OHR BiH Media Round-up, 19/5/2006

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

BiH HoR Deputy Speaker Spiric calls on BiH CoM Ministers from RS to boycott the work of BiH COM over Chairman Terzic’s statement on missing Serbs of Sarajevo

RTRS – Deputy Speaker of the BiH HoR, Nikola Spiric, has called on Ministers in the BiH CoM from the RS to boycott the work of the BiH CoM and its Chair, Adnan Terzic, over the statement Terzic made (that Sarajevo Commission for investigation of crimes against Serbs will not be formed during his mandate at BiH CoM). Spiric noted: “As long as BiH Chair does not implement decision of both Houses of BiH Parliamentary Assembly regarding establishment of the Commission, RS Ministers should boycott BiH CoM’s work. I am of the view that if they failed to do so, they would be regarded as having no credibility…Report of the President of the BiH Helsinki Board for Human Rights, Srdjan Dizdarevic, saying documentation regarding murder of 500 Serbs and a number of politically unfit Bosniaks, proves that organized crime took place in Sarajevo. Statement of BiH CoM Chair equals with hushing organized crime.”

HR Schwarz-Schilling met CRO PM Sanader; discussion on const. changes, Croat issues

BH Radio 1 – High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling is visiting Zagreb, where he met Croatian Prime- Minister Ivo Sanader. During the meeting Schwarz-Schilling and Sanader have discussed the constitutional changes and other issues relevant for Croats in BiH. Later during the day, Schwarz-Schilling is expected top meet Speaker of Croatian Parliament Vladimir Seks.

FBIH Police disagrees with Govt’s decision to decrease salaries to police

RHB – The FBiH Police Administration expressed disagreement with the conclusion of the FBiH Government to reduce the salary coefficients for police officers due to which their salary base would be reduced by 20 %.

RS Chief Prosecutor: RS Justice Ministry and HJPC should together resolve issue of RS Special Prosecution

SRNA – Amor Bukic, RS Chief Prosecutor, stated today (Friday) that the HJPC and RS Ministry of Justice should in the upcoming period do all they can to resolve unpleasant situation resulting from latest HJPC’s decision to dispute appointment of Special Prosecutors. Bukic told the press that RS Justice Ministry would prepare changes to the Law on organized crime and the most serious sorts of economic crimes and deliver it to the HJPC, after which the best solution should be identified with joined forces.

Political Issues/Constitutional Changes

BiH CoM survives vote of no confidence in BiH HoR with 18 pro, 16 con and 3 MPs abstaining

Hayat by Lejla Gutlic – The BiH House of Representatives [HoR] rejected on Thursday the initiative for casting a vote of no confidence in the BiH Council of Ministers. 18 MPs voted against the initiative, 16 voted in favour, while 3 MPs abstained from voting. [Against removal of the CoM were SDA, SBiH, one HDZ MP and independent MPs Sead Avdic, Muhamed Altic and Mladen Potocnik, while SDS, SNSD, SDP [3 MPs], PDP and the initiators of no confidence vote Tihomir Gligoric, Petar Kunic and Mirko Blagojevic were in favour of removal]. Had it received a vote of no confidence, CoM would continue working in technical mandate until the October elections in BiH. “To offer a government in technical mandate as a negotiating partner to the European Union… is against this country, and completely unserious”, concluded CoM Chair Adnan Terzic. BHT1- Croat Caucus MP Vinko Zoric stressed that the MPs who had started the initiative should have secured support for it. Commenting the debate on removal of BiH CoM, SNSD MP Nikola Spiric stated that the entire HoR should preserve its dignity and resign. PINK- Initiative for casting a vote of non-confidence to the BiH CoM was launched because, as initiators believe, CoM completely ignores the state Parliament, and does not want to implement its conclusions. Among other things, members of Mixed Club criticized BiH CoM for not supporting the inquiry on spending the donors’ funds, failing to form a commission that would establish the truth about the suffering of Serbs in Sarajevo during the war, and ‘irresponsible behaviour’ regarding the Value Added Tax introduction. Terzic denied all those accusations, stressing that BiH CoM led BiH to the doorstep of the Europe. Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Plan for overthrowing Terzic failed’, pg 2 ‘Terzic’s Government survived no confidence vote in the Parliament’ by H.Orahovac– Except criticizing the work of the CoM and its ChairmanTerzic, SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija evaluated work of certain Ministers. According to Lagumdzija, Ministers Nikola Radovanovic and Mirsad Kebo are doing an excellent job, while Minister Safet Halilovic is “absolute paradigm of incapable Minister”.Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 2 ‘Two votes save Prime-Minister Terzic’ by A.Terzic– Spiric referred to the objection and demands for establishment of the Commission for Sarajevo Missing Serbs, which was asked by both Houses of BiH Parliament. “Terzic’s message that commission would never be established as long as he is the Head of the CoM is very serious. By this, the demands of the Parliament are being derogated and that is unacceptable” said Spiric.RHB, FTV, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Terzic stays’, pg 4 ‘Adnan Terzic stays’ by M.Cubro, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Terzic remains in place’ by Z.Domazet, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Terzic stayed in saddle’ by D. S, Dnevni List pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Representatives are not ready for radical moves’ by D. P. Mandic, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 10 ‘Adnan Terzic has got support of Parliament’ by H – reported.

