Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 11 January
| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs) | BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs) | RTRS (12,00 hrs) |
| Strike in schools in | ZHC Teachers on strike | Ivanic on Rogatica EUFOR action |
| SNSD on RS Government | PDP to support SNSD initiative | HDZ’ membership at EPP frozen |
| RS MoI on Abazovic arrest | EPP frozen HDZ status | Preparations for |
TV news broadcast on 10 January
| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
| HVIDRA offices raided in | Eid celebrations | Eid celebrations in |
| Arrest warrant for Captain Dragan | Eid celebrations in | Eid celebrations in BIH cities |
| Hartmann on Milosevic’s request | Eid celebrations in | Eid traditions/ customs |
| WN: New case of avian flu in | HR’s letter to BIH Parliamentarians | Significance of Pilgrimage to |
| NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
| Eid celebrations in BiH | World News | Initiative for RS Gov. dismissal |
| Tihic, Terzic visit Izetbegovic’s grave | Eid celebrations in | SNSD on irregularities in Doboj |
| Eid customs in BiH | Eid payer in SA | Matijasevic visits Dragoljub Abazovic |
| Eid celebrations in tent settlement | Eid celebrations marked in BIH cities | VAT implementation |
| Oslobodjenje | [Effendi Ceric] Universal accordance of different religious holidays |
| Dnevni Avaz | Effendi Ceric: Secret of success is true faith and good deed |
| Dnevni List | Merdzo goes to |
| Vecernji List | Croatia related headline |
| Slobodna Dalmacija | 20 000 pupils ‘expelled ‘ from classes (strike of teachers in West Herzegovina Canton) |
| Nezavisne Novine | The joy with Eid divided with the kin |
| Glas Srpske | They take away without asking |
| EuroBlic | Opposition demands a confidence vote in RS Government |
| Vecernje novosti | Features Serbian related topics |
| Oslobodjenje | [Effendi Ceric] Universal accordance of different religious holidays |
LATEST NEWS OF TODAY | |
| Ivanic: PDP to join SNSD in voting no-confidence vote
| BH Radio 1 – PDP Char Mladen Ivanic has confirmed that PDP will support SNSD, SP and DNS in an initiative to cast a vote of no confidence to the RS government. Ivanic also stated that if SNSD decides to establish a new government, his party would consider supporting it under certain condition [without specifying which]. SNSD has announced to submit the initiative officially to the RSNA Speaker Dusan Stojicic today. |
| HDZ confirms EPP froze their status
| BH Radio 1 – HDZ Spokesperson Miso Relota confirmed that EPP has decided to freeze HDZ’s observer status until the end of trial against HDZ Chair Dragan Covic before the |
| Tadic: Entire BiH should stand behind suit against SiCG, which is not the case
| BH Radio 1, RTRS – Serbian President, Boris Tadic, is of the view that a “brutal civil war” was going on in BiH, adding that all those composing BiH today should stand behind the BiH lawsuit against SiCG, which is not the case, according to Tadic. In a statement to “Danas” weekly, he noted that |
No confidence to RS Government? | |
| SNSD to cast vote of no confidence to the government today; RS Govt urges budget adoption
| BHT1 by Boris Gagic – According to the latest information, SNSD, Socialist Party and DNS will officially request to cast a vote of no confidence to the RS Government on Wednesday. Since SDA, |
| PDP, SBiH,
| RTRS – PDP and Radical Party ‘Vojislav Seselj’ stated on Tuesday that it would support the initiative of voting no-confidence to the RS Govt. Milanko Mihajlica from Radical Party stated that his party would also support the SNSD initiative. Tarik Sadovic from SDA stated that they would vote for SNSD initiative. He stressed that their votes will depend upon distribution of personnel in the RS institutions among other things. EuroBlic cover pg splash ‘Opposition demands a confidence vote in RS Government’, RSpg 2 ‘Three men versus Bukejlovic’ by Rajna Radosavljevic, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘A confidence vote in RS Government demanded’ by V.Popovic – Daily adds along with PDP, DNS and SP, the SNSD’ motion will be supported by |
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| Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘New colaition’ by Z.M. – The |
| Terzic warns RS crisis should not be transferred onto BiH level
| Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Authority crisis at state level is unnecessary’, announced on cover ‘Crisis from RS should not be transferred onto the state level’ by V.Popovic – Adnan Terzic, BiH COM Chair, has warned that the authority crisis in the RS may be transferred into the state level, assessing that it would not have a good impact upon BiH talks on |
| NN op-ed supportive of Dodik’s initiative
| Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Multiplication table’ by Anton Kasipovic – Supportive of RS opposition claims that RS Government has not done a lot ever since it assumed function (noting there are only two ministries and its ministers in charge standing out: police and finance), the author notes that the failure to adopt the budget for 2006 may be a direct motive for overthrowing of Govt, but not the sole cause. The author stresses it is indisputable RS Govt has no parliament majority, stressing it is evident Milorad Dodik is the sole candidate for Cabinet. However, Kasapovic underlines the greatest danger for Dodik is himself, since people will expect immediate changes rather than waiting more for such. The headline refers to possible calculations Dragan Cavic may be doing (i.e. between Dodik and Pero Bukejlovic), concluding that: “If Cavic is indeed trying to choose between the responsibility of the RS President and |
Other political issues | |
| Professor Boyle: Hays reforms directed at strengthening of ‘racist and genocide creation’
| BHT1 by Vlade Simovic – Professor of International and Human Law at the University of Illinois, creator of BiH lawsuit against Serbia-Montenegro for aggression and genocide and BiH legal representative before The Hague Tribunal Francis Boyle stated that the main aim of so-called Representative of the US Institute for Peace Donald Hays’ reforms is to ensure the uniting of RS with Serbia. “If you read the Hays’ document you will see that guaranties the existence of RS. More important is timing of the reforms. The answer is simple and clear. With this International Community gives a clear signal to |
| Covic: new round of talks in Feb or March without international mediator
| Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Doors for constitutional changes yet to be opened’ mentioned on cover ‘Sarajevo is my capital’ by Faruk Vele – In an interview to DA, HDZ leader Dragan Covic commented the talks on the constitutional changes stating that only cosmetic changes have been agreed so far, adding that the essential changes would take place only once the discussions on mid-level of authorities is to take place. Asked whether it is possible to discuss the changes in the internal structure of BiH while RS politicians insist on the RS existence, Covic answered positively adding that he understands such demands but points out that the structure just doesn’t work, which is obvious in current situation with the RS Government. Nevertheless, Covic believes that there could be a way found to discuss even abolishment of the entities, adding that such talks about first of all would have to exclude the presence of the international community. In light of this, Covic announces that on 15 January he would demand the continuation of the talks in February or March without a presence of the international mediator that would enable parties to be “more honest when we talk alone”. Commenting recent HDZ Main Board meeting in Mostar which give absolute support to him, Covic stated: “I think I am not a winner, the winner is HDZ. After this I don’t expect any problems with FBiH and BiH parliamentarians.” Inset, ‘ |
| Oslob: Religious communities join discussion on const.
| Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Religious communities joined discussion’ mentioned on cover by A.Omeragic – Author comments that after politicians have ended last round of talks; new round has been opened by Islamic Community leader Reis Mustafa effendi Ceric who called religious communities to make joint statement regarding talks on constitutional changes. SNSD leader Krstan Simic reacted saying that not religious groups neither NGOs should not interfere in political decisions. Serb Orthodox Church stated they are not political and won’t interfere. Jew Community leader Jakob Finci also says that religious communities should only take care of believers. Stance of Catholic Church is that BiH should be divided in four ethnically mixed regions, adding that they didn’t want to interfere with politics, but politics touched every segment of life, threatening survival of the Church. Main compliment of Catholic Church is on return of Croats to RS. The talks on the constitutional changes are to continue on 15 January. |
| Ivanic: talks useless if Bosniaks reject entities; Simic: compromise can be reached; Cavic: RS becomes less the state, more the entity
| Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Religious communities joined discussion’ mentioned on cover by A.Omeragic – PDP leader Mladen Ivanic stated that he sees no purpose of talks on constitutional changes if “Bosniak politicians preserve their stance that they will not accept legalisation of entities”. Simic expressed his belief that compromise can be reached, with understanding reality that RS exists and on the other hand that BiH needs more integrations. HDZ Spokesperson Miso Relota repeated that HDZ is expecting start of talks on mid-level of authority. Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘RS is less and less the state and more and more the entity’ by Fena – RS President Dragan Cavic stated that RS is becoming less and less the state and more and more the entity, adding that every year after signing Dayton Peace Agreement has been crucial for RS. Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Talks on Constitution brought in question’ by |
| DL: Josip Merdzo to join
| Dnevni List cover pg splash ‘Merdzo goes to |
| VL, DA: Status of HDZ BiH in EPP frozen until Covic case is solved
