Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 13 April
| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs) | BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs) | RTRS (12,00 hrs) |
| BiH HoP, HoR on old savings today | BiH HoR on foreign currency saving | RS NA completed discussion on ICTY |
| FBiH GovT on Income Tax Law today | BiH HoP on foreign currency saving | Floods in |
| HSS visited graveyard in Grabovica | Tihic to meet Del Ponte | Prijedor activities |
TV news broadcast on 12 April
| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
| Public debate on const. changes | Public discussion on const. changes | BiH Prosecution files 3 indictments |
| Zubak met Schwarz-Schilling | Update on Paunovic case | Reactions to BiH ITA’s decision |
| HDZ BIH in Livno | Strengthening of education reform | Public debate on const. amendments |
| Fuel prices to be increased | Vrankic on public revenues | Three killed in a car accident |
| NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
| Car accident near Konjic | Three killed in a car accident | Three persons died in traffic accident |
| Reactions on ITA SB session | Public debate on const. amendments | RS NA in session |
| Dodik on ITA SB session | Political leaders on const. amend. | Problems of |
| Varnkic on income tax | BiH Trade Union on VAT | RS NA on reform of energy sector |
| Oslobodjenje | Constitution is not good and it has to be changed |
| Dnevni Avaz | [NATO Secretary General Scheffer] We would love to see BiH soldiers in |
| Dnevni List | Safet Orucevic bought recording of ‘Liska’ case (update to ‘Liska’ case from 1997 when six Croats confronted Bosniaks visiting cemeteary in ‘west’ Mostar, 1 Bosniak got killed) |
| Vecernji List | Gotovina’s prosecutor found guilty of striptease (one of deputy prosecutors in ICTY was found guilty of indecent exposure in |
| Slobodna Dalmacija | We will be champions, I am not afraid of Bosna (interview with basketball player from Siroki Brijeg) |
| Nezavisne Novine | Car of Senad Kobilic mined in |
| Glas Srpske | Torrent of evil words (debate on cons. Changes in SA) |
| EuroBlic | Cavic: Signed text should not be altered |
| Vecernje novosti | Features Serbian related topics |
LATEST NEWS OF TODAY | |
| BiH HoR, HoP discuss issue of old foreign currency savings
| BH Radio 1 by Sanija Saljihi– At the session today, the BiH House of Representatives is to discuss law proposal on old foreign currency savings. This law proposal deals only with depositors that have had finances in BiH based banks. BiH HoR’s Commission for Finances and Budget positively evaluated the proposal of the Council of Ministers and proposed its adoption along with 13 amendments under which deadline for pay out is reduced from 15 to 13 years. The |
| RSNA adopts from on coop. w/ICTY in last quarter of 2005
| RTRS – The RS National Assembly today discusses the budget of the RS Electricity Regulatory Commission for 2006. RS MP’s have already today adopted the report on cooperation with the ICTY covering the period from 1 October to 31 December 2005 along with SNSD conclusion that RS Govt should support efforts of Association of families of missing persons from RS related to establishment of Commission for Sarajevo Serbs. The Report reads RS MoI has undertaken a number of complex operational activities aimed at locating and apprehension/voluntary surrender of Ratko Mladic, Radovan Karadzic or Stojan Zupljanin. BH Radio 1 – also reported. |
| FBiH Govt approves finances to alleviate negative VAT consequences
| BH Radio 1 – FBiH Government has approved allocation of KM25 million, planed in this years’ budget, with a goals to ease negative effects of Value Additional Tax, in accordance with set of measures, planed in this segment. According to the decision, KM18 million would be allocated to FBiH Pension Disability Insurance Fund, which means that all pensioners with pensions below KM200 would be getting additional KM10 along with pensions. |
| BiH Presidency Chair Tihic today meets ICTY Chief Prosecutor Del Ponte
| BH Radio 1 – BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic will today meet the ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte. During his visit to Netherlands, Tihic should also hold bilateral meetings with Speaker of Dutch Lower House of the Parliament and Heads of Parliamentary Commissions for Foreign Affairs and European Integrations. Tihic is also expected to meet Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Rudolf Bot and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende. |
Constitutional changes | |
| Public debate on amendments to BiH Constitution: Parties to FBiH object changes to not chare current set up in country;
| BHT1– The public debate on proposed amendments to the BiH Constitution organized by the BiH Parliamentary Constitutional-Legal Commission in |
| Public debate on const. changes: SDS would support amendments with minor changes; SNSD says debate did not have much significance
