OHR BiH Media Round-up, 27/2/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

Ecological incident in Neretva river

Live broadcast of ICJ main hearing

BH vs. SiCG trial commences

BiH’s process agst SCiG begins today

Witness in Milosevic case arrested

Jovic on PBS, BiH lawsuit agst SCiG

Tihic on HDZ demands

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Constitutional changes agreement

Sunday Times on Mladic

BiH lawsuit againstSCG

Jovic and Colak visit Covic

No agreement on Constitution yet

Softic on BiH lawsuit against SCG

Avdic on SDA/ SDP possible coalition

Rycroft on constitutional changes

Rally in support of BiH lawsuit

OHR on PBS law

OHR on Law on PBS

Experts on BiH lawsuit against SCG

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

BIH Lawsuit starts on Monday

BiH lawsuit against SCG

2^nd anniversary of Trajkovski’s death

Opinion poll

Softic, various experts on BiH lawsuit

Lawsuit BiH against SCG starting

Sunday Times on Mladic

Agreement on constitutional changes

No agreement on Constitution yet

Feast celebrating Karadzic/Mladic

2^nd anniversary of Trajkovski’s death

Speculations on new RS Ministers

Oslobodjenje

BiH is proving that SCG committed aggression and genocide

Dnevni Avaz

Lagumdzija, as well as SDA, acts in statehood manner [Tihic interview]

Dnevni List

Constititutional changes are big poltiical deceit (Interview with SBiH founder Silajdzic)

Vecernji List

BiH will demand 3 billion Dollars (Process for BiH’s lawsuit agst SCiG begins today)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Croatia related headline

Nezavisne Novine

Nobody is mentioning money [Citizens in the area of Malo Plivsko jezero (lake) angry at BiH authorities after the action of suppressing of avian flu]

Glas Srpske

Justice before dusk? [Trial in case of BiH vs. SiCG commences]

EuroBlic

Corruption is swallowing BiH [Transparency International report]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

BH vs. SiCG trial commences in the Hague

RTRS – The proceeding regarding BH suit against SiCG for genocide has today commenced before International Court of Justice in The Hague. The court proceeding started with opening arguments of Sakib Softic, BH representative in the case. Radosalv Stojanovic, SiCH representative, will make present arguments on 7 March. As expected the procedure of hearing of experts will last until middle May, while ruling should be passed in a year-time. The ICJ has approved of the SiCG initiative regarding re-raise the issue of ICJ’ authority in this case. BH Radio 1 has live broadcast of the process, RHB also carried announcement.

Ivo Mioro Jovic on PBS, BiH’s lawsuit agst SCiG

RHB– RHB carries Chairman of the BiH Presidency Ivo Miro Jovic reiterating his last week’s stand on the OHR when the Law on PBS is in question. Talking about the BiH’s lawsuit against SCiG, Jovic said that this issue should and must remain in the area of judiciary and not of petty politics or politics. He added: ‘I wish that the verdict in this case were not petty politics that we experienced when the ICTY is in question, which is a political court that has not sentenced any of those who killed Croats.’ 

BiH lawsuit vs. SCG

Main court hearing in BiH lawsuit against SCG for aggression and genocide to commence before the ICJ on Monday