Note: Please note that BHT1 has reported that SDP has voted against the initiative, whilst all other media [including print] reported that 3 SDP MPs supported the initiative.

BiH CoM Chair Terzic: Seselj’s Radicals, Lagumdzija’s SDP, SDS and Milosevic’s Socialists did not manage to stop BiH’s European path

Dnevni Avaz pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Seselj’s Radicals, Lagumdzija’s SDP, SDS and Milosevic’s Socialists did not manage to stop BiH’s European path’ by E.S. – Commenting failure of BiH HoR to adopt the initiative for casting vote of no confidence in the BiH Council of Ministers, BiH CoM Chair Adnan Terzic stated for daily: “I am glad that Seselj’s Radicals, Lagumdzija’s SDP, SDS and Milosevic’s Socialists did not manage to stop BiH’s European path.” He added that BiH CoM received a green light for continuation of talks on Stabilisation and Association Agreement [SAA] with EU. Terzic concluded that BiH CoM and European Commission were a bit worried with the possibility of BiH Parliament offering the Government in technical mandate for SAA talks: “Luckily, that did not happen, and we can continue to work on crucial projects for BiH.”

HR Schwarz-Schilling: Mostar unification hostage of political parties and individual politicians

FTV- Commenting the fact that Mostar City Council has not yet adopted the 2006 budget, the High Representative Christian Schwarz Schilling stated that the local authorities in Mostar clearly had not assumed their political responsibilities. He added that Mostar unification process is being held hostage by political parties and individual politicians more interested in advancing their campaign ambitions than the interests of the City. (also in Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Situation in Mostar without way out’ by N.N.)

DL: Mostar City Council to adopt budget on May 24

Dnevni List, pg 11 ‘SDA’s conditions will be met?’, by Sanja Bjelica – President of Mostar City Council (MCC), Murat Coric, confirmed for DL that the MCC would discuss the city budget for 2006 at the session scheduled for May 24. As reported by DL earlier, the daily writes that the SDA councillors will support the budget proposed by Mayor Ljubo Beslic following pressures exerted by the OHR and SDA HQ. DL goes on to say that the SDA councillors’ requests will also be met, namely, the MCC will have to discuss the issue of systematization of jobs in the City administration. Coric reminds that the Bosniak Caucus in the MCC sent the Mayor such a request on February 9, adding that “the request clearly says the job has to be done prior to adoption of the budget”. Dnevni Avaz, pg 10 ‘Mostar gets budget on May 25?’, by F. V. – reports that the Collegium of the MCC decided that the MCC is to discuss the budget on May 25.

SDS rejects allegations on disputable payment of party’s debts, SNSD convinced SDS tried to create turbulences prior to elections / BiH CEC’s Sehic: SDS can submit request for registration for elections

EuroBlic pg RS7 ‘Stojicic: we are not responsible’ by R. Radosavljevic – SDS Deputy President Dusan Stojicic said the party rejects accusations that it had abused personal data of citizens in order to just fictitiously pay money on the account of the party and settle its debts and he added he believes this is only media campaign against the party. Deputy President of SNSD Krstan Simic, on the other hand, says this was SDS’ misuse made with an aim to create turbulences on the eve of elections. Member of BiH Central Election Commission [CEC] Vehid Sehic says SDS can submit a demand for registration for the October elections without any problems and added the Commission had launched no investigation upon media speculations on disputable payments because ‘this is not its [Commission’s] job’.

SPRS’s Djokic: SDS’ proposal on joint participation at FBiH elections good, might be too late

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Consistency proved to be worthy’ by M. Simic – SPRS President Petar Djokic on Thursday stated that the proposal of SDS on joint participation of Serb parties in elections in the FBiH was a good idea, but it seems as if it came too late since SPRS proposed the same thing nine years ago and SDS assessed this as ‘great betrayal of national interests’.

DL: HDZ 1990 willing to form coalitions with Croat Coalition for Changes, HSP Djapic-Jurisic and NSRZB

Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Ljubic ready for coalitions’ by D. Pusic carries that the HDZ 1990 Presidency held a session on Thursday and according to unofficial information, HDZ 1990 is willing to form coalitions with the Croat Coalition for Changes (made of HKDU, HDU, HD and HSS), HSP Djapic-Jurisic and People’s Party Working for Prosperity (NSRZB) and all Croat parties with which it is possible to reach an agreement on a program and acting.

