OHR BiH Media Round-up, 24/2/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

BiH Bishops meet Pope

SA protests support lawsuit vs.SCG

ICTY rejects Milosevic’s appeal

Sarajevo : Declaration on borders

Gorazde supports lawsuit vs. SCG

RS Govt. allocated new concessions

Verdict to Prce and Curcic today

ICTY rejects Milosevic appeal

Border police in Croatia on strike

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

CoM in session

Del Ponte on Mladic

Olli Rehn on Mladic, SCG

FBIH HoR and HoP session

Investig. of Bosniak deport. from CG

RS Govt. on cooperation with ICTY

Conference on border security

Trial to Stankovic update

BiH CoM in session

Jovic on OHR reaction re: PBS law

BIH Court in session

The trial of ‘Scorpions’ in Belgrade

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

World News

Village Milanovici without electricity

Tihic on constitutional changes

World News

Building material for returnees

RS Government session

Trial to Scorpions update

FBiH HoR and HoP in session

Bird flu protection

Trial to Stankovic update

Cenic: legal action against ITA

CoM session

Oslobodjenje

Andan visited family of Ratko Mladic in Belgrade

Dnevni Avaz

[BiH CoM Chair Terzic] European partnership or state Government would fall

Dnevni List

Dragan Covic refuses to sign (Allegedly Covic refsues to sign const. changes agreem.)

Vecernji List

Croats from BiH move to Croatia (on double citizneship agreem. btwn BiH and Croatia)

Slobodna Dalmacija

BiH Army’s mine pulled down Old Bridge ? (carries article published in Nacional 2 days ago)

Nezavisne Novine

Terzic announced resignation

Glas Srpske

Just to see dad get well (visit to children of Dragomir Abazovic in Rogatica)

EuroBlic

Mladic will not surrender

Vecernje novosti

You must hand over Mladic

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

Pope Benedict XVI meets BiH bishops who inform him on data how many Catholics left Banja Luka , Sarajevo and const. changes

RHB– Pope Benedict XVI for the first time met BiH bishops at Vatican on Thursday, namely Cardinal Vinko Puljic, and bishops Pero Sudar, Ratko Peric and Franjo Komarica. Each bishop had separate meeting with the Pope. RHB notes that Puljic, Sudar and Komarica informed the Pope about data how many Catholics left Banja Luka and Sarajevo areas, and each bishop informed the Pope about their view of the constitutional arrangement in BiH. The Pope is expected to meet the bishops one more time next week, when he is to inform them about his thoughts on BiH and the region.

Political issues

CoM adopts the programme on implementation of priorities from the European partnership for 2005; coop. with ICTY, police reform, public broadcasting at the top of the list

BHT1- BiH Council of Ministers adopted the programme on implementation of the priorities from the European partnership for 2005. The programme represents a firm guarantee that BiH would sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with EU, most likely by the end of 2006, stated BiH CoM Chair Adnan Terzic. According to BHT, the deadline to implement short-term priorities is one or two years. Five key demands are: cooperation with the ICTY, police reform, Public Broadcasting System [PBS] reform, strategy for reform of public administration and establishing single economic space in BiH. RTRS, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Terzic announced resignation’, pg 4 ‘Terzic: Possible resignation of BiH CoM’ by M.Cubro –Terzicstated that “the confidence of the BiH Parliament into the existing BiH COM will be tested on this document. Unless this document is adopted, it would lead to a confidence vote in my Government.” He added that if BIH Parliament adopts this program then CoM is ready to approach implementation of long term tasks set by the EU. Hayat, RHB, PINK, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Priorities of the state toward the EU defined’ by A. Terzic, Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘Terzic announced resignation’, pg 4 ‘Terzic: Possible resignation of BiH CoM’ by M.Cubro, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘The Haguie on the first place among 96 duties’ by SRNA, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘The Hague is first task’ by N.Z. – all carried similar reports.

BiH CoM Chair Terzic: I am ready to tie destiny of BiH CoM to EU partnership project

Dnevni Avaz cover splash, pg 2 ‘European partnership or state Government would fall’ by S.Numanovic – In an interview for DA, the Chair of the BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic said that if the BiH Parliament refuses to support the adopted EU partnership program prepared together with the European Commission, it would mean that the BiH CoM has failed due to lack of confidence. Terzic stated: “I am ready to tie the destiny of BiH CoM to this project. This Government has been known as the leader of European changes in BiH for last three years.” Terzic added the documents consist of elements of what EU expect from BiH in this process and over couples of years. Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Full support or voting of non-confidence’ by D. P. M. carries Terzic as saying that they expect from the Parliament full support in implementation of the priorities or vote of non-confidence to the BiH CoM.