| RTRS – At the parliamentary public session held in Sarajevo on the constitutional amendments, SDS party stresses amendments are not ideal solution, but are a result of currently realistic compromises, and added that they are willing to vote in favour of the changed with some minor changes. SDS deputy in the BiH House of Representatives Momcilo Novakovic said that the amendments include some vague elements, however added that party would endorse them in the parliamentary procedure after these are clearly defined. SNSD’s Nikola Spiric told media the public debate didn’t bring any significant results, adding the negative stances on existence and role of the RS do not contribute to the process of constitutional changes. According to Spiric, all objections presented at the debate are nothing more than wishes of the parties which did not take part in the negotiations. RTRS commented that this debate showed that politicians have not changes their stances on constitutional changes and that they do not differ from stances they presented at beginning of the negotiation process. BHT 1 – “I believe that an option which supports changes is going to win…it is better to make the first step since it brings us closer to the second one“, said SNSD representative Nikola Spiric. RHB, PINK, FTV, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Torrent of evil words’ by Z.D., Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Stances on eve of parliamentary session confronted’ bgy A.Sisic, EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘They talked about Constitution accusing RS’ by D.S. – carried statements of Novakovic and Spiric. |
| SDS Pres: No changes to Agreement on const. changes, otherwise party would withdraw support
| EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘Cavic: Signed Agreement must not be altered’ by Mirna Soja, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Further changes to constitutional changes are not acceptable’, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Not a word, not a comma’ by D.Momic – Dragan Cavic, SDS President, Wednesday stated that if some of signatory political parties of Agreement on changes to BiH Constitution exceeded its framework or tried to alter a isngle item or comma in the text through parliament activities, SDS will abandon Agreement and will not support Amendments. EuroBlic RSpg 3 inset’Cavic: Sarovic should be released from detention’ – Cavic reiterated his appeal to public, political parties and influential people in BiH to raise voice against injustice against Mirko SDaerovic and ensure he be allowed to defend while free. |
| Chair of RS CoP Kadric: Why have second phase?; BiH CC says const. changes do not regulate appointment of judges
| Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Change in two phases could be dangerous’ by H.Orahovac – Talking at the public debate on the constitutional changes, the Speaker of the RS Council of Peoples Remzija Kadric wondered about the purpose of the second phase: “Nowhere in the world the change of the Constitution is not being done in phases. Here in BiH, phases are especially dangerous. Because, those who are satisfied with first phase have no reason to enter the second, and those who are less satisfied with the first, could be even more disappointed in the second.” Inset ‘Election of Judges of the Constitutional Court’- General secretary of BiH Constitutional Court, Dusan Kalember revealed that amendments to the Constitution do not include the election of judges of CC. |
| Chair of BiH parliamentary Constitutional Comm. says number of opponents to const. changes greater
| FTV – The BiH Parliamentary Constitutional-Legal Commission is scheduled to hold session on 18 April and discuss the proposed amendments to the BiH Constitution. “As far as I can see, number of those who are not ready to support the proposed amendments is greater“, said the Chair of the Constitutional-Legal Commission Mirsad Ceman, after the public debate organized in the BiH Parliament adding he hopes the amendments would be passed with some corrections. Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Change in two phases could be dangerous’ by H.Orahovac, Inset ‘Ceman: We want to hear the widest public’ – also carries Ceman. |
| FTV: Result of vote in parliament on amendments on const. changes still uncertain; SDS Novakovic: Number of opponents and supports almost same; HDZ 1990: IC involved too much
| FTV by Dzenana Zolota – FTV comments the stances of representatives of BiH political parties on proposed constitutional amendments still leave the question of whether those would pass parliamentary procedure unanswered. A number of parties whose members signed the agreement believe the amendments would be passed by 2/3 majority. HDZ official Barisa Colak shares this opinion, while SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija said he hopes though opposing the changes would give it another thought. “Having in mind the stances [presented by the] caucuses and political parties, a possibilities of having the amendments passed or rejected are equal”, commented SDS official Momcilo Novakovic. SBiH representatives say that they are not going to support the amendments. On the other hand, HDZ 1990 underlined they would endorsed them under condition of making same changes. Same party also says the International Community has been involved in issue more that it was necessary. “We should thank all who want to help us, but they have to be aware of the fact that this is our country and they should let us say what is the right thing to do”, said HDZ 1990 representative Bozo Ljubic. Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘Constitutional changes are interest of the state’ by Fena– Addressing the public debate on constitutional changes in Gorazde, Lagumdzija stressed importance of the amendments. Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Ljubic: State would not be cheep’ by Fena – carries Ljubic. |