VL: Croat parties most interested in forming coalitions for October elections

Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Coalitions interesting to Croats only’ by E. Medunjanin comments that it would appear it is the Croat parties that would mainly decide to form coalitions for the October elections. According to VL, one coalition would be probably made by the Croat Coalition for Changes (made of HSS, HD,, HKDU and HDU), while the other one would be made of HSP Djapic-Jurisic, NHI and perhaps some other Croat party. VL also carries that HDZ BiH and HDZ 1990 have not declared themselves yet about their possible coalitions, while SDA, SDP and SDS will run for the elections independently and PDP and SNSD are about to pass the same decision.  

SDA President Tihic and SDP President Lagumdzija agreed that Komsic ( SDP) be candidate for Croat member of BiH Presidency/HDZ President Covic to be in BiH CoM

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 13, mentioned on cover ‘Komsic to be President’ by F. Mioc carries that after failed constitutional changes whose essence was, according to SD, to make possible that the election of high-ranked Croat officials least depends on the Croat electorate, there is an attempt to achieve the same goal but in a different way. SD goes on to say that in order to achieve this, the SDA President Sulejman Tihic and SDP President Zlatko Lagumdzija agreed to put forward candidacy of Zeljko Komsic from SDP for the position of the Croat member and Tihic for the Bosniak member of the BiH Presidency at the coming elections. SD also says that SDA and SDP also took care of HDZ President Dragan Covic and according to their agreement Covic should be in the BiH Council of Ministers.

SD: It is not possible that constitutional changes talks resume at this moment

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 12, mentioned on cover ‘Tihic’s task from Washington’ by Z. Tulic says that after a failure to adopt constitutional changes it is obvious that SDA President Sulejman Tihic and SDP President Zlatko Lagumdzija have become nervous and in some sort of panic, Tihic because there is an increasing number of constitutional changes’ opponents within his own party and Lagumdzija because of decrease of his popularity due to his accepting the IC’s ultimatum and due to SBiH founder Haris Silajdzic’s coming on the political scene again. According to SD, it is questionable whether other BiH Presidency members would support the constitutional changes again since there is a possibility that Borislav Paravac and Ivo Miro Jovic would abstain when this issue is in question. The author concludes that judging by the whole political situation it is not possible to renew talks on the constitutional changes at this moment. SD also says that RS politicians believe that the initiative for renewal of the talks came from Tihic who lobbied for this issue during his recent visit in the USA although he did not consult other parties.

SBiH founder Silajdzic: Belgrade is step ahead of BiH towards EU and BiH is sacrified again; Patriotic block to be transformed into Alliance for BiH in EU

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Belgrade is step ahead of us towards EU and we are scarified again’, mentioned on cover ‘I live in BiH, not from BiH’ by Edina Sarac – Announcing his taking over party leadership, in an interview for daily, SBiH founder Haris Silajdzic noted that he would be either a candidate for BiH Presidency or his party’s number one to the state-elections list at the October elections. Repeating his old stances on changes to the BiH Constitution, Silajdzic said that the fact that RS representatives are refusing to talk about abolishing the entity voting “is a clear warning that the process of creating two parallel states, of which one is ethnically cleansed with [Radovan] Karadzic’s tolerant ten percent, is being brought to an end.” Silajdzic announced transforming ‘Patriotic block’ [SBiH, SDU and BOSS] into ‘Alliance for BiH in EU’, “with a clear orientation, and that would be democratic BiH, and not feudal one, divided into three tribes.” Commenting situation in the region, Silajdzic said that Serbia is one step ahead of BiH towards EU: “We are sacrified again. Unfortunately, we did not pay attention to serious campaign that has been led for five years now. BiH is presented as potential terrorist danger, for ‘white Muslims’ live in it.” He denied all allegations that he is connected with privatisation of ‘Tuzlanska banka’, adding: “I live in BiH, not from BiH.”

EU Parliamentarians: BiH Constitution must be changed

Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘BiH Constitution must be changed’ by Sead Numanovic – Article reads that regardless of their political orientation, MPs in the EU Parliament are united in the stance that BiH has to change its Constitution in order to enter European integration. MP Hannes Swoboda said that he was not surprised with the failure of constitutional changes: “I think that last year’s visit to USA was a mistake. Americans collected BiH politicians and took them there not carrying for situation and atmosphere in BiH.” Gisela Kallenbach stated that Western Balkans is inseparable part of Europe, adding that politicians must keep their promise on EU perspective of this region given in Solun in 2003. Slovenian MP Jelko Kacin noted that the most realistic option for the next EU enlargement is 2012, adding that the conditions might be more strict, after “lessons learned with Romania and Bulgaria”. He said that BiH Constitution must be changed from within. Article carries Kacin stressed that: “current High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schillinghas problems in communication, and that he hopes that introducing new spokesperson Chris Bennett will solve this issue.”