FBiH Parliament approves establishment of new Ministry for Tourism and Environment; DL says agreement reached to locate new Ministry in Mostar

PINK – Both FBiH House of Representatives and House of Peoples on Thursday held the extraordinary sessions and adopted the changes to the FBiH Government Law establishing the Ministry of Tourism and Environment to replace the abolished Ministry of Defence. FBiH Deputy Prime Minister Dragan Vrankic stated that “now FBiH President could propose to the FBiH HoR at the session on Tuesday to confirm the candidates and than we have the Government…there is no reason why it won’t be like that.” Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘Nikolic’s ministry being formed’, not signed – DL reiterates earlier reports that the new ministry will be led by Miroslav Nikolic (HDZ), a former FBIH Defence Minister. Dnevni List pg 7 ‘Seat of new Ministry in Mostar!’ by A. Curic According to well-informed sources, during the meeting between HDZ President Dragan Covic and SDA President Sulejman Tihic held in Mostar on Monday, it was agreed to place a newly formed Ministry in Mostar. RHB, BHT1, Hayat, FTV,Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Ministry of Tourism and Environment established’ by S. Sehercehajic, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Establishment of new ministry approved’ by A. Hadzoarapovic, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Lozancic gets name of the candidate on Monday’ by M.K., Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘Support to establishment of Ministry of Tourism’, by eme, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Laws enabled resumption of work of F BiH Government’ by R.Cengic,– also reported on the session. 

FBiH Parliament: Law on allocation of public revenues still not on force 

PINK – The Law on the allocation of public revenues in FBiH was harmonized on Thursday at the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives, as the House adopted the same text of the law adopted earlier by the House of Peoples. However, the harmonized law cannot come into effect before the BiH Constitutional Court makes a decision because the Croat Caucus in the HoP requested from the Court to assess whether the Law interferes with the matters of the vital national interest of the Croat people. BHT1 – “These discussions in… FBiH Parliament… show that there is no currently parliamentary majority in FBiH supporting the executive authority”, stated SDP’s Svetozar Pudaric. FTV – “If the law on allocation of public revenues is not adopted by the time we form a new government, we will have the Govt, we will have the budget and the money, but we will not be able to spend it because allocation is not agreed”, stated FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic. FTV concludes that until the Court’s verdict, the decision on temporary FBiH financing will remain effective.  PINK – FBiH Deputy Prime Minister Dragan Vrankic commented on the issue of still outstanding issue of the FBiH budget: “It will be adopted at the first session of FBiH Government to come and it will be forwarded to the parliamentary procedure”. Hayat, Dnevni List, pg 3, mentioned on front ‘Agony continues, municipalities without money’, by Mensu Zorlak, Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Refusal by House of Representatives’, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Ministry of Tourism and Environment established’ by S. Sehercehajic, Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Establishment of new ministry approved’ by A. Hadzoarapovic,Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘Laws enabled resumption of work of F BiH Government’ by R.Cengic,also reported.

RS Minister Cenic: RS Govt. will ask RS NA to file a suit against ITA

RTRS – At the session on Thursday, the RS Government in technical mandate discussed preliminary report on execution of 2005 budget. RS Finance Minister in technical mandate Svetlana Cenic stated that the budget was executed 100% from domestic income. Cenic stressed that ITA BIH has damaged RS budget for 37 million KM. She stated that RS Government would ask RS National Assembly to file a lawsuit against ITA. ITA BIH Spokesman Ratko Kovacevic stated that ITA’s Steering Board made a decision on coefficients and added that ITA is only implementing their decision. Cenic also stated that decision on increase of salaries to RS Ministers would not be withdrawn. She reminded that current Minister salaries are lower than salaries of certain officials in other institutions. RS Government also annulled the vacancies for members of RS Banking Agency Steering Board. BHT 1, PINK, FTV, EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘To Court over BAM 37 million’ by T.Veselinovic, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘RS deprived for about KM37 million’ Not signed, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘A cash box brimming with satisfaction’ inset ‘Suit’- also carried.

Following SDP ’s expression of dissatisfaction in new RS Govt. SBiH’ Murselovic also brings cooperation with SNSD in question at RS level

EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Disputable support to Dodik’ by Rajna Radosavljevic – SDP’s Dragi Stanimirovic reiterated that Milorad Dodik’s Government would not get a blank support of this party, while SBiH’s delegate Muharem Murselovic expressed dissatisfaction over distribution of Ministerial posts and claims the party was betrayed with such development of the situation. Murselovic said they agreed with SNSD SBiH would get the Ministries of justice and urbanism, while SDP would get some other posts. SNSD’s Krstan Simic says there were no problems with SBiH up until Thursday and added, if SBiH was dissatisfied, then it is possible the dissatisfaction came from the global level.Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘The establishment of new Government approaches to end’ by V.P. – carries SNSD’ Nebojsa Radmanovic statement saying new RS Government is almost formed, adding it has support of necessary MP’s at parliament.

RS President Cavic: ‘Talking about separation of RS is stupidity of those pulling the wool over somebody’s eyes’

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Talking about separation of RS is stupidity of those pulling the wool over somebody’s eyes’ by Edina Sarac – In an interview for DA, the RS President and SDS leader Dragan Cavic categorically underlined that talking about separation of the RS was “stupidity of those pulling the wool over somebody’s eyes”, adding that if a possibility really ever existed than the BiH would had fall apart in 1995. Cavic said: “Principle of integrity of borders is key principle of Dayton Peace Agreement [DPA]. Now, talking about this combination would mean to get into conflict with every one, lead policy of secessionism would mean deserting the international document. Issue of Kosovo is issue for SCG. What kind of solution would they come up with, I really do not known. If the RS would raise that question, it would be political suicide.”

