OHR BiH Media Round-up, 2/3/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

BiH lawsuit against SCG

Main hearing in ICJ continues

Water getting better in HNC

McElhaney: agreement close

Const. changes are not signed

Tihic visits Bihac

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Technical problems

Talks on const. changes resumed

Marking of Independence Day

BiH lawsuit against SCG

Independence Day not marked in RS

Spare judges in ICTY

Independence Day throughout FBIH

Dual citizenship b/w Croatia and BiH

Update on BiH lawsuit vs. SCG

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

BiH Independence Day

Marking of Independence Day

Crying woman in EUFOR car

BiH officials visit Kovaci cemetery

Independence Day in Sarajevo

Constitutional changes not signed

Report on former BiH Army soldier

Independence Day in USC

Newly appointed RS Government

FBiH invalids still in FBiH Parliament

Independence Day in FBIH

BiH lawsuit against SCG

Oslobodjenje

Party leaders did not sign constitutional changes again

Dnevni Avaz

[Talks on const. changes] Three possibilities for Venice Commission

Dnevni List

Cancerogenic waste (round table in Banja Luka on dangerous medical waste in BiH)

Vecernji List

600 witnesses to defend Gotovina (Gotovina’s lawyers preparing witnesses)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Political Mafia selling off the state (Transparency International’s report from other day)

Nezavisne Novine

Suggestions being assessed by Venice Commission [Agreement on const. changes was not signed]

Glas Srpske

Stronger than injustice [protests of families of missing Serb soldiers and civilians continued in Lukavica]

EuroBlic

Dodik’s chair is already hot

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

US Ambassador to BiH McElhaney’s pc: Political leaders close to agreement on constitutional changes

BH Radio 1 – Senka Jasarspahic– US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney told at the press conference in Sarajevo that BiH political leaders are close to signing the agreement on constitutional changes, since the only disputable and unresolved issue remained to be election of the BiH Presidency members. “Various options were on the table on that issue and parties agreed to ask for a legal stance of the Venice Commission, on which of the options is in accordance with the European standards”- said McElhaney. He added that after that parties’ leaders are to meet and to discuss this last issue.

Main hearing in ICJ continues: BiH team presented evidence on occupation of BiH cities

BH Radio 1 – The main hearing in BiH’s lawsuit against SCG for aggression and genocide continues before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. BiH legal representatives continued with presentation of evidences. They made a chronological presentation on how ‘Serb forces’ conducted occupation of BiH cities, conducting ethnical cleansing of majority Bosniak populations. The BiH team placed accent on Eastern Bosnia cities, claiming that all this was a part of the planned political activity, whose goal was to erase the eastern border on Drina.

Constitutional changes talks

Agreement on constitutional changes not signed/Politicians unable to agree on election of BiH Presidency members, they ask for stand of Venice Commission

