OHR BiH Media Round-up, 31/1/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

Ashdown hands over duty to new HR

CS Govt’s urgent meeting on GRAS

Talks on new RS Govt. composition

CEIS on Schwarz-Schilling’s coming

HNC teachers on collective strike

CSS takes over duty of HR

Ashdown’s farewell speech in Parl.

BiH HoP to discuss Law VAT

Contact Group on Kosovo

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Ashdown addresses BiH Parliament

Ashdown farewell meetings

Ashdown’s farewell speech

Schwarz-Schilling to take over

Council of EU Ministers’ session

Poll on Ashdown’s work

BiH HoR in session

BiH HoR in session

Schilling appointed as new EUSR

BiH dailies on VAT

BiH HoR’s decision

Decertified policemen

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Issue of decertified police officers

Privatisation of Energopetrol

Council of EU Ministers’ session

Dangerous substances in toys

BIH HoR session

Explosion in East Sarajevo

Division within BiH

Ashdown’s farewell speech

Explosion in Foca

Schwarz-Schilling to take over

Schilling appointed as new EUSR

Explosion in Biieljina

Oslobodjenje

[EU] SCG and BiH have to be more determined at arresting Karadzic and Mladic

Dnevni Avaz

[Ashdown] Criminals in BiH are still strong

Dnevni List

Bomb attack (two betting shops in east Sarajevo blown up)

Vecernji List

Serbs were planning coup d’etat (alleged plan to separate RS from BiH)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Beslic ‘paying up’ for minus to Zagreb (Mostar-Zagreb commercial flight not profitable)

Glas Srpske

Good-bye little maharaja

Nezavisne Novine

Bombs thrown at “Williams” betting sites

Blic

Merchants in RS take advantage of inspectors’ laziness

Vecernje Novosti

Serbia related headlines

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

Ashdown handing over HR mandate to Schwarz-Schilling

RHB, BH Radio 1, RS Radio – HR Paddy Ashdown hands over duty to new HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling at OHR premisesin Sarajevo today. The ceremony started at 1200. RHB also announced that Schwarz-Schilling will address BiH citizens through main broadcasters tonight.

Talks on RS Govt. composition start in B. Luka: DNS first party to meet with Cavic

RS Radio – Dragan Cavic, RS President, has today commenced with official talks of representatives of the parliamentary parties regarding forming of new RS Government. The first party at consultations wasDNS. Drago Kalabic, DNS Vice President, stated after the meeting with Cavic that DNS would support appointment of any PM-designate, who collects 42 MP’s signatures, since the party interest is to see the new RS Government formed and budget for 2006 adopted. Club of Centre is also expected to meet Cavic during the course of today.

RHB also announced the start of talks on RS PM designate.

Conference on social Policy commenced in Sarajevo

BH Radio 1 Mirsad Bajtarevic– Conference on Social Policy attended by representatives of the International Community and authorized Ministries has commenced in Sarajevo, with goal to discuss need of establishment and implementation of public policies in BiH, which regard most endangered population. British Ambassador to BiH Mathew Rycroft stated that this is the crucial issue for BiH, considering its European desires, wondering when the social policy would be passed for state level. Rycroft added that efficient social system is necessary for BiH, in order to decrease VAT consequences and because of unequal financing of social sector and authorities’ levels. BiH Civil Affairs Minister Safet Halilovic stated that social rights aren’t crossing cantonal and entities’ lines, since it is not in accordance to European standards.  British Deparment for International Development in association with World Bank organized this conference.

Political Developments

Outgoing HR Ashdown addressed BiH Parliament; HR says biggest failure non-apprehension of Mladic and Karadzic

