OHR BiH Media Round-up, 21/3/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

FBIH HoP on allocation of revenues

US welcomed constitutional changes

RS Pres. Cavic inBelgrade

Teachers’ protests in HNC

HNC Government in session

USA welcomes const. chang. agr.

Reactions to const. changes

Tesanj factory employees on protest

China and Russia relations

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK  (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Strike in HNC schools continues

EU Ministers regarding BiH

Marjanovic and Buhovac indicted

HNC Government on strike

Agreement on constitutional changes

EU on constitutional changes in BIH

Bishop conference in Mostar

HR on status of removed officials

SBIH, SDU, BOSS on const. changes

Vrbosic meets Petrovic

BiH paid foreign debt in 2005

Babic’s body transported to Belgrade

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

A famous BiH actor to be evicted

Eviction of notes Sarajevo actor

EU Ministers regarding BiH and SCG

Issue of old foreign currency savings

Vranica/Sipad workers at strike

Agreement on constitutional changes

Interview with Amila Omersoftic

Elektro-Bosna on investors’ contract

SDS Presidency meeting

Issue of allocation of public revenues

Veladzic acquitted

RSNA session on Thursday

Oslobodjenje

[SBiH-SDU-BOSS] Four deputies can block state institutions

Dnevni Avaz

[Muslim leader Ceric] I am afraid that politicians are irresponsible and incapable

Dnevni List

Dangerous medicine Aricept at our market as well (about medicine for Alzheimer disease due to which 11 out of 648 tested patients in USA died)

Vecernji List

Morbid photos among young people (on photo showing slaughtering that young people exchnage among themselves though their mobile phones in Mostar)

Slobodna Dalmacija

[Chair of HDZ-CD- HNZ Caucus Madunic] Covic sold us to get forgiveness for his sins

Nezavisne Novine

[SBiH-SDU-BOSS] Agreement will not be adopted

Glas Srpske

Troubles will go by (baptising of five children from Malovic family)

EuroBlic

A Serb arrested over rigging football games in Germany

Vecernje novosti

Land swallowing villages (land-sliding in Serbia village around West Morava river)

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

USA welcomes agreement on const. changes in BiH

RHB, RTRS – The United States welcomed the agreement on constitutional changes signed by seven BiH party leaders on Saturday, stressing that these are significant first steps toward modernizing the structures established by the Dayton Peace Agreement. US State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack stated that this is signing the agreement is significant step toward creating a more functional state ready to take its place in Euro-Atlantic institutions, concluding that Washington expects swift parliamentary approval of these reforms.

RS President Cavic meets Serbian officials in Belgrade , discussing ICTY cooperation

RTRS – Dragan Cavic, RS President, has announced that during today’s meetings in Belgrade with the Serbian President, Boris Tadic and Serbian Premier, Vojislav Kostunica,will discuss the issue of the cooperation with the ICTY that burden the international and political status of both Serbia and BiH, especially RS. Prior to his departure to Belgrade , Cavic also said that meetings with Tadic and Kostunica will also discuss the political issues of importance for BH.

Constitutional changes

SBiH, SDU, BOSS: agreement doesn’t ensure strengthening of the state; it is contrary to guidelines given by Venice Commission

BHT1 – Patriotic block – Party for BiH (SBiH), Social-Democratic Union (SDU), Bosnian Party (BOSS) – and Association of Veterans at the press conference on Monday strongly opposed the constitutional changes agreed by the leaders of seven political parties in BiH. They stressed that the agreement failed to ensure strengthening of the state and noted the remaining problem of entity vote in the BiH House of Representatives. SBiH official Safet Halilovic said that according to the agreement  “not a single decision on the EU integrations can be reached without entity majority. Therefore, BIH is the hostage of entities”. On the other hand, SDU and its leader Sejfudin Tokic deem that the election of the Presidency in the parliament obstructs the state institutions. It was also stressed the agreement doesn’t guarantee an equality for Croats at either entity or state levels. Ivo Komsic, SDU officials, stated that “Croats would not decide on anything”. According to Miro Lazovic, SDU official, “entity border is stressed thus the name of RS is shamefully preserved and accepted”. Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Four deputies can block state institutions’ by A.Omeragic– Komsic adds the agreement introduces another blockade: “New mechanism is installed, so that four deputies of House of Peoples could block the election of Presidency and with that of all state institutions as well.” FTV – Parties stressed the adopted agreement is contrary to the guidelines suggested by the Venice Commission, U.S. congress Resolution and proposals of Council of Europe. PINK, Hayat, RTRS, PINK, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘BiH Parliament can not ratify force and injustice’, mentioned on cover by A.Malagic, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Agreement will not pass at BH Parliament’ by N.N., EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Hardly to majority’ by Nedeljka Breberina – also covered.

