17.05.2006

OHR BiH Media Round-up, 17/5/2006

TV news broadcast on16 May, 2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Pocar discusses BiH Court issues

Pocar in Sarajevo

BiH Presidency on const. changes

BIH presidency in session

Butler on Law on Obligations

Fausto Pocar visits Court of BiH

FBIH HoR in session

BIH Presidency session

The case of Momcilo Krajisnik

HDZ 1990 on constitutional changes

FBIHCC decision on HNC constitution

14th anniv. of Brcanska Malta battle

 

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Egyptian expert on Visoko pyramid

Syndical gathering in SA on May 31st

BIH Presidency session

Kebo signed Interstate Agreement

Elektrobosna-N sold for KM 4.3 mill.

Special RS Prosecution established

Issue of contributions paid to PDIF

FBiH HoR in session

RS MoI on Dodik assassination plans

Accident in Breza Mines

Vital national interest in RS CoP

RS NA session

 

Oslobodjenje

Croatia wants larger part of BiH’s sea territory

Dnevni Avaz

[Egypt. geologist on Visoko alleged pyramid] Visocica received confirmation from Egypt

Dnevni List

Viktorov : You are not capable to run Mostar !

Vecernji List

Customs officers were not supposed to take diplomatic wine and gun

Slobodna Dalmacija

They were offering 15 000 KM for beating up of Prosecutor

Glas Srpske

Firms had been hired even without contracts [Irregularities in reconstruction of the campus in Banja Luka]

Nezavisne Novine

Thermal-power plant in five years [Celebration in “Stanari” mine near Doboj]

EuroBlic

Dodik followed by special forces

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

 

Latest news of today

RS NA in session discussing Law on RS Invest. and Development Bank / Info. On assassination plot against RS PM not included

 

 

RTRS, BHT 1 – The RS NA is in session discussing proposed law on RS Investment Development Bank. RSNA is also expected to discuss the proposed law on audit of privatization of state capital in companies, amendments to the law on RS Housing Fund and proposed Law on Development and Employment Fund. The proposal from DEPOS delegate, Radivoje Srdic, that agenda of today’s session of RS NA should include Report of RS MoI, Stanislav Cadjo, regarding security of RS Premier, Milorad Dodik, failed to obtain necessary majority. Explaining rejection of this proposal, Igor Radojicic, RS NA Speaker, reminded that a large number of information is of sensitive nature, stressing that MP’s could only be informed in general of the issue.

RS Interior Minister Cadjo: RS MoI involved into Comm.’s search for Palic

BHT 1 – RS Interior Minister Stanislav Cadjo stated RS MoI is participating in the work of the [RS Government’s] Commission tasked to locate and reveal what happened with Colonel Avdo Palic, who has gone missing in 1995 in Zepa.

Anonymous tips on two explosive devices in B.Luka: Police investigation ongoing

RTRS – Rade Mutic, Spokesperson of the Banja Luka Public Security Center , has confirmed that the police was tipped at 10:05 hrs that two explosive devices are planted at two locations in Banja Luka : Faculty of Medicine and RS Ministry of Health. Police is currently engaged in examining locations.

SERDA Conference in Sarajevo

BHT 1 –The Conference that is being held in Sarajevo under patronage of Sarajevo Regional Development Agency [SERDA] and presence of many international, NGO and domestic dignitaries would be dedicated to regional economic development and BiH way toward the EU. The goal of the Conference is to summarize the work of SERDA in last three years and as SERDA Head Sefkija Okeric said, SERDA managed to reconnect Sarajevo’s macro-region. Head of EC Delegation Michael Humphreys talked about European experiences in supporting of the regional development. Humphreys underlined that over 30 billion euros is being used annually for assisting and supporting of under-developed regions, in order to create equal conditions and be able to survive at European market.

 

General political issues

FBiH HoR returns draft law on privatization to the Government / FBiH HoR criticizes the Government’s stance toward the HoR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hayat, RHB, PINK, FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘The Law on Privatisation sent back for additional development’ by R. C., Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘No support to Government to sell companies on its own’ by A.Hadziarapovic, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Cantons have to harmonize laws with the Federation’ by S.Se– At the session of FBIH House of Representatives in Sarajevo on Tuesday, FBIH Prime Minster Ahmed Hadzipasic decided to withdraw the draft law on the privatization because it caused major dispute among delegates. Reporter ironically noted that there was nothing new in relations between FBIH Parliament and FBIH Government noting that the proposed plan on the work of the Government for 2006 still hasn’t been adopted by FBIH HoR, while FBIH House of Peoples adopted it. FBIH HoR delegate Mirnes Ajanovic stated that it is the case in all normal and democratic countries that after the proposed work plan is not adopted the Government is dismissed. FBIH HoR delegate Slavisa Sucur stated that this Government from the beginning of its work “showed resentment toward the Parliament as if it did not need it. Now, they disregard all our conclusions or suggestions”. HDZ 1990’ Rudo Vidovic also stated that Government in normal countries is dismissed after its plan is not adopted, adding: “Delegates from HDZ 1990 have decided not to launch initiative for a confidence vote if the Government analyses the importance of losing the support of the delegates.”Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Minister Heco unlawfully withdrawn the Law from the parliamentary procedure’ by S.Se – Article carries that FBiH Energetic and Mining Minister Vahid Heco has withdrawn the amendments to the Law on Privatization unlawfully.

