OHR BiH Media Round-up, 2/2/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS(12,00 hrs)

Ivo Miro Jovic inWashington

Detention to D. Abazovic abolished

2 police cars set afire

BiH CoM on BiH police officers

Bomb under car of SPSC employee

BL Surgery cut of electricity

HR with non-government organizat.

Bomb under car of Police Inspector

SDS on RS PM-designate news

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

HDZ expectations from new HR

New HR meets parliamentarians

HR meets BiH HoR and HoP reps.

New HR met BiH HoP/HoR delegates

Law on Ombudsmen not passed

Talks on new RS Govt composition

Raguz on new HR’s visit to BIH Parl.

Loan for “Elektroprivreda”

Trial to Mektouf renewed

Cavic consolations on PM-designate

Speculations on new PM designate

Del Ponte to pay a visit to Sarajevo

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

GRAS Director resigned

Seminar in Sarajevo

Attempted robbery in Banja Luka

BIH/EBRD sign loan-contract

Regional News

2^nd round of talks on PM designate

FBIH Gov’t not to discuss budget

Trial to Zvornik 5 continued

Report of RS Market Inspection

Talks on RS PM-designate ongoing

Trial to Mektouf renewed

Ex Customs officers file charges

Oslobodjenje

[Ex-Serbian MoI] Tomo Kovac sent special police forces in Srebrenica

Dnevni Avaz

[Tihic] Nothing has been agreed with Dodik

Dnevni List

Possible corruption in fortune games (on legal loopholes in BiH legislation)

Vecernji List

Mostar does not want 20 million Kunas (Croatian Govt prepared to allocate 20 million Croatian Kunas for MostarUniversity)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Authorities give parties 1,2 million marks (on alleged corruption in Canton 8)

Nezavisne Novine

Tokaca: We continue regardless of threats

Glas Srpske

All Mika’s graves (evil destiny of a man from Rogatica)

EuroBlic

He threatened even pedestrians with a gun (attempted jeweler’s shop robbery)

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related topics

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

Two explosions planted under vehicles of police officials in Bijeljina, Prijedor

RTRS, BH Radio 1 – Unidentified perpetrators last night planted explosive under car owned by member of the RS Police’s crime investigation department in Bijeljina, stated Dragomir Peric, Bijeljina Public Security Center’s Spokesperson. At same time, Rade Mutic, Spokesperson of the Banja Luka PSC stated that an explosive device was last night in Prijedor thrown at the vehicle owned by the Banja Luka PSC inspector. Investigations are ongoing.

SDS President: SDS to take stance on PM-designate today

RTRS – Dragan Cavic, RS President, has today stated that at today’s session in Banja Luka , the SDS Chair Board and Presidency will take a stance regarding the RS PM-designate.

BiH CoM on BiH police officers today

RHB – At today’s BiH CoM’s session, among the other things, a proposal of the law on changes and amendments to the law on police officers proposed by the BiH Security Ministry would be discussed.

HR with non-government organizations activists

RHB– HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling chairs today a meeting of non-government organizations activists in BiH, whose goal is to attract as many citizens as possible, who would participate in the political process.

BiH Court abolished detention to Abazovic

BH Radio 1 – BiH Court has abolished detention to Dragomir Abazovic and ordered his immediate release. Acting on Abazovic’s appeal, BiH Court council ruled that detention order, issued by Cantonal CourtSarajevo, was not consistent to the BiH Code on Crime Procedure. Abazovic was arrested by EUFOR on January 5 on suspicion of committing war crimes in Rogatica aread, during which he was wounded. He is currently receiving treatment at SarajevoHospital.

Beginning of Schwarz-Schilling’s mandate

New HR Schwarz- Schilling addresses BiH Parliament: use of Bonn powers only when necessary