| NHI’s Zubak introduced Schwarz-Schilling with stances on amendments to Constitution
| RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Croats brought in unfair position’ by Fena Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Croats unequal’, Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Zubak and Schilling about Constitution’, not signed – NHI Leader Kresimir Zubak met the High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling briefing him about the NHI stances opposing the proposed amendments to the BiH Constitution. Zubak also presented the reasons as to why Croats were worried with the amendments explaining that two-thirds of the votes in the BiH House of Representatives could veto any decision while, by decreasing the authorities of the BIH House of Peoples, Croats will not be equally treated. |
| Danas: Vatican to support proposed const. changes under condition that 2nd phase secures equality to all
| Danas, front pg splash and pgs 14-17 ‘Will Vatican support constitutional changes?’, by Zvonimir Jukic – notes that the SDP President, Zlatko Lagumdzija, recently stated that he had reliable information the Holy Sea could support the constitutional changes sometime after the Easter. The weekly stresses the confirmation of this story came from officials of two western European embassies in BiH, since one of them stated that Vatican will probably call for adoption of the proposed changes, however it will ask for firm guarantees that the second phase of talks would be open very soon, which should enable equality to all peoples and citizens. Danas reminds that Catholic bishops in BiH recently rejected proposed changes saying they will bring the Croats into unequal position. |
| HDU’s Titan: Const. changes will make Croats unequal
| Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 16, mentioned on front ‘Zubak betrayed, Covic betrayed too’, by Danijel Ivankovic – President of HDU (Croat Democratic Union), Miro Grabovac Titan, says in an interview with SD that his party opposes to the proposed changes to the BiH Constitution since they are not comprehensive and since they legalize ethnic cleansing. He especially criticizes the preservation of the entity voting in the BiH House of Representatives and unequal position of Croats. |
| HSP Djapic-Jurisic: All peoples should have same number of ministers at all levels
| Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 19, mentioned on front ‘Each people should have five ministers’, by Marko Karacic – Zeljko Asic from the HSP Djapic-Jurisic notes the party has submitted to the Constitutional-Legal Commission of the BiH House of Representative a proposal of amendments to the BiH Constitution. The proposal’s aim is to make sure that all peoples should be having the same number of ministers at the state and entity levels. |
VAT issues: allocation coefficients and rates | |
| BiH ITA SB approves allocations of revenues form single account only to service foreign debt; SB Chair Dixon continues consultations on coefficients
| BHT1– BiH Indirect Taxation Administration approved unblocking the single account to ensure the financial means necessary to pay out BiH’s foreign debt. State institutions, entities and Brcko District are not going to be allocated any finances unless the ITA Steering Board members reach an agreement on the allocation of public revenues. Namely, about 130 millions KM collected at the BiH ITA’s single account, have been blocked by the decision of the ITA Steering Board Chair, Joly Dixon. “If the means remain blocked for a longer period of time, public should be aware of the fact that payout of salaries, pensions and municipality finances would be halted…the entire administrative chain in both entities will be blocked”, said the RS President Dragan Cavic. The BiH ITA Steering Board failed to unblock payout of revenues on Tuesday’s session, when RS representatives vetoed a decision on allocation due to their disagreement on setting the value of allocation coefficients. The RS Finance Minister Aleksandar Djombic’s proposed extension of decision on temporary allocation [under which the RS was receiving the money in line with the same coefficients as last year which is higher for 0.5% than planned in 2006], control of large VAT payers and final decision on allocation of the revenues to be passed in July. Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Budget users will be scapegoats’ by Cengic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Practsie of outvoting’ by D.V.M. – Dzombic said that owing to blockade of distribution of resources from ITA single account, the RS has so far been deprived of BAM 30 to 35 million. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Dixon unfreeze only servicing of BiH foreign debts’ by T.Lazovic –ITA SB Dixon confirmed unfreezing of the single account only for the purpose to service BiH foreign debts. |