FBiH HoR rejects amendments to FBiH Constitution referring to local-government

 

BHT1- FBiH HoR rejected the amendments to the FBiH Constitution referring to  local self-government. Most of the representatives of Croat parties voted against those amendments, because they deem these constitutional amendments would only harm Croat people in BiH. “Cantonal constitutions say clearly that Cantons are authorized in the field of local self-government. Those [proposed] amendments would not distribute the authority, but strip Cantons of their authority and transfer it to the FBiH”, HDZ 1990’ Rudo Vidovic said. Media commented that rejected amendments are obligatory for BiH, because on the occasion of the admission into the Council of Europe BiH promised to embody the principles of the European Charter, which refer to the sector of local self-government. “I think that we once again showed ourselves to be irresponsible when it comes to our obligations towards the Council of Europe and the United Nations. This is, above all, a very bad message from BiH”, stressed FBIH HoR delegate Slavisa Sucur. Only few moments after they rejected the constitutional amendments on local self-government, representatives in the FBiH HoR adopted the Law on local self-government. After FBiH House of Peoples adopts this law as well, Cantons will be obligated to harmonize their laws with the FBiH Law on local self-government. RHB, PINK, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘No support to Government to sell companies on its own’ by A.Hadziarapovic, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Cantons have to harmonize laws with the Federation’ by S.Sealso covered.

RSNA passes laws on usurpation and privatization of state apartments / RSNA passes RS MoI’s report on audit in RS public companies

 

RTRS, PINK, BHT 1, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘They got stuck at transfer of powers’ by G. Dakic and Z. Markovic, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Privatization of apartments as of June 30 2007’ by Srna– RS National Assembly deputies Tuesday discussed the effects of transferring authority from RS to the state level. Report submitted by RS Government stressed that BAM 556 million will be used by joint institutions out of which RS will provide 30%. RS Government also stresses that certain decisions on transfer of authority were rather sensitive and made upon pressure from international community thus deciding to institutionalise the analysis of regulatory use. RS NA Board for economy and finance failed to adopt the report since it is not clear on how much RS has gained or lost in these processes. Milan Lazic from SRS RS is of the view that RS is losing its independence with each and every transfer of authority. Slobodan Popovic from SDP reminds that transfer of authority is being carried out, but old institutions are not becoming obsolete. Muharem Murselovic from SzBIH is pleased with the transfer of authority, stressing that every transfer of authority was regarded as negative in RS NA. RS MP’s adopted a draft law on transfer of property rights to units of local self-governance as well as law on usurpation as part of the law on privatisation of state apartments. RTRS late news – RS MP’s adopted Report on actions RS MoI undertook regarding audit reports carried out in 2003 and 2004 in public companies in RS. RS NA also adopted a decision on loan with the World Bank that would be used for project of education restructuring as well as loan with Korean Government, which would be used for modernisation of hospitals. RS NA deputies also adopted an orientation-working plan for a year period.

OHR: unless Mostar gets 2006 budget it will face the crisis; HR monitors situation and is prepared to inform PIC about Mostar parties’ lack of managerial capabilities

 

RHB, FTV, BHT1, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Without decision on the budget’ by Fena, Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘OHR could declare parties as incapable of managing the city’ by F.V. – Prior to the start of the Mostar City Council session, Head of Mostar Regional Office of the OHR Anatoly Viktorov stressed that unless the city budget for 2006 is adopted, Mostar will face the crisis. Viktorov noted the political struggle resulted in failure to adopt the city budget that was not even put on the agenda at the Tuesday’s session. He reiterated that the High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling monitors the situation in Mostar and unless the crisis is resolved, HR is going to inform Peace Implementation Council (PIC) that the political parties in Mostar are not capable of management. According to Viktorov, HR should soon schedule the meeting with the leaders of political parties from Mostar. Mayor of Mostar Ljubo Beslic stated at the occasion that the City Council has proposed the budget adding it is now up to certain political parties from Mostar to adopt it. Dnevni List cover pg splash and pg 11 ‘Viktorov: You are not capable to run Mostar!’ by S. Bjelica, Vecernji List pg 5 ‘OHR threatens because of budget crisis in Mostar’ by D. Vidacak – President of Mostar City Council (MCC), Murat Coric, announced that the MCC Collegium would meet on Wednesday to decide when to schedule a session of the MCC that would be solely dedicated to the budget. Unofficial information has it the session could take place on Thursday, May 18.

