OHR BiH Media Round-up, 18/3/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Elektroprivreda on oil spill in Neretva

1^st technical round of talks onSAA

Names translated in Croatian

Podravka on imported tinned fish

Barosso ‘s letter to  Terzic

Jelavic in Croatia?

SAA talks continued in Sarajevo

Trial BiH vs. SCG

Milosevic was not poisoned

Venice Comm. on BiH const. reform

Jurcevic confirms investigations

Lavrov on abolishment of the ICTY

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Venice Comm. on BiH const. reform

Press-conference on oil in Neretva

1^st technical round of talks on SAA

Const. talks to continue on Saturday

Fish cans with false expiration date

Barosso ‘s letter to  Terzic

SAA talks continued in Sarajevo

Podravka on debatable fish cans

RS NA Adopted 2006 Budget

BIH Lawsuit update

HR on BiH decertified police officers

Milosevic died of heat attack

Oslobodjenje

20 million euros foreseen for work of the Truth Commission

Dnevni Avaz

It is time for the agreement on constitutional changes

Dnevni List

If there are no consequences why compensation is being given? [oil spill in Neretva]

Vecernji List

Suspicious water is being drunk in Mostar and Capljina [on oil spill in Neretva]

Nezavisne Novine

Increase of salaries after five years [RS budget]

Glas Srpske

I can not be silent any more [carries testimony of rape victim]

Political developments

First technical round of SAA negotiations held in Sarajevo focuses on free trade

Hayat – The first technical round of negotiations for a Stabilization and Association Agreement with EU was held on Friday in Sarajevo. BiH Chief negotiator Igor Davidovic stated that they have discussed the main regulations of the free trade as the essential part of the SAA. “In this way we have launched the negotiations on free trade” said Davidovic. The Head of Section for Balkans in the General Directorate for Enlargement of the European Commission, Dirk Lange that the talks focused on the industrial agricultural products, agricultural processed products and fish-products.
“We discussed the general principles. This encompasses a broad area, starting from the commitments towards the World Trade Organization,” stressed Lange. Asked to comment the closeness of the stands between two negotiating sides, Davidovic stated that it mainly depends on the issue discussed adding that they haven’t reached any agreement yet. The next round of technical negotiations is planned for May. RHB, PINK, BHT1, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Talks on free trade started’ by T.L., Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Without details on free trade’ by M.K.S., Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Negotiations on free trade started’ by M.Cubro, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Trade hot topic’ by Z. Domazet, Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Free trade central and most sensitive issue’ by D.P.Mandic, also reported.  

EC Head Barosso writes to CoM Chair Terzic, expressing full dedication of EC to BiH’s European perspectives 

PINK– Head of European Commission Jose Manuel Barosso addressed Chair of BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic with a letter that confirmed EC’s full dedication to the EU perspectives in BiH. Barosso stated in the letter that the start of negotiations on Stabilisation and Association is a proof and demonstration of progress made by BiH so far. Barosso stressed that the main obligations for BiH are full cooperation with ICTY, implementation of political agreement of police reform and adoption of necessary laws on public broadcasting. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Barosso confirmed readiness to mitigate visa regime’, mentioned on cover by S.Numanovic– Speaking for DA, Terzic said Barosso has confirmed in his letter that EC is prepared to start with alleviation of visa regime.RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Plan for mitigation of visa regime soon’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Support of free trade zone is essential’ by M.Cubro – also carried. 

HR Schwarz- Schilling; issue of decertified policemen to solve as soon as possible

FTV– While addressing the Council of Europe’ Commission for Political and Security issues the High Representative to BiH Christian Schwarz-Schilling pointed out necessity to solve the issue of decertified police officers as soon as possible. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Schwarz-Schilling lobbied for decertified police officers’ by Onasa– Schwarz-Schilling supported the stance of BiH authorities on this issue. “Manner for solving of this issue has to be found. UN has basic responsibility here, in legal sense and in sense of providing of necessary resources” said HR. Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Issue of decertified police officers has to be solved’ by Onasa, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘UN responsible for issue of decertified police officers’ by N.N., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Keys in New York’ by N.Z., also reported.