Stability Pact Coordinator Busek: sceptical stance toward EU enlargement could slow down reforms in SEE

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Lon but open road toward the EU’ by Fena– In commentary for Vienna based Kurier, Coordinator for South-Eastern Europe of Stability Pact Erhard Busek criticized the doubt which is publicly presented in some Western countries regarding justification of further enlargement of the EU, because as Busek said such sceptical stance could slow down the reform processes in SEE. “Enlargement issue was raised too early, because Albania, BiH, Macedonia and SCG have long and hard path to cross toward fulfilling of criteria for integration with the EU (…) If Balkans would be ignored, its problems could soon become even greater and more serious and then it would have repercussion on us in the Union” said Busek.

HR Schwarz-Schilling to visit Zagreb on Friday; discussion on European integration, SD believes CSS wants Zagreb to influence Catholic bishops in BiH re const. changes

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Schwarz-Schilling in visit to Zagreb today’ by Onasa– As it was announced by OHR Spokesperson Ljiljana Radetic, High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling is visiting Zagreb on Friday, where he should meet Croatian PM Ivo Sanader, Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks and Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic. Radetic underlined it was the joint interest of both countries to associate with the EU, as soon as possible, due to which the HR would once against emphasize that: “Croats in BiH have to have active role in building of the country in which they would feel good, along with other two constituent peoples”. Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Schilling in Zagreb today’ not signed also announces the visit.

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 2 ‘To ask for Sanader’s assistance’ by V. Vegar comments on this visit and the author says that the HR will ask in Zagreb for an assistance in resolving of problems in BiH. SD also says that the HR’s mandate has been rather unnoticed so far, however during the last few days he began to reconcile Cardinal Vinko Puljic and Reis Mustafa Effendi Ceric. Also, a SD source said that the main reason of the HR’s visit to Zagreb is belief that the Croatian authorities can influence Catholic bishops in BiH to change their opposition to constitutional changes.

PDHR Butler blames Municipality Ravno for failure to agree on opening of Ivanica crossing

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘For non-opening of the crossing Ivanica Butler blames Municipality Ravno’ by Ir.Ma– Following his visit to Trebinje, where he met Head of Municipality Dobroslav Cuk, Principal Deputy to the High Representative Lawrence Butler stated that he would not abandon negotiations on opening of the Ivanica border crossing between Trebinje and Dubrovnik. Butler couldn’t hide disappointment with the fact that EC has provided finances for modernization of the crossing, but due to disputes over the location, the finances were transferred to Visegrad. He stressed that process was obstructed by Municipality Ravno, stressing that whole state has failed as well, since crossings are under its authority. (also reported by EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Problem with laws’ by V. M.)

EuroBlic vox populi on HR CSS’s mandate: majority assessed CSS has less radical approach than his predecessors

EuroBlic pg RS7 – Vox populi on the first 100 days of HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling’s mandate – carries comments of 12 interviewed citizens. Most of them stated they believe CSS has less radical approach than his predecessors and assessed he gives an advantage to agreements and consensus rather than to imposing of strict measures, while other interviewed citizens were either indifferent [saying they are not familiar with politics and expressing their view nothing is changing] or they say BiH no longer needs HR and local authorities should take the responsibility for leading the country.

Judicial Affairs/Investigatons

RS Special Prosecutor Tegeltija resigns after HJPC disputed appointment of Special Prosecutors; RS PM Dodik – HJPC strengthened crime with this decision

RTRS by Valentina Lekanic – RS Chief Special Prosecutor Milan Tegeltija resigned and stated that other Special Prosecutors would resign as well. Tegeltija also stated that he resigned due to professional and moral reasons after High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council disputed the appointment of Special Prosecutors. Tegeltija stressed that none of the Prosecutors is at fault for the current situation. Chair of HJPC Branko Peric reminded that these appointments have been disputed since they are not in accordance with BIH Law on HJPC, underlining that that HJPC is the only institution that can appoint Prosecutors and adds that HJPC is not disputing RS Special Prosecution. Peric also stated that HJPC is supporting the efforts of RS Government for fight against organised crime and adds that RS Government needs to adopt a set of laws to this regard that will be coordinated with HJPC recommendations. RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik stated that he couldn’t believe that there are people who are preventing fight against organised crime. “HJPC has just strengthened the criminal community with this decision”, stressed Dodik. OHR hopes that HJPC and RS Government will start a constructive discussion on this subject and adds that initiative of RS Government in fight against organised crime is very welcome. PINK- However, Dodik stressed that the RS Government will not give up the concept of the Special Prosecutor’s Office. “Only Constitutional Court can decide whether this law is valid, not HJPC”, stressed Dodik. OHR Spokesperson Ljiljana Radetic stated on Thursday that OHR deems it’s in the best interest of RS to start the discussion with the HJPC. BHT1, Hayat, FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Milan Tegeltija files resignations’ by D.R., Glas Srpske cover pg report ‘A moral act’ by V.J.-M.Dz., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Tegeltija’s resignation’ by Mirna Soja and Tijana Veselinovic, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Milan Tegeltija resigned’ by Fena – also covered. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘HJPC only strengthened the criminal community’ by Srna – carries Dodik’s reaction. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘RS Government and HJPC have the same goal’ not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘RS Government and HJPC should solve the problem directly’ by not signed, Glas Srpske cover pg report ‘A moral act’ by V.J.-M.Dz. – OHR calls for dialogue between RS Govt and HJPC.