| FBiH Finance Minister Vrankic hopes that ITS SB Chair Dixon would impose decision if Fin. Ministers fail to agree; claims KM130 mil. Waits to be allocated to 84 municipalities
| PINK– FBiH Minister of Finance Dragan Vrankic told the press conference on Wednesday he believes that the Chair of the Indirect Taxation Administration’s Steering Board Joly Dixon would impose a decision on distribution of the VAT revenues form single ITA account next week if the Board again fails to reach an agreement on coefficient. Vrankic added he expects Dixon to bring permanent decision which would enable of allocation of revenues to be distributed in line with the registrations of the VAT payers from FBiH, RS and Brcko District. He adds that due to the temporary halt in distribution, all payments in FBiH [in amount of 2.2 million KM daily] are delayed too. Hayat– Vrankic confirmed that 130 million KM are deposited to ITA single account waiting to be distributed to the 84 Municipalities. “I expect that Dixon will reach the decision… which did not get the support of all SB members” added Vrankic. Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Allocation in regard to VAT incomes from entities and Brcko District’ – Vrankic also explained that the situation in the ITA SB motivated him to launch an initiative to change the Law on ITA, under which the Administration would join the BiH Finance Ministry. Dnevni Avaz pg 4, mentioned on cover ‘Pensioners and students will not pay income tax’ by M.Kukan – Vrankic also announced that the FBiH Government would discuss draft Law on income tax, without disputable provisions on pensioners and students. FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Budget users will be scapegoats’ by D.Risojevic/R.Cengic, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Unblocking of single account next week’, by E. Mackic – also carried. |
| RS Finance Minister Dzombic: revision of tlecoms’ tax payments proves coefficient for the RS should be much higher
| RTRS-At the press conference held on Wednesday, RS Minister of Finance Aleksandar Dzombic stated that RS didn’t obstruct the agreement on de-blocking of Indirect Taxation Administration single account, but it also didn’t accept the solutions, which are harmful for RS. The session of ITA Steering Board on Tuesday failed to result with an agreement. Dzombic claimed that all offered solutions were far away from a compromise, and added that upon the revision of tax payment of telecommunications companies the Ministry has found that the public revenue coefficient for RS could be much higher bringing additional 50 million KM to RS. Therefore, Dzombic claims that in order to determine the distribution coefficients, it would be necessary to examine all tax payment registration of big companies. Dzombic suggested that the temporary distribution coefficients for period January-March should be prolong until July. PINK, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Differences in VAT claims’ – also covered. |
| RS PM Dodik deems decision on blocking allocation of revenues was illegal; claims RS is being blackmailed; wonders why HR extended Dixon’s mandate
| FTV – RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik stated on Wednesday he did not understand why the High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling decided to extend mandate to the BiH Indirect Taxation Administration Steering Board Chair Joly Dixon. Dodik reiterated that decision to block distribution of revenues from BiH ITA single account was illegal and said that the RS was not going to be broken and that it would not accept something it does not feel like being accepted, regardless of the consequences. “It is obvious that we are faced with a kind of a pressure in order to accept the humiliating offer regarding the distribution of revenues”, said Dodik. RTRS- Dodik claims that all problems regarding this issue are coming from Dixon. Hayat– Dodik stressed that issue of allocation of public revenues is the blackmail for his entity and because of that RS Finance Minister couldn’t have adopted it. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Dodik: Blockade is illegal’ by Fena Inset ‘Davidi behind Dixon’ – Dodik also criticized EC Deputy Head in BiH Renzo Davidi for protecting ITA SB Chair Joly Dixon. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘We will not accept humiliating decision’ by Fena, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Dodik: RS will not keep silent’ by N.B., Glas Srpske pg 3 inset ‘Pressure’ – also covered. |
| BiH Trade Union President Biber criticises single rated VAT
| Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Due to negative effects, general strike is possible’, mentioned on cover ‘State has to help economy that faced collapse’ by F.Cardzic – Daily carries lengthy article with statements of BiH Trade Union President Edhem Biber harshly criticizing VAT negative effects, evaluating the first 100 days of the new tax system. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Zero tax rate for basic living goods’ – The Union also demands introduction of the zero VAT rate for basic goods. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Gerin: State is racketeer’ by F.C. – Article carries statements of SDP’s Hasan Becirevic, SDU’s Muazem Gerin and BH Democrats Sead Avdic, all of them criticizing single VAT rate. |