| Vecernji List, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘German Christian Democrats saved HDZ BiH’, by Zoran Kresic – Reports that the Political Board of the European People’s Party (EPP) decided to freeze the status of an observer to the HDZ BiH pending the outcome of the trials to the HDZ President, Dragan Covic. VL notes that the Board did not mention the inter-party relations caused by displeasure of part of members of the HDZ, which does not satisfy the HDZ leadership nor the people loyal to Bozo Ljubic, who were expecting that the EPP would apply pressure and force organization of a new HDZ convention. HDZ’s secretary for international relations who attended the meeting, Anton Rill, explains that the ‘freeze’ means that the HDZ will not be able to move closer to the membership in the EPP until the proceedings against Covic are over. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘HDZ’s observer status in European People’s Party frozen’- also reported. |
| Vidovic (HDZ) says Covic is avoiding discussion of important issues within HDZ
| Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 16, mentioned on front ‘HDZ is part of fear’, by Zvonimir Cilic – Member of the HDZ Main Board, an MP in the FBIH Parliament and former member of HDZ Presidency, Rudo Vidovic, is heavily criticizing the HDZ President, Dragan Covic, over the way he is running the party. Among other claims, Vidovic says that ‘under Covic’s democratic environment’ it is not allowed to talk about issues that are pressuring the HDZ and which are leading the party astray. Moreover, Vidovic denies HDZ spokesman, Miso Relota’s, claim that Covic was supported by 139 members of the HDZ Main Board. Vidovic says Relota also included in that number the people that did not even vote and who silently observed the events during the last session of HDZ Main Board. Inset ‘Threatening messages to Covic in Mostar’ – with regards to alleged phone threats to Dragan Covic and members of HDZ Presidency, a spokesman of Canton 7 MoI, Srecko Bosnjak, says the police is looking into the case. |
| Davidovic: First round of negotiations to start on January 25
| Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘First round of negotiations on January 25’ – BiH Chief negotiator with EU on Stabilisation and Association Agreement Igor Davidovic stated that the first round of talks would be held in Sarajevo on January 25. He specified that this would include the official positioning of the EU and the presentation of the BiH negotiating position to the EU. |
| VL: BiH still does not have official negotiating platform for negotiations on
| Vecernji List pg 3 ‘BiH still does not have stand’, mentioned on cover ‘They enter negotiations without clear stand’ by D. Jazvic carries that although the first round of the talks with the EU on the Agreement on Stabilization and Accession will start in two weeks BiH still does not have an official negotiating platform. VL says that the BiH Council of Ministers adopted this important document, which does not have any significance until the BiH Presidency verifies it. However, people from the BiH Presidency Secretary’s Office said that they have not received yet a proposal of the platform and they could not know as to when this document would be discussed. VL says that if this problem in the communication between state institutions was not removed BiH might be in a very awkward situation in which it will show to the EU once again how unserious it is when these negotiations are in question. |
| OHR welcomes passage of defence laws
| BHT1, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Defence’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Completing of laws for defense reform’ by F, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Defence reform is a significant step’ by Agencies, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Reform as planned’ – OHR welcomed the passing of remaining regulations related to defence reform at the RS National Assembly and FBIH Parliament. OHR Spokesperson Ljiljana Radetic stated that when these regulations are applied the Entity Ministries of Defence would be transformed into professional BIH Army. |
| Interview with Polish Ambassador to BiH:
| Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘BiH should apply Pollish experience’ by A.Sekulic – In an interview to daily, Andjej Tishjevich, Polish Ambassador to BiH, says that regardless of the recent authority shift in Poland, Polish Government would offer all it can to help BiH become member of NATO and EU asap, adding: “That path is not an easy one, but we will give all we can to help you on that path.” According to him, the most important thing is that people is united, since EU wants to negotiate with only one authority, that must be strong and responsible. He adds that authority must represent all peoples and to be so strong to determine BiH priorities within shortest time frame. |
| Podzic refutes SDA criticism over his attendance of RS Day celebration
| Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Podzic: There is nothing disputable’ by D.R.-D.Mu. – Sifet Podzic, Commander of the Joint HQ of the BiH Armed Forces, has refuted SDA accusations following his attendance of the celebration of the RS Day on 9 January in |
