OHR BiH Media Round-up, 25/4/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

BiH HoR discusses const. changes

Live broadcast of BiH HoR session

BiH HoR in session

BiH Franciscans on const. changes

EUFOR action in Cajnice

FBiH HoR’s session takes place today

Athens protests over Rice’ visit

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

The trial of 6 former Croat leaders

BiH lawsuit against SCG for genocide

BiH legal team ends second round

Amendments to BiH Constitution

HoR would discuss const. amendm.

6 ex Croat leaders to be trialled

McElhaney on const. changes

Pension coefficient of 1, 21 remains

Niko Obradovic’s trial commences

OSCE official on const. changes

Public discussion on minorities’ rights

Nikiforov on the ICTY’s work

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Workers of ‘Azot’ on a hunger strike

Livno MoI in fight against illegal act. 

The Second Day of Easter

BiH lawsuit against SCG

8 contracts on employment signed

HoR would discuss const. amendm.

The trial of 6 former Croat leaders

‘Azot’ workers in hunger strike

Bomb thrown in Teslic

Feature on civil victims of war in BiH

Niko Obradovic’s trial commences

Trial to Mandic and others

Oslobodjenje

Parliament decides on constitutional changes in BiH today

Dnevni Avaz

Decisive session is followed by 12 Ambassadors

Dnevni List

Bullies beat up and rape girl (alleged rape case in Prijedor)

Vecernji List

UNHCR prevented return to Posavina (interview with bishop Komarica)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Final division of BiH (feature story on constitutional changes)

Nezavisne Novine

They are selling improper meat as well [on of butcher’s shops in BiH]

Glas Srpske

Why is the prosecutor silent? [Lawyer Dusko Tomic on investigation in Abazovic case]

EuroBlic

They are arresting helpers while Mladic is still on the run [Deadline set to SiCG to prove cooperation with ICTY is approaching]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

BiH HoR holding session on constitutional amendments

RTRS – The BiH House of Representatives is today discussing the proposed amendments to the BiH Constitution, proposed by BiH Presidency. RTRS reporter from the session says that the proposal of delegate Muhamed Morancic from BOSS was not accepted (that discussion on constitutional changes should be postponed for the period after elections). However, this proposal resulted in discussion of delegates, during which the opposition delegates brought into question legitimacy of the existing BiH Constitution. Sead Avdic from SDP of BiH, claims that the Dayton Agreement is a temporary documents, enacted by supreme force, i.e. meaning it was imposed. The proposal of HDZ’ Vlatka Komsic (that delegates should vote on political agreement leaders of parties reached on constitutional changes) was partially accepted, since conclusion of session would stress the voting on constitutional changes includes stance of the BiH HoR on political agreement as well.

RS PM’ Dodik int. to Montenegrin papers: RS is not in question

RTRS – In an interview to Podgorica based Pobjeda, RS PM Milorad Dodik, has stated that the priority task of his Government is to strengthen the power of RS institutions. He has stated that “over the last month and a half, over 10 laws have gone through parliamentary procedure. This marks beginning of process of implementation of promise that authority is to regulate legal and economic system. Hence, people would again trust RS institutions.” Commenting on constitutional changes, RS PM said that RS is not in question, adding Article 2 of BiH Constitution (reading BiH is consisted of two entities: RS and F BiH) remains, as well as entity vote at the BiH HoR. Speaking of relations between Governments of RS and Montenegro, Dodik stressed that the economic cooperation is of great importance for RS, adding all possibilities on this have not been properly used.

Constitutional reform

Houses of BiH Parliament to discuss amendments to BiH Constitution today and tomorrow

RHB – In next two days, the Houses of the BiH Parliament will discuss the proposed amendments to the BiH Constitution, agreed by the leaders of seven most influential political parties in March. BiH House of Representatives will discuss constitutional amendments on Tuesday, and the House of People’s session on Wednesday would depend on this outcome. RHB says that if the BiH HoR passes the constitutional amendments, BiH HoP will most likely do the same. PINK – Constitutional amendments were accepted by the BiH Presidency after the agreement was reached by leaders of major BiH political parties. The amendments were sent to parliamentary procedure on March 25 and were accepted by the BiH Constitutional and Legal Affairs Commission [CLAC] on April 19. RTRS – The amendments would have to go into effect before May 4 when BiH Central Election Commission should announce October elections. FTV, BHT1, Hayat and all print media announced the session.

Ambassadors of 12 countries to attend Tuesday’s session of BiH HoR on constitutional amendments

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Decisive session is being followed by 12 Ambassadors’, pg 4 ‘Session will also be attended by Ambassadors of 12 countries’ by H.Orahovac– The Head of BiH Parliament’s Protocol, Samir Corovic, confirmed to DA that Ambassadors of 12 countries expressed wish to attend Tuesday’s session of BiH House of Representatives, at which amendments to BiH Constitution would be discussed. Corovic said this includes US, Austrian, Canadian, Hungarian, French, German, Japanese, Dutch, Russian, Turkish, British and Croatian Ambassadors. In addition, the session would also be attended by the Head of EC Delegation to BiH, Michael Humphreys, as well as representatives of the OSCE, the OHR and the Council of Europe. BiH HoR Secretary, Branka Todorovic, explained that passing of amendments requires votes of 2/3 of those deputies attending the session. The voting procedure is public, ad if some of the caucuses would express a doubt in regularity of the procedure, it could be repeated in process of individual declaring.