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Criminal community strengthened’ by Lj.C.-Z.M. – Dodik is mostly annoyed with the fact that HJPC recommendation arrived a month and a half after RS NA adopted Law on Special Prosecution and three months after discussion on the idea (of establishing Special Prosecution) was launched in the RS NA.

Further comments of disapproval of Wednesday’s decision of HJPC/NGOs also disapprove of HJPC’ decision

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Criminal community strengthened’ by Lj.C.-Z.M. – DEPOS (Democratic Movement of Srpska) on Thursday released a press statement, reminding it has warned of this possibility, demanding more responsibility from bodies that were obligated to work in line with needs of citizens. It also carries outdated comments of SDS’ Dusan Stojicic, RS NA Speaker Igor Radojicic, and PDP’s Veselin Poljasevic (see BiH Media Round-up 18 May).  Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Only criminals will make a profit’ by D.R. – NGOs oriented towards fighting crime (Dragomir Babic from “Narodni front”, Branko Todorovic from RS Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, and Momir Dejanovic from Doboj Centre for Human Politics) Thursday expressed disapproval with decision of HJPC. Babic and Dejanovic said this would only be in the interest of criminals, while Todorovic stressed: “The fact HJPC has the authority to choose Prosecutors, but another fact as well is that those appointed to Special Prosecution have already gone through all check-ups at HJPC.”

RS NA Speaker sends back official letter to HJPC since it was wrongly addressed to fmr Speaker Stojicic

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘They wrote to Stojicic instead to Radojicic’ by D.R. – Cabinet of Igor Radojicic, RS NA Speaker, Thursday returned official letter it received from HJPC (regarding remarks on the text of the Law on stamping out organised crime on basis of which RS Special Prosecution was formed) since it was addressed to Dusan Stojicic as RS NA speaker. The letter Radojicic addressed reads: “We inform you that as of 28 February, Mr. Stojicic is not assuming the position of RS NA Speaker and it is weird HJPC was not informed of it as yet.”

BiH Security Minister Deputy Mektic: SIPA is leading investigations on criminal privatisation

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Mektic: SIPA is leading investigations on criminal privatisation’ by T.Lazovic – BiH Security Minister Deputy Dragan Mektic confirmed for daily that SIPA is leading investigation on couple of cases of possible criminal privatisation connected with corruption. Daily learns from an unnamed source in BiH, the Security Intelligence Agency [OSA] estimated that organized economy criminal damages BiH by billion Euro every year. Inset ‘Laws full of loopholes’ – Mektic is of opinion that part of responsibility for insufficient effect in fighting organized crime, besides policing structures, is down to the authorities as well, for they should change the laws allowing misuses and illegalities.

BiH institutions to take position regarding BiH Court ’ Kreso demand for protection of independent judiciary

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Stance of BiH institutions next week’ by N.Krsman – The BiH State institutions, to whom Meddzida Kreso, BiH Court President, addressed a letter, will next week decide in what manner they would respond to her call for protection of independent judiciary in BiH in relation with re-election of international judge Malcolm Simmons. Kreso on Monday addressed letter to Sulejman Tihic, BiH Presidency Chair, Adnan Terzic, BiH CoM Chair, and Mladen Ivanic, BiH Foreign MInister, where she informed them Simmons was re-appointed against the will of BiH Court President, expressing dissatisfaction with his work. Terzic confirmed he got the letter, adding he cannot interfere in the work of judiciary. Ivanic also confirmed receipt of the letter, stressing he will consult with BiH Justice Minister and do whatever is legally possible.