Patriotic Block will call on SDA’s Tihic and SDP’s Lagumdzija to explain contents of const. changes; RS CoP Chair Kadric [SDA] objects agreement  

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Tihic and Lagumdzija have signed high treason!’, by R. Dautefendic – The Patriotic Block says it will call on leaders of SDA and SDP, Sulejman Tihic and Zlatko Lagumdzija respectively, to explain to the citizens the contents of the agreement they have signed, arguing that the two have committed the ‘high treason’ (by signing constitutional changes). SDU’s Sejfudin Tokic is carried as saying that Ambassadors of the US, Austria and UK have played a ‘disgraceful role’ in the process because the ambassadors want the changes to be adopted without a single day of public debates about the changes. Dnevni List pg 4 ‘There is no support to constitutional changes’ by R. D. carries that President of the Council of Peoples in the RS Remzija Kadric (from SDA) joined criticism against the constitutional changes agreement.

HSP joins in criticism of the agreement on the constitutional changes: ‘Croats to become decoration’

RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Subsidiaries of HSP established in RS’ by Fena, Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Catastrophic position of Croats in RS’, by A. Beus, Vecernji List pg 3 ‘HSP members made their way up in RS’ by MV– At press conference in Mostar, HSP ‘Djapic – Dr Jurisic’ representatives commented the constitutional changes stating that at very beginning of talks, Croats were put into unequal position, in comparison to other two constitutive people, since two political parties are representing them only; HDZ and HNZ , while three parties each have represented Serbs and Bosniaks. HSP calls on Catholic Church in BiH to state its dissatisfaction with poor constitutional changes and adds that if the changes were to be implemented, Croats would become just a decoration in multi-ethnic BiH.

President of HDZ-CD- HNZ Caucus Madunic: HDZ President Covic signed const. changes agreement to get forgiveness for his sins

Slobodna Dalmacija cover pg splash and pgs 14 and 15 ‘Covic sold us to get forgiveness for his sins’ by P. Milos carries an interview with President of HDZ-CD-HNZ Caucus Ivan Madunic in the FBiH Parliament who says that the constitutional changes agreement would make the position of Croats even worse. He also said that they are very concerned about the fact that HDZ President Dragan Covic signed this agreement and he added: ‘It was not coincidence that according to the High Representative’s order Covic was charged with crime and expelled from the BiH Presidency but he was left at the leading position in HDZ.’ Madunic believes that it turns out that the International Community does not care about the fact that none from the Croat side agrees with the changes but they stick to Covic’s signature, while HNZ President Milenko Brkic claims that he did not sign anything.

SNSD, SDP , SDA satisfied with the agreement; Election Comm.: changes must be adopted by end of March

BHT1 – Political parties form RS that participated in the negotiations on constitutional changes expressed the satisfaction with the agreement reached over the weekend. “The agreement is good for the RS and that it doesn’t undermine its interests and it represents a good compromise, which both improves the Dayton Agreement and does not undermine the vital national interests of Serbs or the RS as an entity” stated Speaker of the RS National Assembly Igor Radojcic. Both SDP and SDA denied all the objections to the agreement stating that it stipulates the important changes and significant strengthening of the state. Jozo Krizanovic, from SDP, stated, “it will have the possibility to adopt the laws and verify them and what is most important it will be in position to establish the Institutions to implement those standards more efficiently”. SDA Leader Sulejman Tihic stated after the meting on Saturday “this agreement was the result of the compromise and BiH and its citizens got the most”. SBIH claims having the needed support in the Parliament for rejecting the agreement, but as BHT1 carries the amendments on the constitution should be adopted by the end of March. Vehid Sehic, from BIH Electoral Commission, stated that the work group would work on the adoption of the adopted amendments in the BIH Election law. PINK, Hayat, RTRS– carried similar reports. Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Improvement of Dayton Agreement’ by O.V., Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Constitutional proposal is good for RS’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Agreement on Constitution is in interest of RS’ by V.Popovic, Vecernje Novosti pg 4 ‘Good for Serb entity’ by M.L., Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Srpska is not in jeopardy’ by Z.Markovic– carried Radojicic.