RTRS – The High Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling met with representatives of both Houses of BiH Parliament Assembly on Wednesday. At the meeting, Schwarz-Schilling once again reminded that BiH citizens must alone decide on their future, adding his role is mainly advisory while the major responsibility lies with BiH Parliament. He also stressed that the elections scheduled for October provide a chance for BiH citizens to determine which way the country would go in the future. Asked about possible pardoning of politicians dismissed by former HR Paddy Ashdown, Schwarz-Schilling stated that he has not yet consider this issue, adding that he first needs to examine all cases and create an own opinion on each one. BHT1– “I told the HR that we expect the politicians to be credited for the results of their work and that the best ones would be those who [are good for] BiH citizens, not the HR”, said the Chair of the BiH House of Representatives Nikola Spiric. “We have discussed the models of cooperation between the Parliament and the HR in order to become a single team, which would bring BiH to the Euro-Atlantic integrations”, said the Chair of BIH House of Peoples Mustafa Pamuk. Commenting to his Bonn powers, the HR said this would be the last instrument used only in urgent situation, in case of endangering peace or obstructionism that would lead the country in jeopardy. “We have agreed on the most important issues; SAA, Partnership for Peace, economy and elections which are to follow”, said the HR. RHB, PINK, Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Schwarz-Schilling: I will act as councillor in partnership’ by H.Orahovac, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Priorities: Europe, Partnership for Peace and better life of citizens’ by A.Omeragic, Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘I will use powers in urgent situations only’ by M. Cubro, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Only when things get rough’ by Z. Domazet, EuroBlic pg RS3, announced on cover ‘Bonn powers as the last instrument’ by Dusanka Stanisic, Dnevni List pg 2, mentioned on cover ‘Bonn powers in emergency cases only’ by D. Polovina-Mandic, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Bonn powers in emergency cases only’ by E.M.– carried similar reports.

IHT op-ed by CSS: BiH citizens must cease to expect IC to deliver reforms for them

International Herald Tribune pg ‘How to move Bosnia forward’ by Christian Schwarz-Schilling – IHT publishes an editorial written by the newly appointed HR to BiH, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, who notes that despite the past, BiH’s progress would be irreversible once its citizens take responsibility for the peace process. Schwarz-Schilling praises his predecessors for using “Bonn powers” to take the peace process forward, adding that limits have almost been reached to such policy. Author said that institutions created by imposition would never function effectively, unless BiH citizens stop expecting IC to deliver reform. HR comments that consequence of seeking to avoid using the Bonn powers could be a slowdown in the perceived pace of progress in 2006, expressing his hopes that BiH citizens could surprise the world and prove that “the caricature of their country as a ‘failed state in Europe’ is no longer accurate“. Author said that”Elections in October should provide Bosnians with an opportunity to debate the way forward and to choose leaders who are best equipped to secure their country’s European future. For they – not I – will be responsible for negotiating the terms and speed of their country’s entry into Europe.“

BiH HoR Co-Chair Raguz: CSS ’ address to Parliament on his first working day acknowledged institution 

RHB– Following the joint session of BIH Parliament Collegium, BiH House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Martin Raguz stated that new High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling acknowledged the BiH Parliament as a central democratic institution by addressingit on his very first working day. Raguz stated for RHB that successful continuation with negotiations on Constitutional changes, development of economical and welfare area, removal of the obstacles for the sustainable return were some of the agreed priorities for the coming period. Raguz pointed out that new HR demonstrated that he is well informed and familiar with the real situation in BIH. Raguz added that he hopes for better relations with HR in general.

HDZ expects Schwarz- Schilling to be active partner to BiH politicians

RHB– HDZ spokesperson Miso Relota stated that HDZ expects from a new HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling to be an active partner to representatives of the executive and legislative authority at all levels in order to remove obstacles for development of economy and welfare area so that BiH meets all positive, European and democratic standards. Also, it has been expected from the new HR that, unlike his predecessors, he would not remove legally elected officials.

Refugees to send petition to HR Schwarz Schilling

Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Petition for 100.000 returnees’ by Fena, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Petition with question for Schwarz- Schilling’- Chairwoman of BiH Association of Refugees, Mirhunisa Zukic stated that 90 of local associations have started with signing of the petition for employing of 100. 000 returnees. This petition would be sent to new High Representative Christian Schwarz Schilling with a question  shouldn’t everyone work in place of returning and in a service they worked before.

Political analyst Topic: Schwarz- Schilling would probably consult politicians more then former HR did

RTRS late news – Political analyst from Banja Luka, Tanja Topic, talked about the work of the new HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling, stressing that despite announcement made during his first speech the HR would not have merely advisory role. However, she believes that Schwarz-Schilling is probably going to consult BiH politicians more often than former HR did. Topic assessed that CSS is quite familiar with the situation in BiH, but she emphasized that most of his experience refers to the local communities. According to Topic, HR’s announcements on BiH’s Euro-Atlantic integrations during his mandate are paradox, being that BiH obviously can’t enter EU with such strong role of HR. However, Topic believes that the position of HR is going to be transformed into position of EU Special Representative.