BH Security Minister: BiH citizens may count on Croatian citizenship

Nezavisne Novine pg 6, announced on cover ‘BiH citizens may count on Croatian citizenship’ by M. Cubro – BiH Security Minister and chief of BiH Delegation for harmonization of unresolved issues with Croatia Barisa Colak on Thursday stated the draft agreement on double citizenship between BIH and Croatia does not foresee stoppage of approving of double citizenships for citizens of these two states. Upon the statement of Chairman of Croatian Assembly Vladimir Seks, who said Croatia would not annul citizenship of Croats from BiH who already have Croatian citizenship but BiH and Croatia would no longer approve double citizenships adding that the issue was regulated by an agreement of the two countries’ PMs, BiH CoM Chairman Adnan Terzic said this is untrue information and he denied he and Croatian PM have discussed this issue.

VL on double citizenships: Interpretation contradictory to things agreed by Croatian PM Sanader and Chairman of CoM Terzic last summer

Vecernji List cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘Croats from BiH move to Croatia’ by Z. Jurilj– On the same issue, VL asked Croatian Consul in Mostar Ratko Maricic to explain this situation since the Seks’ statement raises concern of citizens. Maricic stated that a working group, which would consider all aspects of the draft agreement on double citizenships between BiH and Croatia (which passed the first reading the Croatian Parliament), was formed and all options would be analysed in order to resolve this issue. VL says that the latest interpretation of the agreement is completely contradictory to the draft agreement that Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader and Chairman of the BiH CoM Adnan Terzic agreed in the summer last year. VL also says that as soon as this decision comes into force BiH Croats are planning to registers as their place of residence somewhere in Croatia in order to get the Croatian citizenship.

Osl. learns details from agreement btw Cro PM Sanader and BiH CoM Chairman Terzic on double citizenships agreemen

Oslobodjenje pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘People would not be deprived of already issued double citizenship’ by D. Zadravec Daily carries that during their last meeting Ivo Sanader and Adnan Terzic agreed signing the agreement on double citizenships, which would secure that Croats from BiH who have already received the Croatian citizenship preserve both. However, all other Croats who do not receive the Croatian citizenship by the time when the agreement comes into force will have to choose between two citizenships. Also, Croatia and BiH will afterwards arrange the special laws that would regulate participation of double citizenships’ holders at the elections in both in BiH and Croatia .

Chaed of HoP Croat Caucus HoP Spajic: Croat MPs willing to abandon HoP if Bosniaks invoke VNI re agreement on rights of HVO victims

Dnevni List pg 8 ‘Croats willing to abandon HoP’ by D. Pusic – After the BiH HoP removed from the agenda of its last session giving consent for ratification of an inter-state agreements including the one with Croatia on rights of HVO victims and members of their families, President of the Croat Caucus in the HoP Ante Spajic states that he is surprised by such development of the situation. Asked as to what would happen if Bosniaks invoke a vital national interest with regard to this issue, Spajic said that together with other 4 Croats he is willing to abandon the BiH HoP, but Spajic also stressed that he has the information that the agreement would get the support at the next session. 

Third ministerial conference on border security; OHR says this is priority for BiH and the regional countries

BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘General security of citizens is provided at the border’ not signed– Third annual ministerial conference on the safety of inter-state borders in South East Europe commenced in Sarajevo on Thursday. Conference will last two days, and the participants will discuss the creating of the safe environment on Balkans. Office of the High Representative announced that the safety of inter-state borders is one of the priorities for BiH and its neighbours. RTRS– Council of Ministers Chair Adnan Terzic stated that BIH undertook serious actions when it comes to fight against organised crime. Security Minister Barisa Colak stated that State Border Service is the first obstacle to all forms of crime. Chief of EC delegation Michael Humphreys stressed that safe borders are very important for EU. He added that if BIH cannot fight crime it directly reflects to the countries in the region this meaning that it entered the EU. He concluded that joint management of border system is very important. Declaration on joint acting would be signed on Friday. RHB– also covered.

Reis Mustafa Ceric meets Croatian president Mesic to present Islamic declaration

BHT1– Head of the Islamic Community in BiH, Reisu-l-ulema Mustafa effendi Ceric held a meeting in Zagreb with Croatian President Stjepan Mesic and Cardinal Josip Bozanic. After the meeting, Ceric stated that the Catholic Church should put larger effort into convincing European citizens that the religious tolerance in necessary. He added that Europe is ready for a new Westfall Peace, whose messages about religious tolerance should be renewed. “We have two messages: one is to the EU, stressing that it is time for the institutionalization of Islam in Europe, and the other is to Muslims to define for themselves an European objective”, stated Ceric. RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘It can be lived in tolerance in Europe’, mentioned on cover ‘Dialogue has no alternative’ by Admir Malagic Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Europe is ready for new Westfall Peace’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Europe is mature for new Westfall peace’ by Agencies, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Old messages forgotten’ – also reported.