Hayat, Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 3 ‘Criminals in BiH are still strong’ by H.O., Oslobodjenje pg 7, mentioned on cover ‘Dayton era ends, Brussels era begins’ by A.Terzic, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘War generation of politicians cannot lead BiH to EU’ by D. Polovina-Mandic, Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Ashdown: You will not join EU through HR’ not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 21 ‘ ‘Warriors cannot lead country to EU’ by B. Kristo, Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Constitutional reform is the biggest challenge’ by M.Cubro, EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Ashdown supports reform of Constitution’ bv D. S.– Outgoing High Representative Paddy Ashdown addressed the joined session of both Houses of BiH Parliament. He said that constitutional reforms were one of the biggest BiH’s challenges in 2006 and added that its aim was creation of functional and economic state in line with the EU requirements. “You have to reduce administrative bodies’ expenses since they are making BiH citizens poorer and are weakening BiH economy”, said Ashdown. Ashdown said that BiH politicians had chosen the road that leads to Europe and stressed that BiH would not achieve the goal through the OHR. Decisions have to be brought by the BiH Parliament and BiH Council of Ministers, said Ashdown. He said that BiH needed the CoM, which would direct its efforts towards European tasks, instead of keep quarrelling about entity and ethnical issues. “BiH remains in the relatively early phases of extremely difficult economic transition, the same one through which your neighbours are going through”, said Ashdown. Beside constitutional reform, Ashdown pointed out necessity of BiH police reform, and added the biggest failure in the course of his mandate was the fact that Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic had not been arrested.

RHB, PINK, FTV, RTRS carried similar reports.

CoM Chair Terzic receives Ashdown in farewell visit

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Progress of BiH is result of partnership between BiH Council of Ministers and OHR’ not signed – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic received High Representative Paddy Ashdown in his farewell visit. Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Key step towards EU’ also reported on the meeting.

SDS, SDA, HDZ, SDP representatives comment on Ashdown’s work

BHT1– SDS’s Momcilo Novakovic stated that as far as SDS concerned Ashdown violated human rights by dismissing numerous members of this party. Sefik Dzaferovic Deputy Chair of BIH House of Representatives stressed that BIH is closer to EU and NATO now than when Ashdown arrived in BIH. Deputy Chair of BIH HoR Martin Raguz stated that Ashdown promised that HR’s authorities will reduce which in Raguz’s opinion didn’t happen. Reporter comments that SDP criticised Ashdown the most whilst Jozo Krizanovic from SDP says that criticism wasn’t directed at Ashdown but rather at slow process of reform implementation. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Leho appreciates Ashdown’s work, Covic expects more of Schilling’ by A.M.– Asked to express her opinion on outgoing High Representative Paddy Ashdown, representative in BiH House of Representatives Fatima Leho said that people gifted with reason would be able to appreciate his work. HDZ leader Dragan Covic stated that he wouldn’t like to go into appraisal of his work, but that he wishes his successor Christian Schwarz Schilling ‘to turn more to economic and social issues’.

GS critical of HR’s mandate

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Good-bye little maharaja’ by Z.Markovic – Daily brings a critical overview of the HR’s, Paddy Ashdown, mandate and decisions he has reached during that period. The author is making a critical reference to the implementation of programmes “Jobs and Justice”, Bulldozer. According to inset ‘Salary”, GS brings an info that HR has earned the approximate amount of BAM 1.936 million during 3 years and eight months of his mandate. The author also stresses HR was inconsistent in application of his Bon powers (referring to cases of Kalinic and Sarovic one one, and Covic on the other side). According to inset “Srebrenica and Sarajevo ”, daily notes HR did nothing to see Commission for Sarajevo Serbs established, while he persistently insisted on seeing the Commission on Srebrenica established.

VL on former HRs: Bildt had toughest time, Ashdown takes credit for strengthening state institutions

Vecernji List, pg 5 ‘The rule of High (Representatives)’, by Dejan Jazvic – the author comments on the role of former High Representatives for BiH, noting that the ‘magic circle of international administrators’ will end with Christian Schwarz-Schilling, whom he describes as the most experienced High Representative of them all politically wise. Jazvic says the first HR, Carl Bildt, had the most difficult time because he took the office just after the war, his successor Carlos Westendorp, will be remembered as the first HR who started removing politicians, whilst Wolfgang Petritsch will be remembered for openly supporting the SDP-led ‘Alliance for changes’. As for HR Paddy Ashdown, the author argues that despite all the criticism, Ashdown takes the credit for his role in strengthening of state institutions and initiating reforms processes.