| BiH CoM Chair Terzic on VAT negative effects: Entity governments did not do their job
| Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Entity governments did not do their job’ by F.C. – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic told DA that negative effects of VAT could be hardly alleviated from the state level, since the state has no authorities in that field. Terzic said: “Entity governments did not do their part of job. Not a single socially endangered person received a single KM from the subventions fund. That is something that decreases the quality of VAT in analyses.” |
| ITA Director Causevic: IMF demands decrease of taxes and social contribution on salaries
| Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘IMF also demands decrease of taxes and social contribution on salaries’ by F.C. – Article carries that Indirect Taxation Administration [ITA] Director Kemal Causevic noted that significant increase of indirect taxation collection could be result of the exceeded draining money from the economy. Causevic said: “There were no reactions from the authorities on this thesis. But, I know that International Monetary Fund [IMF] in its documents says that we should decrease taxes and social contribution on salaries, especially in FBiH, where they total 69% unlike RS where it is 55%.” He concluded that economy is not facing collapse, but difficulties. |
Other political and economic issues | |
| RSNA in session: adoption of programme to reconstruct BL Clinical Centre;
| BHT1– The RS National Assembly held session on Wednesday discussing the proposed program for reconstruction of Banja Luka Clinic Centre. The RSNA supports the RS Government’s proposal to enter the reconstruction project in amount of 42.5 millions Euros with a Dutch partner. |
| RSNA adopts info on programme providing assistance to surplus workers; SNSD-SDS disagree over RS Railways report
| RTRS – In the late afternoon, RS National Assembly adopted the information on providing assistance to workers who would lose their jobs in the privatisation, liquidation or the bankruptcy procedures. The RS Labour Minister Bosko Tomic emphasized a necessity to continue with the implementation of this programme, for which 19 million KM have been prepared. SDS demands increase of budget for this purpose of up to 40 million KM, changes of the RS Labour Law and an increase of number of liquidation administrators and judges. RS Government accepted the conclusion of SDS on the changes to the Law on labour. Late in the evening, RSNA discussed the report on spending income from special taxes on regular and safe train transportation in period 1996 – 2004. Under the report, RS Railways claims that the high amount of spending is caused by uncollected debts, interest rates and different contributions. SNSD and PDP deputies opposed the report, claiming that it is not correct. SDS deputy Dusan Stojicic claimed that the report is based on audit report, which is correct. This is the third time that RS NA is discussing this report. RTRS late news – RS Government withdrew the report on spending of income from special taxes on regular and safe train transportation in period 1996 – 2004 before voting. |
| SDS leader Cavic claims that SDS account is de-blocked and that it paid out debt to PBES
| RTRS– SDS leader Dragan Cavic stated that SDS bank account has been de-blocked, enabling now this party to register participation in 2006 elections. He said that debt SDS had towards the Privredna banka East Sarajevo in amount of 1,96 million KM has been paid. Cavic explained that the funds for this payment have been collected from party’s budget, member fees and legal donations. Asked to explain how the money has been collected, Cavic replied that the journalists they should ask OHR to answer this question. OHR refused to make any comments, stating that BiH Electoral Commission should examine the source of SDS funds. BiH Electoral Commission also refused to make any comments, claiming that the final report on SDS hasn’t been adopted yet. BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘SDS account deblocked’ by Srna Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘SDS without obstacles goes for elections’ by Fena, EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘Cavic: Signed Agreement must not be altered’ by Mirna Soja, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘SDS account de-blocked’ by A.Sekulic, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Not a word, not a comma’ by D.Momic, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘SDS will take part in elections’, not signed – also carried. |
| HDZ 1990’s Raguz: Party will be registered in accordance with current legislation
| Dnevni List, pg 9 ‘Big interest for membership in HDZ 1990’, by Dario Pusic – Deputy President of newly formed ‘HDZ 1990’, Martin Raguz, stresses that many people are interested in joining the new party. Regarding the statement by the HDZ BiH Leader, Dragan Covic, who contests the name HDZ 1990 i.e. will try to prevent HDZ 1990 from using it, (saying HDZ BiH is the sole title holder), Raguz says the party will try to register itself according to the current Law on political organizations, which says there needs to be a distinct difference in names of parties. “If court decides otherwise, we can enhance the difference”, explains Raguz. |