Speculation on Mladic surrender/arrest/extradition

EU Enlargement Commissioner Rehn: Suspension of SAA talks with SCG if country does not fully cooperate

BHT1by Elvir Bucalo, Brussels – EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn warned SCG that the negotiations between EU and SCG would be suspended if Serbia fails to immediately fulfil the obligations toward ICTY. According to BHT correspondent from Brussels it is almost certain that, since most wanted ICTY indictee Ratko Mladic has not yet been apprehended, on February 27 EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs will inform Belgrade that the negotiations are suspended. “If Serbia does not start fully cooperating with The Hague Tribunal without postponements, we will not be able to avoid a suspending of negotiations”, explained Rehn. “I think it’s high time that Mladic is arrested and transferred to The Hague… It is a good moment, since everybody talks about it. And I believe that they will succeed”, stated Head of the EU Delegation for South Eastern Europe Doris Pack. Regarding another ICTY indictee Radovan Karadzic, Slovenian member of the European Parliament Jelko Kacin believes that this is a good opportunity to send a warning message to the RS. “Karadzic is still linked mostly with RS… and RS, within BiH, must do its part of the job, it must face reality: without Karadzic in The Hague, there can be no pardoning, understanding or moving toward the future in BiH”, stated Kacin. BHT reporter concludes that the message from Brussels is simple: the deadline for Serbia has almost expired, and if Karadzic is not soon extradited to The Hague, BiH could have a similar fate. Hayat, FTV, RTRS,Dnevni Avaz pg 19 ‘Rehn: Litle more time is left’ Not signed, Vecernje Novosti cover pg splash, pg 13 ‘You will have to hand over Mladic’, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Suspension of talks with SiCG on Monday’, announced on cover ‘Either Mladic or EU ends talks’ by Agencies, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘We are doing all we can’, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 8 ‘Thousands stories about Mladic arrest’, by Tatjana Tagirov– carried similar reports.

ICTY Chief Prosecutor Del Ponte says next few days crucial for Mladic’s arrest

PINK– ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte stated that the next few days are crucial for arrest of war crime indictee Ratko Mladic and that the rumours could lead to Mladic’s soon arrest. Del Ponte stated that she believes that SiCG is not cooperating with ICTY because Belgrade could arrest Mladic if it really wanted.

RS Govt rejects to comment on Adnan in Belgrade  

RTRS – RS Government in technical mandate did not want to comment on media speculations that RS Police Director Dragomir Andan is in Belgrade, where he is allegedly negotiating the scenario of possible apprehension of Ratko Mladic. Some political analysts, such as Tanja Topic, think that the apprehension of Mladic will be a success for the authorities in Belgrade, but also in Banjaluka. “But I believe that very strong structures which protect PIFWCs still exist, possibly within intelligence services”, added Topic.

Oslob: Mladic’s whereabouts are known for a long time and the only important thing now is who will be rewarded for his arrest

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Andan visited family of Ratko Mladic in Belgrade’ by Avdo Avdic – Oslobodjenje learns from well informed sources that RS Police Director Dragomir Andan and couple of BIA [Serbian intelligence agency] inspectors have been visiting family of Ratko Mladic in Belgrade over the last two days. One of the sources claims that RS Interior Minister Darko Matijasevic also took part in these events. Article reads “departure to the Hague is inevitable, so Andan was trying to agree upon very last details with the family.” Source claims that there were two issues at the table: location of Mladic’s arrest and amount of money that would be transferred to the account of his family. Author concludes that the key issue is now whether Mladic should be arrested by Serbian or RS police: “It’s only a political game now. Mladic’s whereabouts are known for a long time and the only important thing now is who will be rewarded for his arrest. If his arrest would be performed in BiH, Belgrade authorities would be acknowledged, since it has been claimed all the time that Mladic is in Serbia.”

DA: Mladic arrested, Serbian authorities wait for proper moment to go out with info

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Mladic arrested and waits hand over to the Hague’ by I.C. – Daily carries information from a well informed source close to BIA, Ratko Mladic is already arrested, adding that Belgrade authorities are delaying release of information in fear of violent reactions. DA also carries that Serbian Radicals leader Tomislav Nikolic was allegedly brought in for hearing last night. Nikolic’s supporters are expected to be the most violent participants at Belgrade ’s protests announced for Friday.

Feral source from Serbia : Mladic would be arrested soon

Feral pgs 4 and 5 ‘Arrest of Mladic’ by I. Djikic, I. Lasic carries that according to Feral collocutors from Serbia ‘publishing of misinformation on the arrest of Ratko Mladic at a completely irrelevant BNTV from Bijeljina actually means that only a few days left before the Mladic’s extradition and that patronage over fugitive Mladic obviously is not worth Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica’s while any longer’.

