OHR BiH Media Round-up, 10/3/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

BiH HoP’s session today

Main Hearing continues in ICJ

HNC Assembly on teachers’ strike

Rehn: SAA with SCG in danger

On trial for genocide in Srebrenica

ICTY :Rebic sentenced for disrespect

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

World News

State Dep. human rights report

Vujanovic sentenced to 20 years

Oil to be removed from Neretva

Vujanovic sentenced to 20 years

Tadic on the apprehension of Mladic

Tihic meets Marovic

Regional news

Court trial for Kravica massacre

Jovic meets Vukicevic

BIH lawsuit against SCG

BiH lawsuit against SCG

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Vujanovic sentenced to 20 years

‘Inpek’ workers started hunger strike

State Dep. human rights report

First Srebrenica case trial in SA

SIPAD and Vranica workers on strike

Fight against drugs action continues

Tadic on Mladic

FBiH Government in session

Reactions to NN article

BiH vs. SCG lawsuit, update

RS Govt. freezes concessions

Radojicic meets Bas-Backer

Oslobodjenje

Belgrade challenges jurisdiction of the Court

Dnevni Avaz

[EC Deputy President Frattini] More liberal visa regime by end of year

Dnevni List

Destiny of FBiH in hands of court ( FBiH Const. Court to decide whether Law on Distribution of Public Incomes in FBiH violates Croat national interest)

Vecernji List

Features Croatia related hedaline

Slobodna Dalmacija

Criminal charges should be filed against people from Fabus (Professor Slavo Kukic on faculty ‘Fabus’ from Novi Sad that organizes lectures and exams in Herzegovina)

Nezavisne Novine

Andan had been organising secret meetings

Glas Srpske

The Constitution is not important [Paravac’s advisor Radulj upon the reply of ICJ]

EuroBlic

Every fifth pupil in BiH does not graduate [data on secondary education]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

BiH HoP in session, disputes over agreement on right of HVO victims

RHB, BH Radio 1 by Mustafa Karahmet – Bosniak Caucus in the BiH House of Peoples has declared the agreement between BiH and Croatia on rights of HVO victims as harmful for Bosniak national interest. The Caucus says that disputable issue is fact that financial support is granted only to those HVO members who have Croatian citizenship, while Serb Caucus stood against the article of the agreement which defines date of the beginning of the war as August 19, 1991 . Croat Caucus rejected invoking vital national interest. BiH HoP is expected to establish a Commission, which would take a stance on the issue, and if they fail to do so the BiH Constitutional Court would take the issue.

SCG continues defence before ICJ: SDS tried to impose peaceful solutions following referendum in BiH in 1992

BH Radio 1 by Jesenko Krehic– Main hearing in BiH lawsuit against SCG for aggression and genocide has continued before the International Court of Justice. SCG legal team has continued with presentation of evidences, which should prove that Serbia has never called for mobilization, trying to prove that there was no aggression and planed genocide. Chief SCG legal representative Radoslav Stojanovic talked about events right before the war started, talking about “peace initiatives of SDS”, which as Stojanovic explained presented several options for peaceful solution of the crisis that occurred after the referendum in 1992.

BiH lawsuit vs. SCG and other war crimes issues

Main hearing before ICJ continues: SCG team again disputes Court’s jurisdiction

BHT1 – The SCG legal team continued with the presentation of its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague in the proceeding of BiH vs. SCG for aggression and genocide. Once again, SCG representatives tried to contest the jurisdiction of the ICJ in the case claiming SCG did not have the access to this court, since it was not the member of the United Nations between 1992 and 2002. BiH launched the lawsuit in 1993, at the time when SCG was not UN country member, argued member of SCG lawyers’ team Vladimir Djeric. SCG team also called on the ICJ decision in 2004 in which it proclaimed itself incompetent in the case of SCG lawsuit against NATO. PINK, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘International Court of Justice has no jurisdiction’ by Agencies, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Lawsuit on weak foundations’ by Srna, Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Belgrade challenges jurisdiction of the Court’ by Nagorka Idrizovic Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Milosevic wanted to be new Tito’ by A.M.– carried similar reports. 

Chief of SCG team Stojanovic denies plans for creation of Great Serbia

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Belgrade challenges jurisdiction of the Court’ by Nagorka Idrizovic – SCG Chief legal representative Radoslav Stojanovic, in process before the ICJ, denied existence of desire to create ‘Great Serbia’ as well as intention of Serbs people to destroy Muslims. Stojanovic stressed that Slobodan Milosevic was using all means to preserve Yugoslavia , in which he would be new Tito, and when he saw that others do not accept that he started with spreading of nationalism.