EU Foreign Ministers urge BiH, SCG to arrest Karadzic, Mladic

RTRS, Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 3 ‘SCG and BiH have to be more determined at arresting Karadzic and Mladic’ not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Enter EU by full cooperation with ICTY’ by S.N., Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Speed of talks depends on cooperation with the Hague’ by Agencies– EU Council of Ministers at its session held on Monday in Brussels acclaimed talks on constitutional changes in BiH and asked BiH political leaders to provide more efficient functioning of BiH institutions. The EU Council also called on BiH and SCG authorities to take a more decisive action to arrest Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, the most wanted war crime indictees. RHB, PINK, Hayat, FTV carried similar reports.

DA op-ed: SCG authorities know Mladic’s whereabouts

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Secrets of RS phantom mission’ op-ed by Edina Sarac – In light of recent arrest of retired RS Army Colonel and former chief of Ratko Mladic’s personal security Jovan Djogo, editorial says that SCG authorities are just playing games knowing all the time Mladic’s whereabouts. To prove her claims, author says that Mladic’s supporters were well organized in Belgrade [aiming at RS Information Office aka ‘Bosnian house’]. Editorial ends with comment that SCG “cheep political games” of capturing ICTY indictees are now fortunately limited by talks with EU.

EU Foreign Ministers appointed Schwarz-Schilling new EUSR to BiH, praised Ashdown’s work

RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Appointed new high representative’ by Fena, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Schwarz-Schilling appointed’, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Schwarz Schilling appointed EU Special Representative’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Schwarz Schilling officially’ – EU Council of Ministers praised work of Paddy Ashdown, outgoing High Representative and EUSR and officially appointed Christian Schwarz-Schilling new EU Special Representative (EUSR) to BiH. RHB, PINK, Hayat, FTV carried similar reports.

CEIS says Schwarz-Schilling will enter OHR quietly

RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Schilling arrives quietly and discreetly’ – FENA Director to Centre for European Integration Strategies Senad Slatina stated for FENA that newly appointed High Representative to BiH Christian Schwarz-Schilling will enter the OHR quietly. Some of closest HR’s associates claim that there would be no bulldozer commissions, helmets or grandiose speeches brought before the Parliament.

Schilling, person of the day in DA

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 [person of the day] ‘Resigned due to bad European politics toward BiH’ by S.T.– New High Representative Christian Schwarz Schilling has been chosen for DA ‘Person of the Day’ , stressing that he is a man who showed in many occasions his love for this country. DA stressed that Schilling has resigned the ministerial function in Cabinet of German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, because he did not agree with the policy that Europe taken toward BiH.

DL op-ed: Change in office of HR will bring nothing new, BiH peoples have to do the actual work

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘New High Representative’, by Sanja Bjelica – Commenting on the change in the office of the High Representative, the author says that many analysts are trying to figure out what the change between Paddy Ashdown and Christian Schwarz-Schilling would bring given that they come from different countries, the UK and Germany that is. Bjelica is adamant that nothing will change until we, peoples in BiH, start doing the actual work instead of waiting/expecting from different HRs to do it. Bjelica also slams all the critics of the HR Ashdown for criticizing him on his way out, saying if it were for BiH politicians, we would still be, for example, discussing whether BiH needs a state Defence Ministry.

DL comment: CSS will not give up Bonn powers as easy

Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘German already has the trust of BiH peoples’, by R. Dautefendic – Commenting on the arrival of the new High Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, the author, among other claims, reckons that CSS will not be giving up the Bonn powers as easily because he will, according to Dautefendic, be forced to personally intervene because of different visions politicians in BiH have about the country. The author argues that CSS was trusted in by the citizenry in BiH before he was even appointed the HR.

RS crisis: RS President to start talks on PM designate; SDS claims it can provide majority in RSNA