SB says Mladic was arrested and all political preparations in Serbia for his extradition are completed; Del Ponte secretly visits SCG

Slobodna Bosna cover splash ‘Arrest Mladic!’ pgs 6-10 and 59 ‘Arresting Mladic- decade long drama’ by Mirha Dedic – SB carries that according to their source, “a representative of the SCG National Council for cooperation with ICTY”, all political preparations for extradition of Ratko Mladic were completed. Only thing left to do is for him to decide whether he would surrender voluntarily or be captured. Same source says Mladic was arrested on mountain Cer and transferred to Belgrade, stressing Serbian authorities are all now united in a stance that solving this issue is inevitable as Kosovo status may depend on that. Source also told SB that few days before the arrest, diplomatic negotiations were lead at the highest level, and that even ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte secretly visited Belgrade four days before the arrest. During that time Del Ponte allegedly asked for Mladic’s extradition within seven days, in return promising she would not demand from SCG to be the one that has to extradites Radovan Karadzic. SB writes that eleven people in total were informed about Mladic’s arrest, one of them being RS Police Director Dragomir Andan. Andan, allegedly close Mladic’s friend, was reported as trying to persuade Mladic to surrender, offering him even transfer from Banja Luka instead from Tuzla. SB’s source explained that best solution for Vojislav Kostunica would be Mladic’s extradition from the ‘third country’, as his arrest may cause unrest in the country. SB concludes that in order for this crisis to be overcome ICTY Chief Investigator Patrick Lopez arrived to Belgrade, while Del Ponte has set the deadline [February 21- March 1] for ‘action’ to be carried out.

Dani: War Crimes Prosecutor Vukcevic key person in Mladic’s arrest acton ; as tensions in SCG rise due to current affairs, extradition more likely

Dani cover splash ‘Beast in The Hague?’ pgs 23-23 ‘The Hague still waits for Mladic’ by Milanka Saponja Hadzic, Belgrade –Weekly’s source claims that ICTY would apply the practice used on General Ante Gotovina on Mladic, and adds the ‘key person’ for the arrest action is Serbian War Crime Prosecutor Vladimir Vukcevic, who ‘responds’ only to Carla Del Ponte. The same source claims the group carrying out the action has been reduced only to people from the police and BIA who are trusted by Vukcevic”, while foreigners apparently only supervise it but not participating. In conclusion weekly stresses Government of Vojislav Kostunica is fighting for survival and tensions in SCG are rising, considering all current affairs including Kosovo talks, Montenegrin demands for independence and possible suspension of SAA negotiations, making Mladic’s arrest even more likely.

SD: Serbian media do not believe in official denials

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 8 ‘Thousands stories about Mladic arrest’, by Tatjana Tagirov – SD underlines that the media in SCG do not believe in the Belgrade authorities’ denials of the story that Ratko Mladic was either arrested or that talks on his arrest are ongoing since the story is still the number 1 issue in the media in SCG.

International, Serbian media still speculates Mladic was arrested, or that negotiations are ongoing

Hayat– On Thursday international media continued covering speculations on alleged arrest of Ratko Mladic. Paris based ‘Le Figaro’ speculates that Mladic is either located or arrested or in the progress of his surrender. BBCannounced its journalists would go to Belgrade because of the information that Mladic will be arrested during the coming weekend. Belgrade daily ‘Glas Javnosti’ still claims that Mladic is arrested, while Kurir claims that Mladic is not arrested but located and surrounded while ‘Vreme’ claims that either this was a disinformation intended to test the public on Mladic’s arrest or he is negotiating on his surrender. FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Dragomir Andan involved in talks’- British daily ‘Independent’ reported on Thursday that the apprehension of Mladic could be similar to the apprehension of Croatian General Ante Gotovina. It further reports that RS Police Director Dragomir Andan arrived in Belgrade to negotiate the scenario of Mladic’s apprehension. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Rumors with cover’ – carries le Figaro. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘His days are counted’ – carries reports from Times, Daily Telegraph, Guardian.Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Under the burden of KosMet’ – carries articles by “Welt”, “Die Berliner Zeitung”, “Frankfurter Rundshau”. For more details, see BiH Media Round-up February 23.

NN op-ed: Political decision has been reached Mladic has to go to The Hague

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘In wait of Godo’ by Goran Petrovic – In regard to the issue of apprehension of Ratko Mladic, the author notes that this has become a sort of mystery, when “nothing is known” and everything can be insinuated, which brings local and international public to insanity. He also observes this issue is taking place under the lead of Vojislav Kostunica, Serbian Premier. He stresses departure of Mladic to The Hague is a technical issue since the political decision on this has finally been made: he has to go there.

Oslobodjenje op-ed: either Serbia returns to obsession with Great Serbia, or steer towards the EU

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Belgrade either-or’ op-ed by Zija Dizdarevic – Commenting recent events regarding alleged arrest of Ratko Mladic, article reads that these are the crucial moments for Serbian authorities – either they return to their obsession with Great Serbia, or they steer towards the EU.