PDHR Butler to urge BiH authorities to pass law on of obligations

 

PINK, Dnevni List pg 6 ‘To adopt Law on obligations’ not signed Principal Deputy to the High Representative Larry Butler will call upon BIH authorities on Wednesday to adopt BiH Law of obligations as soon as possible. OHR Spokesperson Oleg Milisic stated that PDHR Butler will address the participants at celebration of Sarajevo regional development agency’s [SERDA] anniversary and stress BIH has felt the effects of economic development. Oslobodjenje pg 10 ‘Archaic legislative obstructs development of business’ by Fena – OHR Spokesperson Milisic stated that PDHR Butler would underline how decrease of interest rates, increase of investments and one of the most stabile currencies in South East Europe mean that BiH has used its economic momentum.

HR CSS meets FBiH ombudsman, highlights importance of institution of ombudsman

 

Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Schilling supported ombudsman’, by ra, Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Increase conscience about role of ombudsman’, not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Future must be based on respecting human rights’ – OHR Spokesperson Oleg Milisic told press conference on Tuesday that during his meeting with FBiH Ombudsmen, High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schillingstressed the fact that future of BiH can be based only on respecting human rights. HR underlined that appointment to the institution of FBiH Ombudsman must be completely autonomous.

SDS’s Cavic invited parties to form coalition for F BiH parliamentary elections

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 10 ‘Cavic suggests a coalition for elections in F BiH’ by G. Golub, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Cavic invites for an agreement’ by N. B., Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Cavic offers coalition to SNSD, PDP and SPRS for elections in FBiH’ – SDS President Dragan Cavic sent a letter to leaders of SNSD, PDP and SPRS on Tuesday in which he invited them to talks on establishing of a coalition of these parties for the forthcoming FBiH parliamentary elections. SNSD’s Rajko Vasic thinks this initiative is not realistic, adding it is unacceptable for this party. PDP President Mladen Ivanic stated PDP had launched the same initiative. SPRS’s Petar Djokic said the party would attend the talks but he could not say what kind of a stance they would advocate for. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Tailoring of coalition list?’ by D. Momic – carries statements of PDP’s Goran Milojevic and DEPOS’s Nedjo Djuric who support forming of a coalition, while SNSD’s Velimir Kunic opposes such initiative.

DEPOS to participate at all levels at next elections

Nezavisne Novine pg 10 ‘At all levels at elections’ by Srna – DEPOS President Nedjo Djuric said DEPOS would participate at the next elections at all levels and expressed hope all RS parties would reach an agreement to form a joint list of candidates for F BiH elections.

SDA to race for elections independently on all levels

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘SDA race for elections independently on all levels’ by A.M. – SDA Secretary General Amir Zukic told DA that SDA Collegium decided that this party will race elections independently on all levels.

F BiH President Lozancic met with OSCE officials: BiH achieved progress towards signing SAA

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘BiH closer to EU’ by N. N., Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Lozancic with OSCE officials’ by NINA – F BiH President Niko Lozancic met with Deputy Head of OSCE Mission to BiH Viktor Tkachenko and new Deputy Head of OSCE Mission to BiH Vadim Kuznetsov on Tuesday. They assessed BIH had achieved a great progress in the process of fulfilment of criteria as pre-requisites for signing of SAA. Lozancic noted OSCE had given a great contribution in implementation of crucial reforms in BIH.

 

Constitutional changes / police reform

BiH Presidency to hold meeting with parties’ leaders in order to re-launch constitutional changes procedure and return the amendments to the Constitution to parliamentary procedure

 

 

 

BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Information on weapons export to Iraq asked for’ Inset ‘Parties’ stance necessary’ not signedAnnouncement was made following Tuesday’s session of BiH Presidency that the Presidency would hold a meeting with the leaders of political parties, in order to once again forward the constitutional amendments – in the same form or changed – into the parliamentary procedure. The EU General Affairs and External Relations Council on Monday urged BiH authorities to adopt the constitutional reforms. BiH Presidency members admit that this wouldn’t be easy. BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravac stated: “BiH Election Commission has officially scheduled the elections, and it will be very hard to change this decision later on.” FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘What was Tihic told in Washington?’, mentioned on cover by M.K.SPresidency will not be able to reopen the [constitutional changes] procedure without the consultations with political parties that took part in creation of amendments”, Paravac stated, adding that Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic will most likely organize a meeting with the leaders of political parties, “in order to inform them about the activities he had in the United States of America”. 