BHT1– Leaders of key BiH political parties met on Wednesday in Sarajevo to finalize the constitutional changes talks, however, they did not sign the agreement on constitutional changes, because they could not agree on the election of the BiH Presidency members. Hayat says that HDZ disagrees with the way in which the BiH President and Presidency members are to be elected. “It was agreed for the Venice Commission to take the stance on the issue of the election”, said SDA leader Sulejman Tihic. HDZ insists on the direct way of election. “My opinion is that the proposed solution is in line with the Human Rights Convention’s regulations, but I can understand their fear that it does not guarantee that a Croat would be appointed as a BiH Presidency member”, said PDP leader Mladen Ivanic. “We have agreed that the whole package presents a complete and concrete agreement, but we have also agreed the whole package should not be sacrificed due to an issue, we failed to reach agreement on’, said SDS leader Dragan Cavic. “I think that we are having problems with systematic solutions.  Obviously, Croat representatives want to solve the issue of internal organization. I have nothing against the idea of having 3, 5 or 10 entities within BiH itself. What is clear is that the RS’ existence is unquestionable”, said SNSD leader Milorad Dodik. US representatives find talks extremely useful and productive. RTRS– Parties’ leaders agreed to send proposals to the Venetian Commission to give its opinion. Three versions regarding the BiH Presidency’s election will be sent to the Venetian Commission. The first version refers to direct voting on the election within one election unit. The second version refers to the earlier way of election, while the third version refers to the indirect election in the BiH Parliament. US Ambassador to BiH Douglas L. McElhaney said that not much time has left and that this would have to be finished soon. FTV– HDZ President Dragan Covic stated that for HDZ, the direct election method is absolutely unacceptable. Milenko Brkic from HNZ repeated his demand for the indirect election method, claiming that this method only can secure equality for all BiH peoples. US State Department official Rosemary Di Carlo also attended Wednesday’s meeting of BiH political leaders. She stated after the meeting that she is satisfied with the course of the negotiations. She said that the political leaders had promised to meet after they receive the recommendation of the Venice Commission and sign the agreement on time, so that the necessary legislation can be adopted before the October elections. Oslobodjenje pg 6 ’Solution in ten days’ by Az.K. – Lagumdzija stated that Venice Commission should come up with the response in ten days.Also reported by PINK, Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 6 ‘Party leaders did not sign constitutional changes again’ by A.Omeragic, Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 2 ‘Three possibilities for Presidency for Venice Commission’ by A.Malagic, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘Suggestions being assessed by Venice Commission’ by M. Cubro [Di Carlo, Dodik, Cavic, Covic], EuroBlic RSpg 5 ‘Failed agreement’ by D.S., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘It got stuck at the Presidency [issue]’ by Z. Domazet.

Talks on const. changes interrupted/ SDP leader Lagumdzija: It can be done without SBiH, HDZ is buying time/ SNSD leader Dodik bored with talks

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 6 ‘Party leaders did not sign constitutional changes again’ by A.Omeragic – US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney said: “These talks are not easy. We will finish this and USA will stand by this country.” HDZ leader Dragan Covic repeated that the direct election of President is possible only if whole BiH would be one electoral unit. Commenting refusal of SBiH to take further part in talks on constitutional changes, SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija said: “It can be done without SBiH, since their votes are not necessary… SBiH knew that we do not talk about entities. It is a question whether we stay in the mud for next five to ten years or we start creating a normal state.” Inset, ‘Dodik bored with talks’ – SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated that he is really bored with talks on constitutional changes. Inset, ‘Agreement should have been signed already’ – Answering question when the agreement will be signed, US State Department official Rosemary Di Carlo stated that it was expected to happen few weeks ago.

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 2 ‘Three possibilities for Presidency for Venice Commission’ by A.Malagic – Austrian Ambassador Werner Almhofer and German Ambassador Arne Freiherr von Kittlitz also took part in the constitutional changes talks. Inset, ‘Lagumdzija: Nothing should be expected from SBiH, Covic like Kardelj’ – Lagumdzija said that votes of SBiH are not necessary, adding that Covic is an expert for coming with new proposals. Lagumdzija said: “It is buying of time, and I am astonished by the fact that Covic still didn’t quit that… spinning old suggestions like good old Edvard Kardelj (former Communist time official).” Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘We had very useful and productive talks’ by A.M. carries statements McElhaney and Di Carlo.

SBiH’s Halilovic: There is necessary majority that will reject proposed solutions that are only in interests of RS and parties from RS

Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Parliament will crush deal’, by Zoran Kresic –SBiH leader, Safet Halilovic, commented on the SDP leader, Zlatko Lagumdzija’s, statement (that the constitutional agreement can be signed without SBiH) by saying that the BiH Parliament and relations within it will show whether the constitutional changes can be passed without the SBiH, HDZ and other MPs. “We have firm assurances that there is a necessary majority that will reject (proposed) solutions that are only in the interests of the RS and local parties (from RS)”, said Halilovic, adding that there are no firm guarantees that a second, serious stage of talks would be held after “these partial constitutional changes”.

SBiH leader Halilovic on const. changes: BiH Parliament, not party leaders should make decision

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Decision to be brought by BiH Parliament, not party leaders’ by E.S. – Commenting his not appearance in Wednesday’s talks on constitutional changes SBiH leader Safet Halilovic said that the BiH Parliament should come up with the decision, not party leaders.