Intl Press: Dutch Foreign Minister says Mladic sick/ considering surrender; SCG PM Kostunica mounts disinformation campaign to weaken ICTY Chief Prosecutor; Prolonged hunt for Mladic discredits Western policymakers

On Friday, for the third day in a row, the international press still speculate on possible arrest/surrender/extradition of Ratko Mladic. BBC, Financial Times, New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian and International Herald Tribune report on Associated Press’ news that the Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot told the Parliament on Thursday that he had heard in Serbia Mladic was sick and considering surrender. Guardian ‘EU delivers ultimatum on Mladic’s arrest to Serbia’ by Ian Traynor, Nicholas Watt – Comments on speculations that the initial reports of Mladic’s location or capture from a BN TV and Tanjug news agency had originated from the Serbian secret service, BIA. The article further reads: “There was a belief among Serbian analysts that [SCG Prime Minister] Vojislav Kostunica‘s government had mounted a disinformation campaign aimed at weakening [ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla]del Ponte‘s influence over EU policy towards Serbia.” Guardian ‘Crunch time for Serbia in hunt for Mladic’ – In another article, Traynor  comments that SCG could go trough significant changes due to international pressure over Mladic’s arrest: “The Serbian governing elite currently faces a barrage of crucial decisions, negotiations and ultimatums. For better or worse, the pressure may leave Serbia a transformed country by the year’s end.” The Times ‘Arrest Mladic now’ by Oliver Kamm – Commenting media confusion regarding alleged negotiating on Mladic’s surrender, author says: ”Whatever the truth, the protracted character of the hunt for Mladic demeans his victims and discredits Western policymakers.” Sueddeutsche Zeitung carries the article along the same line, criticizing the Kostunica’s policy, singling out the small elite of EU oriented politicians “caged in their own powerless”.

Constitutional changes

SDA leader Tihic: agreement on constitutional changes to be signed on Sunday

BHT1- SDA leader Sulejman Tihic said on Thursday that he expects the main political parties in BiH to sign an agreement on constitutional reforms on Sunday in the BiH Parliament, in order for this agreement to be sent to parliamentary procedure as early as next week. Tihic announced officials would meet on Sunday, and the changes agreement mean that BiH, as a state, would have more authorities in the field of defence, security, BiH Court and Prosecutor’s Office. He underlined that participants in talks on constitutional changes agreed that authorities transferred from the entities to the state couldn’t be returned without the approval of both the entities and the state. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Tihic: Greatest success is significantly widen authority of the state’ by Aj. D, Inset ‘Changes of FBiH Constitution’; Inset ‘Laws on the state level’; Inset ‘Without usual pressures’- Tihic said that these were negotiations of political parties and that “USA and EU weren’t performing usual pressures’. Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Constitution would define authorities of the state over the police’, mentioned on cover by Az. Kalamujic– Tihic deems that state authorities in the security field would include all agencies with police authorities, as well as future police forces. “We have rejected the proposal that instead of term “security”, the [agreement] is to state that authorities of the state concern only SIPA, OSA and State Border Service” explained Tihic. Inset ‘FBiH Parliament and Government reduced for third’- Tihic said that SDA and HDZ have agreed to start with changes of FBiH Constitution in order to decrease number of MPs and FBiH Ministries. Tihic added that SDP is leaning toward this agreement. RHB, PINK, FTV, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Sunday agreement into Parliament procedure’ by A.Sisic, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘No cosmetics, and state would be stronger’ by Dsuanka Stanisic, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Five crucial changes’, Dnevni List cover pg splash ‘Dragan Covic refuses to sign’ and pg 4 ‘Covic refuses to sign what was agreed upon’ by R. Dautefendic– all carried the announcement.

Const. changes agreed: CoM with two new Ministries, more power for PM; BiH Presidency with rotation, w/out veto powers for deputies; HoR and HoP chaired by Presidents; 87 MPs in HoR, 21 in HoP; HoP to deal with VNI

Hayat – According to Sulejman Tihic, the agreement guarantees the BiH Council of Ministers acting in capacity of a modern European government, with two new ministries and the prime minister with strong authorities and power to remove up to one third of ministers and appoint acting ministers. Pursuant to the agreement, BiH is to have one president with individual authorities and two vice-presidents, with rotation every 16 months in the first four-year mandate. The presidency members would no longer have the power of veto, except in the field of defence. The House of Representatives and the House of Peoples would no longer have chairpersons but presidents, with four-year mandates [and no rotation]. The House of Representatives will have 87 delegates, three of whom will represent national minorities. The House of Peoples would have 21 delegates elected by the HoR, and its main role has been reduced to the protection of vital national interests while entity vote was not abolished in the HoR. The agreement significantly expands the mechanisms of protection of human rights and freedoms, thus citizens will be able to address the BiH Constitutional Court and ask for protection of human rights. There will also be only one state ombudsperson, with two deputies. RHB, PINK, FTV, RTRS, print media– all give details of the agreement to be signed.