Uncertain outcome of HoR’s vote: BHT 1 says 1 vote missing to support amendments

BHT1 by Marina Boskovic – Commenting the session of the BiH House of Representatives on the constitutional amendments, BHT 1 comments that 27 out of 42 MPs would support those meaning one vote is necessary for their passage. SBiH’s Beriz Belkic says: “There is still possibility for things to change, but if we take stances of all representatives seriously, 15 representatives are not going to support the amendments.” HDZ Spokesperson Miso Relota: “BiH HDZ is sure that the signed agreement as well as the amendments are going to be passed in the both BiH Houses.” HDZ 1990’s Martin Raguz: “We would like the issue to be discussed through and I would not like to give any prejudices.” RTRS By Biljana Knezevic – RTRS reports 10 SDA and 3 SDP MPs would support the proposed amendments. SDP’s Jozo Krizanovic said he expects amendments to win majority vote. SDA’s Mirsad Ceman: “I personally support amendments, but it is going to be tight. I believe that amendments would be voted and it would the best decision in this moment”. RTRS says that opponents of the changes – SBiH and HDZ 1990 – count that 4 independent MPs would join them which would mean rejection of the amendments. Raguz explains they are “not against the agreement but are supportive of corrections. Our votes would depend on our amendments.”  Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Support to amendment to the Constitution’ by A.T.– Main Board of Pensioners’ Party also supported proposed amendments to BiH Constitution. FTV – SDA, SDP, SDS, SNSD would all support amendments and stated they are sure the reform would be passed.

SRS ’s Blagojevic only BiH HoR deputy from RS against const. amendments, support of others not questionable

RTRS By Biljana Knezevic – Commenting the BiH HoR’s session on the constitution, RTRS says every vote is important and notes that Mirko Blagojevic, SRS “Dr. Vojislav Seselj” seems to be the only deputy from RS that would not support constitutional amendments. Tihomir Gligoric and Petar Kunic seems to be getting closer to supporting the amendments, while support of other RS MPs is not questionable. “I believe that these constitutional changes are good for all BiH citizens regardless the entities. These constitutional changes do not mean denial of BiH nor entities…” said SNSD’s Nikola Spiric. Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Majority of deputies FOR’ by OV.– In a statement to daily, SNSD deputy in BiH HoR, Dusanka Majkic confirmed that SNSD will vote for amendments to BiH Constitution. She stressed that proposed amendments are the maximum that could be agreed at the time.

NN: 26 delegates supportive of const. amendments; HDZ 1990, SBiH, BOSS, NHI , SRS V.S. and Blagojevic against/ SDA’s Dzaferovic: we have at least 28 votes in favor

Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘On BiH Constitution today’ by M. Cubro and V. Popovic – Referring to the session of BiH HoR on the constitutional amendments, the daily reads in total 26 delegates have announced their support from SDA, SDP, SNSD, SDS, PDP, Pensioners’ Party, two delegates of the Mixed Caucus (Tihomir Gligoric and Petar Kunic) and 1 delegate of HDZ. The article also carries statements of SDA’s Sefik Dzaferovic, SDP’s Zlatko Lagumdzija, SNSD’s Nikola Spiric, SDS’s Momcilo Novakovic, PDP’s Jelina Djurkovic and DNZ’s Rifet Dolic, all supportive of the adoption of the amendments. Dzaferovic stated: ‘I am convinced that the HoR would support changes to the constitution, i.e. that we have at least 28 votes’. The daily reads HDZ 1990, SBiH, BOSS, NHI and SRS “Dr. Vojislav Seselj” and Mirko Blagojevic from Mixed Caucus are against the adoption of the amendments.

Oslobodjenje: Speaker Raguz says 26 addenda to amendments submitted to HoR

Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Parliament decides on constitutional changes in BiH today’ by Aldijana Omeragic – Commenting possible outcomes of Tuesday’s discussion on amendments to the BiH Constitution, BiH House of Representatives Speaker Martin Raguz [HDZ 1990] stated that somewhat 26 addenda to the constitutional amendments were submitted in the parliamentary procedure. Head of SDA Caucus Elmir Jahic said 10 SDA deputies would support the changes as well as DNZ deputy Ibrahim Djedovic, who in addition to support also expresses dissatisfaction the talks were carried out. SBiH deputy Beriz Belkic repeated this party would support amendments only if the entity vote in HoR is abolished. Raguz his fellow Croat deputies would support changes only if their addenda are adopted. Deputy Ivo Lozancic also joined this [former HDZ-Demo Christians] Club. BOSS will vote against it, just like Mladen Potocnik, independent candidate.