| SDP says it has enough support to remove FBiH President Lozancic
| Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Signing of the initiative for Lozancic’s replacement’ by S.Se– Slavisa Sucus [SDP deputy in FBiH House of Representatives], initiator of the idea for gathering of signatures for replacement of FBiH President Niko Lozancic, said that sufficient number of signature has been gathered in FBiH HoR and that this issue would now be raised at the next session of FBiH House of Peoples. Daily reminded that caucuses of SDP, SBiH, SDA, HDZ, BOSS, NHI, HSS and others supported this initiative. |
| BiH HoR deputy Kunic: initiative for casting no-confidence vote to the CoM to be withdrawn from session
| RTRS late news – Following the announcement the BiH House of Representatives would discuss an initiative for casting no-confidence vote to the BiH Council of Ministers at the session on Thursday, an independent deputy to BiH HoR Petar Kunic confirms that the proponents of the initiative – SP RS’ Tihomir Gligoric, SRS’ Mirko Blagojevic and himself – would demand withdrawal from the agenda of the session. The reason for this, explains Kunic, is absence of seven delegates due to their visit to the Council of Europe’s Parliament. Kunic deems Collegium has deliberately put the issue on Thursday’s agenda, repeating the criticism against CoM for not working in full capacity for a year. |
| PDP President with delegation of KosMet Serbs: BiH has had a wise stance
| Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘A wise stance of BiH’ by Z.K., Glas Srpske pg 2 inset ‘A wise stance’– During Wednesday’s meeting in Bijeljina with the representatives of the Serb National Council (SNC) from Kosovo and Metohija, led by Milan Ivanovic, Rada Trajkovic and Marko Jaksic, PDP President, Mladen Ivanic, stated: “I am glad that BiH institutions have never had a radical stance regarding settlement of situation in Kosovo and Metohija and have always insisted on agreement be reached between Belgrade and Pristina.” According to him, this was a wise move BiH has made, which is also respected in international community. Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Independence – destruction’ by S.Radjen-Todorovic – Participants of the meeting warned that enactment of decision on final status of KosMet which would satisfy only one, Albanian people, might have negative consequences for the entire region. |
| Netherlands calls on more strict conditions for Western Balkans joining the EU
| Kurier ‘Enlargement slams EU at its borders’ not signed – Article published by Austrian daily ‘Kurier’ reads that the enlargement of the European Union became a big disputable issue after France and Cyprus blocked opening of negotiations on the membership with Turkey. Author adds that the appeals against the expansion are, in general, becoming stronger. After it declared against the perspective for membership of Moldavia and Ukraine, Netherlands also urged more strict approach with regard to membership of the South-East Europe countries. Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot stated more strict conditions should have been set before the Western Balkan countries, meaning more explicit political criteria [i.e. rule of law] in all negotiations chapters. Bernard Bot calls for countries alike BiH and Albania to have additional obligations of not only singing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement [SAA], but also to implement. He also stated that EU enlargement should be put on hold, and that besides Turkey and Western Balkans, no new countries should be offered access perspective. |
| EC and CoE launch project to assist carrying out of high educational reform in BiH
| RHB, PINK, BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘Europe would assist reform of high education’ by Srna – Memorandum on understanding was signed in Sarajevo on Wednesday, by which the Governing Board of joint project of European Commission and Council of Europe named “Strengthening of high education in BiH” was established. The aim of a project is to assist BiH authorities to implement high educational reform in accordance with Bologna Process. BiH Civil Affairs Minister Safet Halilovic, Head of EC delegation Michael Humphreys and Special Representative of CoE General Secretary Tim Cartwright would chair the Board, while the members would be entity’ ministers of education and Rectors of BiH Universities. |
| Int with OSCE Head: Authorities must find jobs for returnees | Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Authority must find jobs to returnees’ by S.Gojkovic – In an interview to daiily, Douglas Davidson, Head of OSCE Mission to BiH, says that BiH is amongst rare states in the world who have been through a civil war, and then fully insisted on property return and succeeded in that. According to him, this is substantiated with the fact that almost 100% property has been returned to its pre-war owners. However, safety aspect of returnees and minor or none chances to re-build their life at pre-war residence remain the problem with which state and local authorities must face, notes Davidson. On Sarajevo Declaration (which has obligated authorities of BiH, Croatia and SiCG to resolve remaining problems related to refugee returns), he says this should be completed by the end of 2006, noting differences in approach these three states have prevent this proves be completed within deadline. |