BHT1 by Boris Grubesic, The Hague – After 13 years of preparations of the indictment, and two unsuccessful attempts to contest the International Court of Justice’s jurisdiction in the case, the main court hearing in the case of BiH lawsuit against SCG for aggression and genocide should commence before the ICJ on Monday. Head of BiH lawyers team, Sakib Softic, explained anticipated procedure: at the beginning of hearing, BiH and SCG teams will have five working days each to present their opening arguments. After that, both sides will interrogate their witnesses, and the closing arguments should be completed by May 9, 2006. According to some unofficial information, BiH witnesses will be mostly the international legal experts from outside the former Yugoslavia; they will testify and try to prove that SCG is responsible for the genocide committed during the war in BiH, and that it further did not do anything to stop the individuals, military or police formations under its control, from committing crimes in BiH. FTV by Dzenita Zirdum – Deputy BiH representative Phon van den Biesen stated: “If we have had this hearing five years ago, it would better in terms of justice… But we would not have the benefit of the ICTY judgements, that we have now – so, at the end, it is a positive thing.“ FTV by Arijana Saracevic-Helac, The Hague – FTV reporter emphasized the fact that it is the first time in history that a nation is accused of genocide. The written verdict should be reached within next 7 to 10 months. RTRS – RTRS noted that the lawsuit was filed without the approval of representatives of the Serb people in BiH. Hayat, PINK, Oslobodjenje cover splash and pgs 4-5 ‘BiH is proving that SCG committed aggression and genocide’ Not signed, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Trial to Serbia for genocide will be over on May 9, on Day of victory over fascism- by Sead Numanovic, Vecernji List cover pg splash ‘BiH will demand 3 billion Dollars’ and pg 3 ‘Process of century begins’ by M. Vasilj, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Enough evidence for fair verdict’ by E. Mackic, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 10-11 ‘SCiG before court because of genocide’ by H, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Sakib Softic speaks before judges today’, announced on cover ‘Hearing on BiH lawsuit against SiCG commences today’ by N. Krsman, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Justice before dusk?’ by Z. Markovic – also announced beginning of the main hearing in the case.

SCG agent in lawsuit: SCG to file a lawsuit against BiH

BHT 1 – At the same time, SCG will summon witnesses from former Yugoslavia; SCG representative Radoslav Stojanovic confirmed for BHT that one of the SCG witnesses would be Vitomir Popovic, BiH ombudsman. Stojanovic added that the SCG delegation would continue to insist that the ICJ is not competent body in the case. FTV – FTV also carries Stojanovic who said it would not be possible to prove that SCG committed genocide or that it was able to prevent it. In addition to that, SCG will probably file a lawsuit against BiH, for genocide against Serbs. Slobodna Dalmacija pg 10-11 ‘SCiG before court because of genocide’ by H, Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Justice before dusk?’ by Z. Markovic, EuroBlic pgs 4-5 ‘Bosnia demands either for 100 billion dollars or abolishment of RS’ by Dejan Vukelic, Vecernje Novosti pg 2 ‘Genocide will (not) pass’ by Ivan Lovric  – also reported.

Former “ad hoc” ICJ judge Dimitrijevic: it would be difficult to prove there was no genocide

EuroBlic pgs 4-5 ‘Bosnia demands either for 100 billion dollars or abolishment of RS’ by Dejan Vukelic Inset ‘Dimitrijevic: difficult to prove there was no genocide’ – Former “ad hoc” judge of ICJ Vojin Dimitrijevic assessed it would be difficult to prove there was no genocide since General Radislav Krstic was sentenced for the genocide in Srebrenica. Instead, according to Dimitrijevic, SiCG’s legal team might try to prove former Yugoslavia had nothing to do with genocide, if genocide existed.

Francis Boyle: BiH already won the lawsuit against SCG; ICJ must decide on abolishment of RS

PINK – Author of the text of the lawsuit that BiH filed against SCG, professor Francis Boyle, stated that BiH has already won the case, and that it only remains to decide what to do with the verdict. “I suggested BiH authorities to use the lawsuit and verdict for abolishment of RS”, said Boyle. He also notes that all arguments are on BiH’s side and that International Court of Justice must decide that the RS has to be abolished. In that context, he says the court will take a decision on abolishment of the RS, which will go before the UN Security Council for implementation. Hayat, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 10-11 ‘SCiG before court because of genocide’ by H, EuroBlic pgs 4-5 ‘Bosnia demands either for 100 billion dollars or abolishment of RS’ by Dejan Vukelic -also reported. EuroBlic pgs 4-5 ‘Bosnia demands either for 100 billion dollars or abolishment of RS’ by Dejan Vukelic – Commenting the statement by Boyle. SiCG legal representative Radoslav Stojanovic says it would be senseless to comment on Boyle’s statement, adding that the Boyle’s lawsuit was more a wartime propaganda than a legal document.

Support protests in front of ICJ scheduled for Monday

RHB – Several Associations of war victims will organise peaceful protests in front of the International Court of Justice in the Hague as a sign of the support to the BIH lawsuit against SCG for aggression and genocide. BHT1, Hayat, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Support rally to the lawsuit’ by Fena– also reported.