BiH Presidency Chair Tihic unexpectedly meets SCG President Marovic: lawsuit must not endanger good relations between two countries

BHT1 by Elvir Bucalo, Brussels – During his visit to Brussels, the BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic held an unexpected meeting with the SCG President Svetozar Marovic. According to BHT 1, they discussed relations between two countries, while unavoidable topic was BiH lawsuit against SCG for aggression and genocide. After the meeting, Tihic emphasized that the out-of-the-court settlement with SCG is not a possibility. “There is no individual in BiH that could now discuss some kind of the out of the court settlement with SCG… Nobody has the right [to do that], especially not having in mind all those victims in BiH. Let the Court decide impartially and on grounds of the evidences”, concluded Tihic. SCG President stated: “I think neither of sides will allow this (lawsuit) to slow down, hinder or in any way endanger good relations between SCG and BiH”. RHB, PINK, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Belgrade challenges jurisdiction of the Court’ by Nagorka Idrizovic, Inset ‘No agreement on off-court settlement’, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Verdict can not endanger relations between BiH and SCG’, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘There would be no out-of-court agreement with SCiG’ by Nina, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘International Court of Justice has no jurisdiction’ by Agencies Inset ‘Tihic: lawsuit is not aimed against Serb people’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Lawsuit on weak foundations’ by Srna Inset ‘Out-of-court settlement is not possible’, Vecernje Novosti pg 15 ‘Sweet talk as justification of the lawsuit’ by Zeljko Pantelic– all reported on the meeting.

SCG Ambassador Vukicevic: Suit could endanger relationships between two countries

Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘Suit could endanger relationships between two countries’ by M.K.S., Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Ambassador Vukicevic returns to Belgrade on March 20’ by Fena, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Lawsuit on weak foundations’ by Srna Inset ‘New crisis is unnecessary’ – At his Thursday’s farewell party, SCG Ambassador to BiH Stanimir Vukicevic stated that BiH lawsuit against SCG could endanger relationships between two countries.

Paravac’s Advisor Slobodan Radulj: Serb representatives at BiH joint institutions might have stopped filing of BiH lawsuit against SiCG

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘The Constitution is not important!’ by N. Z. – The article commented on the reply of ICJ to BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravac [see OHR BiH Media Round-up, March 9] by saying that the admittance of ICJ it does not have no decision of BiH bodies on filing of the lawsuit against SiCG only proves the lawsuit had been filed in a “shady manner”. Paravac’s Advisor, Slobodan Radulj, stated that the Serb representatives at BiH joint institutions most probably could have stopped bringing of this lawsuit, they only needed to behave in a “one-sided” manner – the same way the lawsuit had been filed. He noted ICJ is not interested in the internal relations in BiH, it was enough for ICJ to get a letter from Alija Izetbegovic in which he had issued an authorisation to two legal representatives.

Member of BiH Presidency Paravac: RS politicians to sign declaration against the BiH’s lawsuit vs. SCG

BNTV Current Affair program ‘Puls’ By Suzana Radjen Todoric– Commenting the BiH lawsuit against SCG for aggression and genocide, member of BiH Presidency Borislav Paravac repeated his stances that lawsuit is illegal as  it was filed without prior consensus of all peoples in BiH. Paravac reiterated that politicians of the RS have prepared the declaration on the lawsuit, which apart from him, would be signed RS President Dragan Cavic, RS Prime minister Milorad Dodik, RSNA Speaker Igor Radojcic, Chair of BIH House of Representatives Nikola Spiric, Co-Chair of BIH House of Peoples Goran Milojevic and BIH Foreign Affair Minister Mladen Ivanic. He explained that declaration focuses on BiH’s future, in light of its path toward the EU integrations, where the lawsuit is an obstacle on “the path of reconciliation amongst peoples in BIH”. As an alternative to the lawsuit, Paravac proposes intensive diplomatic negotiations, where the truth could be presented and where ‘involved sides could apologize’. He deems that many Ambassadors to BIH share this opinion. “The best outcome would be for ICJ to reconsider its competence in this case. There are reasonable arguments for this request by SCG team,” noted Paravac.

Banja Luka County Court sentences Vujanovic to 20 years for war crimes in Bosanski Novi

BHT1 – On Thursday, the Banja Luka County Court sentenced Milanko Vujanovic (48) from Novi Grad (formerly, Bosanski Novi) to 20 years in prison after he was found guilty for committing war crimes against the civilians. The interpretation of the verdict reads that the Court proceeding proved that Vujanovic, together with two fellow RS Army members, murdered five Bosniak civilians in October 1992 in the settlement of Blagaj Rijeka near Bosanski Novi. The Court’s Council decided Vujanovic would remain in detention until verdict is in the effect.  RHB, PINK, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ’20 years for Milanko Vujanovic’ by Fena, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ’20 years in prison for Milanko Vujanovic’ not signed, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Vujanovic sentenced to 20 years’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Milanko Vujanovic sentenced to 20 years in prison’ by B. S., Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ’20 years of prison for war crimes’ by N. Moraca – reported.