VN interview with RS President: Cavic is satisfied with agreement on constitutional changes, since RS maintained its influence at state institutions

Vecernje Novosti pg 2 ‘We have also survived constitutional changes’ by Dusan Stojakovic – In a half-page interview to daily, Dragan Cavic, RS President, speaks of BH suit versus SiCG, cohabitation with Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, The Hague Tribunal. On constitutional changes, Cavic expresses satisfaction, since Serb entity has maintained its influence at state institutions, adding RS has been validated with this agreement on constitution changes, according to him. On BH suit against SiCG, he notes RS has made its stance clear, adding it would be logical if Court declared not in charge of the case. On the Hague Tribunal, he notes that latest events (i.e. suicide of Milan Babic and death of Slobodan Milosevic) have shaken the reputation and credibility of the Court, adding that circumstances leading to death of these persons (and 2 more Serb detainees) confirm the continuity of lack of concern for these people, which raises suspicion in the entire system. On the issue of cohabitation with Dodik, Cavic stresses the cohabitation in the region rarely happens, expressing satisfaction that replacement of authority was carried out peacefully and that environment resulting in changes in a peaceful manner has been created. (NOTE: Headline was taken out of context, i.e. Cavic did not use term survive at all.)

RS PM Dodik: nobody in RS disputes BiH as long as it can ensure affirmation of rights of Serb peoples in it

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Agreement on Constitution is in interest of RS’ by V.Popovic – Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, Mondya stated the agreement reached on constitutional changes has sent out an important message regarding the strengthening of domestic political forces and reduction of influence of international community, especially OHR. He also said that constitutional and legal framework of BiH with RS in it cannot be changed without political will of Serb people, stressing nobody from RS disputes BiH “as long as it can ensure affirmation of rights of Serb people to live in it.”  Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘About agreement – separately’ by D.Mo., Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Responsibility of domestic politicians’, not signed – Dodik.

Presidency member Paravac: Agreement on const. changes is a political act

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Official changes through amendments’ – Borislav Paravac, Serb member to BH Presidency, said Agreement on constitutional changes is a political, announcing BH Presidency will this month officially propose amendments to BH Constitution.  

BiH presidency chair Tihic announces discussion on const. changes in BiH presidency on Wednesday

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Proposal amendments on BiH Constitution to be set to tomorrow?’ by A.M. – BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic told DA that BiH Presidency [which would be a formal proponent of constitutional changes] is expected to discuss proposal amendments to the BiH constitution on Wednesday. Seven leading political parties reached agreement on constitutional changes on Saturday. Tihic said: “That would be elaboration of this political agreement in terms of Constitution and law. I expect that we will do it on joint session of BiH Presidency and representatives of seven political parties. If we manage to coordinate everything, session could be held on Wednesday.”

SNSD’ Spiric expects BH HoR would support agreement on const. changes; SDS Novakovic is of the view agreement will be adopted at PA

EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Hardly to majority’ by Nedeljka Breberina – Nikola SPiric, Chairperson of the BH HoR, expressed expectation that State Parliament would adopt changes to BH Constitution by the end of April, i.e. they would support agreement which party leaders have reached over the past weekend. He reminds that next session of HoR scheduled for 23 March should alter BH Election Law and shorten deadline for scheduling of elections, which would provide additional time for adoption of constitutional changes. Momcilo Novakovic from SDS is of the view that agreement will be supported at the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, bearing in mind the fact that the parties, whose leaders have signed it, make majority at HoR.

It is still not known whether HDZ caucus will support constitutional changes in BiH HoR

Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Without votes of HDZ deputies adoption is impossible’ by A.O. – Article reads that agreement on constitutional changes adopted on Saturday by leaders of seven political parties could fail in the parliamentary procedure due to entity voting in BiH House of Representatives, and since many deputies from FBiH stated they would not support the agreement as it preserves this practice. Author estimates that nine SDA and three SDP deputies in BiH HoR would endorse the agreement, adding it is still unknown whether HDZ deputies would do the same. The Chair of the HDZ caucus Vinko Zoric said that it is still to be considered, and other HDZ deputy Filip Andric said that this caucus already expressed its stances when it announced that they would not support constitutional changes. HDZ spokesperson Miso Relota said that HDZ leader Dragan Cavic already spoke to one deputy and that expects support of the Caucus. SBiH, BOSS, and independent representative Mladen Potocnik confirmed that they would vote against. DNZ, independent representative Sead Avdic are still not clear.