Danas on Ashdown’s departure: ‘Departure of Guardian of Republika Srpska’

Danas front pg splash ‘Departure of Guardian of Republika Srpska’ and pgs 18-21 ‘Ashdown was advocator of survival of RS and friend of HDZ, SDA and SDS’, by Zvonimir Jukic, Toni Sarac – Weekly comments on the change in the OHR arguing that the ruling parties mostly commended the work of the former HR Paddy Ashdown. On the other hand, say the authors, opposition parties welcomed his departure, such as HSS leader, Marko Tadic, who labeled him as ‘the most passionate advocator of survival of the RS’. As for the new HR, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, Danas carries statements of Sefik Dzaferovic (from SDA, hopes that CSS would continue with reform processes), Tadic (expects more positive moves that would lead BiH to Europe) and leader of HSP Djapic-Jurisic, Zvonko Jurisic, who welcomes CSS’ appointment, expecting from him to complete economic recovery of BiH. Danas, pg 13 ‘First task to improve economy’, not signed – the weekly assesses Schwarz-Schilling’s statement that his priority would be to revive economy in BiH as ‘an excellent move’.

Oslobodjenje op-ed: Schwarz-Schilling could hardly wake us up from nationalistic sleep

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘In lap of new nanny’ by Gojko Beric – Author comments not much should be expected from newly appointed HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling as he has not even promised much. Commenting CSS’ statement on responsibility of the BiH elected leaders to lead BiH towards prosperity, author says that if such leaders did exist, they wouldn’t wait for HR to tell them what to do. Author states that international community is still the only supranational and integrative factor in BiH. Author comments that “our new nanny”, Europe would still have lot to do to wake BiH up from its “nationalistic sleep”. Editorial concludes that even if he would have such intentions, Schwarz-Schilling could hardly wake BiH citizens up.

RS and FBiH Government reshuffles; 2006 budgets

SNSD leader Dodik officially nominated for RS PM-designate, party claims support of 44-50 MPs in RSNA

RTRS late news- RS President Dragan Cavic met SNSD representatives on Wednesday night to discuss the composition of the new RS Government and the appointment of RS Prime Minister designate. After the meeting, SNSD’s Krstan Simic stated that the party has officially proposed its leader Milorad Dodik as new Prime Minister designate, adding that he expect Cavic to support this. Simic stressed that, considering the number of votes for Dodik, Nedjo Djuric doesn’t stand a chance to get the support of RS National Assembly majority. Cavic is obliged to take the final stance by February 5. Oslobodjenje pg 8 ‘SNSD expects appointment of Dodik for a Prime Minister designate’ by O. V.– After meeting with Cavic,  Simic stated that SNSD did not bring a list with names of MPs supporting them, but underlined the SNSD is supported by 44-50 MPs in the RSNA. According to schedule, Cavic should meet with representatives of PDP and SRS on Friday. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Dodik could count on support of SDA, SBiH and SDP’ by N. Diklic, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Dodik has the majority for composing the Government’ by V. Popovic – Chairman of SNSD Executive Board Nebojsa Radmanovic stated SNSD has signatures of 42 delegates who support the appointment of SNSD’s Milorad Dodik as RS PM designate.

SDA, SDP, SBiH support SNSD leader’s nomination as RS PM-designate

BHT1 – Speculating about the RS PM-designate, BHT 1 comments that SDA, SBiH and SDP support Milorad Dodik, while SDS would like to see Nedjo Djuric, former member of SP RS,at the position. “We reiterated our stance that Dodik should be appointed as the RS PM designate”, said SDA official Adil Osmanovic. “We find it normal to support the strongest political party in the RS, namely SNSD”, said SBiH representative Dzevad Osmancevic. “We do not exclude the possibility of supporting the candidature of Nedjo Djuric, but we are not going to support those who have been destroying the Government”, said the SDS representative Mladen Bosic. “I think that the RS President is aware of the fact that Mr Djuric has lesser chances that Mr Dodik”, said the SDP representative Zekerijah Osmic. RTRS – Osmanovic confirmed that if Dodik is appointed SDA would participate talks on assembly of the new Government. He added that for SDA would also consider which parties would make new Government, programme of the work and possibilities for SDA personnel to participate in it. RHB, PINK, Hayat – reported on the meeting. Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Dodik has the majority for composing the Government’ by V. Popovic – The article reads SDP, NHI, Party for BiH and SDA on Wednesday informed Cavic they support Dodik as RS PM designate. The article also carries statements of Osmic, Osmanovic, Osmancevic and Bosic.Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Dodik or Djuric’ by Z. Markovic, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘SDS announces support to Djuric’ by Rajna Radosavljevic, Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Support to Dodik as RS PM Designate’ not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 23 ‘SDP supports Dodik’ by B. Kristo– also reported.