Serbian President Tadic: Mladic was always a problem for Serbia

BHT1– Serbian President Boris Tadic stated that locating the ICTY indictee Ratko Mladic ‘was always a problem for Serbian authorities’, even when he was the minister of defence. ‘We are aware of the consequences if Mladic in not apprehended soon; I want to believe that it is going to happen, because if it doesn’t – than we will have a problem’, said Tadic in an interview for Austrian ORF. Hayat– Tadic said he was going to ask for confidentiality mark to be stripped of the report of military-security agency on Mladic. The ICTY Delegation, which is in visit to Belgrade, investigates activities, which have been carried out so far, regarding the issue. SCG Defence Minister Zoran Stankovic said that Mladic was protected by a small number of people. FTV– carried similar report. Dnevni List pg 20 Small group of people secures Mladic’ not signed, EuroBlic pg 2 ‘Mladic secret as long as investigation is ongoing’ by Tanja Nikolic-Djakovic– also carries Stankovic.

DA: US and UK intelligence teams located Karadzic and Mladic

Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘American and English intelligence teams withdrew from field’ by E.Sarac – Article learns from international intelligence circles that American and English intelligence teams withdrew from BiH and SCG after they have located Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic. Author alleges that Serbian Government and State Intelligence Agency [BIA] transferred Karadzic to an island country out of region, and Mladic is in Eastern Herzegovina, in Bileca region, in sight of RS Ministry of Interior. Daily further states that Mladic is under constant medical supervision, due to his worsen health and conditions, adding that RS MoI would not admit that they located Mladic for they would be put under international pressure.

RS PM Dodik asks for accelerating of searching or missing persons process

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Dodik asks faster investigation on missing’ not signed– RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik asked authorized institutions in FBiH and BiH to maximally accelerate the process of searching for missing persons. Regarding the protests of Eastern Sarajevo Association of Families’ of Missing, Dodik sent a letter with this demand to BiH Constitutional Court, Human Right Chamber within BiH CC, Council of Ministers, FBiH Government, ICMP and International Committee of Read Cross. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘To establish commission for missing in Sarajevo’ by O.V., Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Faster to truth on sufferings in BIH’ by S. G. – also reported.

EU integrations and human rights

US annual report on Human Rights practices:

BiH still with war criminals, violation of human rights, corruptions

BHT1– The US Administration published its annual Report on Human Rights Practices, in which US State Department commended the general improvement in human rights and democracy on the Balkans. However, according to this report, the main problem remains the same: most wanted ICTY indictees, Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic have not yet been apprehended. State Department’s report emphasized numerous violations of human rights, corruption, political influence on judiciary, lack of media freedoms and trafficking in women is still present in BiH. The worst violations of human rights have been noted in North Korea, Cuba, Belarus, Myanmar and Zimbabwe. Analysts deem that State Department once again pointed to the situation with human rights in more than 190 countries, while completely ignoring the violation of human rights within the United States, as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan, where US military forces are stationed.  PINK, Hayat, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘State Department annal report on Human Rights in BiH unfavourable’ by l. Sinanovic, Dnevni List pg 7 ‘Huge influence of politics and political parties on BiH judiciary’ by A.B., Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘BiH journalists are exposed to pressures and threats’ by D. Ra. And S. G. – also carried the report, but without commenting on Iraq, Afghanistan.

NATO SCG Scheffer met Presidency Chair Tihic: full coop. with ICTY is in BiH’s interest

RTRS – During the visit to Brussels, Chair of BiH Presidency Sulejman Tihic met with NATO General Secretary Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. Schefer stressed that it is in BIH interest to accomplish full cooperation with ICTY stressing that RS has made certain progress. BiH delegation was urged that the apprehension of Radovan Karadzic and the remaining ICTY fugitives is something that has to be done. Tihic also met the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Javier Solana. They both agreed that constitutional changes and reforms in BIH would lead towards faster BIH membership in EU. Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘BiH soldiers in peace mission in Afghanistan as well’ mentioned on cover by A.Malagic– Tihic stated for DA that they have discussed the possibility for BiH soldiers to participate peace missions in Afghanistan as well. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Trustee fund for demobilized’ by Fena– Tihic and Scheffer talked about establishment of a trustee fund for demobilized soldiers, where 13 million euros would be intended for 11.000 soldiers that were demobilized in current reform processes Hayat, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Hague signposts’ by Srna– also reported. 

