OHR BiH Media Round-up, 15/11/2005

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

Is there hope for new Constitution?

RSNA in session

Live coverage of RSNA session

Slovenian police arrests smugglers

Mandic case

Chirac on French armed forces

World news

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Covic on talks inBrussels

Brussels meeting without results

Comments on Brussels outcomes

Hays, BiH leaders on Brussels talks

BiH finances following elections

Elect Com. on constitutional changes

Lovric on meeting in Dayton

Terzic invite to Malaysian investors

Una-Sana Canton schools closed

Problems of HT Mostar

Radovanovic attends mtg. in Skopje

Appointing Una-Sana Prime Minister

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

War criminal arrested in Bijeljina

Djurkovic arrested in Bijeljina

War crimes indictee arrested in RS

Minister waits for Mladic’s call

2 arrested for selling illegal weapons

Reactions on talks in Brussels

Brussels meeting without results

Charges against Omanovic

Paravac in District of Brcko

Reactions to Brussels meeting

Marked the Manjaca anniversary

Illegal posters in Doboj and Bijeljina

Oslobodjenje

Agreement reached only on human rights

Dnevni Avaz

Invitation to Malaysia to invest 5 billion dollars

Dnevni List

BiH to get another Washington Agreement

Vecernji List

Brussels failed, decision in USA

Slobodna Dalmacija

Prlic’s Mostar clan ‘spinning’ 3 billion KMs

Nezavisne Novine

No concrete agreement on Constitution

Glas Srpske

Bosniaks prefer regions

EuroBlic

Brussels difference are transferred to Washington

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related topics

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

RSNA in session

BH Radio 1 Brana Markovic – At a session in Banja Luka today, RSNA is discussing a report on RS Interior Ministry performance in the first six months of this year. The report described general security situation in the entity as satisfactory as the MoI members have inadequate social status and have been working in a poor material conditions.   

Mandic in custody for another month

BH Radio 1 – BiH Court extended custody to Momcilo Mandic, who was accused of organised crime related to the Eastern Sarajevo Privredna Bank operations, for a month. The extension has been requested by Prosecutor Jonathan Rattel.

Brussels conference on constitutional changes

Media: Brussels conference ends without concrete or significant conclusions

BHT 1 by Elvir Bucalo – The three-day talks on constitutional changes in BiH have ended in Brussels without achieving any significant convergence of views between the participating leaders of eight political parties. The most disputed issues are the authorities of the Council of Ministers in the context of Euro-Atlantic integration, whether to have a president or a presidency, and the powers and structure of parliament.  The Venice Commission’s remarks have been adopted in the area of human rights and rights covering the election of political representatives, and agreement has been reached that the future state government consist of 11 ministries, including a new ministry for European integration. Reporter comments that if the authorities want new or changed Constitution to be in effect by the next elections, changes have to be agreed by mid December. PINK by By Dragica Tojagic – PINK comments that the meeting in Brussels showed all differences between RS and FBiH parties. Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 3 ‘Agreement reached only on human rights’ by A. Omeragic, Vecernje Novosti pg 4 ‘2^nd round in Washington’ by D.Stojakovic – carries statement of Cavic, concluding Brussles meeting ended without any significant reconciliation of stances of political officials, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘No concrete agreement on Constitution’ by D.Risojevic, Dnevni List cover pg splash ‘BiH to get another Washington Agreement’ and pg 5 ‘Another Washington Agreement at sight’ by I. Rozic, Vecernji List cover pg splash ‘Brussels failed, decision in USA’ and pg 2 ‘Brussels without results, bigger expectations from Washington’ by Z. Kresic – Dailies also comment that the political leaders came to Brussels with very different visions on the constitutional changes.FTV, Hayat – New negotiations on constitutional changes will be organized by American Institute for Peace and they will be held in Washington on November 21^st. RHB, RTRS by Nada Arlov – Representatives of political parties stressed that they negotiated without any external pressures; RTRS reporter comments that the time could be the pressure, because the constitutional changes procedure in the BiH Parliament should start until the mid-December, and the laws should be adopted by the April 1^st 2006, 170 days before the general elections.