| HR: BiH HoR should discuss to discuss law draft on vetting procedure
| PINK, BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Invitation to parliamentarians for a briefing, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Ashdown to brief BiH parliamentarians’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 3 ‘Vetting procedure for candidates for state ministerial positions’ by F – The High Representative Paddy Ashdown will invite members of BIH House of Representatives to attend the briefing to discuss the draft law anticipating BIH Institutions to participate in vetting procedure for appointment of new Ministers. The aim of this law is to limit the power of politicians and to elect capable candidates. |
| Schilling looking for house in
| Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Christian Schwarz-Schilling is looking for house in |
| NN op-ed supportive of Bishop Grigorije’ initiative for reconstruction of Beg Mosque in Trebinje | Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Co-life’ by Aleksandar Sekulic – The author commends the proposal regarding the reconstruction of Begova Mosque in Trebinje, initially given by the Bishop of Zahumlje and Herzegovina region Grigorije, noting: “Bishop Grigorije has shown for many times only people and ideas freed of spirits of the past, but also the present can bring a true peace and tolerance to peoples of BiH.” |
War crimes/ judicial issues/ crime | |
| Abazovic [son] denies firing first at EUFOR troops; Matijasevic says he is not happy with slow investigation
| BHT1– BHT1 comments that few days after the tragedy that occurred while EUFOR soldiers attempted to arrest Dragomir Abazovic, indicted for committing war crimes, no one has taken the responsibility for the events. BHT1 interviewed Abazovic’s juvenile son Dragoljub Abazovic who sustained injuries during arrest attempt in which his mother, Rada Abazovic died after suffering severe injures. Dragoljub said that he was helping his father with decorating the Christmas tree when he heard the shots and felt a terrible pain in the abdomen. He denied that he had been firing at the EUFOR soldiers. RS Interior Minister Darko Matijasevic stated that the relevant forces of both RS police and EUFOR are conducting the investigation of the event. EUFOR Spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Jem Thomas stated that information gathered to date is identical to the statements of the EUFOR soldiers that had been involved in the action. PINK, RTRS – Minister Matijasevic visited Dragoljub Abazovic. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Liability for action in Rogatica’ – RS MoI would demand international forces to sanction the responsible for incident that occurred while EUFOR soldiers attempted to arrest Dragomir Abazovic,Matijasevic said after visiting Dragoljub. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Sanctions for those responsible’ by |
| RS PoWs demand criminal investigation against Tihic and Sadovic
| RTRS, FTV, Dnevni List pg 7 ‘Criminal procedure against Tihic and Sadovic’ not signed, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Tihic and Sadovic made camp prisoners angry’ by |
| NATO training on Jahorina; DA speculates PIFWCs supporter under inspection
| Hayat, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Training of NATO soldiers in front of “Kristal”’ by D.Mu., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Training in front of the hotel’- Members of NATO forces on Tuesday morning carried out training on Mount Jahorina. According to NATO Spokesperson Derek Chappell, this training included the gathering of NATO soldiers on several parking lots on Jahorina, such as the one in front of the “Kristal” hotel. Dnevni Avaz, pg 10 ‘Predrag Stakic under magnifying glass of NATO?!’, by S. Skuletic – DA reads that two armed NATO soldiers entered the hotel and stopped in front of the ‘Mobil foto’, a shop that is owned by Predrag Stakic, who is suspected of being a member of Radovan Karadzic’s support network and whose shop was raided by NATO last October. |
| DL: ‘Novak Kilibarda secretly ran away to | Dnevni List pg, mentioned on cover ‘Novak Kilibarda secretly ran away to Montenegro?!’ by R. Dautefendic – According to the sources close to the SCiG diplomacy, in order to evade the responsibility, an Advisor in the SCiG Embassy in BiH, Novak Kilibarda, has left BiH secretly. |
| Scheffer:
| Oslobodjenje pg3 ‘Karadzic and Mladic to be apprehended by end of the year’ by Fena – NATO General Secretary Jaap de Hoop Scheffer demands from |
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| Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘A political process against Sarovic?’ by Z.M. – The |
| D. Vrankic, FBiH Ministry of Finances reply to Z. Dervisevic’s accusations
| Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Vrankic: Dervisevic defends his position’ by Z. Kresic – Replying to the accusations by the FBiH Financial Police (FP) Chief Inspector Zufer Dervisevic that the FBiH Government would propose shutting down of the FBiH FP and that Minister of Finances Dragan Vrankic protects criminals in this way (see OHR BiH Media Round-up Dec. 10, 2006), Vrankic said that there is an attempt to protect personal positions that have not been legally grounded any longer. Vrankic added that none in the FBiH FP would lose job and that there are places of work for all FBiH FP employees in SIPA, MoI and Tax Administration. With regard to the Devisevic’s accusations, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Competence of Financial Police reduced on ground of law’ not signed carries a press release issued by the FBiH Ministry of Finances, which says that after few laws from the area of the FBiH Tax Administration, money laundering etc. were passed competence of the FBiH FP has been reduced and therefore its functioning in the current way has become unnecessary. |
Economic issues | |
| Terzic: enormous increase of medicine prices increased without justification
| Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Enormous increases of medicine prices are unjustified’ by S.Numanovic – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic expressed his satisfaction with ongoing VAT applications, however adds that the increase of medicine prices is the great problem for citizens. Therefore, says Terzic, ‘I have sent a letter to entities’ Ministers of Health… asking them to limit pharmaceutical margins on medicines’, explaining that Ministers have authorities do so. Inset, ‘Increased work of inspections’- Terzic said that increased work of inspections and state’s efforts have prevented the extra-profiteering. Inset, ‘Urgent adoption of entities’ budgets’- Terzic appeals to entities’ parliaments to understand importance of VAT reform and to leave political games behind and take in consideration interest of citizens, thus to pass entities’ budgets for 2006 which would enable implementation of the social programs. |
| Oslobodjenje op-ed: Terzic realized one VAT rate is impossible to maintain | Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Zero rate’ op-ed by Senka Kurtovic – In regard to BiH CoM Chair Adnan Terzic‘s statement on possibility to reconsider introducing the VAT zero rate on basic goods, author wonders what made him change his mind. Author offers two options: either Terzic realized that it is impossible to maintain single rated VAT or he was told by the IC it would be good to spread out some good news. Editorial concludes that the experts believe that Terzic, as usually, speaks without any preparations, adding that October elections are getting closer and thus VAT is a subject to political games. |
| Deputy Director of the FBiH Pension Insurance Bureau I. Rogic on possible taxation of pensions due to VAT introduction | Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Financial strike threatens Pension Insurance Bureau’ by A. Vrebac – Deputy Director of the FBiH Pension Insurance Bureau Ivan Rogic stated that due to the VAT introduction taxation of pensions is possible. He added that it would not happen for the time being, however, according to Rogic this issue is still open and the final word on this issue should be given by mid this year. Rogic believes that the pensions should not be taxed since they are very small. |
| DA op ed urges politicians to first discuss econ. Situation | Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Presidency and not hungry stomach’ op-ed by Elvir Huremovic – Editorial criticizes BiH politicians in general for discussing issues related to the constitutional changes, instead of caring for essential problems of BiH citizens. |
| ‘Covic and others’ case continues today and tomorrow | Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Final showdown with Nikolic announced’, by Zoran Kresic – Announces that the ‘Covic and others’ case before the BiH Court will continue on Wednesday and Thursday during which the prosecution’s key witness Zoran Nikolic should be questioned. |
| Public Police in Bileca seizes TV and other appliances from citizens over failure to pay TV tax | Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘They take away without asking!’ by S.Aleksic – Over debts for RTV fee, the Court Police in Bileca has knocked on the doors of many citizens of Bileca and confiscated some of their property (including TV sets and other vide-technique and appliances). Citizens are embittered. GS carries no details on the courts orders, but reports on the issue on grounds of citizens’ complaints. |
| BH Commission on property to draft law on state property
| EuroBlic RSpg 1, announced on cover ‘Sales underway in Croatia and Serbia’ by Tijana Veselinovic – Muharem Cero, member of the BH Commission for State Property confirmed to daily that a Task Force has been formed in charge of composing a working version of the law on state property (including criteria of its distribution) by the end of February. He also said that the greatest problem for Commission would be to deal with the issue of BH property abroad, mainly in Croatia and SiCG, adding: “We hold information that the state property of BiH in other SFRY-succeeding states is already on sale. I remind of the latest case of Cavtat Children’s Hospital.” Also he also said that Commission holds on data on BH property abroad. |