RTRS By Nada Arlov  – RTRS announced that consultative meetings with RS President Dragan Cavic regarding the appointment of RS Prime Minister designate will start on Tuesday. First meeting will be with representatives of DNS and Club Centre and in following two days with all political parties. Dusan Stojcic, RSNA Speaker and SDS Vice Chair expressed hope that Cavic would give mandate to SDS. “If we did not know, and if we did not believe, that we can provide necessary majority for new Government, we would not ask the RS President to give us that mandate” said Stojcic. “SDS has legitimate right to ask for mandate but it is very clear that can not establish the Government. That would be just additional torture” said SNSD leaders Milorad Dodik. Dragutin Skrebic, SP RS representative in RSNA, who along with his colleague Nedjo Djuric wasasked to return RSNA Representative mandate to Socialist Party and also expelled from the party due to their votes for Pero Bukejlovic’s Government and contrary to Socialist party’s determination, admitted that there were discussions in Teslic regarding Prime Minister designate. “If RS President proposes Nedjo Djuric, our member, we will certainly support him. When it is about my mandate in RSNA, I am not even thinking about returning it”- said Skrebic. Pensioners’ party will support Government that will provide higher pensions and two positions for this party- Minister of Labours and Veterans and Director of Pension Disability Insurance Fund (PDIF). Serb Radical Party believes that Government should be elected from Serb majority in RSNA and that parties that are bothered with RS name, coat of arms and flag and are supportive about suspension of RS are not welcome in the Government. RHB, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Cavic negotiates on RS Prime Minister Designate today’ not signed reported that Cavic would start meetings on Tuesday, while PINK, Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘SDS seeks mandate to form Government’, mentioned on cover, by O.Vukovic only carried Stojicic’s statement.

Reporter magazine editor says current Finance Minister Cenic likely to be nominated RS PM designate

RTRS current affairs program ‘Pecat’ By Milan Trbojevic – Commenting current situation in RS and fact that SDS seeks to appoint Prime Minister designate from its own lines, Chief Editor of ‘Reporter’ Igor Gajic stated that most likely SDS would nominate current Finance Minister Svetlana Cenic. However, as Reporter comments most probably SNSD leader Milorad Dodik would be appointed as PM designate, where it was emphasized that he has already presented some of main focuses of his future government. As Reporter comments, PDP and its leader Mladen Ivanic are once again in an ideal position and ‘killed two birds’ with one stone: first, since the RS budget for 2006 was not adopted, SDS was not able to fulfill a promise that the salaries and pensions would go up. And secondly, their biggest rival SNSD now faces the participation in the government in the most awkward moment: just before the elections. Ivanic confirms that they would support PM designate from SNSD, which would probably be Dodik, but stressed that their relation would depend on program that new government would present. SDA MPs in RSNA would support Dodik’s appointment, but as RS Vice President Adil Osmanovic stressed thisdoes not necessarily mean they will support Dodik’s Government. Although Osmanovic added that SDA is not interested in entering the new government at any cost, reporter speculates that SDA is in fact interested in taking over the RS Ministry of Refugees and Displaced Persons, and that their candidate for this post could be Omer Brankovic.

Cavic should react and appoint PM designate – otherwise, crisis is to follow, assess politicians

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Negotiations on PM designate to commence’ by V. Popovic – DS delegate and member of the newly established ten-member caucus Dusko Vukotic said the caucus might suggest to RS President Cavic to nominate Nedjo Djuric (also a member of the caucus) or some other person. Djuric, on the other hand, says he was not informed on the possibility that he would be nominated PM designate. Milosava Jakovljevic (also a member of the caucus) said she would vote in accordance with her own conscience and no person would be able to influence her vote. SRS Chairman Milanko Mihajlica said Serb majority at the Assembly should form the new RS Government and noted the Radicals would not support any Government that has no SRS representatives in its composition. Inset ‘Cavic is creating crisis’ – PDP delegate at RS NA Vitomir Tomic thinks RS President Cavic might create crisis unless he urgently appointed PM designate that would get the Assembly support. ‘Cavic should not appoint PM designate for whom he knows would not get the Assembly majority in order to leave space for functioning of this Government, which was overthrown, until next elections’, Tomic stated.

Glas Srpske pg 7 ‘Opposite goal’ by D. Mo. – carries SRS Mihajlica’s statement. Mihajlica also criticized statements of SNSD leaders who have been claiming for years they would not share authority with nationalistic parties, but they are now saying there is nothing disputable in sharing the authority with SDA. He also reminded SNSD of their harsh critics of PDP with regard to privatization of banks and asked SNSD whether they are willing to forget about this just to get on power.

EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘SDS too is offering PM designate’ by Rajna Radosavljevic and Nedeljka Breberina inset ‘ SRS supports “Serb majority”’ – also carries statement of SRS’s Mihajlica.

Dodik reiterates he has 42 votes for PM-designation

EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Nine ministers from SNSD’ by Lj. Lj. – SNSD leader Milorad Dodik reiterated in Bijeljina SNSD has the support of 42 delegates at RS NA. He also stated SNSD should get the post of PM designate, as well as nine Ministerial posts at the new Government.

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Negotiations on PM designate to commence’ by V. Popovic – Cavic to commence negotiations on PM designate, carries Stojicic’s statement, statement of Pensioners’ Party.

EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘SDS too is offering PM designate’ by Rajna Radosavljevic and Nedeljka Breberina – Cavic to commence negotiations on PM designate, carries Stojicic’s statement.

Glas Srpske pg 7 ‘Through agreement to the Government’ by G. D. – Stojicic’s statement.

Glas Srpske pg 7 ‘Program is more important than signatures’ by S. Mi. – statement of Pensioners’ Party

EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘SDS too is offering PM designate’ by Rajna Radosavljevic and Nedeljka Breberina – SNSD Deputy President Krstan Simic emphasized there is no other alternative but to appoint SNSD leader Milorad Dodik RS PM designate.

Former SP RS members joined NDS

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Former Socialists joined NDS’ by V. P. – Five delegates of Teslic Assembly, which were expelled from SPRS, as well as activists from 23 local boards have joined NDS (Peoples’ Democratic Party). RS NA delegate and expelled member of SPRS Dragutin Skrebic explained they have joined NDS due to their dissatisfaction with policy conducted by the highest leadership of SPRS.

SDS officials to decide will they cast vote of no confidence to BiH CoM

Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘Cavic will have problems to convince SDS to stay in authority at state level’ by Az.K – SDS Main Board will discuss on Thursday if this party would go to opposition at the state level, after their Government has been removed in RS. SDS leader Dragan Cavic said that it should not influence authority at the state level. SDS Vice President Boro Bosic says that crisis could be transferred to the state level, adding that SDS should not cast vote of no confidence to BiH Council of Ministers, but it should support it if PDP, SNSD or SDP launch it. SDS Vice President Momcilo Novakovic keeps stance that if SDS looses authority on entity level, it should go to opposition at the state level too. Inset, ‘Terzic: I’m aware that SDS seeks revenge’ – BiH CoM Chair Adnan Terzic stated that he would not be surprised if SDS cast vote of no confidence to BiH CoM, adding that there are plenty of reasons why it should not be done now when BiH is heading Europe.

Oslobodjenje op-ed: SNSD leader Dodik aims only to preserve RS

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Waiting for Dodik’ by Mirko Sagolj – Editorial claims that if SNSD leader Milorad Dodik becomes RS Prime Minister designate, it would bring no significant changes of progress for BiH future. Author comments that Dodik aims only to preserve RS, not showing will to capture ICTY indictees.

OHR rehabilitated three RS officials

Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Rehabilitated SDS officials’- OHR stated on Monday night that they have rehabilitated three of replaced officials from the RS, who were banned from public positions in 2004, due to obstruction of cooperation with the ICTY. Rehabilitated were: former RS Telecom’s Director Zeljko Jungic, former Public Health Insurance Fund’s Director Svetozar Radulovic and former SDS official Goran Popovic. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘High Representative abolished ban for three replaced people’, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Ashdown pardoned Popovic, Jungic and Radulovic’ also covered the issue.

VL: Serbs in BiH were planning separation of RS in case constitutional changes were to endanger existence of RS

Vecernji List, front pg splash ‘Serbs were planning coup d’etat’ and pg 2 ‘Serbs were planning separation of RS’, by Zoran Kresic – VL got a confirmation from intelligence sources close to the IC in BiH that the Serb authorities in BiH were preparing a back-up plan that would lead to separation of the RS from BiH in case the constitutional changes were to endanger the existence of the RS. According to VL, even the OSA (BIH intelligence agency) has such information. According to the scenario, tensions would be raised in BiH that would lead to organization of referendum on separation of RS from BiH. According to VL’s source, all key Serb officials in BiH, including the RS President and Serb member of BiH Presidency, Dragan Cavic and Borislav Paravac, were involved in the scheme.