Hays: It is success party even talked about changing Constitution

PINK by By Dragica Tojagic– Former PDHR, Donald Hays from American Institute for Peace said that stances on principal issues got somewhat closer in Brussels and he expressed hope that concrete agreements and results will be achieved till December; emphasising that agreement will be searched in frame of the Dayton, because there is still fear from the past. BHT 1 – Hays added: “Clearly, if they miss that date [mid December], the next government will be formed at the basis of the present Constitution, including all of its weaknesses. When there will be the chance for the process continuation? Not before the new Government is established, this could be 18 months or two years after that.” Hayat, RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘It is success even to talk about changing Constitution’, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Bosniaks prefer regions’ by Z.Markovic– Hays stated that even the fact that leaders of BiH political parties met in Brussels to discuss changes to the BiH Constitution for the first time in ten years could be considered as a success. RTRS, HTV1 – Hays stated that participants in Brussels talks have reached agreement in principle on state authorities regarding the talks on the SAA with EU. FTV – Hays has expressed optimism: “In general, we have gone trough all these issues with them and they were very constructive and sought consensus.”

Cavic: RS finds its unacceptable for FBiH to threat Dayton order an obstacle

RHB– SDS and RS President Dragan Cavic stated that BiH political parties have opposing opinions on the future BiH constitutional organisation. The key difference is that Sarajevo and Mostar-based parties use every opportunity to propose solutions which are not in accord with entity constitutional order, added Cavic. He believes that representatives of RS parties offered constructive solutions, entirely in line with the Dayton Constitution. BHT 1, FTV, RTRS – Cavic said: ”Parties residing in Sarajevo, i.e. Bosniak and Croat political parties treat the Dayton-based, entity-organized constitutional order as a serious obstacle, suggesting it’s essential changes. RS representatives find this unacceptable and impossible.” RTRSby Nada Arlov – Some of the participants simply did not want any kind of solution to be reached; those are the politicians who count on an IC pressure to help them achieve their goals, explained Cavic. “Bosniak and Croat politicians simply wanted to use this opportunity and to ‘derive’ the violation of the entity constitutional order from those talks”, added Cavic. Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Bosniaks prefer regions’ by Z.Markovic, Vecernje Novosti pg 4 ‘2^nd round in Washington’ by D.Stojakovic – also carried. EuroBlic cover pg splash, RS pgs 2-3 ‘Brussels difference are transferred to Washington’ by Nedeljka Breberina – Mladen Bosic confirmed that Brussels meeting brought closer stances regarding the necessity to form BiH ministry of agriculture.

Tihic strongly opposes RS stance CoM has to consult entities authorities on SAA negotiations process

FTV by Blazica Kristo – SDA President Sulejman Tihic: “The problem of the institution of BiH Presidency/President has remained. The problem of functioning, authority and structure of BiH Parliament has remained, including both houses. We have made very little progress in voting procedures. BHT 1 – Tihic added: ”Serb political parties representatives from the RS are in favor of cosmetic changes, the changes we have to make anyway, for they have been requested by the Venice Commission, for it is against the Human Rights Convention.” HTV1, RTRS, Hayat, Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 3 ‘Agreement reached only on human rights’ by A. Omeragic – Tihic believes that it is possible to reach a solution, but when it comes to the negotiating process on Euro-Atlantic integrations, Tihic finds it unacceptable that BiH CoM has to consult entity Governments.  RHB, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘No concrete agreement on Constitution’ by D.Risojevic, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Bosniaks prefer regions’ by Z.Markovic, EuroBlic cover pg splash, RS pgs 2-3 ‘Brussels difference are transferred to Washington’ by Nedeljka Breberina– also carried Tihic.

Ivanic: If FBIH parites continue insisting on radical changes, solution is not possible

PINK by By Dragica Tojagic – President of PDP Mladen Ivanic said that RS Parties have advocated for changes in line with the Dayton agreement, while FBiH parties demanded comprehensive changes. “Seven days remain to see if there is a possibility to get our stances closer and to make those adjustments… and I also have to say we have expressed readiness to make solutions which will enable BiH to lead negotiations with the EU, meaning to define laws at the BiH level, but [requesting] they are implemented trough institutions which in accordance with constitutional establishment of the country,” said Ivanic. RTRS – Ivanic stressed that the Venice Commission’s remarks could be eliminated with some changes within the existing constitution. “But if some parties, especially those from Sarajevo, continue insisting on radical changes to the BiH constitution… than there will be no agreement, and the solution is not possible”, added Ivanic. RHB– Ivanic said that some progress has been achieved. HTV1, Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Halilovic: I hope US would help us out’ by A.M, inset ‘Ivanic and Dodik have single stance’ – When it comes to the state and entities authorities regarding the process of European integrations, Ivanic adds that “there is no problem there as no decision can be made at the state level without the representatives of the entities.” Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘No concrete agreement on Constitution’ by D.Risojevic, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Bosniaks prefer regions’ by Z.Markovic, EuroBlic cover pg splash, RS pgs 2-3 ‘Brussels difference are transferred to Washington’ by Nedeljka Breberina