Amendments can be returned to Parliament by Presidency

 

Hayat – BIH House of Representatives’ Deputy Chair Sefik Dzaferovic stated it would be possible to organize the second discussion on the amendments to BIH Constitution in BIH HoR if the BIH Presidency re-forwarded the proposal to a parliamentary procedure. Dzaferovic noted that now only the issue of support to the amendments remains. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Amendments will be returned to Parliament by end of May’ – BiH HoR Chair Dzaferovic told daily he is convinced BiH Presidency will return amendments to the BiH Constitution back into parliamentary procedure by end of May, noting BiH Presidency has not done it so far for it is trying to ensure necessary parliamentary majority support.

HDZ 1990: we would reject amendments to the Constitution again

 

RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Start of maturity for BiH institutions’ by Fen – After the round table organized in Tuzla, HDZ 1990 leader, Bozo Ljubic, stated his delegates would again vote against the proposed amendments to BIH Constitution if discussed during the course of this month. Ljubic added that the same stance would be presented to the U.S. representatives in next few days. He reiterated HDZ 1990 couldn’t adopt the entity voting stressing that constitution should give the Croats the complete equality. HDZ 1990 Deputy Chair Martin Raguz deems that the rejection of the amendments to BIH Constitution was the first mature decision of a BIH Institution.

SDP’s Limov, HDZ BiH’s Relota: No point in discussing const. amendments if voting will be identical

 

Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Postpone elections if amendments are adopted’, by Dario PusicTomislav Limov (SDP’ MP in BiH Parliament) and Miso Relota, HDZ BiH spokesman, note there is no point in scheduling another session of the BiH House of Representatives if the outcome of voting would be the same i.e. if there is no necessary majority for the proposed constitutional amendments.  Still, Limov notes that changes to the BiH Election Law could be adopted and October elections postponed, should the amendments be adopted.

NHI : we oppose undemocratic methods that affirm Croats as minority and constitutional changes that would finely separate BiH in two

 

RHB – At the NHI press conference in Mostar, NHI Executive Board Chair, Dobrica Jonjic, stated regarding proposed amendments to BIH Constitution that “NHI opposes undemocratic methods of imposing the solution that would affirm Croats as minority. It would finally separate BIH in two entities thus legalizing RS and giving it opportunity to separate from BIH in future”. On fiscal system, member of NHI Executive Board, Marinko Markic, said that fiscal system should benefit the economy and increase the employment rate, adding: “Because fiscal policy encompasses the taxation policy, we advocate steady fiscal system that would enable the complete allocation of the revenue with the special focus on VAT.Dnevni List pg 4 ‘NHI is against construction of Corridor Vc’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘It would take another 150 years for highway’ by Pincom.info – According to Jonjic, NHI is also against the current way of financing and construction of Corridor Vc. He added that if this way of construction continues it would take 150 years for BiH to get a highway. 

HSS’s Colak: HDZ signed agreement on constitutional changes, yet it is not in position to fulfil promises it gave to IC

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘F BiH Government and parliament are throwing parties before elections’ by R. Cengic – Opposition delegate from Livno and Deputy President of HSS Ante Colak says F BiH Government and Parliament are turning their work into dance parties and are adopting unsustainable pre-election laws. He noted that the greatest problem in BiH is the fact people are not appointed to positions because of their competence but instead of nationality, adding people, not laws, are on power in this state. He commented on the split in HDZ saying this might leave consequences on processes in BIH because HDZ is a party on power and it has singed the agreement on constitutional changes, yet it has no delegate at the state level, therefore it cannot fulfil promises given to the international community. Colak stressed: ‘Many who gave their signatures during the talks on constitutional changes had been actually working against the adoption of these. It was known that Dragan Covic (HDZ) has no delegates at the parliament and, in this context, anyone could have signed these amendments. The other person who has no delegates is professor Miljenko Brkic (HNZ). Had I taken such an obligation, I would have ensured it is respected’.”

Changes of the Election Law during pre-election campaigns is typical for non-democratic societies- analysts claim

 

BHT1 – Commenting on the possibility to change the Election Law during the pre-election campaign in order to pass amendments to BiH Constitution, various political analysts, including Tanja Topic claim it is typical for non-democratic societies. However, analysts also deem that the International Community does not want to wait for the new elections, i.e. until 2010. According to BHT reporter, most of the experts deem that BiH authorities are not working in the best interest of BiH citizens. Therefore, civilian sector has already taken certain steps; they urged BiH authorities and Election Commission to rationally spend taxpayers’ money. Majda Behram-Stojanov, from the Civic Initiatives Centre, stated: “We will request once again that BiH Election Commission makes an official statement, confirming that the general elections will not be repeated… Because those eight or nine millions of KM must not be spent on yet another elections, only because of somebody’s irresponsibility. That money could be invested in some other programs, social programs for example.” 