SBiH claim that separation of the RS was discussed during the talks on constitutional changes

Hayat By Elma Kazagic – Reporter comments that some extremely serious talks on division of BiH were led during the last constitutional reform talks in Sarajevo, says the reporter. As the NTV Hayat learns, SDA has not proposed any division within BiH itself, as some Croatian media published. “SDA’s official stance is that the BiH should be organized in multi-ethnical regions and that it is unacceptable for a part on of BiH to be reorganized…all parts of BiH have to be included in reorganization”, explains SDA representative Sefket Dzaferovic. On the other hand, some BiH media stated that certain participants at the constitutional reform talks were trying to strengthen the RS’ position. SBiH’s representatives claim that discussions on separation of the RS from BiH were ‘on the table’. “As we tried to discuss the issue of internal BiH’s organization, the idea on separation of the RS came up”, said SBiH’s Beriz Belkic. “Nothing is going to be separated from BiH, what we want is citizens’ democracy; we strongly oppose ethnical principle”, said Party for BiH representative Haris Silajdzic.

SDA, SDP accuse Halilovic of spreading of untrue information on constitutional talks

Oslobodjenje  pg 3 ‘Halilovic repeatedly gibbered some phrases’- SDA accused SBiH official Safet Halilovic that he presented a total untrue, regarding his statements on talks on constitutional changes. SDA claims that they hold to their principles, regarding constitutional changes. SDA also claims that Halilovic mainly remained quiet during the talks and even when he had something to say he would gibber and no one could understand him. During the weekend Halilovic stated that discussion on separation of RS from BiH were lead during the talks, and event stressed that SDA leader Suilejman Tihic and SDP’s Zlatko Lagumdzija were prepared to accept this, but that only ‘huge appetites’ of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik prevented this. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Lagumdzija: Halilovic’s nose grew as Pinocchio’s’ by A. Malagic– Commenting Halilovic’s statement Lagumdzija stated that this whole statement is ‘lie, deception and shameful nonsense’.

Siljadzic addresses citizens at a public debate on constitutional changes

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Cementing Milosevic’s project’ by M.K.S., Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Can Europe accept something built on genocide’ by E.Sarac, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Final solution is referendum’ by D.Mu. – Haris Silajdzic, Found of Party for BH,Monday stated final solution of talks on constitutional changes is referendum, at which citizens could declare what they state they want.

BiH Ambassador to US Turkovic: US will insist on implementation of issues agreed in Washington

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Unlike from BiH, promises in USA mean a lot’, mentioned on cover ‘Interest for BiH raised in USA’ by Admir Malagic – BiH Ambassador to USA Bisera Turkovic says that US leaders want to see BiH as a functional state on its way to Euro-Atlantic integrations, adding that although BiH is step behind other countries from the region, US do not decrease their interest for our country. Turkovic said US will insist on implementation of issues agreed in Washington , since promises in US mean a lot.

Resumption of talks on const. changes uncertain

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Irreconcilable stances of politicians from F BiH and RS’ by A.Sisic – Daily notes referring to statement of politicians (SNSD’ Simic, PDP’ Ivanic and SDS’ Bosic) saying that political parties from RS would not resume talks on constitutional changes unless parties from F BiH changed their stances and demands. Also, political leaders fro F BiH are ready to resume talks, but their priorities differ.

Economic/Sociaql Affairs/Human Rights

BiH House of Reps. Tasked Council of Ministers to solve social and employment issues of decertifiedpolice officers