SDA leader Tihic: SDA doesn’t support HDZ initiative for restructuring of FBiH Govt; nothing officially has been agreed with SNSD regarding forming new RS Govt

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Nothing has been agreed with Dodik’, pg 5 ‘Due to argument for positions in the FBiH Government and adoption of budged are blocked’ by Admir Malagic – In light of recent crisis of the FBiH and RS Governments, SDA leader Sulejman Tihic says in his interview for DA that his party would not support HDZ initiative for restructuring FBiH Government. HDZ made such request after the FBiH Defence Ministry [whose Minister traditionally came form HDZ] was abolished in the course of the defence reform. On the RS Govt, Tihis says that SDA would support SNSD leader Milorad Dodik as new PM-designate. Tihic added that he spoke with Dodik, but nothing has been officially agreed. Talking about constitutional changes, SDA leader said his party is ready for continuation of the talks, underlining that though he doubts ideal solutions are within reach, better solutions than the present ones would be reached. Tihic didn’t want to comment on sudden change of stances regarding the constitutional changes. Inset ‘On Schwarz-Schilling and Ashdown’ – Talking about present and former High Representatives, Christian Schwarz-Schilling and Paddy Ashdown respectively, Tihic said that SDA supported Schwarz-Schilling’s appointment, adding that SDA has been partially satisfied with job Ashdown did. Inset, ‘ SDS has no support for removing Council of Ministers’ – Tihic said that he thinks SDS has no power to remove BiH Council of Ministers.

RS CoP will file a motion for assessment of constitutionality of the decision to cast no-confidence-vote in Bukejlovic’s Government

EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘SDS announces support to Djuric’ by Rajna Radosavljevic inset ‘Overthrowing of the Government before RS Constitutional Court’ by M. S. – RS Council of Peoples will launch a procedure for assessment of constitutionality of the decision to cast the vote of non-confidence in Pero Bukejlovic’s Government, which was adopted by RS NA. Chairman of RS Council of Peoples Remzija Kadric stated the Council would demand from the Constitutional Court to intervene because the decision was not forwarded to the Council, although the constitutional procedure foresees that the Council too has to approve the decision in order for it to be treated as valid and in order to start establishing the new Government. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Constitutional Court admitted Bosniaks and Croats exist in RS’ by E.S., inset ‘Cavic appoints PM-designate unlawfully’ – also reported.

FBiH President Lozancic: Two new ministers must be appointed to hold sessions of FBiH Govt, HDZ doesn’t want ministry of portfolio position

Hayat by Nebojsa Radulovic – FBiH President Niko Lozancic said on Wednesday that FBIH Government needs to appoint two Ministers, namely a FBIH Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry and a FBIH Minister without Portfolio, in order to be able to schedule the next session. Lozancic added that two candidates run for the position of FBIH Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry but none for the position of FBIH Minister without Portfolio. “In case for position of Minister without portfolio no one has applied while for position of FBIH Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry we have two candidates.” concluded Lozancic. Meanwhile, the FBIH Parliament scheduled the session for 7 February, however would not discuss budget proposal for 2006 and FBiH Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic stated that he doesn’t know when the next session of the FBiH Government would be scheduled. Reporter ironically added that FBiH Government has to solve the resignation of FBiH Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Izet Zigic and abolishment of FBiH Ministry of Defence as well as the budget for 2006 but it seems that no one cares. Reporter notes that FBIH and its citizens lack budget, whereas Lozancic and Vrankic do not feel responsible. “I am just one link in the chain” said Lozancic. “This is more issue of politics than of expertise” stated Vrankic. Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘HDZ doesn’t want minister without portfolio’ by A.Omeragic –Lozancic couldn’t specify for Oslobodjenje when is he going to appoint candidates for ministers in FBiH Government. Lozancic said that HDZ doesn’t want to accept ministry without portfolio, after FBiH Defence Ministry has been abolished due to forming single MoD at the state level. RHB – also carried Lozancic’s statement. 

