorrow, the SNSD would win majority vote (16.6%), while SDP of BiH would win 10.8%. The percentage other parties would win is as follows: 8.8% for SDA, 6.3% for S BiH , 4.3% for SDS , while HDZ and BOSS would win 3.8%. Other parties like HSP , SRS , PDP, SP, DNS would win below 1% of votes.

War crimes

GS reminds of crimes committed against JNA soldiers at “ Tuzla procession”

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Families demand truth’ by K.Cirkovic – Daily reminds of suffering of JNA soldiers in Tuzla procession 14 years ago, against the whom fire was opened. Daily reports that the families of over 200 fallen soldiers and those who survived “Tuzla procession” search after remains of those murdered, hoping that somebody will finally “speak up” and trial against those responsible for creators and perpetrators of the crime committed on 15 May 1992 would commence. Those who survived this claim that the-then Mayor of Tuzla, Selim Beslagic, and Commander of Territorial Defence, Enver Delibegovic, guaranteed them safe exit from military barracks and withdrawal towards Majevica mountain, Ugljevik and Serbia. However, one third of this procession was murdered at Brcko Malta when fire was opened against them. Daily features stories of those who survived the crimes (also in Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Crno Blato all in black’)

Serbian officials agree Mladic is in Serbia

RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Mladic is in Serbia, Kostunica is convincing him to surrender’ by N.N. – Vladan Batic, DHSS (Demo-Christian Party) Leader and Goran Petrovic, former Head of Serbian State Security were guests at the RTRS magazine “Under the carpet”. They believe that Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica is responsible for the break of negotiations on Stabilization and Association Agreement and failure to arrest Ratko Mladic, war crimes indictee. Batic believes that Mladic is in Serbia and Kostunica is convincing Mladic to surrender. Batic and Petrovic believe that there were no serious attempts to arrest of Mladic, connecting this issue with the referendum in Montenegro .

Intl Crisis Group for Balkans Special Representative Lyon:Serbia must be aware that demanding RS in compensation for Kosovo would bring other borders under question: Vojvodina, South of Serbia…

Dnevni Avaz pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘BiH is ancient history for International Community’ by S.Skuletic – Commenting failure of Serbian authorities to arrest Ratko Mladic, in an interview for DA, International Crisis Group [ICG] for Balkans Special Representative James Lyon said that even if Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica is now willing to arrest Mladic, he has no one to issue a warrant to, for he had removed all the officials appointed by the late Serbian PM Zoran Djindjic, and appointed Mladic’s aids on their positions. Lyon stressed: “Serbian Government knew Mladic’s whereabouts in 2004 and 2005, if they wanted to, they could have arrested him. Why it would do that now?” Commenting possible separation of Montenegro from SCG and status of Kosovo, Lyon noted: “By not-arresting Mladic and breaking negotiations with EU, they [Serbian authorities] sealed the issue of Montenegro independency… Kosovo has nothing to do with BiH. Serbia must be aware that demanding RS in compensation for Kosovo would bring other borders under question: Vojvodina, South of Serbia… But, until solving issue of Kosovo, Montenegro and ICTY cooperation, it would be hard to reach progress in BiH.” Lyon concluded that BiH is far from being priority for International Community [IC]: “Bosnia became ancient history. Its path depends of itself, IC will not pay bills and play leading role anymore. That time has passed.” Inset ‘Serbia would be under additional pressure for Karadzic as well’ – Lyon said that he expects IC would also increase its pressure on Serbia due to the fact that Radovan Karadzic is still not arrested, adding that IC also bears part of responsibility for Karadzic is still not in the Hague.

Oslobodjenje op-ed: Every further delay of Mladic’s arrest ties destiny of BiH for Serbia

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Belgrade as destiny’ op-ed by Antonio Prlenda – Commenting failure of Serbian authorities to arrest Ratko Mladic, editorial reads that “delaying Mladic’s arrest is bad for BiH and its steps towards Euro-Atlantic integrations. Because, every further delay ties destiny of BiH for Serbia… That is not fair towards BiH, for BiH made bigger progress than SCG in terms of defence reform, fulfilling so called technical preconditions for Partnership for Peace [PfP].” Author concludes that Belgrade remains destiny for BiH due to the will of International Community: “The only thing that could be done is that credible data on [Radovan] Karadzic’ whereabouts somehow come from RS. But it depends of SDS. [RS] Prime Minister Milorad Dodik could hardly do a thing in time. Even if he wanted to.”