Media speculate on deciding votes: Sead Avdic, Vlatka Komsic have not yet clearly stated their position

BHT 1 says that there was a dispute between occurred over the vote of the BH Free Democrats leader Sead Avdic, and BHT 1 says Avdic is most likely not going to support the amendments. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Denouement or imbroglio’ by Z. Markovic – HDZ Spokesperson Miso Relota announced Vlatka Komsic, who is still HDZ delegate, would support the amendments. Avdic said he is closer to say “no” to the amendments than to support it. Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Parliament decides on constitutional changes in BiH today’ by Aldijana Omeragic – Daily carries that neither Komsic and Avdic confirmed whether they would support it. Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘’D’ day for constitutional changes’, by Dejan Jazvic – VL says the advocators of changes have secured 26 votes of MPs. It concludes another two votes they count on is Avdic’s and Ibrahim Djedovic’s (DNZ – confirmed support).

VL: Americans convinced 33 MPs in BiH HoR to support const. changes

Vecernji List, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Americans secured majority’, by Zoran Kresic – VL notes that one could hear from MPs (in the BiH Parliament) that they have been having frequent discussions with prominent international diplomats, foremost with the US diplomacy, during which the MPs were being persuaded to support the proposed constitutional amendments. VL learns from ‘parliamentarian circles’ that the Americans ‘convinced’ 33 MPs to support the changes (of 42 MPs in total). What makes it interesting, according to VL, is that, contrary to popular belief, 2 SDA MPs could be voting against the changes, as well as SDS’ MP Momcilo Novakovic (media reports suggest that all SDA and SDS MPs will support the changes), whilst as many as 4 SBiH MPs could be voting in favour of the changes. Finally, VL says 4 Croat MPs will support the changes if slight corrections of amendments are adopted.

BiH Franciscans concerned if const. changes would provide equality of Croats; entities should be abolished; cantonal organisation of BiH

RHB – The Provincial Capitol of the Franciscan Province of Bosna Srebrena expressed deep concern regarding the consequences of the proposed constitutional changes. If those changes do not protect the equality of Croat people in legal, legislative and executive authorities, as well as the right of all people in this country to freedom, cultural, religious and linguistic characteristics and basic human rights, than those changes should not be considered as a step forward, concluded members of the Provincial Capitol. Franciscans in BiH believe that BiH should be reorganized, which includes the abolishment of entities; they deem that the best solution for BiH is cantonal organisation, on the basis of equality of all people. BHT1, FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Concerned over outcomes of constitutional changes’, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Insisting on abolishing the entities’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Changes for insomnia’ by SRNA, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Franciscans concerned with constitutional changes’, by NINA, Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Reorganize BiH until FBIH and RS are shut down’, not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 13, mentioned on front ‘Abolish both entities’, by FIA – also covered.

VL interview: Bishop Komarica repeats Catholic bishops’ rejection of this kind of const. changes

Vecernji List, front pg splash and pg 5 ‘UNHCR prevented return to Posavina’, by Ljuba Djikic – carries an interview with the Banja Luka Bishop, Franjo Komarica, in which he mostly talks about the constitutional reforms process, reiterating the position of the Catholic bishops in BiH, who are against this kind of changes arguing that the entity vote will enable outvoting of the Croats on all important issues. Komarica is also not convinced that the announced second phase of the talks would provide results, saying that he does not believe those ‘’who let us down on numerous occasions’’ (by this he means the IC). He also addressed the issue of poor return of Croats to the RS, revealing that there was a pilot project for the Derventa area (he does not state the year when it took place) the aim of which was to reconstruct 64 Croat and Serb returnees’ houses, however the project was stopped by a (female) head of UNHCR office in Doboj.

Mothers of Srebrenica and Podrinje Association submit CLAC with an amendment; Veterans support const. changes

BHT1, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Srebrenica and Zepa territories – district’ – Mothers of Srebrenica and Podrinje Association submitted the BiH Constitutional-Legal Affairs Commission [CLAC] a addenda to the BiH Constitution demanding the areas of Srebrenica and Zepa to be proclaimed a district, BiH institutions would be in charge of, with its legislative and executive authorities. Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Disabled, families of killed and golden lilies- FOR’ by A.B.– BiH Association of disabled veterans give full support to constitutional changes..

Leaders of Croatian and BiH HSS support constitutional changes

RHB – The president of the Croatian Peasant Party (HSS) of the Republic of Croatia, Josip Friscic, held a meeting with the HSS BiH president, Marko Tadic, in Zagreb on Monday during which the proposed amendments to the BiH Constitution were discussed. It was concluded the constitutional changes must not lead to the derogation of the present constitutional position of any of the constituent peoples in BiH. Slobodna Dalmacija pg 5 ‘HSS BiH and HSS Croatia on BiH Constitution’ by H

DA: Deceleration of BiH intellectuals who demand postponing of constitutional changes negotiations

Dnevni Avaz pg 13 ‘Why constitutional amendments should not be adopted’ carries a Declaration of BiH intellectuals (over 40 of them signed it on March 30, 2006 ) in which they state their reasons because of which constitutional changes amendments should not be adopted. Among the other things, the Declaration says that introducing of entity rights on special, parallel relations with neighboring countries has been based on anti-constitutional abolishment of the original BiH’s sovereignty. Also, they believe that insisting to adopt the constitutional changes before the elections, before the Kosovo and Montenegro status is resolved and the verdict in the BiH’s lawsuit against SCiG is passed prove to what extent the regional context of social and political turmoil is closely related to the proposed changes. The intellectuals demand postponing of the negotiations on constitutional changes until elections are held, until the process of the BiH’s lawsuit against SCiG is over and until the status of Kosovo and Montenegro is finally regulated.