HDZ spokesperson Relota: party expects talks on positions in FBiH Govt to continue

Dnevni Avaz pg ‘Relota: We are not blanching from Energy Ministry’ by F. V. – HDZ Spokesperson Miso Relota stated for DA that HDZ expected negotiations on ministerial positions in FBiH Government with SDA and SBiH to continue this week. However, Relota confirmed that there is no information when that could happen. “But it has to be clear that we are still on same stances as before and we would insist for Energy, Industry and Mining Ministry to belong to us” said Relota.      

Bosniak Caucus in FBiH HoP wants urgent session of FBiH HoP, adoption of FBiH budget for 2006

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Bosniak Caucus demands urgent passing of budget for 2006’ by Az. D., Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Convene session of House of Peoples as soon as possible’ not signed – The Bosniak Caucus in the FBiH House of Peoples demands convening of an urgent session of FBIH HoP in order to pass the 2006 budget and the Law on allocation of public revenues.

Trade unions accuse HDZ, FBiH Govt, MPs for current crisis

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Trade Union points finger at HDZ, FBiH Government and representatives’ by E. P. – Association of BiH Independent Trade Unions issues a public statement in which asks for urgent appointment of FBiH Energy Minister and passing of FBiH budget for 2006. Chairman of the Association Edhem Biber explained for DA that if this is not done the Association would raise the issue of responsibility of those who lead to this crisis.  As directly responsible, Biber sees HDZ officias who are obstructing the procedure for appointment of ministers, while responsible for failure to pass the budget Biber sees FBiH Government and MPs in the Parliament.

Milicevic ( SDS), Majkic (SNSD): NO to 2006 budget unless there are no funds for population census in it

Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘RS MPs to crush state budget again’, by Danka Polovina-Mandic – According to DL, it looks as though the parties from RS will again withheld support to budget of BiH institutions for 2006. Namely, DL was told by the Chairwoman of BiH House of Representatives’ Commission for finances and budget, Ljiljana Milicevic (SDS), that the said Commission adopted the proposal of the budget without votes of the SDS and SNSD representatives. Milicevic notes that the SDS MPs in the BiH HoR will reiterate their amendments (to the budget proposal) that 4,5 million KMs be allocated for the BiH Statistics Agency i.e. for preparations for organization of population census, otherwise the SDS MPs will vote against the budget proposal. Dusanka Majkic (SNSD) has the same position.

Due to non-adoption of BiH budget for 2006, BiH SAA negotiating team still without money

Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘BiH negotiating team still without money’ by T.Lazovic – BiH Directorate for EU integrations Director confirmed that BiH negotiating team has no money, due to state budget is still not adopted. According to unofficial information, DA reveals that budget for 2006 should be on agenda for next session of BiH House of Representatives.

Ambassador McElhaney: My Government is very interested for urgent passing of FBiH Law on public revenues

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Croat parliamentarians do not want ‘imposed’ solutions’ by A. Terzic– US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney sent a letter to Collegiums of FBiH House of Peoples, at end of January, in which he pointed to necessity of urgent passing of the law on affiliation of public revenue in FBiH. “Former system of allocation of public revenues was based on sales’ tax, which was replaced by new VAT regime. Result of that is that currently there is no system for channeling of revenues from single account to municipalities and cantons,” said McElhaney. At the end of last year, the FBiH House of Representatives passed the draft law foreseeing separate and direct payments of revenues to municipalities and cantons which was later rejected by the FBiH HoP which prefers solution proposed by the FBiH Government under which payments to municipalities go through cantons.

Economic and judicial issues

BiH authorities and EBRD sign contract on financing recovery of power-supply system worth 55 million Euros

Hayat, RHB, PINK, BHT1, FTV, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Power Utilities got EURO 55 million’, announced on cover ‘EURO 55 million for power utilities’ by R.Cengic, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Credit of 55 million EUROS for reconstruction of electro-distribution’, Dnevni List pg 23 ‘Recovery of power-supply for 55 million Euros’ by A. Vrebac, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 21 ’55 millions Euros for power-supply system’ by B. Kristo– On Wednesday, BiH Minister of Finance and Treasury Ljerka Maric and Director of the Energy Group within the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Peter Reinger signed the contract on loan for the project of modernizing the power-distribution infrastructure across the country. The loan is estimated at 55 million euros, of which 17 million euros for the RS Elektroprivreda, and 19 million euros for BiH Elektroprivreda and HZHB Elektroprivreda, respectively. Maric stated that the contract will provide for further development of the power-distribution sector with possibility in reducing the monthly fees. The European Bank has invested 140 million euros in the electro-energetic sector in BiH.