Dani: British Ambassador Rycroft threatened BiH Court President Kreso that she would suffer consequences if she does not appoint British Judge Simmons

Dani pgs 22-23 ‘British offensive on Meddzida Kreso’ by Dzenana Karup-Drusko – Article carries that a huge affair is going on in the BiH Court, after BiH Court President Meddzida Kreso refused to agree to reappointment of a British judge Malcolm Simmons. British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft, article reads, demanded Simmons is to stay, threatening to Kreso: “You have less and less friends, you have to appoint him [Simmons] or you will suffer consequences.” Author further notes that Kreso informed High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council [HJPC] on details of her meeting with Rycroft, demanding protection and help, providing HJPC with detailed data regarding appointment of international judges. Weekly carries that appointment procedure, earlier done by OHR, has changed, for the BiH Court has now set conditions of appointment of international staff. Author claims that one of the conditions is that an international judge has to have at least eight years of experience, adding that Simmons is not fulfilling this condition for he has never been doing that job before: “Simmons was appointed by Paddy Ashdown,former High Representative from Great Britain that was connected with British Intelligence in couple of affairs.” Dani comments that the whole affair occurred after HJPC President Branko Peric provided Simmons with confidential transcripts of the meeting HJPC had with Kreso.The author concludes it is unlikely that state institutions will oppose the policy the world powers-that-be are conducting in BiH even if it is a colonial policy.

NN learns two persons – one from Serbia and another from Croatia – were preparing assassination against RS PM Dodik

Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Two persons from Serbia and Croatia planned assassination’ by V.Popovic – Daily learns from sources close to RS NA that two persons – one from Serbia and one from Croatia – planned assassination against RS Premier, Milorad Dodik. Daily learns these information are included in the Report the RS MoI has handed to RS NA Board for Security and Defence following publication of information on assassination plot against RS PM. Board members Thursday discussed Report, but no statements were given to media. Board President, Velimir Sakan, stated: “The RS MOI has undertaken all activities necessary in order to provide adequate protection to RS PM.” He also said that Board did not discuss information Predrag Kovacevic, Board President presented (that a group of people preparing assassination against Dodik was the same group that prepared assassination against him in 1999 in Slatina near Banja Luka), adding: “I do not know where Kovacevic got that piece of information. We have only discussed official information we got from RS MOI.”

DA: Assassination of Dodik prepared by assassins from SCG

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Assassination of Dodik prepared by assasins from SCG’ by N.Diklic – Daily claims to be in possession of a report, made by Defence and Security Council of the RSNA, which confirms that all the information on alleged assassination attempt of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik, the RS Interior Ministry received from Serbian MoI. Serbian MoI informed RS MoI to have unproven data that group of five persons entered RS with intention to assassin Dodik. Daily further alleges that an unknown person from Banja Luka demanded cancelling of the assassination.

Dani: FBiH PM Hadzipasic, and FBiH Gov Ministers Vrankic and Zigic to be interrogated because of Energopetrol privatization

Dani pg 7 ‘Hadzipasic, Zigic and Vrankic under investigation because of Energopetrol’ by Dz.K.D.– According to ‘BH Dani’ by end of the week, the Sarajevo Cantonal Prosecution would open the official investigation on ‘Energopetrol’ privatization and along with that it would submit two information; one to FBiH Taxation Administration and the other to Sarajevo Canton Interior Ministry. Although there is no official confirmation, the weekly learns that first persons that would be interrogated by the police are FBiH PM Ahmet Hadzipasic, FBiH Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic and former Industry Minister Izet Zigic, along with few more members of FBiH Government.

Trial against 32 persons because of money laundering and tax evasion to continue before BiH Court on May 31

Dnevni List cover pg splash ’Herzegovinian tycoons before court again’ and pg 23 ‘Tycoons from West Herzegovina before BiH Court again’ by N. Dedic carries that the trial in the case against 32 persons and their 32 companies because of money laundering and tax evasion will continue before the BiH Court on May 31. A source close to the BiH Court confirmed this information. DL explains that this is about a group of persons from West Herzegovina, central Bosnia and the RS who were laundering money through ‘Uzdah’ company.

Economy/Social Issues

Fifth Pan-European Conference starts in Sarajevo ; main discussion on Corridor Vc

Hayat by Nebojsa Radulovic – In a statement for Sarajevo-based daily Oslobodjenje, Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic accused Croatian Government of attempting to change the interstate sea border near Neum to BiH’s detriment, i.e. to deprive BiH of a status of maritime state. The relations between BiH and Croatia, especially regarding the Peljesac bridge, will be discussed during the Fifth Pan-European Conference, which commenced on Thursday in Sarajevo. However, the main topic of this meeting will be the construction of a highway on the Corridor Vc. Many BiH companies expressed great interest in this project, but their chances to participate – according to Hayat reporter – are very small, almost non-existing. ‘Hidrogradnja’ Director Mehmed Drino described the most probable scenario: “Foreign companies will give their offers, suggest their prices, and then we will face an ultimatum: take it or leave it”. “It is not necessary that we have a construction company as a concessionaire. Therefore, in the future we will probably request from the potential concessionaires to employ more than 60 percent of domestic workers”, stated Izet Bajrambasic, Assistant BiH Minister of Communications and Transport. He added that it is not realistic to expect the construction of the highway to be completed until 2009. RHB, BHT1, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Strategic issue Corridor 5-C’ not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 15 ‘Terzic: Whole BiH community needs to be included into science development’ by L.S. – covered. Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Tunnel is better solution than Peljesac bridge’ by R. Dautefendic carries that opening the conference, Terzic stated that ‘international officials should start to pack their things and experts and investors should start to come to our country in a larger number.’ DL says that the biggest attention of the participants of the conference was drawn by professor Jure Radic from Split who said that construction of a tunnel is much better solution than construction of the Peljesac bridge.