SBiH argues constitutional changes should be carried out in accordance with European, American principles/ SDP’s Lagumdzija: HDZ’s Covic is buying time

Dnevni List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘Covic is not giving up his requests’, by Mensud Zorlak carries statements by Dragan Covic, Milenko Brkic and a statement released by the SBiH following a session of the party’s executive committee, which reads that the SBIH will stick to its earlier positions, namely that the constitutional changes should be carried out in accordance with European and US principles and standards of democracy and not follow the ‘Dayton logic of the two-entity, ethnic-national model’. “There could be blockade of institutions in future circumstances without the presence of the High Representative”, argues SBiH. Article also carries SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija as saying that Covic is buying time with his latest requests. Oslobodjenje pg 6 ’BiH on edge of abyss’ carries the SBiH press release.

BOSS leader Ajanovic on const changes: SDA and SDP committed treason

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘To confront treason and division’ – BOSS leader Mirnes Ajanovic repeated that SDP and SDA committed a treason by accepting the agreement that would verify division of BiH.

Danas: US, OHR embittered with Silajdzic’s attitude in process of constitutional changes talks

Danas, front pg splash ‘Silajdzic and Orucevic parting ways’ and pgs 18-21 ‘USA puts Silajdzic on margins’, by Zvonimir Jukic – According to Danas’ sources, the US Embassy in BiH and OHR are embittered with recent actions by the founder of SBIH, Haris Silajdzic, who, for the sake of his own interests, wants to preserve the status quo in BiH and prevent gradual constitutional changes in the country. Danas quotes “an OHR official” as saying that Silajdzic wants to prevent any constitutional changes in order to preserve the confusing situation in BiH, which would subsequently create new national tensions, the situation in which Silajdzic sees his chance to be elected as the Bosniak member of BiH Presidency. Moreover, Danas also learns that long-time partners Silajdzic and Safet Orucevic (former Mayor of Mostar, believed to have strong ties with Silajdzic) have clashed over the constitutional changes, since Orucevic is allegedly in favour of the US and UK embassies’ plans to carry out gradual changes, instead of no changes whatsoever. The weekly also says that the US are fed up with Silajdzic’s attitude towards constitutional changes, which is the reason why Silajdzic was recently denied a visa to enter the US to attend constitutional changes talks.

DL: BiH Presidency members’ behaviour shows BiH needs one President

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘United BiH consisting of three pieces’, by Zvonimir Jukic – the author argues that the handover in the office of Chairman of BiH Presidency and speeches by members of the Presidency held on that occasion (members were presenting opposing stances) showed what kind of state BiH citizens live in and what kind of the Presidency the country has. Jukic notes that all three members were talking foremost as advocators of narrow interests of their respective people, which, according to Jukic, confirms the need to have one President and two Vice Presidents who would rotate each 16 months, because each diplomat when talking to the Presidency members would get a feeling that there are three states in BiH.

Update on new RS Government

New RS Government established/New RS PM Dodik promised to implement all measures stated in expose