FTV deems agreement on const. changes is positive, but notes it could easily be rejected in parliament

FTV current affairs program ’60 minuta’ by Arijana Saracevic Helac– Commenting the agreement on constitutional changes, FTV says that bearing in mind that the Cardinal Vinko Puljic invited Croat representatives not to sign anything unfair for Croats it was a surprise when HDZ leader Dragan Covic decided to “disobey” the Cardinal. In this way, says the reporter, Covic avoided to join the SBiH and their allies who are now roaming all over BiH trying to convince “confused citizens” that the agreement is damaging for them. FTV says that although the agreement is undoubtedly a result of numerous compromises and not exactly the best solution for BiH, it is definitely a step forward for the country as it strengthens the authority of the state. Feature concludes that nevertheless the agreement could be rejected in BiH Parliament, since there is strong a chance for discontent Croat MPs, SBiH, BOSS and few independent MPs to vote against it, which would be enough for its rejection.

SDA leader Tihic: SBiH only works against other parties; all SDA MPs should vote for changes

FTV current affairs program ’60 Minuta’ by Bakir Hadziomerovic – In an interview to ’60 minutes’, the SDA leader Sulejman Tihic commented on recent claims by the SBiH leader Safet Halilovic that there are 16 MPs in the state parliament who would reject the agreement on constitution changes. Tihic says that SBiH did not discuss the constitutional changes, but instead only tries to hinder the work of other parties which is for the benefit of BiH. “I believe that there will be enough votes to pass those amendments (to the BiH Constitution)”, added Tihic. He adds all SDA MPs in BiH Parliament should vote for the agreement. “All those who vote against the agreement on constitutional changes would be violating the SDA statute”, explained Tihic.

EU Foreign Ministers call on BiH authorities to implement const. changes as soon as possible

BHT1 by Evir Bucalo, Brussels – During their regular meeting in Brussels, the EU Foreign Ministers welcomed the agreement on constitutional changes reached last weekend, urging BiH authorities to endorse them as soon as possible in order to be able to see implementation before the October elections. EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana stated the “agreement will make BIH more functional and efficient state, and President will have more efficient role. I’m very pleased with the agreement”. Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘EU supports changes to BH Constitution’; by M.Cubro, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘To implement agreement on constitutional changes as soon as possible’ by Fena– also reported.

Oslobodjenje op-ed: despite the biggest gain for RS, agreement on const. change positive

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Now what?’ op-ed by Mirko Sagolj – Editorial reads that regardless of the fact that RS politicians drew the biggest profit from the agreement on constitutional changes, “this move represents first step in BiH getting out from the dark Dayton tunnel.” Author comments that the agreement opened process that can lead to further restructure of the state, specially stressing the fact that it has been reached solely by local politicians. Editorial concludes that if the agreement does not receive necessary support in the Parliament, BiH could face large-scaled political crisis and opponents of the agreement would be than to be blamed for.

SD op-ed: Const. changes agreement would not bring any changes

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 15 ‘Our mother America’ by R. Dodig criticises the constitutional changes agreement and the author says that nothing would change as a result of this agreement since no major changes were agreed. The author also said that negotiators sent a letter to US State Secretary Condolleezza Rice at the end of the talks and the author ironically concludes ’this is the way to do the things since America is our mother[land]’.

Other political issues

EU Foreign Ministers pledge to continue supporting Western Balkans

BHT1 by Evir Bucalo, Brussels – During their regular meeting in Brussels, the EU Foreign Ministers underlined on Monday that they would continue supporting the Western Balkans countries with practical measures on their road to the Union. As for BiH, Ministers expect from the state to continue with the talks on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, the participation of all political parties in police reform, implementation of Public Broadcasting legislation and the fully cooperation with the ICTY. Ministers also welcomed the agreement political parties in BiH reached over the weekend on the constitutional changes. On the other side, the Ministers told SiCG that death of Slobodan Milosevic doesn’t change state obligations toward ICTY, reiterating urgent need for SCG to take decisive action to ensure all remaining fugitive ICTY indictees, notably Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, are brought to justice. According to BHT 1, if this is not done by the beginning of April, SCG risks suspension of the SAA talks with EU. Doris Pack, a member of the European Parliament, stated that deadlines cannot be changed adding that “death of Milosevic is a disappointment because he cannot be judged on the earth”. RHB, PINK, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Agreement of seven parties greeted’ by S.N.,, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘EU welcomes progress in BiH’, by D. Kozina,– also covered.