BiH Presidency members on lawsuit: Paravac says lawsuit is illegal, Tihic underlines it is not directed against Serb people, Jovic deems verdict to contribute better future

RTRS – RTRS notes that the lawsuit demands abolishment of RS and payment of war damage compensation in mount of 100 billion USD. Author of the text of the lawsuit Francis Boyle stated that the abolishing of RS is much more important, since SCG can’t pay the estimated war damage compensation. Serb member of BiH Presidency Borislav Paravac stated that the lawsuit is financed in an illegal way, adding that he hopes that ICJ is going to be informed about this fact. Bosniak member of BiH Presidency Sulejman Tihic stated that the lawsuit is not aimed against Serb people in BiH or SCG, but at establishment of the truth. Croat member of BiH Presidency Ivo Miro Jovic expressed his hope that the verdict in this case is going to contribute to a better future in the region. Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Enough evidence for fair verdict’ by E. Mackic – Tihic says BiH has enough evidence to win in this process.

Experts on BiH lawsuit against SCG; IWCR Cekic and military analist Kazazovic: many evidences in favour; RS PoWs against the lawsuit

BHT1 by Boris Grubesic – Smail Cekic, from the Institute for War Crimes Research, and military analyst Neven Kazazovic confirmed for BHT there are many evidences, which irrefutably prove that crimes in BiH have been planned and organized in SCG, and that Belgrade officials have been aware of the crimes committed in BiH. Fourteen different associations of victims from FBiH fully support BiH team, which will try to prove those claims before the International Court of Justice. At the same time, RS officials and representatives of veterans’ associations are strongly against the lawsuit. “First of all, I wonder who committed an aggression, and against whom”, asked Branislav Dukic, representative of RS Association of Inmates. BHT reporter concluded that the International Court of Justice should reach a verdict in this case by the end of this year, or at the beginning of 2007.

IWPR: this could be first time country officially held responsible for genocide

RHB, Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘BiH legal representatives to face great challenge’ not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 10-11 ‘SCiG before court because of genocide’ by H – According to Jennet Anderson, the project manger for the International War and Peace Project, if SiCG is found guilty it would be the first country officially declared responsible for genocide

Opinion polls: RS, SCG citizens sharply criticise lawsuit, claim it is illegal

Hayat – Citizens in Sarajevo and Belgrade were asked to comment the BIH Lawsuit against SiCG for aggression and genocide. Citizens from Sarajevo stated that they hope that BIH will win in the case but the fear that SiCG will try anything to prolong it. On the other hand, citizens from Belgrade were shocked that BIH has done something like this since it asked for separation from former Yugoslavia adding that the war in BIH was a civil war and that Serbs are not people prone to genocides. RTRS – Report also features statements of citizens from RS and SCG, who sharply criticized the lawsuit, claiming that it is unfounded and illegal.

Oslob. comment: SCG tries to prove it was neutral, that aggression and genocide never happened

Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘Most important battle’ by Nagorka Idrizovic – Journalist comments that BiH commences its most important battle on Monday before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where the hearing in a lawsuit BiH vs. SCG for aggression, genocide, interference into internal issues and violation of sovereignty will start. Further on, author comments that SCG has changed its strategy along with political leaders, reminding that Slobodan Milosevic tried to challenge the existence of BiH, by not recognizing it, while Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica is trying to prove that SCG was not member of the UN at the time and that therefore, UN Court is not authorized for this case. Article concludes the SCG will most certainly try to prove its status of neutral side, and trough that prove that aggression and genocide did not occur.

Constitutional changes

Agreement on constitutional changes not signed on Sunday; HDZ: posed solutions are not even close to satisfy; SDA leader Tihic: this solution is not harmful for Croats