Media: Int. officials insist if const. changes fail, BiH would end its EU ambitions

RHB– In the eve of the BiH Parliament’s discussion on the constitutional changes, the RHB comments that the EU and the US repeatedly stressed that rejection of the changes could block all BiH’s ambitions to join the EU. BHT1 – BHT 1 also notes that the international officials keep saying that by rejecting the amendments, BiH would end all of its ambitions to join the European integrations. “I hope it would not happen, but if it does, it would postpone BiH’s way to Europe”, said UK Ambassador Matthew Rycroft.

US Ambassador McElhaney confident that BiH Parliament will pass constitutional changes

RHB by Zana Rebo – In an interview to the RHB, the US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney commented to the upcoming parliamentary discussion on the constitutional reform: “Now its time to go forward, and send a strong message to all of us that the people of BiH want progress and want to go forward. I saw poll the other day, done by the UNDP, that demonstrated that there were large group of people in this country who support constitutional changes, and only very few who oppose them.… [President of the European Commission José Manuel] Barroso made a very strong statement about this. The EU Presidency made a strong statement about this on behalf of all the members, and the US State Secretary has written to the parties, making it clear that they must go through with this first phase, so that we can start another phase of this discussion.” Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘We are convinced that Parliament would adopt the first phase’ by Fena – McElhaney told FENA and ONASA news agencies that BiH Parliament is facing the historic day: “We are convinced that the BiH citizens will be represented well and that the Parliament would adopt the first phase of the very important process of constitutional reforms so that BiH could get closer to Europe and the Euro-Atlantic community.“  McElhaney stressed that the US would continue supporting BiH, its independence, sovereignty and the integration into Europe and NATO and continue working on the second phase of constitutional reforms. “I, my Embassy and my Government wish to think about moving on to the more important phase because there is a great deal of unfinished business in this country”, underlined McElhaney. Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘There could be consequences if changes of the Constitution aren’t adopted’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Adoption of the amendments is historical step’ by Fena – also covered.

BiH Minister Kebo in Washington : US informed him of preparation for second stage of const. reform

BHT 1 late news – The BiH Human rights Minister, Mirsad Kebo, on Monday met the officials of the US State Department in Washington. In an interview to BHT1, Kebo confirmed that among other issues they discussed the constitutional reform in BiH. He noted that the US officials informed him of the on-going preparations for the second phase of the talks on constitutional reforms and that they underlined US great interest in taking part in the issue.

OSCE Chairman-in-Office support changes to BiH Constitution

RHB, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Constitutional changes will surely ease way to Europe’ by S.S., Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘De Gucht appealed for the adoption of the amendments’ by Srna – The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel de Gucht welcomed the decision made by the BiH House of Representatives Constitutional-Legal Commission [ CLAC ] to adopt the constitutional amendments. De Gucht called on BiH parliamentarians to vote in favour of the amendments to the BiH Constitution and expressed certainty that those changes would make BiH’s path towards Europe much easier. Chairman is about to visit BiH on 25 and 26 May.

Ambassador Almhofer: EU countries ready to join the process of second phase of the constitutional changes

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘There is readiness in the EU for active role in second phase’ by Fena– Bulgaria, candidate states, EFTA [European Free Trade Association], as well as Moldavia and Ukraine have also expressed support for the Declaration of the Austrian Presidency of the EU from April 22 calling for the adoption of constitutional changes. Austrian Ambassador to BiH Werner Almhofer welcomed this European solidarity, especially in support for the future development of BiH. Stressing the importance of Tuesday’s session of BiH House of Representatives, Almhofer stated that most important EU structures are now intensively dealing with the issue of constitutional changes in BiH, especially the next phase after the October election. “There is widespread readiness in the EU to play an active role during the second phase. However, before this happens the first phase will have to be completed, including the adoption of changes to the Constitution on April 25”, Almhofer said. Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘The day of decision’ by G. M., Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Austria supports changes to Constitution’ not signed – also carries.

German Embassy supports changes

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Functional Government and strong Parliament are what BiH needs’ By Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Support to Constitutional amendments’ by G. M., Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Germany supports constitutional reforms’ by D. P. Mandic– The German Embassy to BiH welcomes the progress achieved in the process of constitutional reforms in BiH and calls on members of the State Parliament to support the first phase of constitutional reforms. The German Government deems that the proposed constitutional reforms are the good first step for preparing the BiH Constitution for the future. Only with a functional legal order and clear processes of decision-making, the BiH State will be able to serve all her citizens. BiH needs a functional Government and strong Parliament.