HR Schwarz-Schilling to present plans regarding replaced officials

RHB, PINK, FTV, BHT1, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘New measures on status of replaced officials’ not signed Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Schwarz-Schilling prolonged prohibition of disposal with state property’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Today about status of removed officials’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Bans slackening?’ by G.D., Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Temporary ban for disposal with state property extended’ by N.N.  – The High Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, will on Tuesday set out his plans for new measures to address the status of officials removed from their positions. OHR reminded that the number of steps have already been taken to address the issue of removed officials. In March last year, the OHR began a process of partially lifting the bans on some removed officials. Since then, 37 removed officials have had the terms of their Decisions lifted. In November 2005, all removed officials, with the exception of those removed in relation to non-cooperation with the ICTY, had their bans partially lifted. The HR has also extended the temporary prohibition of the disposal of State Property, originally enacted on in March 2005 until 30 September 2006, by amending the BiH, Federation and RS Laws on Temporary Prohibition of the Disposal of State Property.  

BiH CoM Chair Terzic meets HDZ leader Covic: Agreement on reform of higher education in sight, talks to continue today

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Agreement on reform of higher education finally in sight’ by T.Lazovic – BiH Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic, together with BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak and BiH Finance Minister Ljerka Maric, met HDZ leader Dragan Covic and Mostar University Rector Franjo Ljubic and discussed reform of higher education. Terzic told DA that an agreement on draft law on higher education is in sight: “We received certain guarantees that representatives of Croat people will support the law if it consist regulations on state agency for university accreditation. Other issues on which there is no agreement, such as way of financing, would stay as they are and could have been solved in next phase.” Dnevni Avaz pg 5 inset ‘Continuation of talks today’ – Continuation of the talks is expected to take place in BiH CoM Chair cabinet on Tuesday, with presence of British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft and representatives of OHR, OSCE and World Bank.Dnevni List pg 11 ‘Terzic and Covic talked about high education’ by E. Milavic, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘About high education’ not signed – Commenting on this meeting HDZ spokesperson Miso Relota said that ‘the Croat side has reiterated once again its stands according to which the law should be adopted as soon as possible, that it stands for financing of the high education at the state level and Terzic agreed with it…’ Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘On reform of higher education’ – also reported.

CoM Chair Terzic visits Mostar: ‘Numerous problems in functioning of BiH CoM have been ‘programmed’ in IC bodies’

Vecernji List pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Terzic: I have never met with Kostunica’ by F. Vukoja – BiH CoM Chairman Adnan Terzic visited a VL editorial office in Mostar on Monday and, among the other things, he stated ‘that numerous problems in functioning of the BiH CoM have been ‘programmed’ in the International Community bodies’. Terzic also said that he has frequent meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, while he has never met with Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and according to Terzic he warned Brussels about this fact.  

BiH and SCG in NATO’s special Tailored Cooperation Program

Oslobodjenje pg 7, mentioned on cover ‘Arrest of Gotovina is recipe for BiH’ by A.Prlenda – Asked to comment what could BiH do to meet the last outstanding condition for Partnership for Peace [PfP] members if Radovan Karadzic is not in the country, NATO spokesperson James Appathurai pointed out that Croatian Government removed one of the largest obstacles in their path towards NATO membership by assisting in the arrest of general Ante Gotovina [top Croatian suspect for war crimes] although he was not in Croatian territory. Daily unofficially learns that NATO wants BiH and SCG to join PfP as soon as possible, thus established Tailored Cooperation Program [ TCP] for these two states, so they could commence with certain activities even before formal PfP membership.