DL: HDZ President Covic refuses to sign const. changes agreement 

Dnevni List cover pg splash ‘Dragan Covic refuses to sign’ and pg 4 ‘Covic refuses to sign what was agreed upon’ by R. Dautefendic carries that HDZ President Dragan Covic opposes signing of the constitutional changes agreement that should take place on Sunday since he has claimed that some solutions bring Croats in an unequal position. DL says that the main argument for Covic’s opposition is the election of the BiH Presidency members and he also does not like the principle of entity voting in the state Parliament. According to the article, the only solution for signing the agreement is that US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney convinces Covic in the next 2 days to sign the agreement. If the agreement was signed constitutional changes negotiations would continue after the October elections. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘HDZ conditions the signature, Brkic won’t take pen into hands’ by F.V.– HDZ Spokesperson Miso Relota stated for DA that parties would meet on Sunday to sign the agreement on constitutional changes, but that HDZ would condition the signing, asking that it is emphasized that this is only the first phase and that discussion on middle level would continue.

SDS leader Cavic on const. changes: state institution will now be much more functional

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Talking about separation of RS is stupidity of those pulling the wool over somebody’s eyes’ by Edina Sarac – In an interview for DA, the RS President and SDS leader Dragan Cavic comments the agreed constitutional changes saying that the state institutions would now be much more functional: “BiH Parliament takes over all the legislative authorities. (…) Role of BiH House of Peoples drastically changes, now it would focus on issue of vital national interest. (…) BiH HoP totally looses its ties with entities.”Commenting the fact that the entity voting would remain in BiH House of Representatives, Cavic said that entity vote does not mean ethnicity vote, adding that it would be wrong if that is perceived simply as a restriction, and stressing that it is necessary for balance of political relationships in BiH.

PDP, SNSD claim were not informed about signing of agreement on cons. changes

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘No one informed us about signing of the agreement’ by N.D.– PDP and SNSD leaders Mladen Ivanic and Milorad Dodik respectively claim that no one has informed them about signing of the agreement on constitutional changes. Ivanic stated for DA “as far as he is concerned the agreement can be signed today”. SNSD’s Nebojsa Radmanovic stated that Dodik would sign everything that was agreed so far.

SDP will endorse proposed solutions

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘SDP is going to accept solutions’ by L.S., Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘SDP is going to accept establishment of more efficient state power’, Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Move Constitution from standstill’, not signed – SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija separately met with Austrian Ambassador to BiH Werner Almhofer, German Ambassador to BiH Arne Freiherr von Kittlitz and Russian Ambassador to BiH Konstantin Schuvalov and informed them that SDP is welling to sign all solutions necessary for establishment of efficient and effective state authorities. 

SNSD’s Spiric: agreement on constitutional changes is good and doesn’t diminish entities

BNTV current affair program ‘Puls’ By Suzana Radjen-Todoric – Commenting agreement on constitutional changes and the agreement, Chair of BiH House of Representatives Nikola Spiric said that abolishment of veto right in the BiH Presidency [except in defence issues] is not relevant, since BiH House of Peoples now has executive authority to deal with issues of vital national interest. Spric still believes that agreement reached was good and that it did not diminish entities. “If this was about diminishing entities, (SbiH’s Haris) Silajdzic, would not be protest for two days in front of the BiH Parliament”, said Spiric. According to Spiric, SDA and SDP made brave step toward compromise as well as leaders from RS. Spric expressed his curiosity regarding Washington ’s position on SBiH not participating in continuation of negotiations on constitutional changes. 

BOSS slams Tihic, Lagumdzija for ‘deceiving’ citizens; SDU demands negotiations to move to Parliament; HNZ rejects singing the agreement

Dnevni Avaz pg ‘Lagumdzija and Tihic shamefully betrayed  BiH’- Leader of BOSS Mirnes Ajanovic stated that SDA and SDP leaders Sulejman Tihic and Zlatko Lagumdzija respectively, have deceived citizens by saying that entities would not have influence on Parliamentary decisions. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘HDZ conditions the signature, Brkic won’t take pen into hands’ by F.V.– Leader of HNZ Miljenko Brkic stated that he is not going to sign anything if it is not stressed that negotiations would continue after election. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Lazovic: Basically all remains the same’ by L.S.– SDU Vice-President Miro Lazovic told the press conference that SDU is against the ‘mysterious way’ the constitutional reforms were conducted, stressing that they demand this process to be transferred to the Parliament.

SB: ‘On ground of Agreement on constitutional changes BiH would get attributes of normal state!’

Slobodna Bosna pgs 10-11 ‘On ground of Agreement on constitutional changes BiH would get attributes of normal state!’ by D. Savic carries that the constitutional changes agreement would create pre-requisites so that BiH finally gets original competences in the areas of defense and security, court, prosecution etc. which would mean gaining “attributes of normal state.”

Other war crimes issues

BiH Court judge removes war crimes suspect from chamber; trial to be closed for public

RHB, PINK, Hayat, BHT1, FTV, RTRS– Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Radovan Stankovic threw out from the court’ not signed, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Stankovic threw out from the court for insulting the judge’ by A.Omeragic, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Defendant called judges and prosecutor war criminals’ by A.Durmo, Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Radovan Stankovic removed from courtroom yesterday’, by ra, Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘He called judge and prosecutor Ustashas’, by Erna Mackic – Trials to Radomir Stankovic, who is charged with war crimes and who was transferred from the ICTY last year, started before the BiH Court on Thursday. However, presiding judge Dragomir Jukic had to remove Stankovic from the courtroom because he started to insult the trial chamber and prosecutor Marinko Jurcevic. Stankovic is charged with imprisonment and rape of women in Foca area.