CoM Chair and RS PM Bukejlovic meet Microsoft’s Gates, reach agreement on cooperation

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Terzic and Bukejlovic with Gates’ by SRNA – The BiH COM Chair, Adnan Terzic, and RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic, Wednesday in Portugal have signed the Letter of Intent with owner and president of the American Corporation “Microsoft” Bill Gates. The letter stipulates preparation of the agreement on strategic cooperation between CoM and this company. Gates stressed “Microsoft” is ready to cooperate with BiH and be its partner in implementation of informatisation of society in BiH. This report is grounded on press statement released from BiH CoM. RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Bil Gates announced establishment of strategic partnership with BiH’, mentioned on cover, by A. M., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘”Microsoft” making a net’ by G.D., Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Bil Gates announced establishment of strategic partnership with BiH’, mentioned on cover, by A. M.  –  also reported.

Daily: INA-MOL further away from Energopetrol; Trade Union in favor of co-capitalization

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘INA-MOL further and further away of Energopetrol’ by A. Avdic– Chair of Commission for co-capitalization of ‘Energopetrol’ and Director of FBiH Privatization Agency, Resad Zutic stated that Commission has submitted its report to FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic. Zutic explained that report contains two conclusions for Government’s discussion, which demand from Govt to partly settle the debt with Energopetrol. Under second conclusion, says Zutic, Government should cancel co-capitalization offer by INA-MOL if it rejects the first conclusion. Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Unions want Parliament to again declare itself’, by Mensud Zorlak – The Unions of ‘Energopetrol’ employees has sent the FBiH (HoR) an official memo requesting that the Parliament once again vote on the FBiH Government’s proposal regarding the co-capitalization of ‘Energopetrol’. The Unions insist that there was no quorum when the FBiH HoR rejected the Government’s proposal, namely that only 48 MPs took part in the voting instead of minimal number of 50 MPs.

Former RS Customs officials press charges against ITA’s Causevic and his associates, complain of illegal redundancies

Dnevni List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘Criminal reports submitted against Causevic and associates’, by Ivana Beus, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Criminal reports against principals of ITA’, by ra, EuroBlic RSpg 5 ‘Three rulings out of 80 suits’ by Tijana Veselinovic – The Association of former employees of the RS Customs Administration has submitted to the BiH Prosecution criminal reports against the ITA Director, Kemal Causevic, and 7 of his associates from ITA. (NB: They claim they have been fired in an illegal manner). On top of this, 80 individual charges have been submitted too. ITA’s spokesman, Ratko Kovacevic, notes the ITA’s position is well know, namely the ITA will observe all decisions made by a relevant court, the BiH Court that is.

CCI warns of legal loopholes in fortune games law in BiH, possible abuses

Dnevni List, front pg splash and pg 5 ‘Possible corruption in fortune games’, by Arijana Beus – The Centre for Civic Initiative’s Adis Arapovic says the CCI has detected big legal loopholes in Law on fortune games, which open door to various possibilities of abuses of money, including illegal funding of political parties. The CCI contacted the entity Finance Ministries to change the relevant laws, the result of which is that the RS Finance Ministry has already prepared changes, whilst the FBIH Government tasked the FBiH Finance Ministry to carry out the same job.

VL: BiH Prosecution investigates into Covic’s role in illegalities in ‘Sokol Air’

Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Investigation in Sokol’, mentioned on front ‘Urgent investigation in Sokol’, by Zoran Kresic – According to VL, a prosecutor in the BiH Prosecution, Eric Larson,has been interviewing 9 former employees of the ‘Sokol Zrakoplovstvo’ (Airplane company) this week about alleged failure of the company to pay social/pension contributions to the full amount for its employees in the period until 1998 when Dragan Covic, the leader of HDZ, was in charge of the company. According to VL, the real motive behind this ‘prying’ is the indictment in the ‘Covic and others case’, which is on ‘shaky legs’.

Daily: Designing project for Corridor Vc would not be finished in due time

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Agreed deadline for drafting of designing project will be breached’, mentioned on cover, by Az. Kalamujic– Coordinator of BiH Transport and Communication Ministry’s Commission for drafting of designing project for Corridor Vc, Namik Kupusovic confirmed for daily that designing project would not be finished in given deadline. However, Kupusovic stressed that this should not cause delays in drafting of feasibility study. According to Ministry’s officials drafting of designing project is in delay because geological explorations are conducted in territory, which was not de-mined and there are problems to approach private locations on Corridor Vc route.