SD: BiH builds marine in Klek bay without knowledge of competent Croatian authorities

Slobodna Dalmacija cover pg splash ‘BiH builds marine in bay Klek’ and pg 13 ‘Marina in bay Klek’ by Z. Tulic carries that during the recent meeting between BiH Minister of Traffic and Communications Branko Dokic and Croatian Minister of Transport Bozidar Kalmeta, an information leaked according to which a concession for construction of a marine in Klek bay was allegedly issued (by BiH authorities presumably) although none informed or consulted some of competent Croatian Ministries about it although BiH is supposed to do it. SD also says that none from the BiH Ministry of Communications wanted to comment on this information or reveal who demanded the concession for the marine. (NB: Both BiH and Croatia claim the bay, the border line is yet to be ratified)

FBiH Government passes Law on Establishing and Settling Internal FBiH Obligations foreseeing that all payments on verdicts would be carried out in bonds

FTV Aleksandar Markovic – At the session held on Thursday, FBiH Government adopted a set of decisions on calculation of salaries for officials in FBiH Government bodies and administrative institutions. As of April 1 elected officials, duty holders and advisors will have a salary coefficient of 12,50. The base for salary calculation will be 85 KM. FBiH Government adopted the draft changes to the FBiH law on verification and payment of internal debts. According to this proposal, all debts will be paid in bonds, and not in cash. FBiH Government adopted the amendments to the FBiH law on social care for civil victims of war, families with children and socially vulnerable groups. These amendments will enable social support to elderly people and better support to the children. This amendment will also cover the family members of killed soldiers of so-called “People’s Defence of West Bosnia Autonomous Region”. FBiH Government endorsed the draft law on pardon for illegal possession of weapons and explosive devices. RHB, PINK, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Status of People’s Defence of West Bosnia Autonomous Region members finaly solved’ not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Judicial paying only in bonds’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Stimulans for collection of weapons’, Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘Autonomists introduced to laws on war victims’ by M.Kukan – also covered.

Avaz: FBiH Govt passes decision that increases salaries to advisors, decreases salaries to police officers

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Salary of a common police officer KM315 and of a doorman 399,5 KM’ by M.Kukan– As DA announced, the FBiH Government has accepted the proposal of FBiH Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic to decrease salaries to police officers and increase salaries to advisors to officials. According to this, until the Law on rights of elected officials, duty holders and their advisors is passed in the FBiH Parliament, advisors would have basic salary of KM786,24, while salaries of police officers would be decreased by about KM60.

RS Government: Elektroprivreda managed its affairs in 2005 well; 5.5  million KM annual income reported

PINK– RS Government discussed on Thursday the report on the work of Elektroprivreda RS and ‘Elektroprenos’ Banjaluka. It was concluded that RS Elektroprivreda managed its affairs quite well in 2005, reporting KM 5.5 million annual income. Elektroprivreda Director Pantelija Dakic underlined the increase of the production for approximately 30 percent during last three years. RTRS– RS Government adopted a set of conclusions stressing that Elektrodistribucija must remove all obstacles in calculating the prices of electricity. RS Government stresses that these conclusions will achieve bigger transparency and customer orientation of Elektrodistribucija. (also covered by Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Profit of BAM 5 million’ by D.R.)

RS Tax Administration’s Orelj: Debts towards RS TA amount to 1.3 billion KM

Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘Not even forcible payment can collect BAM 89.7 million’ by A.Sekulic – In a page interview to daily, Zeljko Orelj, Acting Deputy Director of RS Tax Administration, has confirmed that debt towards the state in taxes amount to BAM 1.3 billion. He adds that there has been no payment of debt regarding any of 3649 decisions on forcible payments, debt of which amounts to BAM 89.7 million. He lists the names of companies the RS TA is trying to collect the debt from, which also include Bosanski Brod Oil Refinery as the biggest debtor.

RS PM Dodik: “Telekom Srpske” to be sold by end of year for not less than EURO 400 million

Nezavisne Novine pg 15 ‘To better situation at capital market through laws’ by P.Klincov, EuroBlic RSpg 3, announced on cover ‘Dodik: No talk without EURO 400 million’ – RS premier Milorad Dodik said on Thursday that Telekom Srpske will be privatized by the end of the year and that the Cabinet expects to realize at least EURO 400 million for the company. The PM made the statement at the First International Conference of the Banjaluka Stock Exchange in Teslic.