Papal representative in BiH: Holy Sea concerned with position of Catholics in BiH

Dnevni List, pg 10 ‘Holy Sea concerned with position of Catholics in BiH’, by KTA, D.L. – during the 36^th regular meeting of BiH Bishops Conference that is being held in Mostar, the representative of the Holy Sea to BiH, Archbishop Alessandro d’Errico, noted that the Holy Sea was particularly worried with the fact that the number of Catholics in BiH has considerably lessened since 1991. Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Church matters in BiH being discussed’, by KTA – reports from conference.

Economic issues

Foreign currency holders ask BiH authorities not to pass the law on foreign currency savings; otherwise they announce strict measures

RHB– A representative of the Association of citizens for repossession of old foreign currency savings in BiH and diaspora Svetozar Nisic called on state to protect interests of citizens by passing a law on paying these savings of banks that had offices in BiH [‘Ljubljanska Bank’ which owes 185 millions $, and ‘Invest Bank’ owing 94.3 millions $, without interests rates] as well as by pressuring the governments of Slovenia and Serbia into resolving the issue with their banks. The Association requests adoption of a state-level law that would resolve the issue, a payment period not longer than five years, and that all savers also gain interest starting from the launch of payments. Nisic objected the law proposed by the CoM which transfers the responsibility for the payment of the debts at the entity level. The holders expects their debts to be paid out by the BiH Central Bank, and said that if Slovenia does not abandon its discriminating law, they would block sale of Slovenian products in BiH, seize ‘Ljubljanska Bank’ premises in BiH, block Slovenian companies and properties in BiH and ask the EU to impose sanctions to Slovenia.The BiH Parliament is expected to discuss the legislation on March 23. FTV – On the other hand, BiH authorities claim that the BiH budget is smaller than the entity one thus, as Jure Pelivan coordinator on the issue at Council of Ministers explains, it came up with the law which entities should execute. Hayat, PINK, BHT1, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘State can not pay out the money in five years’, mentioned on cover by S.Rozajac Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Nisic: BiH has to protect interests of its citizens’ not signed, Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Savers threat with blockade of Slovenian property in BiH’, by D. P. Mandic, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘They are waiting for EURO a billion for 15 years’ by D. Stanisic, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Law contradictory with decision of BH Constitutional Court’ by N.Krsman, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Law offers waiting’ by Z.Domazet – also covered.

BiH Association of former foreign currency holders says BiH was under IC pressure to take over this issue completely

Hayat by Tomislav Djuric – Chair of BiH Association BiH foreign currency holders, Amila Omersoftic criticises the draft law on foreign currency savings to be discussed by the BiH Parliament on Thursday stating that the law doesn’t stipulate how would entities and Brcko District pay out the means and as of when. Omersoftic stressed that UN Security Council, as well as OHR’ former Senior Deputy High Representative Donald Hays International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, have made a great pressure asking BiH to take over the full responsibility for the debt. She further says that the BiH took over all obligations regarding the old foreign currency savings, kept in ‘Privredna Bank’ and ‘Jugobank’ in Sarajevo, namely 2 billions KM, without interest rates, and released all other states of former Yugoslavia of debts they owe to BiH holders.

HoR’ delegate Gligoric supports old foreign currency savers

EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘They are waiting for EURO a billion for 15 years’ by D. Stanisic – Tihomir Gligoric, delegate at the BH HoR supports demands of savers, expressing his view it is a Parliament duty to enact the Law on return of old foreign currency savings. He claims he holds information BiH COM has already set draft of this Law. However, Beriz Belkic, BiH HoR delegate, denies this information, saying offered project was rejected by the Parliament Commission for Finances and Budget. Along with Belkic, Jure Pelivan, Coordinator fore foreign currency savings with the BiH COM, said “draft Law was not prepared well, since it contained no concrete steps.”

EU Foreign Ministers on regional economic cooperation

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘To assist Western Balkans countries with practical measures’, mentioned on cover, by Fena– The EU will continue supporting the Western Balkans countries with practical measures to make their European perspective tangible. In this context, the Council encourages regional cooperation, especially the establishing of the regional free trade zone on basis of CEFTA [Central European Free Trade Agreement] and expects results from the high-level meeting, which will take place on April 6 in Bucharest, is said in the conclusions that the EU Council accepted on Monday in Brussels. At invitation of the Romanian Prime Minister, CEFTA Chair, Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, the Prime Ministers of Albania, BiH , Bulgaria , Croatia , Moldavia , Romania , Serbia and Montenegro , Macedonia and representatives of UNMIK will meet in Bucharest on April 6 to discuss the negotiations on a free trade treaty through the CEFTA enlargement.