RTRS By Marina Marjanovic- During the extraordinary session of RS National Assembly, held on Tuesday with only one item of the agenda – to elect and appoint a new RS Prime Minister and his Cabinet, Igor Radojicic took over position of the RSNA Speaker on Wednesday. Radojicic said that the RSNA session would be held soon in order to discus the budget and some laws that the new RS Government announced. Transfer of the RS PM and Ministers’ duty will be done on Thursday, only Stanislav Cadjo, a new RS Interior Minister took over duty on Wednesday. “I would like to say again that the Government has intention to implement all the measures that we stated in exposé, and that we have no intention to lose time” said Milorad Dodik, a newly appointed RS PM. Pero Bukejlovic, a former RS PM congratulated newly appointed PM Dodik. “I would like him (Dodik) to continue what we started, to correct our mistakes, and to do all that is for well- being of peoples in the RS”, said Bukejlovic. Dusan Stojicic, a former RSNA Speaker expressed his discontent for not getting word after Dodik’s expose [because of which SDS representatives left the session at the end and did not vote at all]. “Has it ever happened in this RSNA that you ask for word on behalf of the Caucus and you do not get it”, said Stojicic. Hayat– “The Coalition, which has taken over the governing, is extremely shaky and unnatural…” said Stojicic.“BHT, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Radojicic officially took over the duty of Chairman’ by V. P. reported on election of the new RS Government, PINK reported on Radojicic taking over the RSNA. Dnevni List, pg 9 ‘Forming of department for cooperation with The Hague’, by NINA – carries Dodik’s statement about priorities of his Government. Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘New Ministers on working places already’ by O.V, Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘New Dodik’s Government takes over today’, by B. S., Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 18 ‘Milorad Dodik is Prime Minister’, by A. Macanovic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Hand-over today’, announced on cover ‘New Government to take over duty today’ by V.Popovic, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Not much time, but much work’ by Z.Markovic – announce Thursday’s handover. EuroBlic cover pg splash and pg RS2 ‘Dodik’s chair is already hot’ by Rajna Radosavljevic inset ‘SDS: they are afraid of our every word’, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Lots of work, little time’ by Z. Markovic – Stojicic expressed discontent for not getting word after Dodik’s expose, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 Takeover today’ by V. Popovic inset ‘Takeover at RS MoI’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Under Cadjo’s directives’ by V. J. – report on takeover at RS MoI. EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Dodik’s chair is already hot’ by Rajna Radosavljevic Inset ‘Bukejlovic: congratulations…’ – Pero Bukejlovic congratulated Dodik

SDP not to participate in new RS Government, but SDP ’s Osmic says that SDP is not going to withhold cooperation

BHT1 Boris GagicSDP will not participate in the new Government, allegedly because of Dodik’s insisting on appointment of new Ministers in accordance with the national key. However, SDP’s Zekerijah Osimic stated that the cooperation between SDP and SNSD is not going to stop. FTV – Osmic stated that SNSD has violated the agreement with SDP. Osmic announced that SDP is going to continue to be an opposition party. Also reported by Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Dodik tricked agreement with SDP’ by Fena, Oslobodjenje ‘Dodik tricked SNSD’s and SDP’s agreement’ by Fena, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Dodik played down agreement with SDP’, by E. Mackic,Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘We did not deny support over personnel solutions’ by N. Krsman, EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Dodik’s chair is already hot’ by Rajna Radosavljevic Inset ‘SDP: Dodik deliberately tricked us’, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘He betrayed agreement’.

New RS Ministers optimistic/Minister of Economy announces that refinery in Brod would be first task

RTRS– Former Ministers believe that they did a good job but that it always could be better. New Ministers announced some activities. Milan Jelic, the Minister of Economy, Energy and Development said that the oil refinery in Brod would be the first challenge. Nebojsa Cubrilovic, the Minister of Transport and Communications announced more significant projects. The average age of ministers is 50 and the youngest is 32- year old Branislav Borenovic, the RS Minister without portfolio.

RS syndicate, pensioners, veterans, NGOs and Chamber of Commerce support RS PM Dodik and his Government’s intentions

EuroBlic cover pg splash and pg RS2 ‘Dodik’s chair is already hot’ by Rajna Radosavljevic – Representatives of RS Association of Trade Unions, RS Pensioners’ Association, RS Veterans’ Association, RS Chamber of Commerce and Association of NGOs for fight against corruption stated they have trust in intentions of the newly-elected RS PM Milorad Dodik and his cabinet but also announced they would forward concrete suggestions to the new RS Government. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Support to Dodik’ by D. R., Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Partner or critic’ – NGOs supports Dodik. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘We will not withhold our effort’ by M. M. – RS Association of Trade Unions supports Dodik.