DL op-ed harshly condemns Reis Ceric’s statement that Bosniaks did not commit war crimes

Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Effendi Ceric, do apologize’ by I. Gibusic harshly criticizes Reis-l-Ulema Mustafa Effendi Ceric’s statement who said that Bosniaks did not commit crimes during the war in BiH. The author believes that it is not ethical and human to deny war crimes and ethnic cleansing committed by Bosniaks in Bugojno, Travnik, Fojnica, Konjic, Zenica, Jablanica etc. The author concludes: ‘I want to believe that Reis gave a hasty statement, however, if he sticks to the things he said then the signal, that new incidents in Stolac and Mostar are being prepared in order to heighten tensions in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and in order to continue agony in Neretva Valley, has been given.’

Bogdanic from RS Commission for search after missing persons raises the issue of why F BiH bodies keep quiet about destiny of Serbs from Sarajevo

Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘They know, but still keep quiet’ by G.Klepic – Following publication of murdered Serbs in Sarajevo, published on cover page of “Slobodna Bosna” edition last week, Milan Bogdanic, Director of RS Office for search after missing persons, raises the issue of “if the press got in possession of photographs, that were published on several occasions, how is it possible that F BiH institutions in charge still keep quiet about this, although we have demanded response on destiny of these peoples last year?”

Security issues

DL: Radical Islamic groups arrived from BiH and Kosovo to Macedonia

Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Our country exporter of radical Islam’ by De. L. carries that referring to well-informed sources in the Macedonian intelligence agencies the Macedonian media stressed that radical Islam is getting stronger after groups of fundamentalists from BiH and Kosovo arrived to some areas of this country. DL also says it is especially scandalous for BiH that seized propaganda material in which they call on radical Islam carries signatures of the Moslem brotherhood from BiH. The article also says that now it is up to BiH intelligence agencies to check these claims and find out who is responsible for printing of such propaganda material in BiH and its distribution. 

VL: East Herzegovina most dangerous part of BiH

Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Sicily in east Herzegovina’, by Eldina Medunjanin – VL learns from its sources in security agencies in Sarajevo that BiH authorities are aware that the area of east Herzegovina has become the most dangerous area in BiH security-wise having in mind recent bombings and people smuggling (in east Herzegovina). An anonymous ‘senior official in one of police-security agencies of BiH’ says that criminal groups in Bileca, Trebinje, Gacko, Ljubinje and elsewhere have become so strong they are openly threatening and attacking police officers, judges, prosecutors and other law enforcement officers. VL concludes by saying it will be very difficult to take on the organized crime in east Herzegovina since the criminals are well connected to their colleagues in SCG, Albania , Macedonia , Greece , Croatia etc.

BiH CC Commission for Human Rights ordered state authorities to organize another diplomatic visit to ‘Algerian group’ in Guantanamo

Oslobodjenje pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘New delegation from BiH must go to Guantanamo’ by Az.Kalamujic – Commission for Human Rights of the BiH Constitutional Court ordered state authorities to organize another diplomatic visit to the members of ‘Algerian group’ and provide consular help to four BiH citizens who are detained in US Army camp Guantanamo on Cuba. BiH state is also requested to ensure American guarantees for members of ‘Algerian group’ [group of naturalized BiH citizens indicted for taking part in terrorist acts] are not exposed to the capital punishment. Commission decided that state of BiH previously did not fulfil its obligations, which are launching initiative for releasing and transferring all six members of ‘Algerian group’ to BiH.

BiH Security Minister Colak: We shall check Islamic police/All those who received BiH citizenship in illegal way would be deprived of it

Vecernji List pg 6 ‘We shall check ‘Islamic police’ ‘ by T. Kvesic carries an interview with BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak who says that ‘their intelligence-security agencies would certainly check the information about existence of the so-called Islamic Police (which allegedly bans in Sarajevo any kind of behaviour that is contrary to Islamic code). Asked about the issue of naturalized BiH citizens who received BiH citizenships in an illegal way, Colak says that he claims under full responsibility that this job would be done in a professional and serious way and all those who received citizenships in an illegal way would be deprived of it.