Security Minister Colak meets EU Interior Comm.  Frattini; intro of biometric passports, agreement on readmission next steps toward liberalization of visa regime

FTV– BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak and EU Commissioner for Justice and Interior Affairs, Franco Frattini, discussed in Brussels the liberalisation of the visa regime for BiH citizens. During the meeting, BiH authorities have been told that further steps towards liberalization of the regime need to be directed towards introduction of biometric passports and signing of the contract on readmission with the European Commission, which facilities readmission to their own country of persons residing without authorisation in the MemberState. Biometric passports are personal documents that contain a chip with information about the holder of document, including fingerprints. Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Biometrical passport a pre-condition’ not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘BiH soon to get list of activities’ not signed – After meeting with Frattini, Colak stated for DA that he expects that BiH would soon get the list of activities, it has to conduct in order to get more liberalized visa regime. BHT1, Hayat, RTRS, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘By biometric passports to visa liberalization in easier way’ by E.M., Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Change of passports for third time’ by E. Medunjanin, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Softening of visa regime’ by Z. D. – reported.

EC Comm. Frattini: Talks on visa regime to start before summer holidays; police reform is not a condition, but a strong argument in favour

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 5 ‘More liberal visa regime by end of year’ by Sead Numanovic – In an interview for DA, European Commission [EC] Deputy President and EU Legal and Security Commissar Francesco Frattini said that: “Abolishing visa regime is something that BiH as well as other EU candidates would have to wait for some time. How long that would be, at this moment I would not know, but what I know is that first so called inquiry talks are to start in April. This would enable me to get mandate to start formal talks on visa regime before summer holidays. So, it would be pretty quickly.” Fratini said that he told BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak that BiH should prepare introduction of biometric [microchip technology] passports, as a measure of improving borders’ security. Asked if police reform is a condition for liberalisation of visa regime, he said explicitly: “No, but it is a very important argument. If I have arguments like speed up police reform, secure and quality passports, prepared contract on readmission, more secure outer borders, than I have strong arguments to represent BiH stance on that issue.” This is Frattini’s first interview for BiH media.

EU Foreign Ministers announce suspending SAA talks with SCG, BiH if Mladic/Karadzic aren’t apprehended soon

FTV – EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs will discuss the situation in the Western Balkans during the informal meeting scheduled to begin on Friday. Austrian Presidency prepared the draft declaration on the progress made since June 2003. EU and ICTY Prosecution want Serbia to arrest and extradite Ratko Mladic and BiH, i.e. RS, to arrest and extradite Radovan Karadzic as soon as possible. In case it does not happen, it is possible that EU will freeze the talks on Stabilisation and Association Agreement with both countries, is said in the draft declaration. “We have clearly said that it is the time for full cooperation with The Hague Tribunal. This is not an unreasonable request to Serbia… and we expect that they would obey it, especially since they do not need any more postponements on the path to Europe”, stated Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ursula Plassnik.

CoM Chair Terzic: By announcing suspension of SAA with BiH, some try to ease pressure on SCG

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘EU members want to loose the pressure against SiCG’ by M. Cubro – Chair of the BiH Council of Ministers, Adnan Terzic, commented the possibility for the EU to suspend SAA talks with BiH stating that such stance has nothing to do with the EC’s stance, but with the differences among 25 EU member states and their politics. “It is obvious that [this way] some are trying to decrease the pressure on SCG,” commented Terzic.   

RS Government, dismissals, accusation vs SDS

RSNA Speaker Radojicic meets SDHR Bas-Backer and UK Amb. Rycroft; SDHR warns political influence on police would be ‘a reason for concern’

RTRS – On Thursday, the RS National Assembly Speaker Igor Radojicic met with Senior Deputy to the HR Peter Bas-Backer and British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft. They talked about police and education reform in BiH as well as implementation of the law on public administration. At the occasion, SDHR reminded that any kind of political influence on police reform process would be an “additional reason for concern”. SDHR warned that any political interference with police reform at this moment would represent a reason for concern. He also announced that the officials in charge of police reform in BiH will visit Banja Luka to assess the situation and see what can be done further. Radojicic stressed that the Assembly Board for Defense and Security would conduct the thematic debates on the course of police and defense reforms. Radojicic also agreed with Rycroft and Bas-Backer that delays in education reform are not acceptable. Rycroft also met with SDS caucus in RSNA. Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Job accessible to everyone’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 4 ‘M. Rycroft: There would be no more surprises’ by bs – British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft stated in Banja Luka that he expects that there would be no more surprises and resignations in the RS Government. After the meeting with RSNA Speaker Igor Radojcic, Rycrfot stressed necessity that the Law on Public Administration be applied completely.  RHB, BHT1, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Unacceptable political interference’ by Fena, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘RS has to solve ICTY cooperation issue’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Do not mix politics with police reform’ by V. P., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Acceleration of reforms is necessary’ by Z. Markovic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘RS Government is facing many tasks’ by V. P., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Acceleration of reforms is necessary’ by Z. Markovic, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Rycroft: Action, not only words’ by M. S.– carried.