DEPOS: many outstanding issues regarding police reform still exist

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 10 ‘At all levels at elections’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Many outstanding issues’ by D. Mo. – DEPOS President Nedjo Djuric commented on RS NA Recommendations on the model of future police structure in BiH, saying these had not presented a clear stance of RS NA and RS institutions on this issue, noting there are still many outstanding questions that might be interpreted in different ways. DEPOS believes discussion on police reform and constitutional changes would not continue before October elections.

Bosniak Caucus in RS CoP invoked VNI on RSNA recommendation on future police model

 

BHT1, FTV, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Police are jeopardising vital national interest’ by G. G., EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Bosniaks asking for protection of interests’ by M. S., Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Veto to model of BiH police’ not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Recommendation on police reform affects vital national interest’ by N.D. – Bosniak Caucus in the RS Council of Peoples unanimously decided to invoke the vital national interest procedure, regarding the recently adopted RS NA Recommendation on the model of future police structure in BiH. Bosniak Caucus to RS CoP announced after the session that: “We deem that those recommendations are nothing more than an obstruction of the adopted agreement of police restructuring in BiH’.” 

GS op-ed: self-proclaimed and false patriots failed to respect tolerance and IC authority in voting for const. amendments

 

Glas Srpske op-ed pg 2 ‘Fear of false patriots’ by Veljko Kojovic – The author criticises politicians, ‘self-proclaimed and false patriots’, who failed to respect tolerance, agreement, mutual respect and even authority of all relevant IC representatives in the process of voting for constitutional amendments and notes that the problem is not the postponement of the adoption of the constitutional amendments but it is the way in which a group of politicians is trying to promote ideas with dominant wish for hegemony. ‘…Argumentation for such a political exclusiveness is based on unhidden hate towards other peoples in the state, especially towards Serbs, their representatives and institutions’, the author notes.

SRS “Dr. V. Seselj” to present its constitutional platform after October elections

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘The Dayton provided with good frames’ by D. Mo. SRS “Dr. Vojislav Seselj” stated it is ready to run at the October elections and noted they have their candidates for RS President and BiH Presidency member. The party noted the continuation of talks on constitutional changes is possible after October elections only, adding the party would present its constitutional platform after October elections.

 

Crimes / Security

ICTY President Pocar: ICTY would participate in providing finances for BiH Court and construction of state prison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BHT1 – The fact that The Hague Tribunal has already transferred some cases to the BiH Court confirms that this Court is fully capable of conducting fair and effective trials in the war crimes cases, President of The Hague Tribunal Fausto Pocar stated on Tuesday, after visiting the BiH Court. He announced that ICTY would participate in providing financial resources for the Court of BiH, and the construction of a state prison. Although they announced their continuation of work according to the highest professional standards, representatives of the BiH Court underlined numerous problems, mainly of financial nature, BiH Court is faced with on a daily. “We have discussed the issue of appointing and re-appointing of international judges, as well as the problems we are facing – especially when the High Representative, who was in charge of appointing the international judges, ends his mandate”, stated President of the Court of BiH Meddzida Kreso. The Hague Tribunal transferred three cases to the Court of BiH so far; the most recent one was the ‘Mejakic and others’ case, i.e. the case of four persons indicted for war crimes committed in Omarska and Keraterm camps near Prijedor. Hayat – Pocar said:. “The Tribunal has concluded that BIH Court is capable of conducting the fair and efficient trials therefore we are transferring some cases to it” said Pocar. He emphasized the importance of the cooperation between these two Institutions. At the occasion, Kreso stated that they have discussed the issue of judicial reform in BIH adding, “there has to be initiative that all laws in BIH are harmonized at all levels”. Pocar explained he had recently only expressed hopes that war crime indictees Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic are going to be arrested soon denying media speculation that he is informed when it will take place. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Kreso proposes equal law for all BiH citizens’ by A.Omeragic, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Pocar: we want to help that all criminals are brought to the justice’ by N.Jamakovic, RHB, PINK, FTV, RTRS, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘We are referring new ICTY cases to BiH Court’, by Eldina Medunjanin, Dnevni List, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Pocar confirms capability of state Court’, by Erna Mackic, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Pocar announced help to BiH Court’ by M. Cubro, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Support to BiH Court from the Hague’ by D. Stanisic, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Partnership relations proposed’ by Z. D. also report.  