Serbian President and PM congratulated to new RS PM

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Tadic and Kostunica congratulated to Dodik’ by V.P., Vecernje Novosti pg 4 ‘Greetings’ – The Serbian President and Premier respectively, Boris Tadic and Vojislav Kostunica, have congratulated to Milorad Dodik for the election of new RS Prime Minister. Tadic’ congratulation letter reads: “Most sincere greetings! I wish you succeed in preserving Serb entity, modernising its institutions and provide conditions to all citizens for better and safe life.” Also reported by RTRS.Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘ Dayton is foundation’ – Kostunica is convinced that the new Government will persist in attempts to provide European future of RS within BiH on foundation of Dayton Agreement.

NN op-ed critical of SDS MP’s who assaulted RS NA Speaker over his nationality

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘A bunch for requiem and funerals’ by Pero Simic – The author attaches the headline to the SDS MP’s at the night when new RSNA Speaker, Igor Radojicic. The author is harshly critical of the fact that in absence of some other arguments, RS MP’s were bothered with the fact Radojicic is a Montenegrin by nationality, while they were not bothered with the fact Radovan Karadzic also declared as such.

NN op-ed: We should hope there will be a better tomorrow

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘New Government’ by Predrag Klincov – Criticizing the behavior of the SDS MP’s at RS NA (who abandoned Parliament session since newly elected Parliament Speaker banned them from making any further verbal assaults), the author stresses they behaved as small children “when mom takes them ice-cream from the mouth”. The author further underlines that in his expose, Milorad Dodik, new RS PM, tried to convince people there can be a better tomorrow, concluding we should hope so it would be.

German press (Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung) praising RS PM Dodik

Sueddeutsche Zeitung pg 4 ’Milorad Dodik – Serb leader with a distance to the past’ by Bernhard Küppers – Making an overview on appointment Milorad Dodik for the RS PM, SZ carries an article very positively describing Dodik’s political stances. Dodik is described as a pragmatic social democrat that has fight for social justice and against organized crime on his agenda. Daily also carries that he announced forming “special police forces” that would hunt ICTY indictees, for they represent jeopardy the existence of the RS, that he wants to “ensure through reforms.” Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung ‘Change of Government in RS’ – also praises Dodik’s abilities calling him “a west oriented pragmatist” at whose agenda, the economy issues are top priority, stressing also his promise that he would fight against organized crime tied with SDS structures. FAZ adds that Bosniak and Croat representatives expect Dodik to implement the reform of local self-governance, blocked now for past two years, which would improve status of the minorities.

BiH‘s Independence Day/Other political issues

BiH Independence Day marked only in FBiH/ RS representatives say other date can be chosen since this one reminds them of ‘bad things’

BHT1 – March 1 is the BiH’s Independence Day. On this day, 14 years ago, over 66% of BiH citizens voted at the referendum, and almost 98% of voters decided on BiH’s independence. Most of the Serbs boycotted the referendum. The BiH Independence Day is not being celebrated in the RS and Serbs believe that this date has negative connotations and that it cannot be celebrated as a state holiday. Member of SBiH Beriz Belkic expressed his hope that after some time all BiH citizens would accept this holiday and celebrate it. BiH Presidency member and SDA President Sulejman Tihic stated that this day is a symbol of a multi-ethnic state. SNSD’s Krstan Simic stated that there are many other dates that are more suitable to be celebrated as the Independence Day and that March 1 is a date selected by only one entity. BiH Presidency member Ivo Miro Jovic stated that he is proud to belong to Croat people, who voted for independence at the 1992 referendum. Hayat– Although invited to the ceremonial academy, in honour of the Independence Day, the RS representatives did not appear. Serb BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravac marked the Day of Civil Protection on Wednesday. “Serbs do not mark this date (The Independence Day)…It reminds them of something very bad…and do not provoke me with such questions”, explained Paravac. Also reported by PINK, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Citizens did not vote for such BiH’, mentioned on cover by S. Filipovic Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Those who stood against it in 1992 do not consider it a state even today’ by A.T.­ Dnevni Avaz ‘Without BiH there is no prosperity neither for Serb people nor for the RS’, mentioned on cover ‘One of the most important dates of BiH’ by L. Sinanovic, Dnevni List, pg 6, mentioned on front ‘Paravac ignores state holidays’, by Resad Dautefendic, Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Independence Day of BiH marked’, not signed, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Holiday as stumbling stone’ by G. Dakic, Nezavisne Novine pg 11 ‘Celebration in F BiH, working day in RS’ by A. S. and D. R.