Decertified police officers to meet HR next week

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Meeting with the High Representative next week’ by A.M.– BiH Human Right Minister Mirsad Kebo met with Association of decertified police officers and introduced them to activities that BiH authorities are taking to enable audit of decisions by the United Nations International Police Task Force’s by which their certificates have been taken. Kebo stressed that they should meet with the High Representative to BiH Christian Schwarz-Schilling, next week and reminded that HR travels to New York next month, where he would address the UN on this issue. Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Solving of police officers problems starts’ by Danijela Kozina,

Daily: Schwarz-Schilling intends not to use Bon Powers, understanding that ‘reconciliation can not be imposed

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Replacements only for nationalistic fanatics’, mentioned on cover by A.Omeragic– Daily reports on statement of High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling before the PIC Political Directors, when he said that he intends to use Bon Powers as less as possible, and explained that he would use them in cases of endangerment of peace and stability, but also to ensure cooperation with the ICTY or remove ‘nationalistic fanatics’. Daily carries that this strategy comes from understanding that “reconciliation can not be imposed by a decree” and that “institutions established trough imposing would never function efficiently”.

RSNA passes 2006 budget 16% higher then last year’s

RTRS – Late on Thursday night RS National Assembly passed the 2006 Budget o amount of 1,098 billion KM, which is 16% more than last year. The Budget was adopted with 51 votes pro, 22 against, and 2 abstained from voting. Most revenues for the Budget are expected from indirect taxes. RS NA also adopted the Law on implementation of the RS budget for 2006. RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik said that this year’s Budget, with increased funds for pensioners, workers and budget users should meet the expectations of all categories of populations. Head of SDS Caucus Borislav Bojic said that, increased budget needs to be approved by IMF, since it exceeds the planned limits. Head PDP Caucus Veselin Poljasevic stated that the re-balance of Budget might be necessary after the first six month of this year due to expected increase of VAT income. Association of Pensioners and Trade Union had the positive opinion of this year’s budget. However, they suggested that with different distribution of the Budget more funds could be allocated for workers and pensioners. They also warned that the reserves of Pension Fund should be increased. During its Friday’s session, RS NA approved the appointment of Ministers Omer Brankovic and Anton Kasipovic as RS Vice Presidents. Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘With regular pensions Dodik guarantees higher salaries’ by N.Diklic, Oslobodenje pg 8 ‘Budget for 2006 passed’ by O.V., Nezavisne Novine cover splash and pg 3 ‘First increase of salaries in five years’ by V.Popovic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Passing grade for the budget’ by G.Dakic,

SDA leader Tihic: SDA MPs not signing replacement of FBiH President, for the time

Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Replacement of FBiH President would be waste of time’ by S.Se.– As daily learns initiative for replacement of FBiH President Niko Lozancic would continue in FBiH House of Representatives and would be carried in FBiH House of Peoples as well. Initiative is signed by 50 MPs so far [out of necessary 66]. SDA leader Sulejman Tihic stated that ‘SDA MPs are not going to sign the initiative for the time being’, stressing that this replacement would be waste of time and would op[en other issues.

To legally regulate position of RSNA Board for Privatization Audit

Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Nothing without the law’ by G.D.– Member of RS National Assembly’s Commission for monitoring of privatization Dusan Stojicic stated that position of RSNA Board for Audit of Privatization should be legally regulated. “Position of the Board should be legally regulated by the Law on Privatization that would soon be submitted to RSNA procedure,” said Stojicic.

Daily: 20 million euros for Truth Commission, while ex PoWs without finances

Oslobodjenje cover splash and pgs 4-5 ‘20 million euros foreseen for work of the Commission for Truth’ by S.Rozajac – Daily carries that establishment of the Truth Commission was agreed in 2001, but that members of BiH Associations of missing and of former inmates learned that only in 2004. Article further brings their reactions, since they have learned that budget of this Commission would be about 20 million of euros, while the budgets of their Associations are minimal.

Constitutional changes

Venice Commission prefers one President and indirect elections; remarks placed to role of BiH HoP in this process

BHT1– During the plenary session, the Venice Commission formally adopted on Friday the opinion about the proposals for electing the BiH Presidency members. The Commission, which functions within the Council of Europe, accepted the opinion of the same content as the draft opinion forwarded earlier to BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic. According to the opinion, Commission prefers one President, elected indirectly, while combinations with one President and two Vice-Presidents are considered as provisional solutions. The Commission made a special remark to the role of BiH House of Peoples in the election of the Presidency members, because in its opinion the House should not have this role, especially because the constitutional changes are aimed at reducing the role of the House of Peoples. RHB, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Stances sent to Tihic officially confirmed’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘One President to elect in the Parliament’ by V.Popovic, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘To elect President indirectly’ by Fena