Crimes, security, war crimes and defence issues | |
| RS MoI Cadjo stresses MoI has employed all forces to investigate series of crimes in Trebinje
| RTRS – RS Minister of Interior Stanislav Cadjo stated that the Ministry has employed all available forces in order to investigate a series of serous criminal acts that occurred in Trebinje recently, including two explosions and embezzlements in tool factory “Alati”. Cadjo stated that RS MoI would increase its activities and use all capacities in order to fight crime and reveal the most recent cases as soon as possible. RS MoI stated that there are several unsolved cases of attacks against police officers in RS. Cadjo announced a detailed investigation on work of “Alati” management. Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Special police team already arrived to Trebinje, several persons detained’ by V.Duka – Cadjo claims that operation activities on Monday and Tuesday evenings resulted in detection of potential perpetrators of explosion plant, noting criminal processing of these persons is ongoing. BHT1, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 33 ‘Minister sent special police squads in Trebinje’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Polcie fights back’ by M.Bestic, EuroBlic RSpg 12, announced on cover ‘Operative officers came’ by V.Mihojevic, Dnevni List pg 20 ‘Police officers in struggle with Mafia’ by A. Vrebac, Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Reinforcement to police in Trebinje’ by BS – also covered. |
| Vehicle owned by Senad Kobilic destroyed by explosion in Sarajevo Wednesday morning
| Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Car of Senad Kobilic mined in Sarajevo’ by A.Dacic/A. on Wednesday morning, when an unknown explosive device planted Djozo – Daily reports on explosion in Sarajevo under the car of Jaguar type owned by Senad Kobilic was activated, causing major material damage to this car and car owned by Kobilic’s father. [NOTE: In June 2005, Kobilic was prosecuted by BiH Court together with Asim Fazlic, Deputy Director of BiH Interpol, on the charges of misuse of power and authority and illegal mediation. Fazlic was acquitted, but Kobilic was found guilty for an attempt to blackmail businessmen Petar Corluka and sentenced to one year in prison.] RTRS, BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 34 ‘Kobilic’s Jaguar exploded’, mentioned on cover, by Dz.Ma, Oslobodjenje pg 37 ‘Senad Kobilic’s Jaguar destroyed’ by D.– also reported of the explosion. |
| Update to SIPA raid of Doboj prison: Notes for defence of PB ES defendants seized
| Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Notes for defence of Sarovic, Govedarica and Bjelica seized’ by SRNA – Defence attorneys of Mirko Sarovic (charged at Privredrna Banka East Sarajevo case), Dragisa Jokic and Goran Neskovic Wednesday stated that during the raid carried out jointly by EUFOR and SIPA of Doboj prison cells of Sarovic, Milovan Bjelica and Milorad Govedarica, no illicit objects were found, while notes their clients had for trial were seized. Defence attorneys have no information on potential reasons for the raid, suspecting the aim was to demonstrate force and exert pressure against indictees. Daily writes referring to unofficial information that with the assistance of SIPA members, Prosecutor Eric Larson also took part in the raid, and the ICTY representatives were allegedly also present. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Judiciary disturbed from cell’ by A.P. – Commenting the unannounced raid in Doboj District Penitentiary premises, SIPA Deputy Director Dragan Lukac for said for daily: “Purpose of the raid was finding and temporary seizing of certain items, objects documentations and other means that were used for disturbing work of judiciary bodies… Goal of this police operation has been achieved.” Dnevni List pg 6 ‘SIPA action successfully completed’ by Nina, Vecernji List pg 4 ‘SIPA: Action in Doboj successful’ by ra – also reports. |
| NN op-ed critical of BiH police and security agencies and their failure to provide secure environment
| Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Bombers’ by Dragan Risojevic – The author is critical of police and security agencies in BiH, noting they are failing to provide security to BiH citizens although it is said there are more policemen and security agents in BiH per citizen than in America. As reason for such a high level of inefficiency, the author refers to two: tragic incapability to investigation methods and second one – dangerous for security of every man – is possible link between criminals and police. |
| ICTY decided to transfer Ljubicic case to BiH judiciary