Dodik: Others tried to minimize and bypass RS institutions, that is unacceptable

RTRS by Nada Arlov – RS politicians rejected solutions that were not in accord with European standards, stated SNSD President Milorad Dodik. “We proposed certain solutions… but others wanted to minimize, bypass and underestimate RS institutions, by offering solutions that were totally unacceptable for us”, concluded Dodik. Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Halilovic: I hope US would help us out’ by A.M, Inset ‘Ivanic and Dodik share stance’– Dodik added that inexistence of coordination among State and local authorities in process of European integrations is unacceptable. Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 3 ‘Agreement reached only on human rights’ by A. Omeragic, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘No concrete agreement on Constitution’ by D.Risojevic, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Bosniaks prefer regions’ by Z.Markovic – Also carries Dodik stressing nothing concrete or significant was achieved.

Covic says agreement reached on human rights, CoM

BHT1, FTV – HDZ President Dragan Covic: “Obviously, we haven’t reached the agreement upon the essential details, but we have reached an agreement regarding human rights issues.” HTV 1 by Zeljko Korpar – Covic added: “We were the closest on the issue of Government – it will probably have 11 Ministries and the President or the Chairmen and we also agreed there should be parity of constitutive peoples.”Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 3 ‘Agreement reached only on human rights’ by A. Omeragic – HDZ expert, Mile Lasic says the changes agreed on where only cosmetic.

Lagumdzija: Ivanic was most radical

HTV 1 – SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija stressed: “We have 50% chance to reach an agreement in Washington which is a huge progress in comparison with the situation 3 days ago or 10 months ago.” Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 3 ‘Agreement reached only on human rights’ by A. Omeragic – Lagumdzija added says that the most radical was Mladen Ivanic, who was trying “to be more of the SDS official than Dragan Cavic.” Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘No concrete agreement on Constitution’ by D.Risojevic – also carried Lagumdzija.

Halilovic: I hope US would help us out

HayatBy Alem Karamesic– Chairman of Presidency of Party for BiH, Safet Halilovic said that it is a good thing that for the first time direct debate between BiH politicians was opened, without participation of international mediators. “And a bad thing is in the fact that w haven’t got far in that job,” said Halilovic. Closest agreement was reached on the issue of Council of Ministers, being that RS Parties have accepted the enlargement of this institution, but they are insisting on the name of CoM, rejecting any possibility that this institution could be named BiH Government. In segment of human rights there wasn’t much disagreement, except in the part which relates to Euro-Atlantic integrations. “FBiH Parties have insisted on that that everything that was changed so far in Constitutions of BiH and Entities, regarding the authorities’ transfer in favour of the State…is registered in the Constitution. RS representatives naturally don’t what such a thing,” said Halilovic. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Halilovic: I hope US would help us out’ by A.M. – Halilovic expects better agreement to be reached in Washington: “IC help would be very appreciative, and I hope that our friends, especially those from Usm, would help us to find solution.” Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘No concrete agreement on Constitution’ by D.Risojevic – also carried Halilovic.

Tokic: Talks showed there is no minimum agreement on future of the state

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘It showed there is no minimum agreement on future of the state’ by FENA – President of the SDU Sejfudin Tokic on Monday said that only the strong pressure from the EU and the US would ensure the implementation of constitutional changes and reaching of an agreement among the BiH parliamentary political parties. “Also, SDUBiH is calling on all patriotic forces to be united in this significant moment for the future of our country and to act in direction of creating the conditions for amending the BiH Constitution, which will result in establishing a rational and efficient state structure”, said Tokic.