RS Govt adopts report on cooperation with ICTY

BHT1 by Boris Gagic – Representatives of RS Government claim that they have tried very hard to arrest remaining ICTY indictees, Radovan Karadzic, Ratko Mladic and Stojan Zupljanin, but they did not manage to do it. Nevertheless, during what is most likely their last session, RS Government in technical mandate accepted the report on cooperation with The Hague Tribunal. “RS is still obliged to arrest three persons, and to forward to the ICTY the information and evidence material related to persons indicted by The Hague Tribunal; we are also obliged to deliver new evidences, for example, in the case of expansion of indictment against former BiH Army Commander Rasim Delic”, explained Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the RS Government Cvijeta Kovacevic. Meanwhile, OHR announced that only ICTY is competent to assess the cooperation with The Hague Tribunal. Pero Bukejlovic’s Government have reached a decision to establish the taskforce which would plan the establishment of the RS Institute for war crimes research. PINK, FTV, RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘A cash box brimming with satisfaction’ by G.Dakic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘They form Institute for research of war crimes’ by G.M.  – also carried.

Scorpions trail continue

BHT1– The trial against members of ‘Scorpions’ unit, who are indicted for the murder of six Bosniaks from Srebrenica, has been continued in Belgrade. Slobodan Stojkovic, the man who recorded the execution of six Bosniaks, was interrogated on Thursday; he reiterated that the commander of ‘Scorpions’ unit Slobodan Medic ordered the execution. Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 12 ‘Slobodan Davidovic ‘verified’ killed ones’ by Srna, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Medic ordered me to record execution’ by Divna Vidakovic – Stojkovic confirmed that another indictee Slobodan Davidovic was ‘verifying’ the murdered men.

Security issues

Daily: BiH Ambassador to Strasbourg Matic fails to provide CoE with info on existence of CIA prisons in BiH, NN says documents submitted

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Council of Europe named BiH for sloppiness of Ambassador Borislav Maric’ by Az.Kalamujic – Oslobodjenje learns from reliable sources in BiH Foreign Ministry that BiH Ambassador to Strasbourg Borislav Matic is found responsible for not providing Council of Europe, as requested, with the report on existence of CIA prisons in BiH. Unconfirmed information is that Matic “lost the document somewhere”. BiH Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nebojsa Regoje did not want to comment any of this information. Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘BiH handed information on secret flyovers of CIA’ by M.Cubro – On the other hand, NN says that the CoE confirmed on Thursday that the BiH authorities, two days after deadline, handed replies to the inquiries in regard to secret flyovers of CIA over BiH and alleged existence of secret CIA prisons. However, Adnan Terzic, BiH CoM Chair, and Barisa Colak, BH security Minister, have no knowledge on this issue, both claiming flight control is in jurisdiction of flight controls in Zagreb and Belgrade.

OSA Director Dzuvo: We are not familiar with existence of CIA secret prisons in BiH

Dnevni Avaz pg 8, mentioned on cover ‘We are not familiar with existence of CIA prisons in BiH’ by T.Lazovic – Asked to comment demand of Council of Europe if there are CIA secret prisons in BiH, BiH Intelligence Agency [OSA] Director Almir Dzuvo stated for DA: “We are not familiar with existence of secret centers, neither the BiH territory was used for transport of convicts, nor there were abductions of BiH citizens.”

Deputy BiH Min. of Civil Affairs Tesanovic: Commission for Revision of Citizenships has a difficult and responsible task

EuroBlic pg RS1, announced on cover ‘Administrative workers who have verified passports are bearing the brunt too’ by Dusanka Stanisic – Deputy BiH Minister of Civil Affairs Zoran Tesanovic says the Commission for Revision of Citizenships has a difficult and responsible task and, if it conducts its task in accordance with the mandate, BiH will no longer be in a position to worry after every terrorist attack about whether there was any person carrying BiH documents among the terrorists. BiH Minister of Civil Affairs Safet Halilovic had recently denied the Ministry had anything to do with the fact terrorist Said Atmani had been issued with CIPS ID card, while a source close to BiH CoM reminds the process of election of CIPS Director commenced three days ago and notes Halilovic is now strongly advocating a Bosniak to be appointed to this position. The source also wonders why a Bosniak, who had been directly involved in the process of approving of citizenships in past, had been appointed a member of the Commission for Revision of Citizenships. Headline was taken out of context, insinuating that the process of revision will start from the bottom upwards on the pyramid of authority.

SD carries article published in ‘Nacional’: BiH Army’s mine pulled down OldBridge?’

Slobodna Dalmacija cover pg splash and pgs 12 and 13 ‘BiH Army’s mine pulled down Old Bridge?’ by M. Jukic carries an article published in ‘Nacional’ on Wednesday, which said that according to few Croatian experts the Old Bridge in Mostar was destroyed by a BiH Army’s mine (see OHR BiH Media Round-up Feb. 22, 2006).