DL: Minister Halilovic wants a Bosniak, Minister Dokic wants a Serb in office of CIPS Director

Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Bosniak to be Director and Deputy Director of CIPS?!’, by Dario Pusic – carries a feature report on the issue of vacated position of the Director of CIPS after the last Director, Mirko Skrbic, left the office due to health reasons. However, there is no agreement within the BiH CoM as to who would succeed Skrbic since the BiH Civil Affairs Minister, Safet Halilovic, wants Mustafa Pasalic to take up the office because he got best marks of all candidates who applied to the vacancy, however the BiH Minister of Traffic and Communications, Branko Dokic, wants that Sinisa Macan, the second placed candidate, to assume the position because a Serb candidate should remain the CIPS Director (since Skrbic is a Serb). (NB: DL’s headline is misleading since the article does not mention that a Bosniak is the Deputy Director, it mentions that a Bosniak is Assistant Director).

SD on appointment of Cerkez as FBIH Tourism Minister: HDZ once again showed it did not care for good people like former Defence Minister Nikolic

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 19, mentioned on front ‘Nikolic at employment bureau’, by Zlatko Tulic – commenting on the issue of appointment of Katica Cerkez to the office of FBIH Minister of Tourism and Environment, the office which was being frequently mentioned in the media (by HDZ) that it was reserved for former FBIH Defence Minister, Miroslav Nikolic, the author stresses that the outcome of the situation shows the real nature of HDZ, the party that does not care much for its good people, instead it takes good care of its obedient members. SD also carries Nikolic who says he was being presented in the media as the only candidate for the said office, however nobody from the HDZ ever contacted him about it.

NATO delegation visits BiH

FTV– The delegation of the Committee for Civil Dimension of Security within the NATO Parliamentary Assembly arrived to a 3-day visit to BiH. After the meeting with representatives of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, members of the NATO delegation stated that BiH, with help of the International Community, has made a great progress in reform of defence and security system.  Also reported by BHT 1, Dnevni Avaz pg ‘Completing report on progress after Dayton’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘BiH has made a significant step towards Europe’ by M. C..

Croatian PM Sanader: agreement on double citizenship between BiH and Croatia will be signed soon

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Agreement on double citizenship soon’ by Srna – Croatian PM Ivo Sanader stated on Wednesday during a session of Croatian Parliament that the agreement on double citizenship between BiH and Croatia will be signed soon, most probably ‘during his forthcoming visit to Sarajevo’. PINK, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Agreement on dual citizenship between BiH and Croatia soon’ by Srna– Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Sanader announced signing of the agreement on dual citizenship’ by D. Zadravec, Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Agreement on property-legal issues soon’, by HINA, EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Sanader: Agreement on double citizenship soon’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘It will be “double” after all’ by Srna – also reported.

SD: Silajdzic to start new BiH daily in order to become BiH President

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 19 ‘Haris for President’, by Zlatko Tulic – the author argues that the founder of SBIH, Haris Silajdzic, is using every opportunity, especially the issue of constitutional changes in BiH, to return to the BiH political scene with his eyes firmly fixed on the position of president of BiH. According to SD’s information, Silajdzic and a group of his colleagues are preparing to launch a new daily in BiH on April 6 called ‘BiH Dnevnik’ (BiH Daily), which should make sure that he indeed becomes the president.