EC, OHR without comments, Venice Commission expects more in Washington

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Majority states in process of getting closer to EU changed its constitutional structure’ by FENA – The EC Delegation in BiH doesn’t want to comment on the Brussels talks before receiving official remarks, however it has welcomed the initiative for bringing together leaders of political parties from BiH in order to reach an agreement on changes necessary in order to improve the functioning of the state, spokesperson for the EC Delegation Frane Maroevic told FENA. He said that the majority of countries in the process of moving closer to the EU have at some time had to change their constitutional structure in order to harmonise legislation with EU rules and laws. He said that the only way to make constitutional changes in BiH is through its institutions – the Council of Ministers and Parliament. Hayat – In addition to EC, Hayat says that OHR did not want to comment the talks either stressing this was a matter for domestic authorities. Hayat – Tomas Market from Venice Commission expects more concrete agreement in Washington on November 21^st.

RHB int with D. Covic: I am sort of optimist when Washington talks are in question

RHB– In an interview to RHB Radio, HDZ President Dragan Covic said that the discussions in Brussels were lead very openly. “But I must say that we have not reached a mutual viewpoint which we could sign and present it to the BiH public, especially regarding the issues of BiH Presidency, Parliament and BiH Council of Ministers”, stated Covic. “We support – and I must say that EC, American Institute for Peace, and even the majority of BiH political parties agree with us – that the main principles must be the equality of all three peoples in BiH, the rationality in the organization of the state and the strong decentralisation”, added Cavic. HDZ President underlined that principles were fairly well agreed, however problems occurred when the participants started discussing the details. At the end, Covic stressed that he is moderate optimist about the continuation of the negotiations, saying that the agreement could be signed during the meeting in the USA. Vecernji List cover pg splash ‘Brussels failed, decision in USA’ and pg 2 ‘Brussels without results, bigger expectations from Washington’ by Z. Kresic – also carries Covic is optimist on future of talks.

BHT1 int with Tihic: Talks went below expectations

BHT 1 late news edition – Member of BiH Presidency, Sulejman Tihic, estimated for BHT that talks on constitutional changes in Brussels went bellow his expectations. “I hope that existing differences will be reduced in Washington and that we will reach solutions that will mean more functional and efficient authorities at the State level,” he said, adding that such authorities could enable BiH way into Euro-Atlantic structures. Regarding RS President Dragan Cavic’s accusations that political parties from FBiH want to impose solution, Tihic commented that there are different perceptions of conception of BiH internal organization between parties in RS and FBiH. “Two parties from FBiH (SDA and SBiH) considers that BiH organization as a State consisted, among other organizations), of two entities, is not a good solution and that this should be changed,” said Tihic. Tihic confirmed agreement on establishment of two additional ministries in CoM. Commenting on SNSD leader Milorad Dodik statement that FBiH parties made BiH internal organization senseless, Tihic responded that Dayton Agreement, Annex 4, done that, not FBiH parties. “Organization like this, which is consequence of war happenings, is senseless. That organization has no basis in economic, traffic, historic or geographic criteria, and regions are created on such criteria,” says Tihic. He underlined that meeting went without any pressures.

RTRS int with Radmanovic: BiH constitutional changes cannot be related to talks on Kosovo status

RTRS late news edition – In an interview to RTRS, Nebojsa Radmanovic, Chair of the SNSD Executive Board, stated that it was hard to expect anything would be signed in Brussels, especially with such opposing opinions on the constitutional changes in BiH. But some kind of progress has been made, and it is not very important that nothing has been signed yet, stated Radmanovic. “This is just the beginning… The changing of the constitution is the process which cannot be completed immediately, and maybe it is a good thing – because it could lead to certain mistakes”, added Radmanovic. Radmanovic sees two possible outcomes of the meeting in Washington: firstly, that Washington meeting ends with no concrete agreement, but even that would not mean that the process is over; and secondly, that agreement is reached on some aspects of constitutional changes – such as the number of representatives in BiH Parliament, or the expansion of certain CoM authorities. The constitutional changes in BiH should not be linked in any way with the negotiations on the future status of Kosovo”, stressed Radmanovic.   