TOL: despite all flaws, constitutional amendments are positive development; BiH still needs fairly firm foreign guidance

Transitions Online ‘Constitutional Reform: Streamlining Bosnia’ by ToL – Analysing on-going constitutional reform in BiH, TOL concludes that “despite all their flaws”, the amendments are positive development for BiH. Commenting objections to the amendments by SBiH founder Haris Silajdzic, article says that his expectations of the bolder reforms which would eventually include abolishment of entities is entirely unrealistic. TOL comments that if he knows this, than Silajdzic is being hypocritical about is opposition, and if he doesn’t know this that he is “seriously out of touch with the reality in his country. Either possibility is bad news for a demoralized Bosniak community that needs nothing more than a reality check.” TOL notes that the amendments to the BiH constitution touch on two critical issues: compatibility of BiH’s with EU institutional setup and interrelations among the three ethnic groups. Noting that perhaps the election year was not the best time to carry out the reform, the article concludes that that way in which the amendments were agreed only shows that BiH still needs fairly firm foreign guidance, but in a way which would not reduce domestic legitimacy of reform. It also notes that “another recipe for future headaches is that the current amendments… increase the authority… of the central government without a corresponding reduction of competencies at lower levels. This is not a good approach to reducing public expenditure and streamlining government.” Despite this, the article concludes: “It is hard to come up with any legitimate reason why anyone should be opposed – but, for some, other reasons will do just fine”

Osl. op-ed: If amendments fail, IC could sweep culprits from the scene and enable BiH to move from the dead spot

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Uncertainty’ op-ed by Mirko Sagolj – Commenting Tuesday’s session of BiH House of Representatives which would discuss the amendments to BiH Constitution, Sagolj says it is very uncertain whether they would be passed. If now, says the author, BiH could face heavy crisis. “Maybe it would be best for BiH if amendments aren’t adopted. In that case, it would find itself in totally absurd situation”, Sagolj cynically notes adding that most complicated political situations are solved only when they reached absurdity. Such situation and this could even force the International Community to “clear political scene of all those who are culprits for such situation and enable this country to finally move from the dead spot”.

Osl. op-ed: ‘ USA keeps RS’

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘USA keeps RS’ by Z. Dizdarevic carries that US pressure has been present these days when adoption of constitutional changes amendments is in question and the author puts a special stress on the messages sent by US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe and Euro-Asian Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo and Richard Holbrooke. The author says that through these messages one can see that Washington does not intend to stand for changes of the Dayton formula of BiH, that is, its entity division and the author believes that this wrong. Dizdarevic also believes that it is not good that Washington only controls destiny of BiH and that the EU should also engage when the constitutional changes issue is in question. The author believes that, nevertheless, the constitutional changes should be adopted for many reasons and that we should think about how to change the BiH society from a conflict one to the democratic one and return BiH Serbs to BiH.

SD comment: These kind of const. changes will not make BiH more democratic and functional state

Slobodna Dalmacija, front pg splash and pg 10 ‘Final division of BiH’, by Veso Vegar – comments on the constitutional changes process prior to Tuesday’s session of BiH HoR that is to discuss the constitutional amendments in which Vegar argues that international officials advocating the changes will manage to secure the necessary majority in the Parliament, be it through pressures, blackmails or rewards. Vegar insists the proposed changes will not make BiH a more democratic or functional state, instead they will offer a realistic basis for definitive division of BiH into two entities, in which the Serbs and Bosniaks will be dominant factors, whilst the Croats will become a minority. As a conclusion, Vegar says the Croat MPs should be rejecting the changes that will enable them to continue the political struggle for better position of BiH Croats.

War crimes

BiH ends presentation of second round of evidences before ICJ

BHT1 By Boris Grubesic – BiH legal team ended presentation of second round of evidences before the International Court of Justice [ICJ] in The Hague in the case against SCG for aggression and genocide. BiH legal representative Sakib Softic said the team presented enough evidences to prove the SCG was responsible for genocide in BiH. “They have not really responded to the evidences which we had presented and I think that it is too late for them to start really answering in the last round”, said BiH agent Phon Van Den Biesen. SCG representatives still believe the process should be solved in a diplomatic manner, namely by an out-of-court settlement. The SCG team is going to present its evidences in period of May 2-9 and the ICJ’s ruling is expected by the end of year.Hayat by Asim Beslija, The Hague – Head of BiH legal team also requested a verdict that demand from the SCG to reassess the consequences of its legal violations, accept the responsibility for those violations and pay full compensation to BiH and its citizens. Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘We proved that SCG is responsible for genocide’ by Sense – Daily dedicated entire issue. PINK, FTV, RTRS, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Both confession and compensations’ by FENA, Dnevni List pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Farewell of 6 without Croat(ian) leading people’ by V. Soldo 10, Vecernji List pg 10-11 ‘Departure of Generals’ by D. Ivankovic, Slobodna Dalamcija 7 ‘Prlic and Praljak left for The Hague with smile’ by A. Kalajdzic – also reported.