| BHT1, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘Pasko Ljubicic to be tried in BiH’ by Beta, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Ljubicic will be tried in BiH’ by BETA, Vecernji List pg 13 ‘Trial ceded to BiH’ by H, V.R.,Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Trial to Ljubicic before our court’, by Hina – The ICTY decided to transfer the Pasko Ljubicic case to the BiH judiciary. Ljubicic, a former HVO soldier, has been charged with war crimes committed over Bosniaks in the central Bosnia in 1993. FBiH Minister of Justice Borjana Kristo stated that her Ministry has not received any information about the transfer of the Ljubicic case, while Ljubicic’s lawyer Tomislav Jonjic announced lodging of an appeal. Slobodna Dalmacija pg 17 ‘Both Sanader and Tihic ‘deleted’ Ljubicic’ by Z. Cilic carries that Ljubicic is the only ICTY indictee to whom both BiH and Croatia did not issue guarantees for the pre-trail release although he turned himself in as soon as he learnt about the bill of indictment issued against him. |
| BiH Court detainees complained to BiH Constitutional Court over violation of their rights
| Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Complaint from detention’ by B.V., Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Detainees complained to Constitutional Court’ by SRNA – War crime suspects – total of 19 of them – detained at BiH Court have complained with the BiH Constitutional Court over – as they said – violation of their human rights stipulated with Article 7 of European Convention. They complain that Criminal Law dated 2003 is appl89ed in their procedures, sharing the view they should all be tried in line with the former Yugoslavia Law from 1991. |
| Amir Kubura released from ICTY prison after serving 90% of his sentence
| Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Amir Kubura free’ by SENSE, Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘Amir Kubura arrived to Sarajevo’ by Z.P.– A month after verdict of two and half years against him was pronounced, Amir Kubura, former Commander of 7th Muslim Brigade, Wednesday left detention unti at the Hague Tribunal. The Chairperson of the Hear8ing Council which pronounced verdict against Kubura signed order on his pre-release, since Kubura has spent 828 days in detention, i.e. he served 90% of his sentence. |
| Even if Mladic appears in the Hague, it would not have the same effect as it happened seven or eight years ago | Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Monster like saint’ op-ed by Gojko Beric – Commenting Ratko Mladic is still a hero for majority of Serbs, op-ed reads that despite the fact that “he is actually a historical looser and a coward, myth about the victorious army leader still continues.” Author pessimistically concludes that even if one day Mladic appears in the Hague, it would not have the same effect as it happened seven or eight years ago, not for Mothers of Srebrenica, for their tears would dry one day. |
| NATO Secretary General Scheffer: ‘We would love to see BiH soldiers in Afghanistan’
| Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 5 ‘We would love to see BiH soldiers in Afghanistan’ by Sead Numanovic – In an interview to DA, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer stated that the Alliance is ready to provide assistance for the integration of 11000 BiH troops that would be surplus in the course of defence reform: “It is the most capacious fund that NATO ever established… Total sum of this project is almost €13 million… All the money will be used for over-qualification of demobilized soldiers and help at starting small businesses.” Sheffer said that he was very pleased when he heard the offer by the BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic for BiH soldiers to take part in NATO operations in Afghanistan. He concluded that the key obstacle of BiH in its way towards full membership in NATO is full cooperation with the ICTY. |
| BiH Armed Forces to use same uniforms soon
| Vecernji List, pg 6 ‘Soldiers in BiH like American marines’, by Dejan Jazvic, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Military uniforms still on their way to BiH’ by L.Sinanovic – all members of BiH Armed Forces should soon be wearing the same pattern of uniforms. BiH Deputy Defence Minister, Marina Pendes, explains the US have provided help in shipping over to BiH 1000 already made uniforms and material for additional 50.000 uniforms that will be made in BiH. |
| CoE General Secretary received reports on illegal CIA prisons in Europe; BiH has no info on alleged prisons, transfer of suspects
| Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Davis: There are proofs that there illegal transfer of prisoners existed’ by T.L.– General Secretary of the Council of Europe, Terry Davis confirmed he received detailed reports from 36 countries, including BiH, on alleged existence of CIA prisons in Europe. Davis refused to disclose details before the final report, but he did tell press there were evidences for illegal transfers of suspects to foreign intelligence services. As for the BiH, authorities told that is no information on CIA prisons in the country. The report also mentioned the case of so called ‘Algerian Group’ referring to 4 naturalized BiH citizens and 2 Algerians extradited to US Administration in 2002 and later transported to Guantanamo base in Cuba. DA notes this was illegal action by BiH authorities at the time. |