BiH CoM Chair Terzic, BiH Justice Minister Kovac and HR CSS will host meeting with international Ambassadors on issue of building state prison

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Kovac: Continuation of donor’s conference today’ by S.S. – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic, BiH Justice Minister Slobodan Kovac and High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling will host meeting with International Ambassadors in BiH on the issue of state prison on Monday. Kovac noted: “Today’s meeting is, in a way, continuation of Brussels donor’s conference. Our aim is to discuss possible ways of help with ambassadors of potential donor-countries, in order to skip the largest obstacle in this reform – building the state prison.” Article carries that during his meeting with Kovac, Schwarz-Schilling promised full support to the reform processes in judiciary.

ICTY Deputy Chief Prosecutor Blewitt: Even if there is no verdict for Karadzic and Mladic, ICTY fulfilled its function

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘We never had contact with Mladic’ by S.Numanovic – In an interview for daily, former ICTY Deputy Chief Prosecutor Graham Blewitt claims that unlike Radovan Karadzic, Ratko Mladic had never tried to make a deal with ICTY on his surrender. Blewitt noted: “He [Karadzic] contacted us trough a mediator and we accepted that hoping that something might occur… We had couple of talks with his mediators and they, as you can see, were not fruitful. The question is whether these activities were serious at all.” Explaining his stance on work of the Tribunal, Blewitt said: “Even if there is no verdict for Karadzic and Mladic, ICTY fulfilled its function. It brought before the justice some of the most responsible persons, for war crimes that are committed. I believe the Court will continue with its work,” adding that regional countries are the most responsible for the fact these two are still not in the Hague. He claims the deaths of Slobodan Milosevic and former leader of Croatian Serbs Milan Babic had negative, but not significant influence on work of ICTY. Inset ‘Pressure must continue’ – Blewitt stated that EU should use all means to increase the pressure on the responsible authorities to find, arrest and extradite Karadzic and Mladic.

Special Prosecutors appointed by RS Chief Prosecutor Bukic

 

RTRS, BHT 1 – Special RS Prosecutor’s Office has been established in Banjaluka. Seven Special Prosecutors, appointed on Tuesday, will try to clear up most complicated cases of organised and economic crime. Special Prosecutors have been appointed by the Chief RS Prosecutor Amor Bukic, on the basis of the proposal of earlier appointed Chief Special Prosecutor Milan Tegeltija. Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Deputy Chief [Special Prosecutor] and six Special Prosecutors were appointed’ by D. Risojevic, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Lipovac Deputy Special Prosecutor’ by M. S., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Bukic appointed prosecutors’ – Upon a suggestion of Chief RS Special Prosecutor Milan Tegeltija, Zoran Lipovac was appointed his Deputy, while Zivana Bajic, Mahmut Svraka, Miodrag Bajic, Hana Vranjesevic, Zarko Milic and Marko Zekic were appointed RS Special Prosecutors.

RS Government still hasn’t revealed what happened to Avdo Palic; OHR’s deadline passed

 

BHT1 by Armela Subasic – RS authorities have not yet discovered what happened to the BiH Army Colonel Avdo Palic, who disappeared on July 27, 1995 during the negotiations with the RS Army representatives about evacuation of Zepa. Twenty-five days ago, OHR urged RS authorities to locate and exhume his body; however, even though RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik promised that this issue would be solved by May 15, nothing happened. Colonel Palic’s wife Esma Palic stressed that she would continue searching for the remains of her late husband. The Commission formed in order to establish the truth about Palic’s disappearance concluded that he was murdered, and that his remains are located somewhere in the area of Han-Pijesak. RS authorities have not found the body yet, although, according to Dodik, ‘certain departments are trying to establish the exact location of his grave’.

Oslobodjenje: OHR to address RS Gov. on ‘Palic case’ again; RS PM Dodik urges for speeding up the process

 

Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘These from OHR are pressing us’ by E.Kamenica – Commenting failure of RS Government to locate and exhume body of late BiH Army colonel Avdo Palic, article carries that RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik ordered Milan Dupor, RS representative in Human Rights Commission of the BiH Constitutional Court to speed up the process: “Finish it once and for all, these from OHR are putting great pressure on us.” Dupor explains the deadline, which was Monday, was not respected due to confusion, for OHR set deadline “for Monday, before the session of RS Government… and RS Government’s session is scheduled for Thursday.” Dupor concluded that RS Interior Ministry is still trying to locate sources that would lead to location of Palic’s body. Inset ‘OHR is addressing RS Government again’ – Daily learns from unnamed source in OHR, that OHR was discussing ‘Palic case’ on Tuesday afternoon. Source stated: “Dodik promised he would fulfil demands, and OHR expect him to do so, which we would announce today.”