On BiH’s lawsuit agst SCiG/War crimes/Terrorism

Main hearing in BiH’s lawsuit agst SCG for aggression and genocide continued with presentation of evidences on over 500 prison camps in BiH

Hayat By Asim Beslija, The Hague – The main hearing in the case of the BiH’s lawsuit against SCG for aggression and genocide before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) continued on Wednesday. Members of the BiH legal team mostly spoke about the Convention on Prevention of Genocide, in order to relate to the definition and facts, which have been confirmed. It was also spoken about war prisons in BiH, people in charge of such prisons, which were established in order to destroy Bosniaks and Croats in BiH. BHT1– The BiH legal team also presented videotapes and other materials that prove the existence of concentration camps, along with materials showing planned destruction of cultural and religious monuments. RTRS – It was stressed that members of SDA and HDZ were arrested the most. Magda Karagiannakis, a BiH team attorney, said that former Yugoslav politicians and Army had supervision over around 500 prisons in BiH and presented some evidences to prove that BiH Serbs cooperated with Serbs from other side of Drina. The BiH team will finish the first round of presentation by March 7 and after that SCG team will make its presentation. Media reported that Francis A. Boyle, Professor of Law, University of Illinois said that reimbursement is not main motive of BiH but abolishment of the RS. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Franck: Non-Serbs were meant to be destroyed’ By Sead Numanovic – US Attorney and member of BiH legal team Thomas Franck called upon reports of UN Special Representative Tadeusz Mazowiecki and admission of Biljana Plavsic before the ICTY, who both said that people were tortured, persecuted and killed only because they were non-Serbs. FTV, PINK, Oslobodjenje pgs4-5 ‘Indisputable evidences on genocide in BiH’ by Nagorka Idrizovic, Inset ‘Systematic destroying of religious and cultural objects’, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Verdicts from The Hague as evidence’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Thomas Frenck: Bosniaks deprived of right to survive’ by Agencies, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Embroilment of Plavsic’ also reported on the main hearing.

NN int with BiH Presidency and SDS member Paravac: Goal of BiH lawsuit against SiCG is to abolish RS

Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘The goal of lawsuit against SiCG is to abolish RS’ by A. Sisic – in a page-long interview to NN, BiH Presidency member and SDS member Borislav Paravac claims the goal of the BiH lawsuit against SiCG is to abolish the RS, adding there is no chance the Court would reach a verdict that would be favourable for BiH. He also believes the talks on constitutional changes have strengthened antagonism in BiH and this influenced BiH Presidency members as well. He denied his criticism on the work of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Minister Mladen Ivanic derived from the conflict between SDS and Ivanic’s PDP. Asked whether he thinks The Hague fugitives Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic should be arrested as soon as possible, Paravac said: ‘I do not know if there is any other alternative and, if there is, then I would like to discuss it. I think everyone should lay accounts for what they have done. The question is whether people that have been accused have trust in that court’. He reiterated he has no intention to resign from the position of BiH Presidency member and denied there is a possibility SDS would break apart in two pieces.

Boyle: BiH has chance to win the process

Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘BiH could win the process’ by Fena– Speaking for Deutche Welle radio US Professor Francis Boyle said that BiH has great chances to win the process before the International Court of Justice, if it does not give in under pressure for the lawsuit to be withdrawn.

SCG legal team to raise issue of ICJ competence to deal with BiH’s lawsuit agst SCiG

Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘There are realistic chances for Court to be pronounced as incompetent for the lawsuit’ by B. Boskov– Member of SCG legal team Tibor Varadi stated for ‘Politika’ and ‘Blic’ that SCG team would first raise the issue of competence of International Court of Justice for this lawsuit, but he did not want to speak of details, stressing that SCG would start presentation of evidences on March 8. 

DA op-ed criticizes BiH politicians for not taking clearer stances in BiH lawsuit agst SCG

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Does new oblivion threaten BiH?’ op-ed by Almasa Hodzic – Commenting on peaceful protests of ‘Srebrenica Mothers’ in The Hague, who supported the BiH lawsuit against SCG, the editorial harshly criticizes BiH politicians and intellectual elite for being too careful and not taking much clearer and more aggressive stances.

Osl. op-ed: Milosevic is in The Hague, but Serbia did not change much

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Truth does not live in Serbia’ op-ed Gojko Beric – Commenting on reactions of certain BiH media on the lawsuit before the ICJ, the editorial reads that the process should not be observed as a basketball game competitively. The author expresses his surprise that such interpretations are supported by two legal experts from BiH team Phon van den Biesen and Francis Boyle. Insisting on moral justice, the author says it is the only thing that could lead to “catharsis”. Commenting on recent statements of leading Serbian officials, the editorial concludes: “Milosevic is in The Hague, but Serbia did not change much. [Serbian Deputy PM Miroljub] Labus’ threat to BiH reveals its present face.” Labus said that the BiH lawsuit vs. SCG could have dramatically negative effects in terms of the future relations in the Balkans, adding that it is impossible for BiH to remain united, now, as the lawsuit has been filed.