War crimes issues

BiH Court starts renewed trial to Mektouf for war crimes

PINK, BHT1, FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Testimony of Prosecutor Smit included in evidence’ by A.Durmo  – Renewed trial to Abdulahim Mektouf has started before the BiH Court . Mektouf is charged with supporting war crimes over civilians during the war in BiH. The Court of Appeal has annulled the first-degree decision according to which Mektouf was sentenced to 5 years of prison. At the trial, a Prosecutor read the extended indictment. According to the extended indictment, Mektouf is being charged with being engaged in taking several Croat citizens to a mujahedins’ camp in a village called Orasac, where they had been beaten up, while one was executed.

ICTY Chief Prosecutor Del Ponte arrives to Sarajevo on Feb 7

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Carla Del Ponte arrives to Sarajevo on February 7’,Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Del Ponte in Belgrade and Sarajevo on February 6 and 7, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Carla del Ponte in Sarajevo on 7 February’ by SENSE – ICTY Spokesperson Florence Hartman confirmed that ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte is arriving to Sarajevo on February 7. It is planned for Del Ponte to meet new High Representative Christian Schwarz Schilling, representatives of EUFOR and NATO. Day before that, Del Ponte would visit Belgrade and met with SCG officials. 

Daily publishes documents allegedly proving Serbia committed aggression on BiH

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Tomo Kovac sent special police forces in Srebrenica’ by A.Avdic – Oslobodjenje says it reveals new documents allegedly proving that former Serbian Interior Minister Deputy Tomislav Kovac deployed Serbian MoI special police forces in Srebrenica. This, reads the article, proves that Serbia had committed aggression against BiH by deployment of its official forces in its territory.

Threats addressed to Research and Information Centre Head and its staff

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Tokaca: We continue regardless of threats’, pg 3  Therats will not hinder our work’ by N.Krsman – The Interior Ministry of Sarajevo Canton Wednesday confirmed that unknown persons have addressed death threats to Mirsad Tokaca and those employed at Research and Information Centre (IDC) Sarajevo (dealing with the establishment of number of victims during the war in Bih). The Spokesperson of the Sarajevo Cantonal MoI stressed that threats are serious and accordingly treated as criminal act. Tokaca stated threat did not hinder the work of IDC, noting Centre will continue with presentation on data of number of victims in BiH. Today’s presentation will be held in Prijedor as planned.

NN op-ed: Kostunica’s guarantee for temporary release of Sarovic is confusing and non-diplomatic

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Guarantees for a disgrace’ by Pero Simic – The author is critical of the fact that the SiCG, namely Serbian Premier, Vojislav Kostunica, has provided guarantees for temporary release of Mirko Sarovic, regarding it as confusing, tactless and non-diplomatic luxury. The author stresses the people in RS has a right to find out what Sarovic and other authority tycoons like Dragan Kalinic, who is today enjoying a full protection as citizen of SiCG, spends people’s money. He is raising the issue as to whether all SDS members, who have been involved in crime and corruption, will be finding refuge in SiCG after Milorad Dodik assumes power.

Other political issues

BiH parliament’s commission fails to adopt changes to Law on Ombudsmen

BHT1 by Boris Grubesic – BiH Parliament’s joint commission for harmonization of laws adopted in different texts in Houses on Wednesday failed to harmonize the text of the law on BiH Ombudsmen. Namely, at the end of 2005, the law was passed in both Houses in different texts. BHT1 says that only one member, Tihomir Gligoric opposed the changes of BiH Law on Ombudsmen. Due to the fact that amendments to the Law have not been passed, the OHR has already reacted, stressing that it is going to endanger future European integration process. Namely, according to the new law, one ombudsman and two deputies should be appointed with the head office in Banja Luka, while other three would be in Sarajevo, Mostar and Brcko. Ombudsmen would be elected on period of 6 years, while the Chair would rotate every 2 years. The amendments, which are at the same time the condition set by the Council of Europe, foresee abolishment of entity ombudsmen by the end of 2006. “We absolutely support these principles and we believe that a single institution has to be established”, said a BiH Ombudsperson Branka Raguz. Gligoric insists on having the existing ombudsmen continue performing their duties till the end of their mandate, namely three more years. Other members were ready to accept the amendments. “If we want to enter Europe, we have to meet standards Europe asks as to”, said a member of the Parliamentary Commission Osman Brka. PINK, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘Law on Ombudsmen without agreement’ by T.V. – briefly reported on session of Joint Commission.