RS NGOs, Veterans warn against abolishment of RS; Radicals demand special RSNA session on const. changes

RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Parliament before Washington’ by D.Mo. – Milanko Mihajlica, President of the RS Serb Radical Party, Monday stressed it were necessary to schedule a special session of the RS NA to determine directives for RS delegation at the upcoming Washington meeting on constitutional changes. RTRS – Representatives of six RS NGOs founded the Initiative Board for establishing the Movement for Protection of the BiH and RS Constitutional Order. The chair of the Veterans Organization Savo Cvjetinovic stated that the situation is RS could become destabilized if the very survival of RS becomes questionable.

Ashdown in New York to brief UNSC

PINK, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘OHR bypassed Brussels’, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Ashdown to address the UN Security Council’  – High Representative Paddy Ashdown hasn’t attended this meeting, being that OHR considers this to be the issue that BiH representatives have to agree on; in a mean time HR went to New York to submit his report to the UN Security Council.

DL op-ed: Negotiations in Brussels failed

Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Failed negotiations’ by D. Kozina says that the talks on constitutional changes held in Brussels failed and that the biggest optimists only believe that something more would be agreed upon at the Washington talks. The author also says that we can see that none expected some concrete agreement and the statement given by President of the US Institute for Peace, Donald Hays, who said that it was a success that leaders of the political parties agreed to meet in order to discuss constitutional changes, proves it.

Oslobodjenje: Talks were a waste of time

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘A waste of time’ by Mirko Sagolj – Commenting on Brussels meeting, the author says that it was just a waste of time since BiH politician constantly fail to agree on anything, including strengthening of state at the detriment of entities’ institutions. He stresses it will always be like that as long as nationalistic parties are reigning this country. He concludes by saying there is only one possibility at the time being to save BiH from being divided which is the pressure of the international community, led by the USA , and local democratic public to make nationalist and separatist parties de-powered.

SD op-ed: There would be pressures and blackmailing of those who do not want to accept proposed solutions

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 11 ‘Drawing of BiH’ by J. Jovic says that a proposed organization of BiH would lead towards further aggravation of the Croat position in BiH and that it would be hard to find the person who would sign this proposal on behalf of the Croats. The author speculates that for this reason it can be expected that ‘protectors’ would be looking for the Croat political representatives who would sign such proposal regardless of the fact whether they have a support of the Croat people or not, while on the other hand there would be attempts to remove those who do not want to accept imposed solutions by using the methods of pressures and blackmails.

War crimes and security issues

Colonel of former Arkan’s Group “Tigres’ arrested in Bijeljina

FTV – Public Security Centre Bijeljina arrested one person under suspicion for war crimes against civilians. The person arrested is Vojislav Vojkan Djurkovic, a former officer in paramilitary group of notorious warlord Zeljko Raznjatovic Arkan, the “Tigers”. Djurkovic was head of the Commission for the Exchange of the Civilians in Bijeljina. Dragomir PericPSC Bijeljina Spokesperson has confirmed that Djukovic has been handed over to Bijeljina County Court Police. RTRS, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Vojkan Djurkovic arrested’, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Djurkovic suspected of war crimes’, announced on cover ‘Vojkan Djurkovic arrested’ by Z.K.  – also reported.

Stankovic: I expect a phone call from Mladic

Hayat, RTRS, Vecernje Novosti pg 3 ‘Surrender or arrest’ by Reuters, Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Mladic must go to The Hague by the end of year’ by Reuters, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘I am waiting for Mladic’s call’ by Tanjug, Vecernje Novosti pg 3 ‘If he calls, we will talk’ by M.B.  –Serbian Minister of Defence Zoran Stankovic stated for Reuters news agency that he expects a telephone call from war crimes indictee, general Ratko Mladic. Saying that the last time he saw Mladic was back in 1999, Stankovic stressed that President of ICTY Theodor Meron was probably serious when he warned Belgrade authorities that Serbia would be excluded from all Euro-Atlantic integration if Mladic is not delivered to The Hague by the end of the year.

BiH Prosecution investigating into allocation of BiH citizenship

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘BiH Prosecutor’s Office is investigating approvals of citizenships’, announced on cover Prosecutors are investigating illegal approvals of citizenships’ by M. Cubro – A special Department of BiH Prosecutor’s Office for organized, economic crime and corruption is carrying out pre-investigation activities against former F BiH and Zenica-Doboj Canton officials over illegal approvals of BiH citizenships, as a collocutor from BiH Prosecutor’s Office on Monday confirmed for NN.