Mladic’s aid Ratko Vucetic arrested

FTV – Retired SCG Army official Ratko Vucetic was arrested on Saturday under suspicion for supporting Ratko Mladic. Vucetic – fifth helps of Mladic to be arrested – was in the RS Army and is close friend of Mladic since early childhood. RTRS, BHT1, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Mladic’s helper was arrested’ by B92, Vecernje Novosti pg 13, announced on cover ‘Easter postponed fast extradition?’ by E.V.N., Vecernji List pg 20 ‘5^th Mladic’s aid arrested’ by zb – also covered.

Source from SiCG authorities: it is not likely Mladic would be arrested in next six days

EuroBlic cover pg splash and pg 2 ‘they are arresting helpers, while Mladic is still on the run’ by T. N. Dj. – A source from the top of SiCG authorities says Ratko Mladic had not been located as yet and added that the arrested helpers might be of use but only if they reveal information. ‘So far, they have not disclosed any information that might bring MoI or BIA closer to the trace of Mladic. It is not likely there would be any change and that Mladic would be arrested and extradited to the Hague Tribunal in the next six days’, the source says.

VN claims Easter holidays postponed apprehension of General Mladic

Vecernje Novosti pg 13, announced on cover ‘Easter postponed fast extradition?’ by E.V.N. – A news spread around well-informed Belgrade circles Monday afternoon saying that “security agencies are on the trace of General Mladic” and that “only because it is Easter, there will be no arrest” and extradition to The Hague. Daily notes that every person they contacted to comment on this did not want to make any comment. Daily notes that a source close to war crimes investigation admitted “something is going on” but “major spectacle should not be expected”.

ICTY’s Nikiforov: ICTY will not abandon search for other war crime indictees after Mladic’s extradition

FTV by Zinaida Hamidovic – The ICTY is not going to abandon search for other war crime indictess once after Ratko Mladic’s extradition, said Advisor to the Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla del Ponte, Anton Nikiforov. Nikiforov added that SCG had to continue cooperating with the ICTY after Mladic’s extradition, since there were other war crime indictees to be extradited as well. RTRS, BHT1, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Srbija will still have to cooperate with Tribunal’also covered.

DA op-ed: Serbian PM Kostunica would sacrifice Mladic to save SAA talks, gains PfP membership, and his chair

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Ten-year old game of hide-and-seek’ op-ed by Edina Sarac– Commenting the latest statement by the ICTY officials that SCG’s obligations towards the Tribunal would not end with Mladic’s extradition and that Serbia has promised to do this by end of April, author argues that it appears as if the Mladic’s story is about to end. Acknowledging that there were numerous similar stories in the past without any results, DA notes that this time ther is a possibility for this to happen as Serbia is being made to choose between Kosovo and Mladic. “Solving Mladic issue is not the end of the ICTY story. [Serbian PM Vojislav] Kostunica also knows this. At this moment, the most important thing to him is not to stop negotiations with the EU and to join Partnership for Peace, and to save his seat. Even for the price is his protégé,” Sarac concludes.

Trial to six BiH Croats before the ICTY to start on Wednesday

BHT1 By Sanita Lisica-Biberovic – Six former political and military leaders of BiH Croats have left for The Hague since their trial is going to start on Wednesday, April 26^th, before the ICTY. Jadranko Prlic, Bruno Stojic, Valentin Coric, Milivoj Petkovic, Slobodan Praljak and Berislav Pusic are indicted for war crimes committed against Bosniaks in so-called Croat Community of Herceg-Bosna in 1993 and 1994. All 6 of them have voluntarily surrendered to the ICTY on April 5, 2004 and pleaded not guilty. “Prlic and others case is one of the greatest cases before the ICTY and it is about alleged ethnical cleansing campaign in the area of Herzeg-Bosna, especially in the areas of Prozor, Gornji Vakuf, Jablanica, Mostar, Ljubuski, Capljina and Vares”, said the ICTY representative to BiH Mathias Hellmann. Prosecution has announced 400 witnesses. RHB, Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘RS stays without MoI’ by FenaDnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘If it does not fight criminal, RS will lose its police’ also covered.

Lawyer of Abazovic family Dusko Tomic: my clients were victims of the international forces

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Why is the prosecutor silent’ by V. J. – Dusko Tomic, the lawyer of Abazovic family, says his clients were, without any doubt, victims of the international forces. [Dragomir and his son Dragoljub Abazovic were wounded, and Dragomir’s wife Rada was killed, in the attempt of EUFOR to arrest war crimes suspect Dragomir upon the order of Sarajevo Canton Court, four months ago]. Tomic also says he does not understand why East Sarajevo Regional Prosecutor’s Office hesitates to publish results of an investigation that was conducted upon this action. Tomic also says evidence exist proving the Abazovic’s were not shooting at EUFOR soldiers during the action.