Constitutional talks continue on Saturday; McElhaney invited seven parties’ leaders

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘McElhaney sent invitation to leaders of seven parties’ by A.Malagic– US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney has sent invitation to leaders of seven parties [PDP, SDA, SDP, SDS, SNSD, HDZ, HNZ] to attend the further negotiations on constitutional changes at his Residence on Saturday. During this round only one issue is to be discussed, the election of BiH Presidency. SDA leader Sulejman Tihic, SDP’ Zlatko Lagumdzija, PDP’ Mladen Ivanic and member of SDS Main Board Momcilo Novakovic respectively, expressed their optimism that agreement would be reached on Saturday. Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Deputies would block unacceptable solutions’ by Dario Pusic– Carrying the announcement of continuance of talks, DL writes that majority of Croat MPs in BiH House of Representatives and even some Bosniak would block the unacceptable solutions.

HDZ leader Covic: direct election in House of Peoples is minimum for HDZ

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 To elect members of Presidency in House of Peoples’ by F.V.– HDZ leader Dragan Covic confirmed that he would attend talks on constitutional changes and expressed optimism that disputable issue would be solved. He also stated that it is ‘minimum of minimums’ for HDZ that members of the BiH Presidency are elected directly in BiH House of Peoples, stressing that ‘other solutions are not an option’.  Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘HDZ firmly sticks to stances on direct election’, mentioned on cover by A.O.– HDZ Vice President Marinko Cavara confirmed for daily that HDZ could accept only direct election of BiH Presidency, since ‘it is the only way for Croats to be equal’. HDZ proposed that BiH Presidency members are to be nominated by MPs in both Houses of BiH parliament, where Caucuses in BiH HoP would make lists from which the BiH HoR would elect members of BiH Presidency. Vecernji List pg 2 ’Current Constitution doesn’t suit Croats’ by Zoran Kresic, 

Coalition of Croat Parties not going to accept cosmetic changes of the Constitution

RHB– At the session on Friday, Coalition of Croat Parties discussed its further political engagement. It was concluded that the reform of Constitution could bring Croat Parties together. Among other things, the Coalition noted that they would not accept cosmetic changes of the Constitution.  Dnevni List ‘Main problems unsolved’ by NINA,

Chair of Dayton Project Hitchner: failure o reach agreement leads to blockades for another four years

Dnevni Avaz cover splash and pg 5 ‘It is time for the agreement on constitutional changes’ by Brus Hitchner– In a comment for DA, Chair of Dayton Project and initiator of constitutional changes agreement in BiH, Bruce Hitchner stresses that it is time for negotiators to make the agreement on constitutional changes. Otherwise, emphasises the author, the failure to reach the agreement would lead to blockades in BiH institutions for another four years, as well as to postponing of association with the EU.

DL Op-ed: HDZ has to protect Croats from not becoming less then minority

Dnevni List op-ed pg 2 ‘Constitutional changes are destroying Croats’ by Anja Vrebac– Commenting on talks on constitutional changes and the fact that Croats are once again outvoted, as they are in entity voting, Vrebac stressed that there is some hope that HDZ how that they arte not incapable to fight for interests of their people, which is under threat to become less then minority. “Though we would still be called as constitutive people, nothing would remain of our constitutionality” comments Vrebac.

Milosevic’s death/ update

ICTY: preliminary results show no proof of poisoning, Milosevic abused privileges since preparing his defence

BHT1– According to preliminary results of Slobodan Milosevic’s autopsy and internal investigation, carried out by the ICTY, Milosevic was not poisoned. ICTY stated that while preparing his defence, Milosevic abused privileges he had in order to smuggle alcohol and non-prescribed medicine in his cell. The investigation proved that Milosevic died out of heart attack. “So far, no signs of poisoning have been revealed. Traces of several prescribed medicines have been found, but not in toxic concentration”, told the Chair of the ICTY Fausto Pocar the press conference on Milosevic’s death. Commenting the smuggling of alcohol and non-prescribed medicine, Pocar said that it was ‘a burning question he would like to know an answer to’. “I have to remind you that Milosevic prepared his defence on his own…he had a special office in which he met over 70 witnesses”, said Pocar. FTV – The ICTY Secretary Hans Holthuis denied allegations on Milosevic inadequate medical treatment in prison, by saying that a prison doctor supervised his condition. On being asked whether alcohol was found in Milosevic’s cell, Holthuis indirectly confirmed such information. It is expected that causes of Milosevic’s death would be discussed a lot more since it was pointed out that these were preliminary results. RHB, PINK, Hayat, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 16 ‘Opponents of Milosevic’s politics against him even today’ not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Only prescribed medicines found in the blood’ by A.Beslija, Nezavisne Novine pg 17 ‘No signs that Milosevic was poisoned’, mentioned on cover by Agencies, Glas Srpske ‘Milosevic wasn’t being poisoned’ by Tanjug, Vecernji List ‘Pocar: Milosevic was not poisoned’ by Goran Jungvirth – all reported.