NN article accuses SDS’s high officials for assisting Karadzic

RTRS – BIH Prosecution couldn’t deny or confirm the writing of ‘Nezavisne Novine’ related to investigation against certain SDS officials and RS Police Director Dragomir Andan in as stated financing of ICTY indictees. OHR also wouldn’t comment the article in NN stressing that this issue should be addressed to the judicial institutions. Article accuses Andan, SDS Chair Dragan Cavic, former Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic and former RSNA Speaker Dusan Stojicic of helping Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic. It also stresses that former director of Privredna Bank East Sarajevo Momcilo Mandic and his brother and son Mladjen and Vladimir Mandic were also included in this action together with several police officials. RS Minister for Refugees and Displaced Persons Omer Brankovic stated that RS Government didn’t discuss this issue at the session held on Thursday. Reporter stresses that they sent a memorandum to Andan’s office asking him to comment the article, which has not yet happened. Stojicic stated that entire article is made up and stupid. “This is an attempt to construct an alibi for new Government and new Minister of Interior and their obvious inability to perform concrete things”, says Stojicic. Mladjen Mandic denied he knows politicians mentioned.

BiH Prosecution cannot either deny or confirm NN article

Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘We work on large case and I cannot anticipate who investigation would lead us to’ by H.O. – BiH Chief Prosecutor Marinko Jurcevic said for DA that he cannot “neither confirm nor deny information that there is an ongoing investigation on RS Police Director Dragomir Andan.” Jurcevic added that Prosecution is working on large case concerning organized criminal, but he could not anticipate who investigation would lead to.

SDS denies accusations and announces lawsuit against NN

RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 11 inset ‘Cavic demands apology or he would file lawsuit’, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Cavic accuses a part of Editorial Board of “Nezavisne” of conducting a political pursuit’ by RS President’s Cabinet, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Cavic is preparing the lawsuit’ by Z. M. – Dragan Cavic stressed that he wants an apology from Nezavisne novine for publishing the article on alleged investigation against SDS officials, otherwise he will file a lawsuit against them. Announcement from Cavic’s office states that it seems that the article in NN was prepared by the RS Minister of Interior Stanislav Cadjo and NN staff.

NN Director, Editorial Board “shocked” with press statement by Dragan Cavic: he is threatening to NN

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Dragan Cavic is threatening to “Nezavisne Novine”’ by Director and Editorial Board of Nezavisne Novine – The Director and Editorial Board of “Nezavisne Novine” issued a press statement following the press statement of RS President Dragan Cavic’s Cabinet and stated they were shocked and astonished with Cavic’s press release because, after reading it, they got an impression the release contains threats, not threats with court but threats with some other means of resolving of this issue. NN claims the information they published were not insinuations, but documents that had been forwarded to BiH Prosecutor’s Office.

NN: RS Police Director Andan organized secret meetings on financing Karadzic, Mladic

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Andan had been organising secret meetings’ and pg 5 ‘Andan had been organising secret meetings of SDS, RS MoI and criminals’ by A. Sisic – Documents of EUFOR and other international organisations, which are in possession of BiH Prosecutor’s Office and on base of which an investigation will be launched against the top of SDS and a number of RS MoI officials, reads that RS police director Dragomir Andan had been organising the majority of secret meetings of SDS leadership on the issue of providing financial assistance to Mladic and Karadzic, RS MoI officials and people who belonged to RS criminal circles during 2005. [NOTE: the article publishes a copy of one of the documents, extensively explains its contents and announces it would continue reporting on these meetings]

Mladjen Mandic, Dusan Stojicic, Zoran Sredic and Dragoljub Mastalo deny any involvement

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Andan had been organising secret meetings’ and pg 5 ‘Andan had been organising secret meetings of SDS, RS MoI and criminals’ by A. Sisic, Inset ‘Fabrications and nonsense’ – RS Assistant Minister of Judiciary Mladjen Mandic denied he had attended any of the alleged secret meetings, while Deputy SDS President and former RS NA Speaker Dusan Stojicic denied the top officials of SDS and RS Police Director Dragomir Andan had anything to do with aiding Hague fugitives. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘We were not on the meetings’ by Zoran Sredic and Dragoljub Mastalo – Two of persons NN mentioned as participants of the secret meetings, Zoran Sredic and Dragoljub Mastalo, sent a letter to NN denying their attendance.

DA:  former RS PM Bukejlovic denies he knows anything about secret meetings or supporting Karadzic

Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘Dodik’s confrontation with SDS on scene’ by N.Diklic-E.Sarac – Responding to accusations published in an article of NN [Thursday] with list of high SDS officials are accused for providing of assistance to Radovan Karadzic, daily carries reaction of former RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic who said that he did not know anything about it. “Even if such gatherings [of Karadzic’s supporters] ever took place, I neither knew about it nor visited it,” said Bukejlovic, adding that he does not know most people from the list. Article also carries statements of EUPM spokesperson Zinaida Ilarija, SDS President Dragan Cavic and former RS Assistant Minister of Justice Mladjen Mandic. Daily carries that they failed to get comments from RS Spokesperson Radovan Pejic and RS Police Director Dragomir Andan.