RHB – During the session held on Monday, the BiH House of Representatives has passed the BiH Council of Ministers’ report on situation with decertified police officers in BiH. BiH Human Rights and Refugees Minister Mirsad Keboinformed the representatives about activities that CoM had taken regarding the inclusion of UN Security Council into this matter. Hayat By Alem Karamesic – BiH HoR has tasked the BiH Council of Ministers to provide means for solving social and employment issues of decertified police officers in BiH. Beside this, Commission, which would supervise the BiH Parliament’s conclusions, will be established as well, and the International Community representatives are asked to engage themselves in the process. The CoM will, within 15 days, brief the Parliament on implementation of conclusions. Diplomatic activities on having the UN Security Council re-examined its stance regarding the decertified BiH police officers are underway. Decertified police officers are faced with difficulties for 4 years now and the question is why BiH authorities have not done a thing in the past 4 years. “I feel sorry for the fact that they had to announce hunger strike in order for the BiH Parliament and BiH CoM to conduct activities”, said the Chair of BiH HoR Nikola Spiric. PINK, BHT1, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Revision of decertified police officers soon’, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Council of Ministers has to help decertified police officers’ by H. Orahova, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘BiH CoM will return rights to policemen’ by D. P.Mandic carried similar reports.

BiH HoR rejected to discuss amendments to Law on VAT, passed initiative for dismissal of Chair of ITA Steering Board Dixon

BHT1 by Mirela Cosic – BIH House of Representatives has rejected the request of Council of Ministers on discussion of amendments to the law on VAT in an urgent procedure. These amendments were related to VAT exemption for publication industry. The request didn’t get majority of RS deputies who say that nothing has changed from last session when regular rather slower procedure was voted for. Momcilo Novakovic from SDS says that the vote was a matter of principles since CoM has voted against certain opinions in the past and is now coming out with this proposal. Advisor to CoM Chair Zlatko Hurtic stated that CoM has consulted with publishers and decided to enter this into agenda through urgent procedure in order to resolve publisher’s problems. Zlatko Lagumdzija from SDP stated that SDP would support every proposal that means VAT exemption for someone. RHB, PINK, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Representatives demanded removal of Joly Dixon’ by A.Terzic, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Demand for removal of Joly Dixon supported’ by D. Polovina-Mandic, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Exemption of publishing from VAT in regular procedure’ by M.Cubro, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Nothing beyond order’ by Z.Domazet carried similar reports.

PINK, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Representatives demanded removal of Joly Dixon’ by A.Terzic, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Demand for removal of Joly Dixon supported’ by D. Polovina-Mandic, Nezavisne Novine pg2 inset ‘Initiative for removal of Joly Dixon accepted’, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Dixon is facing removal’ by D. S.  – BIH House of Representatives accepted the initiative of its Chair Nikola Spiric to start a procedure for dismissal of ITA Steering Board Chair Joli Dixon.

Prices in RS still over 17% owing to laziness of inspectors

EuroBlic cover pg splash ‘Merchants in RS take advantage of inspectors’ laziness’, RSpg 1 ‘Inspectors got lazy’ by Mirna Soja – Daily notes that the prices of groceries in the F BiH have been favorable than in RS following VAT introduction. Daily reports that Ibrahim Tirak, Operational Head of F BiH Price Monitoring Team, noted one of reasons why price increases in RS higher than 17% is the fact that F BiH inspectors are more active than inspectors in RS.

SDP reiterates demands for 0 VAT rate

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘New demand for two VAT rates’ by G.M. – The representatives of the Banja Luka Board of the SDP of BiH Monday at Banja Luka Main Square were distributing leaflets in which they reiterated their demand for introduction of 0 VAT rate for basic groceries, medicines, publishing and orthopedic appliances.

Stojicic to negotiate on passing of RS budget

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Stojicic negotiates with Head of Caucuses’ by N.D.– Head of SDS Caucus in RS National Assembly Borislav Bojic stated that in next few days RSNA Speaker Dusan Stojicic would meet with Head of Caucuses in RSNA to confirm whether there is majority for passing of the RS budget.

BiH Foreign Trade Minister Doko: regional free trade zone would suite BiH

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘To try and solve negativities from agreements with SCG and Croatia’ by A. Malagic– BiH Foreign Trade and Ecconomic Relations Minister Dragan Doko commented for DA proposal of the EC on establishment of regional free trade zone and stressed that in general that would suit BiH. Doko stressed that his Muinustry was not officially informed about the proposal, because of which they would be able to give more concrete comments when they receive the document. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Easier to passing of European standards’ by S. Turcalo– ommenting the EC’s proposal, Professor of Faculty of Economics Azra Hadziahmetovic stated that this free trade zone would bring benefit to BiH.