Two illegal arms factories in Sarajevo

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Workshops and arms intended to illegal market discovered’ by D.Mu., Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Two illegal arms factories in Sarajevo’ by rs, Dnevni Avaz, pg 30 ‘Workshop for tweaking and sale of weapons discovered’, mentioned on front ‘Secret arms factory discovered in Sarajevo’, not signed – The FBiH Police Administration and Canton Sarajevo police raided two houses in the Sarajevo Canton over the weekend at the order of the BiH Court on basis of information on illegal sale of weapons and military gear. Two persons had been arrested, initials B.S. and D.C., both with residence in Sarajevo.

Slovenian police arrests 5 arms smugglers, explosives acquired in Croatia and BiH

Vecernji List, pg 9, mentioned on front ‘Al Qa’ida’s explosives with two Croats’, by Vlado Zagorac, Ivana Jakelic – Slovenian police arrested a group of five people (2 Slovenian, 2 Croatian and 1 BiH citizen) in Rogaska Slatina (Slovenia) last Friday, who were in possession of 37 kilos of explosives, 30 electric detonators and several ‘Uzi’ semi-automatic weapons. VL notes that amongst the found weapons and explosives, there was 7 kilos of ‘goma 2 eco’ explosive, which is usually a preferred explosives of the ‘AL Qa’ida’ terrorist organization. Slovenian police authorities say the group was acquiring the explosives and weapons in Croatia and BiH being shipped to the EU.

Other political issues

Paravac in Brcko: Position of Brcko District depends on agreement btw political reps from both entities

RTRS by Rade Grbic – BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravac visited District of Brcko, where he discussed with local officials the status of District and the future constitutional changes in BiH. Paravac stressed that the misunderstandings between RS and FBiH on one side and District of Brcko on the other must be solved through discussions. BiH Presidency member said that one of the starting points for the talks on changes to BiH constitution is the final arbitral decision, but added that position of District of Brcko in BiH would depend on the agreement of political representatives from both BiH entities. While visiting District of Brcko, Paravac held talks with District Mayor Mirsad Djapo, and Supervisor Susan Johnson. Johnson stated that Brcko would remain as a district as long as the entities are included in the constitutional structure of BiH. “District wants to be considered an integral part of BiH, and I think that we have agreed that there is a chance now to improve the dialogue and communication among all the parties – the District, two entities and the state”, concluded Johnson. BHT1, RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Arbitration decision must be respected’ by ONASA, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘As the Tribunal says’ by M. D. – also reported.

Zigic additionally explained his resignation

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Criminalised groups want to run our lives’, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Zigic: I am not ready to give my life for the state criminals want to run over’, Nezavisne Novine pg 6, announced on cover ‘Izet Zigic: Criminals want to run our lives’ by R.Cengic, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Zigic submitted resignation because of fear’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Minister Zigic explained his disputable statement’ by f – FBiH Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Izet Zigic additionally explained on Monday his decision to resign, which he originally explained as ‘better to save one’s head than to dedicate oneself to the country’. The explanations says: ‘This is the time when people from the shadow, criminal groups, want to run our lives in order to achieve their economic goals, by rising above the official state institutions. I am not prepared nor will I ever be to give my life for such country that they want. I will rather resign, despite some people saying that it was treason and cowardice.’

FTV ’60 minutes’ claims SDS Main Board did vote on confidence to Cavic, proposed request for RS secession which Cavic rejected

FTV ‘60 minuta’ current affairs programme by Dragan Stanimirovic – FTV brings a feature on the recent SDS Main Board, for which media speculated that it would bring on the surface the internal problems inside the party but later concluded that those must have been already solved. FTV however says that ’60 minutes’ teams sneaked into the room during the session closed for public, where – despite opposite announcements – SDS Main Board members did vote on confidence of trust to its leader Dragan Cavic. The no-confidence was not voted and Cavic addressed his fellow SDS members that “while we were qualified as destructive political factor we were sanctioned; now when we are qualified as constructive political factor the sanctions were lifted” [referring to HR’s pardoning decisions, which FTV described as ‘cosmetic’]. The SDS president was also accused of using an assistance of Paddy Ashdown to remove Dragan Kalinic, which biggest opponent. “That is really absurd, I haven’t formed the OHR lists of SDS officials to be removed form their positions” said Cavic. FTV also claims that the SDS members proposed requesting a referendum for separation of RS from BiH which was rejected by Cavic.