Security issues and terrorism

Int with Ambassador McElhaney on terrorism: We have no patience for terrorism and will not allow terrorists to use BiH for their purposes

Oslobodjenje p 2 ‘We have no patience for terrorism’ by Fena – US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney told FENA and ONASA that the issue of terrorism is a global problem and is not something that is linked only with BiH, because terrorists and their communication are moving across the borders. “We do not have patience for such individuals and we deem that all terrorists must be stopped. In order to achieve this, you must have competent and capable police and judicial authorities,” said McElhaney. Ambassador congratulated the BiH authorities on recent activities, when police arrested certain individuals suspected of terrorism, stressing that it is now up to the courts to process the case in line with the evidences. Inset ‘Algerian Group is not mistreated’ – Regarding the so-called Algerian group [BiH citizens allegedly accused for terrorism] which is detained at U.S. military camp Guantanamo in Cuba, McElhaney stressed that the BiH authorities apprehended them and that attorneys represent them, adding that they, however, are not going to be released until they are no longer a threat to the US, stressing that they are not mistreated. Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘There could be consequences if changes of the Constitution aren’t adopted’ by Fena– Inset ‘Terrorists won’t be allowed to use BiH for their purposes’- Inset ‘Members of Algerian Group aren’t mistreated’, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Terrorists must be stopped’ by Fena, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Terrorism is a joint concern’, BHT1 – also reported.

Security Minister Colak: US and Croatian report on existence of terrorism in BiH would be checked up

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘We are checking up all allegations on eventual terrorist threat of “white Muslims”‘, mentioned on cover by F.Vele – BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak stated for daily that BiH security agencies are checking up allegations regarding terrorist threats in BiH, which were published in the reports of US and Croatian intelligences.  “If these data are serious, we as the State are obliged to check it up and I can say that we would absolutely do that,” commented Colak, stressing he could not say anything more as these allegations are not confirmed nor denied yet. Commenting “threats” by Abu Hamza [former leader of Bocinje village near Maglaj reportedly inhabited by mujaheedins; naturalized BiH citizen who in a FTV magazine ’60 minutes’ on 17 April, said that “they” will respond “in their own way” if citizenships are taken away; which caused a stir among the public], Colak noted: “Intelligence structures and authorized bodies for revealing and persecuting would certainly take certain measures“. Colak also stressed that there is no evidences that could confirm existence of secret CIA prisons. Inset ‘Doesn’t know how many citizenships would be taken away’ – Colak confirmed that Commission for audit of naturalized citizenships would take away part of issued citizenships, which were issued illegally.

BH Security Ministry confirms BH security agencies conduct thorough check-ups on persons that may cause riots regarding potential citizenship seizure

Nezavisne Novine pg 2, announced on cover ‘Check-ups of citizens threatening with riots’ by M.Cubro – The source close to the BiH Security Ministry confirmed to daily that the BiH security agencies are conducting thorough check-ups on persons and groups that may cause major rioting in the state, if the illegally obtained BiH citizenships were removed from them. SIPA Director Assistant Dragan Lukac says that all police and security structures will be engaged in prevention and obstruction of possible realisation of these threats, stressing “it is important to stress that the process of citizenship allocation audit is not a collective but instead it refers to individuals who have obtained citizenship in illegal manner. Hence, nobody should use this process to protect himself from potential seizure of citizenship.”

FTV ’60 minuta’: Abu Hamza says his statement was just attempt to warn public of injustice; BiH Minister Kebo deems them illegal

FTV current affairs programme ’60 minutes’ by Amarildo Gutlic – Following a number of reactions in public on his statement given to ’60 minutes’ on 17 April which were interpreted as threats, former leader of Bocinja village, Abu-Hamza, said his “warning” for all those who would potentially try to take away citizenships from naturalised BiH citizens to “be carefully” was “a mere attempt to warn the public that injustice is being done to us.” Abu-Hamza further claims: “I have ‘unofficial’ lists with names of people that will be deported, and these lists have been politically influenced.”. BiH Human Rights Minister Mirsad Kebo condemned Abu-Hamza’s statements deeming deem “illegal” as “fighting for your rights doesn’t mean taking the law in your hands, which in other words means to break it”. The Commission for Revision of Citizenships still did not comment Abu-Hamza’s statements.

Other political and economic issues

OHR warns police reform is behind schedule

Nezavisne Novine pg 4, announced on cover ‘Police reform is behind schedule’ by M.Cubro – The OHR Monday warned that the signatories of the Agreement on police restructuring should ensure progress in the work of Police Reform Directorate, since reform is lagging behind. Oleg Milisic, OHR Spokesperson, stated that: “The Police Directorate is due to submit its first three-month to the CoM shortly. It is already clear that the Directorate is behind schedule in the activity plan they submitted to the EC in Brussels in February.”  He stressed that a significant change is required to ensure there are constructive discussions in the Police Directorate if the September deadline is to be met, adding: “We hope that the discussion in the Police Directorate will on Wednesday begin to focus on proposals that are fully in line with the three EC principles.HR, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, will raise this issue in Brussels tomorrow where he meets with the Political and Security Committee of the European Union and addresses the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. The High Representative will note that time is running out and that the EU and the broader IC will be eager to see signs of progress in police reform.”  Milisic was not aware whether RS Government submitted proposals on police reform to Police Directorate submitted Report to BiH, while RS PM Milorad Dodik and Police Reform Directorate Steering Board Chair Monday failed to respond to press call.