BH Assistant Minister Nagradic: Discussions on length of transitional term and mandate of elected BH Ombudsmen

Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Mandate for stumbling’ by Z.D. – Following a failure of BiH Parliament’s Commission to reach agreement on Law on Ombudsman, Slobodan Nagradic, Assistant to BiH Minister of Human Rights and Refugees, stated that this Law is one of international obligations of BiH, warning time is running out for Ombudsmen of RS and F BiH to complete their work. He noted discussions took place in regard to length of transitional term and mandate of the elected Ombudsmen in BiH.

SDHR Ney: failure to reach consensus on the final text of the State Ombudsman Law “could hamper BiH’s prospects within SAA process”

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Negative signal to Brussels’ by N.M. – Senior Deputy High Representative Martin Ney Wednesday stated that Wednesday’s failure by the Joint Harmonization Committee of the BiH Parliament to reach consensus on the final text of the State Ombudsman Law “could hamper BiH’s prospects within the Stabilisation and Association (SAA) process”. He also said that “today’s failure has damaged a key BiH institution dedicated to protecting individual human rights. It also sends a negative signal to Brussels regarding BiH’s determination to fulfill promises made in good faith.”

Expelled HDZ members Raguz, Ljubic, Merdzo forming new party supported by Cro HDZ President Sanader

Dnevni Avaz pg 8, mentioned on cover ‘Raguz, Ljubic and Merdzo forming HDZ 1990’ by F.Vele – Unnamed source from the BiH “highest political structures” confirmed for DA that group of dissatisfied HDZ members, lead by expelled members Martin Raguz, Josip Merdzo and Bozo Ljubic, would establish new political party – HDZ 1990. DA sources reveal that the mentioned group has direct support from Croatian HDZ President Ivo Sanader. Raguz and Merdzo did not want to confirm or to deny these allegations. Ljubic says these are only speculations.

Danas: If Covic steps down in return he would get position of EP HZ HB Director

Danas pg 5 ‘Dragan Covic Director of EP HZ HB soon’ not signed carries that due to the recent developments within HDZ, HDZ President Dragan Covic’s political opponents hope that Covic would accept the plan according to which he would step down from the position of the HDZ President while Niko Lozancic would be appointed an acting HDZ President.  Then, 2 or 3 months later a new HDZ Convention would be convened during which new HDZ leadership would be elected led by Bozo Ljubic, while, in return for his cooperation, Covic would be awarded with the position of Elektroprivreda of Croat Community of Herceg Bosna (EP HZ HB) Director.

HSP Djapic-Jurisic’s Jurisic and SBIH’s Halilovic agree: Entities should be abolished

Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Party for BiH for abolishment of entities too’, mentioned on front ‘Halilovic and Jurisic for abolishment of entities’, by Zoran Kresic – VL learns from sources close to the HSP Djapic-Jurisic that the President of the said party, Dr. Zvonko Jurisic, met with the leader of SBIH, Safet Halilovic, at Sarajevo on Tuesday when Jurisic presented to Halilovic the HSP Djapic Jurisic’s plan/initiative the aim of which is to abolish the FBIH and Brcko District, which should be leading towards creating pressure against the Serb politicians from the RS and ultimately to the abolishment of entities in BiH. Apparently, Halilovic supported Jurisic’s proposal. They both agreed that the current, entity division of BiH is a result of aggression and genocide committed against the Bosniaks and Croats. HSP advocates organization of BiH is no less than 7 provinces.

RS Const court ruled that the procedure on adopting the Law on Holidays is unconstitutional

Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘RS Government would have to suggest new text Law on Holidays’ by S.Se – RS Constitutional court ruled that RS Government and National Assembly would have to repeat whole the procedure on adopting the Law on Holidays. RS Council of Peoples Chair Remzija Kadric submitted the request for reviewing continuality of the mentioned law.

VL criticizes Croat politicians, says they should look up to Croat businessmen

Vecernji List pg 6 ‘If politicians were like businessmen’, by Petar Grubisic – The author is criticizing Croat politicians in BiH, saying that they have not been able to see through a single project they have started since 1990, the result of which is the bad position the Croat people found themselves in. Grubisic argues that the Croat politicians should look up to Croat businessmen, who knew how to achieve their results, be it by lobbying or by simply using the brains.