OHR: BiH has to pass the Law on Ombudsman

Oslobodjenje  pg 2 ‘BiH has to pass the Law on Ombudsman’, Dnevni Avaz  pg 4 ‘Law on BiH Ombudsman is a condition for Council of Europe’, Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Urgently adopt law on ombudsman’, not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 20 ‘Law on ombudsman is condition for Council for Europe’, by D. P., Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Adoption of Law on BH Ombudsman is necessary’ by N.N.  – SDHR Martin Ney called on the members of the BiH Parliament Joint Harmonization Committee to reach agreement on the text of the State Ombudsman Law. The Committee will meet on Wednesday to make a final effort to reach consensus on accepting the House of Peoples’ version of the Law. The State Ombudsman Law was adopted in different texts by the House of Representatives on 8 November and the House of People on 28 November last year. It has been on the agenda of the Harmonization Committee since 4 January 2006. “Any further delay in enacting the State Ombudsman Law will only hamper BiH ‘s prospects within the SAA process,” said Ambassador Ney.  

Crime/Legal Proceedings

Prosecutor re-submitted indictments in Privredna Banka case

RTRS, BHT1, RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Indictment against Mandic, Sarovic and others for the third time’ by S.T., Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Bill of indictment against Momcilo Mandic issued’ by E. Mackic, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Indictment against Sarovic, Mandic, Govedarica and Bjelica filed’ by A.Sisic – BiH Prosecutor Jonathan Rattle has re-submitted indictments against Momcilo Mandic, Mirko Sarovic, Milorad Govedarica and Milovan Bjelica. They are being charged with abuse of positions in Privredna Bank.

Deputy BiH Minister of Civil Affairs Tesanovic: Names of international reps for state Commission in charge of audit of citizenships to be handed over to BiH CoM today

Dnevni List pg 7 ‘To speed up work of Commission for audit of citizenships’ not signed – It was confirmed during the meeting between Deputy BiH Minister of Civil Affairs Zoran Tesanovic with OHR representatives, which was held on Monday, that proposals of names of international representatives for the state Commission in charge of audit of the decisions on naturalization of foreign citizens would be handed over to the BiH Council of Ministers today (Tuesday). The meeting was held in order to speed up the beginning of work of this Commission.

ICTY: Trials to ‘Prlic and others’ postponed until further notice

Dnevni List, pg 9 ‘Prosecution unprepared for beginning of trials’, by Ivica Glibusic, – The trials to former senior officials of Herceg Bosna before the ICTY in the ‘Prlic and others’ case will be, according to what happened at the status conference held on Monday, postponed until April 15 at least. Namely, the presiding judge criticized the Prosecution for submitting the relevant documentation in a disorganized manner, which included 10.000 pages and list of 400 witnesses, asking from the Prosecution to submit a well-organized documentation by February 25. The Prosecution, on the other hand, noted it would not be able to respond to the request by April 15 the earliest. Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Prlic and others’, mentioned on front ‘Prlic and others will defend themselves’, by Zoran Kresic – One of the indictees in the case, Slobodan Praljak, cancelled services of his former lawyers, asking from the ICTY to appoint him new lawyers that would be paid by the ICTY.

Knezevic: HR Ashdown offended victims of Jasenovac

Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘Ashdown offended prisoners of Jasenovac’, not signed – President of Association of surviving prisoners of the ‘Jasenovac’ camp (WWII Ustasha camp in Croatia), Gojko Knezevic, stated that the High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, shamelessly offended members of the people against whom a holocaust and genocide was committed in Jasenovac. The Association has reacted on HR Ashdown’s statement in which the HR admitted he had received an invitation to attend a commemoration service at Jasenovac, but opted not to attend since his advisors believed it would be used by nationalists to draw parallels with Srebrenica. Knezevic made the statement at a press conference in Banja Luka (report does not state when).

NN op-ed critical of RS NA decision to engage German expert to defend RS symbols

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘One despising Council despises the aid’ by Miroslav Mikes – The author criticizes the fact that the RS NA leadership has decided to engage a German lawyer to represent RS side before the BH Constitutional Court in regard to initiative demanding discussion on RS symbols. The author also underlines the difference in the cost of local experts from foreign experts.