One of people mentioned in NN report also one of recently dismissed assistants in RS Ministries

Hayat by ATV – In line with the article published in Nezavisne Novine which claims that SDS officials are being suspected of providing assistance to Radovan Karadzic, ATV reminded of the all dismissals that happened within the RS Government administration in last few days. Former assistant to the RS Justice Minister, Mladjen Mandic says that he is the only one out of 75 assistant to Ministers and secretaries in the RS Government who was dismissed due to political revenge. Mandic says that he would not leave the things the way they are. “I am not interested in what RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik thinks about me or in what I think about him. I know what justice is and I am going to demand my rights in court”, says Mandic. Dodik said that there was no reason to speak about the issue of recent dismissals that much since they were in line with the law. On the other hand, SDS claims that nothing is in line with the law, especially dismissals in the RS Ministry of Interior. Vecernje Novosti pg 12 ‘Secret meetings’ not signed – also carries Mandic.

EUFOR, OHR, EUPM: matter for domestic authorities

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘EUFOR and OHR: Matter for BiH judiciary’ not signed – Asked to comment on the text on secret meetings that was published in NN, EUFOR, OHR and EUPM stated this was a matter for local authorities, while BiH Prosecutor’s Office wanted neither to confirm nor deny claims on opening of the investigation.

RS Government replaced four assistants at Ministry of Finances, appointed acting assistants to other Ministries

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘New assistants at the Ministry of Finances were appointed’ by D. Risojevic – RS Government on Thursday appointed four new assistants of RS Minister of Finances replacing those assistants that have refused to resign. The Government also dismissed Mladjan Mandic, the assistant of the Minister of Justice, but did not appoint anyone to this position. Most of assistants who resigned at other Ministries were appointed to the same positions as acting assistants until new assistants are selected through vacancy notices. The article carries names of the appointed persons.

SB: RS PM Dodik to revise universities in RS

Slobodna Bosna pg 11 ‘Serious actions of Dodik’s Government towards wild universities to follow’ not signed – SB learns from its source in RS Government that after removal of RS police and RS Government officials, RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik will continue his policy and start investigating corruption of the RS universities.

Economic issues

RS Government bans several contracts on concessions and authorized Ministry to conduct an audit

RTRS – During its Thursday’s session, RS Government decided to ban several contracts on concessions for usage of agriculture land due to certain irregularities. It also tasked RS Ministry of Forestry, Agriculture and Water Management to audit the entire process of awarding concessions. Authorized Minsiter Slaven Pekic said when it comes to concessions opinion of local community would be relevant in the future. RS Government also reached a decision on expropriation of land needed for construction of Banja Luka-Gradiska highway. RS Minister for Refugees and Displaced Persons Omer Brankovic stated that construction of the highway cannot wait any longer and added that the court will determine the price of land. RS Government also worked on draft law on budget system and allocation of funds for local communities and will forward it to RS National Assembly in the form of proposal. PINK, FTV, BHT1, Oslobodjenje pg 9 ’10 contracts on concessions annulled’ by O.V., Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Contracts on concessions were halted’ by D. R., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Concessions under microscope’ by G. Dakic, EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘All contracts were annulled’ by Mirna Soja – carried on the session, in shorter versions.

FBiH Government tasks Privatization Agency to submit report on Energopetrol co-capitalisation

Hayat– After the session held in Mostar on Thursday, FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic, FBiH Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic and FBiH Minister of Energy, Industry and Mining Vahid Heco met with representatives of Energopetrol Trade Union and Management. The Government issued a statement, which reads that it tasked FBiH Privatization Agency to submit report on the work of Commission in charge of carrying out public bid on Energopetrol co-capitalization. Chair of the company’s Trade Union, Nusret Mamic, said the workers strike have suspended the strike until Wednesday, when the FBiH Government is expected to come up with the solution. RHB, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Decision on Energopetrol on next session’ pg 9 ‘Decision on Energopetrol on next session’ by M.K. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Decision on Energopetrol’s faith, next week’ by A.Avdic, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘New powers for Financial Police’ by I. Glibusic, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Energopterol workers with Ministers’ not signed – also reported.

FBiH Govt in session, discussion on concession commission

FTV – During the Thursday’s session, held in Mostar FBiH Government allotted 250,000 KM to the FBiH Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry, to be spent on the ‘Breza’ coalmine. Government also defined the Draft Amending Law on Financial Police, and forwarded it to the parliamentary procedure. FBiH Government also discussed and gave its consent to the documents of the FBiH Concession Commission, to the rules governing the concession grant procedure, and to the rules for assessing concession royalties. Among other things, those rules define the concession grant procedure, as well as the commission’s composition, number of members and modus operandi. Hayat, PINK, BHT1, Dnevni Avaz ‘Regulations on granting of concessions established’ by M.K. – also carried.