BiH Chief Negotiator Davidovic: BiH will for longer time keep beneficial status in trade with EU

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Davidovic: We will keep beneficial status’ by T.Lazovic – BiH Chief negotiator with EU on Stabilisation and Association Agreement [SAA] Igor Davidovic expressed his satisfaction with first round of talks. He told DA: “We set a method of negotiation on issue of trade and marked few problematic issues that we will discuss more widely.” Davidovic said that the key issue is for how long BiH could have preserve beneficial status in trade with EU, adding that his impression is that BiH will preserve such status for longer time. Davidovic stressed that he is to meet BiH Finance Minister Ljerka Maric and learn what resources the team has on disposal. “The only thing what concerns me a bit is time, since the next round is coming up quickly, and there is lot to be done.” Maric earlier confirmed for DA that budget anticipated 3,5 million KM.

FBiH HoP to discuss the allocation of public revenues in FBiH

Hayat – FBiH House of Peoples will discuss the issue of the allocation of public revenues in the entity at the session on Tuesday. There is still no agreement on allocation of public revenues in FBiH, as the law was passed but was further submitted to the FBiH Constitutional Court to assess it after the Law was rejected by Croat Caucus in FBiH House of Peoples. The Caucus invoked the vital national interest deeming that law by directing revenues straight to municipalities diminishes the role of cantonal authorities. “We are going to propose to the HoP a solution by which the FBiH Government would be authorised to bring temporary decision on allocation of public revenues”, said the Chair of FBiH HoP Slavko Matic and added that he hoped that the HoP would pass it. Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Public revenues to be in hands of Federation Government’, by Dario Pusic – announced the session.

VL: After failed sale of Hercegovacka Banka, ‘Hercegovina Osiguranje’ is being offered for sale

Vecernji List pg 5 ‘After bank Hercegovina Osiguranje is being offered’ by M. Sutalo – Representatives of brokerage firm ‘Fima’ from Croatia arrived to Mostar on Monday in order to go through accounting of ‘Hercegovina Osiguranje’ so that they can get an insight in business operations of this insurance company. VL reminds that 10 days ago Hercegovacka Banka (HB) Provisional Administrator Toby Robinson published a tender for the sale of its company. VL wonders whether this means that they gave up sale of HB and whether HB would be liquidated. VL says that still there is no an official reply to these questions from the Robinsons’ Office or the OHR. 

Crimes, investigations and affairs

ICJ hearing in BiH vs. SCG continues, closed testimonies until 28 March

RTRS -The BiH lawsuit against SCG continued before the International Court of Justice on Monday with presentation of witnesses’ testimonies. According to the ICJ’s procedures, the testimonies will be closed for public until 28 March. Main hearing continued with testimonial deposition of BiH team’s witnesses, and would be postponed by Wednesday, by the request of SCG team, which would then start with interrogation of its witnesses. BHT1, RHB, Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘General Dannatt testified’ not signed – also reported.

RSNA to discuss BiH lawsuit against SCG on Thursday

Hayat RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Lawsuit BiH vs. SCG on the agenda’ by Fena, Vecernje Novosti pg 4 ‘On 23 March about suit’- During the Thursday’s session deputies in RS National Assembly (RSNA) would be introduced to constitutional changes that leaders of seven political parties reached the agreement on over the weekend. RSNA will on its session on Thursday discuss BiH lawsuit against SCG for genocide and request of Sulejman Tihic, BiH Presidency Chair to BiH Constitutional Court to decide on constitutionality of RS symbols. RSNA earlier passed Declaration by which BiH lawsuit against SCG is not legal and legitimate since this lawsuit has never been verified by BiH institutions that were established after Dayton Peace Agreement.

BiH HoP Chair Milojevic writes to RSNA Speaker: Serb HoP deputies could not discuss lawsuit in parliament

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Suit without assent’ by G.D. – Goran Milojevic, Chairperson of the BiH HoP, said in a letter addressed to the RS NA Speaker, Igor Radojicic, that Serb delegates at BiH HoP could not include the issue of withdrawal of BH suit versus SiCG on session agenda, since Bosniaks and Croats opposed to it. Assent should be reached to all issues include into session agenda, according to Milojevic, adding that Bosniak and Croat delegates rejected every possibility of reviewing the issue of legality of the suit. 