DA op-ed praising upgrade of BiH’s credit rating

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Acknowledgement to BiH reforms’ by Tarik Lazovic – Praising the fact that Moody’s Investors Service upgraded BiH’s credit rating to a higher rank (B2, instead of B3), editorial reads that it simply means BiH could get easier and cheaper credits, which would further mean increasing the number of development programs, investments and opening of new jobs. Author concludes that it would also help BiH to improve its international image: “Therefore, it sounds encouraging that we were transferred from the ‘positive perspective’ to the ‘stable one’ credit rating.”

NGOs and humanitarian organizations prepared draft law foreseeing exemption of these institutions from VAT

FTV By Azra Pasukan Buljina – NGOs “Merhamet”, “Caritas”, “Dobrotvor” and “La Benevolencia” filed a request to the authorities demanding exemption of humanitarian organisations from VAT system. They stressed that about 700.000 BiH citizens live in poverty, and most of them depend on support of humanitarian organisations. President of “Merhamet” Hajrudin Sahic stated that this NGO had to eliminate 3.000 meals in soup kitchens because of increased food prices caused by VAT introduction. Therefore, the NGOs prepared a draft law on humanitarian organisations, which would stimulate the work of these organisations. At the moment, the draft law is in process of harmonisation and approval by different state institutions and OHR. Also reported by RHB, BHT1- Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Humanitarian organizations ask to be exempt from the VAT’ by Onasa, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘690. 000 people in BiH live in poverty’ by S.Se, Vecernji List ‘3000 meals less due to VAT’ by E. Medunjanin, Dnevni List pg 14, mentioned on cover ‘3000 people are starving due to VAT’ by M. Zorlak

War Crimes

Serbian Supreme Court confirmed the verdict to four members of paramilitary unit in ‘Sjeverin’ case

PINK-The Serbian Supreme Court confirmed on Thursday the verdict that sentences four members of ‘Avengers’ paramilitary unit to between 15 to 20 years in prison for war crimes they committed in Sjeverin. Dragutin Dragicevic was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Djordje Sevic got 15 years. Milan Lukic, who was arrested in Argentina and extradited to The Hague Tribunal, and Oliver Krsmanovic, who remains a fugitive, has been sentenced in absentia to 20 years in prison each. According to the indictment, Dragicevic, Sevic, Lukic and Krsmanovic, along with five other unidentified ‘Avengers’ members, abducted and killed 16 Bosniaks from the bus on October 22^nd, 1992. (The abductors halted a bus running between Priboj, Serbia and Rudo, BiH), BHT1, Hayat, FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘The total of 75 years if prison to indictees’ by BETA, Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘Verdicts for crime in Sjevering confirmed’ by Beta – covered.

OHR: If RS Govt. failed to find Palic, FBiH Govt. could use it as excuse not to fulfil obligations re missing Serbs of Sarajevo

PINK by Danijel Vujanovic – Office of the High Representative warned on Thursday that, if RS fail to discover the location of Colonel Avdo Palic’s remains by May 26, it would be an excuse for FBiH not to fulfil its obligations in case of Serbs that disappeared from Sarajevo. OHR Spokesperson Ljiljana Radetic reminded that RS Government promised to exhume the remains of BiH Army Colonel Palic from the grave somewhere in the area of Han-Pijesak as soon as conditions on the ground allow such operation. “OHR certainly expect RS Government and Prime Minister Milorad Dodik to fulfil their promise and obligations”, concluded Radetic. OHR underlined that there will be no further extension of the deadline in this case. Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Milorad Dodik did not fulfilled two promises’ by E.K.– carried.

GS op-ed criticizes behaviour of Tuzla citizens who insulted families of killed JNA soldiers

Glas Srpske op-ed pg 2 ‘The dead are buried for the second time’ by Tomo Maric – The author criticises the event in Tuzla of few days ago, when families of the fallen soldiers, who were murdered in Tuzla procession on 15 May 1992, came to Tuzla (Brcanska malta) to place wreaths and were exposed to insults and even physical clashes. He stresses Tuzla has demonstrated that on the well-trodden path of evil, grass will not grow, adding that the dead young soldiers of JNA, who had taken oath to the then state, were buried for the second time.

Miscellaneous

BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade on export of weapon from BiH to Iraq : Everything was done according to law

Dnevni List pg 9 ‘Export of weapon to Iraq in accordance with law’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 4 ‘All procedures were respected’ by F, RHB, FTV – Due to media reports based on the Amnesty International report on export of weapon from BiH to Iraq, the BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations issued a press release which says that everything was done according to the law and procedures.