Milosevic to be buried on Saturday in courtyard of family house.

BHT1– Slobodan Milosevic will be buried in Pozarevac on Saturday, in courtyard of his family house at 15:00. According to Russian officials who came to Belgrade in order to attend the funeral, members of Milosevic’s family are most probably not going to attend it. Dnevni Avaz pg 16 ‘Opponents of Milosevic’s politics against him even today’ not signed – Belgrade media [B92] informed citizens about the SMS that circles around Belgrade inviting citizens to anti-Milosevic protests, scheduled at Belgrade Square of Republic at 15:00 on Saturday. RHB, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Mirjana Markovic not coming to the funeral’, mentioned on cover by Branislav Boskov, Glas Srpske ‘Funeral ceremony in Pozarevac’ by M.Filipovic, Vecernji List pg 13 ‘Funeral ceremony for the butcher divided Serbia’ by Zdenko Jurilj, – reported.

Russian Duma asks for abolishment of ICY, since it failed in achieving aims it should have

BHT1– Russian Foreign Affair Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the ICTY should be abolished before 2010. In an interview for Belgrade based ‘Nin’, Lavrov said that a lot of politics were going on in the ICTY, which was intolerable. Russian Duma [lower House of Parliament] stated that the ICTY failed in achieving aims he was established for and that its decisions were highly politicized and partial. The Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla del Ponte denied Duma’s allegations and added that the Hague did not complete its tasks. Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Tribunal should be abolished’ not signed, also reported.

Lawsuit BiH vs. SCG

Main hearing before ICJ in case BiH vs. SCG continued; bibliographer Ridllemaier testified on destruction of cultural heritage

RTRS- Second phase of the trial BiH vs. Serbia and Montenegro (SCG) before the International Court of Justice started on Friday with testimonials of witnesses. BiH’s witnesses were bibliography expert Andreas Ridllemaier who testified on destruction of BiH’s historical heritage. SCG legal team invited eight witnesses, among them RS official Vladimir Lukic and BiH Ombudsman Vitomir Popovic. BHT1 – Chief BiH legal representative in the case Sakib Softic told BHT1: “Mr Ridllemaier explained the way in which BiH’s cultural and religion heritage was destroyed, especially in the area which belongs to the RS”, said Softic. Commenting the fact that BiH legal team is not going to have any witnesses, Softic said that experts were neutral and that thousands of war victims should be brought before the ICJ, which would take a long period of time. “Do you believe that genocide could be proved by calling a witness or two to tell you their tragic stories…Genocide is about numbers; there should be thousands of testimonies held in order for the court to get the picture on genocide”, said Softic. RHB, PINK, Hayat, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Hearing of witnesses started’ by Sense – reported.

ICJ puts temporary embargo on live broadcast, during the witnesses’ depositions

BHT1– International Court of Justice has informed BiH Public Broadcasting Service that won’t be permitted to broadcast live process before the ICJ in case BiH against SCG for aggression and genocide in period 17-28 March. The reason for this is ICJ’s decision to put embargo on testimonials of expert witnesses. FTV– also carried. Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘No live broadcasting of the process against SCG by March 28’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘BiH PBS without broadcast of the lawsuit by March 28’ not signed–

RS PM Dodik writes CoM Chair Terzic asking for CoM to take official stance on lawsuit against SCG

BHT1– RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik sent a letter to Chair of Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic in which he asks for the CoM to take the stance on the issue of the BiH’s lawsuit against SCG, before the International Court of Justice. Dodik demands official stance as soon as possible, warning that reactions on this process in official circles, media and public are showing to possibility of destabilization of relations in BiH. Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘RS Prime Minister asks for stance of Council of Ministers by Onasa, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘To establish stance of CoM on BiH’s lawsuit against SCG’ by O.V., Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Council of Ministers should declare on BiH lawsuit against SCG’ by A.S., Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Urgently on the lawsuit’ by G.D., Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Council has to take the stance’ not signed,