FTV ‘60 minuta’ on SDS officials’ case; IC posses documents proving meeting with SCG intelligence

FTV current affairs program ’60 Minuta’ by Zvonko Maric– Following the series of articles published by Banja Luka based Nezavisne novine in which a number of SDS high officials were brought into connection with the organized crime and protection of the war crimes suspects, magazine speculates that the “key person” in this support network is the RS Police Director Dragomir Andan. According to FTV’s sources, the EUFOR, EUPM and OHR are in possession of the documents containing large number of names and locations in which high-ranked SDS and RS police officials allegedly held secret meetings with members of the SCG intelligence services [programme points out Hotel Bosna in Banjaluka, RS President Dragan Cavic’s house, a rented house in Banjaluka and numerous other locations in RS and Serbia]. “I don’t protect criminals or any kind of criminal activities”, stated Cavic. As for the BiH Prosecution’s stance on the issue, reporter concludes it is ‘vague’, thus it is unclear whether there is an investigation on this case [as speculated by Nezavisne novine] or not. FTV further claims that Andan blackmailed BiH Chief Prosecutor, Marinko Jurcevic, as Jurcevic apparently failed to indict suspects for war crimes, including the massacre in the village Ahmici in 1993, while he was the prosecutor in the Central Bosnia. While newly appointed RS Minister of Interior Stanislav Cadjo keeps repeating that his hands are tied, the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik says that at this point all he can do is to ask form the commission in charge of appointing high ranking police officials to remove “certain persons”. “Therefore, I am trying to collect adequate documentation for all those persons, not only Andan… then you will hear our decisions”, added Dodik.

SDS leader Cavic: Radicalisation of SDS and overall political ambient could not be excluded

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Party must pay 1,7 million KM’ by Srna – Following the session of the SDS Presidency in Banja Luka, the party’s leader Dragan Cavic stated that he does not exclude radicalisation of this party and overall political ambient if “harangue and pressures on SDS” do not stop. Commenting a verdict of the Eastern Sarajevo County Court by which SDS is obliged to pay Privredna Banka Eastern Sarajevo a compensation in amount of 1,7 million KM, Cavic said this was “another financial strike on the party.”

Oslobodjenje op-ed: RS is international reward for successfully committed genocide

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Political vampirism’ op-ed by Zija Dizdarevic – Commenting death and burial of Slobodan Milosevic, editorial reads that his policy broke down everywhere, including SCG, except in BiH. “RS is international reward for Great Serbian successfully committed genocide. What is the essence of the RS, it was proved by Saturday’s meeting against BiH, and in favour of Slobodan Milosevic, Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic. Devil’s seed is still protected to grow before eyes of EU and US.”

NN op-ed: Majority of Serbian citizens viewed Milosevic’s funeral as repetition of deja vu politics of autism

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Milosevic’s funeral’ by Pero Simic – Writing about the funeral of Slobodan Milosevic, the author notes that the majority of Serbian citizens viewed it as repetition of “deja vu” politics of autism and threats to the entire world. He adds whatever somebody may think of present Serbia , still it has changed from the time when Milosevic’ family reigned over it in such a sovereign and catastrophic manner.

DA op-ed: Guarantees offered for temporary release of former BiH Presidency member by SCG is irritating

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘New irritating move from Belgrade’ by Husein Orahovac – Editorial comments that it is irritating that official Belgrade offered guarantees to the BiH Court to give former BiH Presidency member Mirko Sarovic temporary release, for it is interference in judiciary of an independent country. Sarovic is indicted in the case of ‘Privredna’ Bank Srpsko Sarajevo. He resigned from being member of the BiH Presidency in 2003 after he was faced with accusations of organizing illegal military trade withIraq.

HNK raises charges against suspects for Heliodrom crimes

Dnevni Avaz pg 12, mentioned on cover ‘Marijanovic and Buhovac indicted for war crimes in Heliodrom’ by F.Vele, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Indictment against Marijanovic and Buhovac’, not signed – Herzegovina-Neretva Canton [HNC] Prosecution raised charges against Miroslav Miro Marijanovic and Ante Lisa Buhovac for war crimes against civilians and POWs in case of ‘Camp Heliodrom’, confirmed HNC Chief Prosecutor Nijaz Mehmedbasic.