DSS warns RS could be left without its police unless it took on organized crime

RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘RS stays without MoI’ by Fena,Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘If it does not fight criminal, RS will lose its police’, Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Danger for survival of MoI’, not signed, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Last warning’ by Z.M. – The Democratic Party of Srpska Monday warned the RS Government and its Premier Milorad Dodik, that it would withdraw its support from the Govt unless a new form of organization of RS Interior Ministry is presented until end of May, adding: “We want Srpska to keep its police, but present way of work only stimulates pledges for its abolishment.” At the press conference, he said that police has failed to do anything in regard to fight against organized crime and frequent bomb attacks in RS, adding: “On a daily basis, the IC gets more arguments for claims that RS should not have police.”

SD: HDZ of central Bosnia turning back on Dragan Covic

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 12 ‘Central Bosnia is deserting Covic’, by Z. Cilic – the author is arguing that the HDZ of central Bosnia, once a stronghold of the current HDZ BiH President, Dragan Covic, is starting to desert him. Namely, a prominent member of HDZ BiH and current MP in the FBiH Parliament, Slavica Josipovic, has been elected the president of Initiative board of HDZ 1990 in Vitez. On top of this, SD claims that many prominent officials from central Bosnia are leaving the HDZ BiH to join the HDZ 1990, namely, Rudo Vidovic (member of HDZ Presidency), Velimir Valjan (MP in FBiH Parliament) and many others.

FBiH HoR to discuss law proposal on financial police; SDA’s Kesetovic submitted proposal claiming OHR supports those

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Finance Police arrived to Federal Parliament’ by A.Hadziarapovic– On Tuesday, the FBiH House of Representatives are expected to discuss the law proposal on FBiH Financial Police reducing the authorities of this body, as proposed by the FBiH Government and the Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic. Head of the SBiH Caucus, Ismet Briga, said the party could support the proposal as the Government “has accepted suggestion that the Finance Minister has no right to issue orders to the FP and that no one can dispose with its archive”. SDA MP Izudin Kesetovic submitted new proposal foresees establishment of the FP as an independent institution whose leadership would be elected by the independent board. Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘OHR supports the concept of independent Financial Police’ by Az.Kalamujic– Kesetovic also stated that his proposal enjoys IC’s support: “OHR is interested for this project to enter the parliamentary procedure.” Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Finance Police arrived to Federal Parliament’ by A.Hadziarapovic, inset ‘HDZ 1990 Caucus still has no stance’- Co-Chair of FBiH HoR Josip Merdzo said that HDZ 1990 Caucus has discussed the issue, but no stance has yet been taken.

Presidency member Jovic: IC, RS authorities not paying enough attention to return of Croats to Derventa

Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘No support to return of Croats’, not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 12 ‘Jovic visited Derventa’, by F – Croat member of BiH Presidency, Ivo Miro Jovic, during his visit to Derventa (papers do not say when the visit took place) stated that both the IC and RS Government had not been giving enough attention and financial means for the return of Croats to Derventa, arguing that the local administration has only been hiring Serb employees. Papers note that some 10.000 Croats had lived in the Municipality of Derventa before the war, currently there are some 400 of them.

RS PM Dodik announces audit of allocation of concessions for agricultural fields, adding a number of irregularities and problems were observed on this

EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘Bukejlovic’ Government violated procedure’ by Mirna Soja – Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, has announced that a number of problems and irregularities were observed regarding contracts on allocation of 10 concessions for agricultural fields (approved by previous Government led by Pero Bukejlovic), adding that RS Government will soon present results of the audit of these concessions conducted by the Task Force of the RS Ministry of agriculture, forestry and water power. According to inset ‘Implementation suspended’, RS PM Dodik confirmed to daily he has not as yet reached final decision on implementation of Decision of previous Government regarding allocation of around 100 concessions regarding exploitation of hydro-power resources in RS. This decision was suspended from realisation on 9 March.

BiH Minister Kebo meets US, UN officials to discuss decertified policemen, no solution found

BHT1 – During his official visit to Washington, BiH Minister for Human Rights and Refugees Mirsad Kebo met the officials of the US State Departments and the UN Security Council to discuss an issue of the decertified policemen in BiH. Late news: In an interview to BHT 1 late news broadcast, Kebo said no concrete solution was reached on the issue.

OHR against FBiH Law on Pardon

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Authorities of Presidency and the Court are being given to Federation’ by Fena – OHR stated before Tuesday’s session of FBiH House of Representatives that if draft of the Law on Pardoning which was proposed by FBiH Justice Minister, is passed the authorities of BiH Presidency and BiH Court would be jeopardised. According to the draft, FBiH authorities would be given right to grant pardon, which, according to BiH Law, can be done only by BiH Presidency.