FBiH Const. Court to decide whether Law on Distribution of Public Incomes in FBiH violates Croat national interest

Dnevni List cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘Destiny of FBiH in hands of court’ by M. Zorlak says that few days ago the FBiH Constitutional Court (CC) decided that it cannot accept the demand for judging a vital national interest that the Croat Caucus in the FBiH HoP invoked after the Law on Distribution of Public Incomes in the FBiH was adopted. Also, the FBiH CC stated in this decision what both Houses should do so that the FBiH CC takes this demand fro consideration. With regard to this decision the session of the Joint Commission took place on Thursday, however the agreement was not reached due to different stands of the Commission’s member. DL says that the FBiH CC should be informed about this development and then the FBiH CC would decide on acceptability of the Croat Caucus’ demand within 7 days and within 30 days it would decide whether the Law violates the Croat vital national interest or not.

HR Schwarz-Schilling and BiH businessmen on Ce-BIT

FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Dokic asked for support of digitalisation of PBS system’ by Tarik Lazovic from Hanover – During their visit to IT fair [Ce-BIT] in Hanover, delegation of BiH businessmen together with High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling visited exhibits of Microsoft, Siemens and Deutsche Telecom. Article reads that BiH businessmen used the opportunity to let be introduced to the newest technology. Lanaco representative Nebojsa Ninic stressed importance of Schwarz-Schilling’s initiative to support IT sector in BiH. On initiative of Schwarz-Schilling, BiH Communications Minister Branko Dokic met with businessmen from sector of communications. Dokic said he demanded support of HR in the project of digitalization of Public Broadcasting System [PBS]. High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling, who is one of founders of the fair.

BiH Comm. for budget, finances rejects changes and addenda to VAT law

EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Foreign Currency Savings and VAT got negative marks’ by M. S., Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Terzic’s proposals on exemption of press from VAT declined’ by H.Orahovac, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘VAT for publishing sector remains’ by A.T. – BiH Parliamentary Commission for Budget and Finances did not approve the BiH draft law on verification and payment of old foreign currency savings, and it also rejected the draft changes and addenda to the law on VAT, which foresees exemption of publishers from paying VAT.

CoM issues, Constitutional changes

DA int with Terzic: This is the third attack on Government that leads BiH towards Europe

Dnevni Avaz pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘This is the third attack on Government that leads BiH towards Europe’ by S.Numanovic – Commenting initiative for casting vote of no confidence to BiH Council of Ministers launched by SP RS deputy to the BiH House of Representatives Tihomir Gligoric, BiH CoM Chair Adnan Terzic said that he is not surprised by this initiative. Terzic said that this is the third time that opposition parliamentarians are questioning status of CoM, adding that although he does not agree with the timing, he is not worried. “It is obvious that someone is trying to use opportunity to bring BiH in position of SCG – they are under threat that EU will stop talks on Stabilisation and Association Agreement [SAA],” said Terzic, adding that it is absolutely not about dysfunctional government, but the government that has clear and precise European perspective.

SP RS deputy to BiH HoR Gligoric expects wide support to for casting vote of no confidence to BiH CoM

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Gligoric anticipate new Council of Ministers Chair’ by N.D. – After launching an initiative for casting vote of no confidence to BiH Council of Ministers SP RS deputy to the BiH House of Representatives Tihomir Gligoric said for daily that he expects wide support from his colleagues. “I am convinced that all RS-based parties will support my initiative,” said Gligoric, adding that he also expects support from HDZ-Demo-Christians and part of SDA that is not pleased with work of BiH CoM Chair Adnan Terzic.

SDS and PDP to support initiative for vote of non-confidence in CoM;

SDA: reasons stated in initiative were ridiculous, this is proof pre-election campaign was launched

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Are Terzic’s days numbered?’ by D. Momic – Following the initiative for casting a vote of non-confidence in CoM and CoM Chairman, SDS’s Dusan Stojicic confirmed SDS delegates would support the initiative but he said he does not believe SDP and PDP would do the same since they have supported the adoption of the budget. PDP’s Jelina Djurkovic denied this claim and added PDP finds neither Terzic nor Justice Minister Slobodan Kovac are fit for their positions. SDA’s Elmir Jahic said the reasons stated in the initiative were ridiculous and added this is a part of political marketing of some parties as well as a proof that the pre-election campaign has been launched already.