RTRS ‘Pecat’ on HR’s pardon decisions: Despite pardons, officials to file lawsuit to Strasbourg case

RTRS ‘Pecat’ current affairs programme by Dragana Knezevic – Commenting the recent decision of the HR Paddy Ashdown’s decision to lift the ban on participation in public and political life made earlier against 23 persons, RTRS reporter comments that neither the reason for ban nor for the pardon were ever explained. One of people pardoned is Dusan Beric, former member of SDS Main Board, who said he signed a statement in OHR stating he would protect BIH Constitution, Dayton Agreement and the human rights. Beric adds that the human rights issue in the statement was somewhat ironical since he feels that his human rights were violated in the whole process. Reporter comments that a number of people who were dismissed from public functions by HR decided to file a lawsuit before the human rights Court in Strasburg. However, now that they are pardoned, there is an issue whether the intention to submit lawsuit would be abandoned. Beric stated that the lawsuit will not be withdrawn since it would be justified to receive compensation for the period when people in question were not able to act publicly. Reporter also comments that the latest pardons drew an inevitable question of who create the list of those who were pardoned. OHR stated it doesn’t comment the internal procedures. However, there are speculates that SDS Chair Dragan Cavic was the one who participated in creating the list to improve his status inside the party.

Interview with Vondra: World learnt many lessons from Dayton

Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘The world learnt many lessons from Dayton’ by Marina Kavaz-Sirucic – In an interview to daily, Alexander Vondra, the Czech candidate for the High representative to BiH, expresses his view that the role of the future HR to BiH, whoever that may be, should significantly differ from the current one, adding: “S/he should – to greater extent – have the role of a true mediator and capable of hearing views and cooperating with key politicians, civilian society, young people and all those, who will cerate the future of your state.” He says that “the international community has learnt many lessons from the Dayton Agreement and did a large portion of work, although the path from Dayton to Brussels – sustainable peace, stability and development of BiH – is still distant.” He is of the view that Czechoslovakia could share much of its own experience with BiH on the transition path towards EU.   

DA Interview with Tihic: I did not go on vacation with my family in arrangement of Croatian Government

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘I did not go on vacation with my family in arrangement of Croatian Government’ by Admir Malagic – In an interview to DA, SDA President and BiH Presidency member Sulejman Tihic stated, with regard to the decision on additional investment of capital in “Energopetrol”, this decision was adopted at SDA Presidency session with only one abstained vote, adding this decision was the best and only possible solution in given circumstances. Asked whether there was any revenge against people who did not support his election, Tihic strongly denied there was any. With regard to some media speculations that he and his family went on a vacation in arrangement of Croatian Government, Tihic replied this was nonsense and, most probably, attempts to frame him over the “Energopetrol” issue, adding he went on a vacation to his sister’s house on Krk island. Inset ‘Speculations on a conversation with Mesic’ – asked whether it was true he had discussed the issue of additional investment of capital to “Energopetrol” with Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, Tihic said these are only speculations, adding it was normal that PMs and Presidents of states talk on all issues, however, according to Tihic, they did not discuss specific details that would not be in accordance with usual procedures or legislative provisions.

SDS proposed candidates for RS education minister

Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Snjezana Bozic is new favorite’ by V. Popovic – A source from the top of SDS has stated that Snjezana Bozic, the Deputy Head of Sokolac Municipality, is the most serious candidate for the position of RS Education Minister. SDS had already nominated Drago Vukovic, the Advisor to Serb member of BiH Presidency, Cvijeta Krsmanovic, a professor at East Sarajevo Faculty of Sports, and Sandra Ivanovic, the Vice-Dean of East Sarajevo Music Academy, for this position but, according to the source from SDS, Ivanovic is no longer one of the candidates because she had stepped out from SDS in the meantime. RS Government confirmed it had sent a list of candidates, provided by SDS, to OHR for a vetting procedure. EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Candidates in vetting procedure’ by M. Soja – carries RS Government confirmation.