Interview with BH Helsinki Board Chair: 600 Serbs liquidated in Sarajevo

 

Vecernje Novosti pg 10 ‘600 Serbs liquidated’ by Dusan Stojakovic – In a half-page interview to daily, Srdjan Dizdarevic, President of the BiH Helsinki Board for Human Rights, speaks of war crimes committed in Sarajevo, saying he is aware to what sort of terror Serbs and politically unfit Bosniaks in Sarajevo were exposed, since he himself was a victim of criminal gangs within BiH Army. He added he was also coerced to forced labour. He says it is evidence there is a great level of politiciasation of war events, manipulations and continuity of referring responsibility for war crimes to another side, stressing Helsinki Board has addressed a letter to Ahmet Hadzipasic, F BiH Premier, asking investigation be conducted regarding suffering of Serbs in Sarajevo. He refers to the number of 500 or 600 Serbs who were murdered because of their ethnicity. He says it is inadmissible that the murder of Serb bridegrooms’ chief attendant Nikola Gardovic at Bascarsija is processed as plain murder, since this murder was ethnically motivated.

DA: BiH CoM to receive information on work of State commission for audit of citizenships

 

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Not a single decision on abolishment of BiH citizenship has been issued’ by E.Sarac – Article carries that during the next week, BiH Council of Ministers will receive information on first results on work of the State commission for audit of citizenship issued in the period of April 6, 1992 – January 1, 2006. BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak stated for daily that not a single decision on abolishment of BiH citizenship has been issued so far, adding that whole the story is not that dramatic as it is presented in public. Commission, formed in March 2006, is to finish its job by end of year. Head of the Commission is BiH Security Minister Assistant Vjekoslav Vukovic.

SD checked whether reliable information about group that plans to attack Canton 10 Prosecutor came from Cantonal Court in Livno as published by media

Slobodna Dalmacija cover pg splash and pg 11 ‘They were offering 15 000 KM for beating up of Prosecutor’ by F. Mioc carries that some news agencies reported that according to a source from the Cantonal Court in Livno ‘a financially strong group with good political connections’ was preparing an attack on the Cantonal Prosecutor Milorad Barasin. SD checked as to why this so reliable information leaked from the Cantonal Court exactly and President of the court Nedim Begic denied that this information came from this court. The journalist who published this information Nedzad Vrebac stated that he actually received this information from Barasin himself. Barasin did not want to either confirm or deny this information.

 

Updates on assassination plot against RS PM/arms exports from BiH

RS MoI apprehended ‘certain number of people suspected for assassination planning over RS PM Dodik

 

 

 

 

 

BHT1, PINK, RTRS, EuroBlic cover pg splash and pgs RS2-RS3 ‘Dodik followed by special forces’ by Rajna Radosavljevic and Tijana Veselinovic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘MoI carrying extensive investigation’ by V. Popovic and S. Karic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘To launch an extensive investigation’ by Z. M., Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Assassination of Dodik prepared before as well’ by O.V. RS Interior Minister of Interior Stanislav Cadjo said that RS MoI had certain information about the possible assassination of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik even before Serbian police informed them that a group of five persons are preparing for the assassination in RS. ‘Off course that we have noticed certain suspicious persons’, said Cadjo, adding that ‘certain number of persons’ have been already apprehended. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘RS MoI tracking persons from EU’s ‘black list’’ by N.D. – RS MoI Cadjo confirmed for daily that his ministry is doing detailed investigation and tracking persons from EU’s ‘black list’. Cadjo did not confirm nor deny speculations of DA that Head of Public Security Center [PSC] Banja Luka Ljuban Ecim, who has recently repeatedly been threatening Dodik, is involved.

Analyst Prlenda: threats to RS PM either pre-election campaign or threats by hardliners and helpers of war criminals

 

EuroBlic cover pg splash and pgs RS2-RS3 ‘Dodik followed by special forces’ by Rajna Radosavljevic and Tijana Veselinovic – the article reports it is noticeable RS PM Milorad Dodik’s security measures have been strengthened since the assassination threats and also carries a comment of Antonio Prlenda, an analyst from Sarajevo, who says this might be either a part of pre-election campaign or perhaps a threat of “hard-liners” or those who are protecting Hague indictees, but he added he doubts their organisations have such power.

Sakan: MoI forwarded data to Committee for Security and Defense

 

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘MoI carrying extensive investigation’ by V. Popovic and S. Karic Inset ‘Data forwarded to the Committee for Security and Defence’, EuroBlic cover pg splash and pgs RS2-RS3 ‘Dodik followed by special forces’ by Rajna Radosavljevic and Tijana Veselinovic Inset ‘Sakan: it is not worrying’ – Chairman of RS NA Committee for Security and Defence Velimir Sakan confirmed MoI had forwarded to the Committee the information with regard to the planned assassination on RS PM Milorad Dodik but he refused to reveal any details.