CoM Chair says he would not allow Defence Minister Radovanovic to be either dismissed or to resign

Dnevni Avaz pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘This is the third attack on Government that leads BiH towards Europe’ by S.Numanovic – Commenting SDS demand for their Deputy Ministers to resign, the Chair of the BiH Council of Ministers, Adnan Terzic, said he completely understands position of this party, adding that parties, which are majority, should take the responsibility for processes at the state level. Terzic said he would be sorry to have deputy Ministers Dragan Mektic and Slobodan Ecimovic to leave, however he strongly underlined that he would not accept the request for removal of Defence Minister Nikola Radovanovic: “Reform of the armed forces is on-going, we have state defence ministry and we are preparing the programme to join NATO in 2008. All this is in hands of Minister Radovanovic. Regardless of the eventual consequences for me, I cannot accept the SDS demand to dismiss him.” Terzic concludes he would not accept Radovanovic resignation either. Nezavisne novine pg 2 ‘Terzic keeps minister of Defence and Justice’ – Terzic said he is to meet Mektic and Ecimovic on Monday to try to influence their decision to resign from the CoM. NN also carries Ecimovic who stressed once again he would resign, while Slobodan Kovac, BiH justice minister, previously rejected the possibility to tender resignation. Radovanovic did not want to comment.

SDA expects political parties leaders to reach agreement on const. changes respecting Venice Commission recomm.

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘State government works good’ by Fena, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘SDA does not support removal of BiH CoM!’ by R. Dautefendic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Softening of visa regime’ by Z. D.  – SDA expects leaders of political parties to reach an agreement on the method of appointment of members of the BiH Presidency respecting the recommendations of the Venice Commission, and that they will in the next several days complete talks on the first phase of constitutional reforms in BiH. SDA Presidency member Tarik Sadovic said SDA leader Sulejman Tihic should initiate this meeting as soon as he return from Belgium and Luxemburg. SDA rejected the initiative of three deputies in the State Parliament for a vote of no confidence to the BiH Council of Ministers because it views the initiative as damaging and aimed at stopping BiH in the road towards the EU and NATO.

DL: Decision on const. changes after Tihic is back

Dnevni List pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘Entities remain, election of Presidency disputable’ by D. P. Mandic – DL learns that the final decision on this issue would be passed at a new meeting of political leaders that should take place after Chairman of the BiH Presidency Sulejman Tihic returns from Brussels.

SBiH founder Silajdzic: I agree with most stands of Croat negotiators when BiH organization is in question

Vecernji List pg 6, mentioned on cover ‘I agree with Croats regarding organization of state’ by R. Bubalo carries an interview with founder of SBiH Haris Silajdzic who says that the constitutional changes talks are being run in a non-transparent way and that SBiH would not put its signature on such agreement. Asked how big the International Community’s pressure is with regard to this issue, Silajdzic said: ‘It is up to you to decided how big they are having in mind the fact that some sessions took place in the BiH Central Bank and they lasted till dawn. Obviously, someone is in big hurry.’ Silajdzic also said that it seems that he agrees with most stands of Croat negotiators since SBiH is also against entity division of BiH and the way of decision-making in the BiH Parliament. He added that he is not aware of Croat negotiators’ current stands with regard to the BiH Presidency. OBN Current Affair program ‘Telering’ By Mato Djakovic– In an interview to OBN, Silajdzic also stressed that the agreement on const. changes shouldn’t be signed before the end of ICTY process against Slobodan Milosevic, arrests of Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic and end of the lawsuit before the International Court of Justice.

Oslobodjenje op-ed: SBiH is destroying BiH

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Treason’ op-ed by Zija Dizdarevic – Commenting recent political activities of SBiH regarding talks on constitutional changes when they accused SDA and SDP for treason, editorial reads that “SBiH and its followers accuse US and EU for working on destruction of BiH, but they are doing that themselves by mindless radicalisation of BiH political scene.”

NHI leader Zubak on const. changes: HDZ deals with not that significant issues, while putting the important ones aside

Dani pgs 12-15, mentioned on cover ‘Covic degraded HDZ’ by Senad Pecanin – Repeating his stances on talks on constitutional changes, in an lengthy interview for Dani, NHI leader Kresimir Zubak said that HDZ, led by Dragan Covic, was completely misdirected, dealing with not that significant issues, while putting important ones aside. Zubak accused HDZ for not taking care of issues that could really protect Croat national interests, such as BiH Parliament and establishment of BiH Government, but only securing positions in the BiH Presidency, which will anyway have decreased authority.

Dani op-ed: Talks on const. changes revealed deficiency of Croat political scene in BiH

Dani pg 3 ‘Timeout for HDZ’ op-ed by Ivan Lovrenovic – Commenting recent inter-party quarrels over talks on constitutional changes, editorial reads that both sides [SDP, SDA, SDS, SNSD, PDP on one side, and SBiH, SDU and BOSS on the other side] are being set up by International Community [IC]. Author says that the talks were conducted from the angle of needs of Washington and Brussels. Editorial comments that all BiH parties involved are aware of that fact, adding that they are just playing pre-elections cheap political games – ones being pragmatic, the others buying votes making big noise. Editorial notes that HDZ, as “the only political representative of Croat people in this country” could not fight for more significant role in the talks, concluding that “outcomes of [US Institute for Peace Representative Donald] Hayes’ talks doubtless reveal all the deficiency of Croat political scene and strength in BiH”.