Election Commission mtg with Heads of Municipalities and presidents of local election commissions

RHB, FTV, RTRS, BHT1, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Finances must not endanger elections’, mentioned on front ‘Elections questionable because of finances?’ by D. Polovina-Mandic, Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Automatic elections lists more fair’ by eme, Nezavisne Novine pg 10 ‘All authority levels to bear costs of general elections’ by N.Krsman, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Elections in 2006 on BiH cost’ by D.S. – Members of the BiH Election Commission held a working meeting in Sarajevo with the heads of all BiH municipalities, the chairs of municipal councils and the heads of municipal or city election commissions. This meeting was organized as the part of preparations for general elections in BiH scheduled for October 2006. Participants exchanged information on planned funds for financing the execution of general elections at the municipal level, as well as the information on activities on creating the amendments to the BiH Election Law.

SD feature on wealthiest people in Herzegovina : Prlic the mastermind behind whole operation

Slobodna Dalmacija, front pg splash and pgs 16 and 17 ‘Prlic’s Mostar clan ‘spinning’ 3 billion KMs’, by Antonio Karamatic – Carries an article about allegedly wealthiest persons in Herzegovina, according to which a group of businessmen, whose mastermind was Jadranko Prlic, a former BiH foreign minister who is an ICTY indictee, is controlling businesses worth around 3 billion KMs.

Economic and judicial issues

BiH delegation in Malaysia holds meetings with Malaysian PM, potential investors

PINK, Hayat, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz, front pg splash and pg 3 ‘Invitation to Malaysia to invest 5 billion dollars’, by special reporter from Kuala Lumpur – Chairman of BiH CoM, Adnan Terzic, is leading a BiH delegation in visit to Malaysia and Terzic and RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic have offered Malaysian investors to invest in revitalization and privatization of Oil Refinery in Bosanski Brod. Terzic will also meet Malaysian investors and introduce them to possibilities of investment into BiH, in amount of €5 billion in next five years. BHT – Terzic and Bukejlovic signed the agreement on the establishment of the Joint Economic Council between the BiH Foreign Trade Chamber and the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce. FTV – Terzic met in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi. Terzic informed Badawi about successes achieved by our country so far and urged him to encourage Malaysian businesspersons to invest because our country has the potential to become the largest construction site in the region in the upcoming period. Besides interest in the construction of the Corridor 5c highway, they also underlined as an example of good and profitable investments the hydro-potential for the production of electric energy, the metal, wood processing, textile industry, and especially the development of tourism and the production of organic food. Oslobodjenje, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Badawi called on Malaysian businessmen to invest in BiH’, by special reporter – PM Badawi, following the meeting with Terzic, called on Malaysian businessmen to start investing in BiH. Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Brod is looking for partner’ – also reported.

OHR expects response from RS Government on ERS

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘A report on persons responsible for poor business conducting at “ERS” soon’ by R. S. – OHR expects from RS Government to inform it in the following several days on measures it had undertaken to determine who was responsible for omissions listed in the Audit Report on Work of “RS Elektroprivreda” in 2003 and 2004. OHR notes RS Government was asked to make public the names of persons responsible for poor business conducting by the end of this year.

VL: J. McNiair involved in Covic/Lijanovici case

Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Bill of indictment in trial against Lijanovici is being changed’, mentioned on front ‘Judge demands change of bill of indictment’ by Z. Kresic carries that Prosecutor John McNair has involved in the Covic-Lijanovici case after President of the Panel of Judges Richard Gabelein demanded concretisation of criminal acts and change of the bill of indictment obviously dissatisfied with the things done by McNair’s Deputies, Jonathan Rattel and Eric Larsson. VL says that this issue would be discussed at the continuation of the trial on Tuesday (today). According to VL, a source from the BiH Court confirmed this information and he stated that after the aforementioned Gabelein’s demand McNair replied saying that there are no elements to change the bill of indictment but that the Prosecution would respect each decision of the Panel of Judges. 

Mandic case: Rattel asked extension of detention for Mandic

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Rattel asked extension of detention for Mandic’, announced on cover ‘To extend detention for Mandic’ by S.T. – Daily learns from the BiH Prosecution Information Office that BiH Court Council chaired by Shireen Fisher will today convene and discuss the motion filed by Jonathan Rattel, BiH State Prosecutor, asking extension of detention for Momcilo Mandic. Rattel grounds his motion on the fact that investigation on this case has not been completed as yet. Glas Srpske pg 10 ‘Detention be extended to Mandic?’ by SRNA – also reports.