RS NA postponed discussion on assassination plot against RS PM for next session

RTRS – RS National Assembly deputies Tuesday failed to include the item in the agenda on information on possible assassination plot against RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik. RS NA Speaker Igor Radojicic stated that this issue can be addressed at the next session.

BiH Presidency discusses AI report; Foreign Trade Ministry tasked to submit information on weapons’ export to Iraq

 

PINK – At its Tuesday’s session, BiH Presidency discussed the recently published Amnesty International’ (AI) report, which reads that weapons have been exported from BiH to Iraq via several companies that are on the ‘black list’ of UN and USA and allegedly the weapons ended up in hands of rebels.  BIH Presidency tasked BIH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations to submit the information on export of BIH weapons to Iraq. BIH Defence Ministry has already submitted information to BIH Presidency stressing that the export was carried out in line with BIH regulations. BIH Presidency members also discussed the information on children from children’s home Bjelave who were transferred to Italy during the war. BIH Ministry for Human Rights is tasked to start an audit process since circumstances in the country have changed since 1992. BIH Presidency member Borislav Paravac also announced that a decision was made to pardon 2 persons without naming any details. RHB, FTV, RTRS- reported.

VL: BiH authorities work on complete information on sale and donating of weapon from BiH/BiH plans to send weapon to Afghanistan as well

 

Vecernji List pg 3 ‘BiH also exports weapon to Afghanistan’ by D. Jazvic learns that the BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations prepares the complete information on export of weapon and ammunition from BiH and that these information would be published soon in order to avoid accusations such as the ones coming from Amnesty International recently. VL also says that complete revealing all information with regard to sale and donating of the weapon from BiH is also necessary because of planned sending of weapon and military equipment to Afghanistan . VL learns that activities on implementation of this plan have been underway and they take place with an active role of international organizations. VL also says that US institutions have been involved in the whole process and the UN has been informed about it.

 

Miscellaneous

Interstate agreement btw. BiH and Slovenia to avoid double-taxation

 

 

 

BHT1- BiH Minister of Human Rights and Refugees Mirsad Kebo and Slovenian Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk signed on Tuesday the Interstate Agreement on Double Taxation Evasion. This agreement will enable both BiH and Slovenia to evade double taxation of incomes and property. According to Kebo, this agreement is especially important for pensioners in BiH who earned their pension in Slovenia; from now on, their pensions will be taxed only once, in the country they live in.  RHB, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Without double taxation as of next year’ by G. Golub, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Impulse to economy, benefits or pensioners’ by D.Svarc, Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Tax would be paid in only one state’ by M.Pl – covered.

Oslobodjenje: Croatia invites BiH for reopening negotiations on inter-state border in Neum region

 

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Croatia wants larger part of BiH’s sea territory’ by Azhar Kalamujic – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic confirmed for daily that Croatia submitted new document, providing “new evidences for demarcation between BiH and Croatia in some parts of common southern border”. Article reads that this means invitation for reopening negotiations on inter-state border in Neum region, where Croatia would demand larger part of BiH sea territory, which would mean prevent BiH to have access to open sea.

BiH customs service seized wine belonging to Spanish Ambassador to BiH/Some media speculate that apart from wine there was also gun ‘Kalashnikov’

 

Vecernji List cover pg splash ‘Customs officers were not supposed to take diplomatic wine and gun’ and pg 3 ‘They were not supposed to take diplomatic wine’ by V. Rupcic carries that the BiH customs service seized about 1300 bottles of wine sent to Spanish Ambassador to BiH Jose Maria Castrovijeo y Bolivar and this almost caused a diplomatic incident. Spokesperson of the BiH Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP) Nebojsa Regoje stated that the control of customs officers took place after the person who transported the wine did not have documents proving that these are personal belongings of the Ambassador. Regoje said that the Spanish Ambassador informed the BiH MVP about this misunderstanding, which was resolved soon after. VL inset ‘People in MVP do not know about Kalashnikov’ also carries that some media reported that apart from the wine customs officers also found a gun ‘Kalashnikov’. Regoje stated that they have received such information from media only. Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Wine and Kalashnikov seized from Ambassador’ carries that the Kalashnikov was found together with wine and that people from the Spanish Embassy claim that this is a souvenir. DL also says that the Spanish Ambassador sent a protest letter to the BiH MVP and he filed criminal charges because part of his personal belongings disappeared during the customs officers’ control. DL says that SIPA is involved in the whole case.