SiCG’ Minister Ljajic: We have more information on Mladic

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘We have more information on Mladic’ by Agencies – Rasim Ljajic, SiCG Minster for Human and Minority Rights has stated that Serbian authorities have much more information on people who helped hide-outs of Ratko Mladic, adding Mladic is not apprehended and authorities do not know where he is. On Tuesday night, Ljajic reiterated there is a political readiness consciousness about necessity to arrest wartime commander of RS Army.

Collegium of Directors of BiH Institute for Missing Persons officially takes over

FTV- Collegium of Directors of BiH Institute for Missing Persons officially took over its duty on Wednesday. The Directors of the Institute are Amor Masovic, Marko Jurisic and Milan Bogdanic. They will be rotating in the presiding position every eight months. Jurisic will be the first Chair of the Collegium. BiH Institute for Missing Persons will replace the entity Commissions for Missing Persons, and it is expected to work more efficiently. BHT1, RTRS, Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Institute for missing persons in BiH can start working’, not signed – also covered.

CoE Secretary General Davis criticized BiH non-adequate repose on accuses that there was secret arrests by foreign intelligence services

Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Council of Europe: Why did BiH miss to mention case of Algerian group?’ by T.Lazovic – Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis criticized BiH for non-adequate repose on clear accuses that there was secret arrests and departures of persons by foreign intelligence services, by CIA among them. Davis said that BiH submitted a brief without mentioning ‘Algerian group’, that is transported to the Guantanamo in spite of verdict of the FBiH Supreme Court. Davis added that some countries will be invited to provide the CoE with additional information on the issue. Also reported by BHT1, FTV, Oslobodjenje ‘Incomplete response by BiH’ by Fena, international press.

Economy

BiH Trade Union President Biber: If drastic changes do not happen, big social unrest could happen

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Social and economic situation is getting worse’, mentioned on cover ‘Authorities have no will nor whish to solve problems’ by Ajdin Delic – In an interview for DA, commenting possibility of big social unrests, BiH Trade Union President Edhem Biber said: “If drastic changes do not happen in terms of fight against criminal, corruption, black market, I think all there are objective reasons for that to happen.” Accusing authorities for not doing anything to stop negative economic trends, Biber said: “It is possible to organize early or extraordinary elections, if there is no other way. We are in the heavy political crisis…”

FBiH Labour Minister Vignjevic: Story about salaries produces unnecessary mess

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Vignjevic: Story about salaries produces unnecessary mess’ by M.Kukan – Following allegations that the FBiH Government is about to propose a law that would enable increase of salaries for FBiH authorities, the daily took a statement from FBiH Labour Minister Radovan Vignjevic who said that story about raising salaries only produces unnecessary mess in public, adding that this law should only harmonize coefficients and bring minimum changes.

Miscellaneous

Crying women seen in EUFOR vehicle with two men who banned police to talk to women

RTRS – Banja Luka police reported that found two men with masks and one crying young woman sitting in EUFOR car in dark area close to St. Marco cemetery in Banja Luka. Men represented themselves as EUFOR members and did not allow police to talk to the young woman. After that the car left. Police said that has no authorisation to control EUFOR members. No missing person is reported by now. The Banja Luka Police informed EUFOR and EUPM on this issue. EUFOR said that the investigation has been underway. Also reportedby PINK, Hayat, Dnevni List, pg 21, mentioned on front ‘Members of EUFOR kidnapped girl’, by N. Dedic (carries similar report to the RTRS’ report under the headline ‘Members of EUFOR kidnapped girl’ although the article itself does not mention any kidnapping), Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘They were holding a girl in tears in a jeep’ by S. Karic.