Protests against BiH lawsuit vs. SCG in RS announced for Saturday; despite announcements RS President and PM not to attend

BHT1– Serb National Movement ‘Election is Ours’ organized a protesting walk in Banja Luka, emphasising dissatisfaction because of the BiH’s lawsuit against SCG. Gathered citizens disagreed with BiH constitutional changes as well as with allocation of revenues, carried out by the BiH Indirect Taxation Administration, by which, according to them, the RS had been damaged. Similar protest is to be organized in Bijeljina on Saturday, by nongovernmental organizations’ movement ‘SPONA’. RTRS – RS President Dragan Cavic and RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik will not participate in the protest rally in Bijeljina, although their participation was announced earlier. Instead, they will attend the talks on constitutional changes. Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Protest at noon’ by M.Mi, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Serbs do not want unitary state’ by T.Calic, Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Lawsuit returns BiH into 1919s’, mentioned on cover by Branka Stevandic,

FBiH NGOs organize rallies supporting the lawsuit vs. SCG; rallies o be held by May 9

BHT1– In last couple of days, FBiH NGOs have organized supporting rallies in several cities, expressing their support to the lawsuit. Representatives of the two associations said that they regretted the fact that the RS, being SCG’s hostage, still had not faced the past. “We should understand their reasons; the RS citizens are aware of the fact that by reaching the positive verdict, great number of RS politicians are not going to be spared”, said a ‘Justice for BiH’ Foundation representative Avdo Sofradzija. Such gatherings are going to be held till May 9, by which main hearing in the International Court of Justice should last.

Judicial/ security issues

SBS arrested war crime suspect in Trebinje

PINK– State Border Service officer arrested Predrag Miskovic in Trebinje. Miskovic is suspected of committing war crimes against civilians in Sarajevo’s settlement Grbavica in 1992 and 1993. Miskovic has been arrested upon arrestment warrant issued by Sarajevo Canton Court. ICTY approved leading of court proceedings against Miskovic in 2001. BHT1, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘He was member of the crew lead by notorious Batko’ by E.S., Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Miskovic arrested’ not signed, – reported.

Ante Jelavic seen in Croatia?

BHT1– In its last edition, Split based magazine ‘Feral Tribune’ has published picture of former BiH Presidency member Ante Jelavic as he was drinking coffee in a café in Split. Jelavic has been sentenced for embezzlements in ‘Hercegovacka Bank’ case to 10 years, after what he escaped to Croatia. Croatian authorities kept saying that they had no idea about Jelavic’s whereabouts. Hayat, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Ante Jelavic drinks coffee in Split carefree’ by Aj.D.,  Glas Srpske “Having coffee in Split’ by Agencies, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Ante Jelavic caught on coffee in Split’ by A.B, – carried.

BiH Chief Prosecutor confirmed launching of investigation against SDS and RS MoI officials

PINK– BiH Chief Prosecutor Marinko Jurcevic confirmed that BiH Prosecution has launched investigation against SDS and RS Ministry of Interior officials who are suspected of organised crime and providing support to fugitive ICTY indictees. According to Jurcevic, Prosecution is investigating against RS Police Chief Dragomir Andnan who allegedly coordinated the activities of RS Police on hiding war crime indictees.

Bijelica to be transferred to The Hague

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Bijelica from Doboj’ to The Hague’ detention’ by Sense– ICTY Judge Alfonso Ori has ordered that former high official of SDS Milovan Cicko Bijelica is temporary transferred to the ICTY detention. Namely, Bijelica who is indicted by BiH Prosecution for economic crime and waits for trial has been invited to appear as witness in case of Momcilo Krajisnik.

Daily: single financing of judiciary another attempt to transfer RS authorities to BiH

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Throwing dust in the face’ by Z.Markovic– Commenting of recent statement of Head of EC Mission to BiH Michael Humphreys who stated that judiciary should be fiancés from one budget, since fourteen budgets are an obstacle to establishment of independent judiciary, daily notices that this is just another story whose goal is to transfer RS authorities to BiH level. RS Justice Minister Omer Brankovic said that it is too early to comment this, stressing that RS judiciary is financed from the same budget, while in FBiH municipality and cantonal courts are being financed from Cantonal budgets. Brankovic said that this statement still deserves serious discussion within BiH High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council.