FTV by Zeljko Tica – Despite announcements, the leaders of biggest BiH political parties did not gather on Sunday to sign the agreement on changes to BiH Constitution. SDA leader Sulejman Tihic stated for FTV that the agreement was not signed because HDZ does not agree with the proposed direct election of BiH Presidency members; instead, HDZ advocates the election of BiH Presidency members in the state Parliament. Tihic believes this would be a step backwards: “This solution is not harmful for the Croat people in BiH, as someone wants to present it. It is maybe harmful for some parties, because it does not guarantee that their candidate will be elected as the BiH Presidency member… but that is the main purpose of democracy and elections. I believe that HDZ, as a serious political party, will reach an agreement with all the others signatory parties.” In the meantime, HDZ leaders in Mostar discussed constitutional changes. As Fena news agency reports, BiH Presidency member Ivo Miro Jovic, BiH Security Minister Barisa Colak and HDZ President Dragan Covic concluded that proposed solutions are not even close to satisfy the demands of sovereign and constituent BiH peoples. Tihic said: “(For this agreement) We have the two-third majority in Parliament, and two-third majority among all peoples in BiH. Those who talk about some other wish lists, they do not have the majority that could guarantee the implementation of those (constitutional) changes”. FTV reporter speculates that the agreement on constitutional changes could be signed sometime next week, but only if parties find a solution for the controversial issues. The signing of the Agreement is postponed for the next weekend because the guarantees that the negotiations will be followed by a second round after elections should be included in the written agreement. PINK, BHT1, Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Signing of constitutional changes postponed’ by S.Serhercehajic, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Croats not content’ by Z.Domazet, EuroBlic RSpg 2 ‘Signature in a day or two’ by Marija Milic – also carried.

US State Department officials arrives to BiH “to support efforts” on introducing const. changes

RHB, BHT1, Hayat, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Pressure on negotiators increased’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Invitation for compromise’ by D. R. – US State Department official Rosemary DiCarlo will travel to Sarajevo to support efforts on introducing constitutional changes in BiH, Voice of America reported. “We welcome steps they have taken so far, as well as agreements reached so far”, DiCarlo told VOA before leaving for BiH. DiCarlo, who is the deputy assistant of the US Secretary of State for European and Euro-Asian Affairs, told VOA on Saturday that the US hope that the “agreement will be reached in the next several days, which will meet the deadline and allow the implementation of reforms”. “I think that agreement has been reached on most issues and that there is only a small number of things that need to be discussed”, DiCarlo said.

EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Solana: BiH institutions must become much more efficient

Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘BIH institutions must be much more efficient’ by D. Risojevic – In a statement for NN, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana has welcomed the negotiations on constitutional changes and assessed BiH institutions must become much more efficient than they were up until now, since any improvement would contribute to BiH efforts to get closer to EU. He assessed that a fast progress towards signing of SAA with EU demands for a determination and engagement of BiH authorities in implementation of already agreed reform processes, adding that the implementation of police and PBS reforms, as well as full cooperation with ICTY, depends on the will of politicians.

DL: Neverthless, HDZ is willing to put its signature on things agreed so far

Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Americans increase pressure on BiH politicians’ by D. Pusic – DL says that according to the statements coming from HDZ they will not sign the agreement unless a clause on continuation of the negotiations on lower authority levels after the elections is placed in the agreement and they are also not satisfied with changes related to the BiH Presidency. DL goes on to say that nevertheless HDZ officials are willing to put their signature on the agreement reached so far at the end of the week in presence of US representative Di Carlo.

UK Ambassador Rycroft: agreed const. changes enough to meet EU demands

PINK – In the interview for Banja Luka daily newspaper “Nezavisne novine”, British Ambassador Mathew Rycroft stated that the constitutional changes agreed by BiH political leaders are sufficient for BiH to respond to the demands of the EU at this moment. However, Rycroft announced that the process of changes is going to continue in next years. According to Rycroft, future changes don’t have to be as big as the constitutional changes, but he added that these changes are a necessity of BiH’s process of association with the EU. Hayat, RTRS, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Constitution’ not signed.

BiH Presidency member Jovic: Present proposal of Agreement on constitutional changes does not meets the minimum requirements of Croats

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘They don’t accept Serb-Bosniak agreement on constitutional changes’ by F.Vele – Commenting HDZ’s refusal to sign the Agreement on constitutional changes for DA, BiH Presidency member Ivo Miro Jovic stated: “Present proposal does not meets the minimum requirements of Croats,” adding that some of the offered solutions are worse than the existing ones. Responding to SDA leader Sulejman Tihic who said that “Croat side is responsible for the Agreement is not reached”, Jovic said that Croats seek for “an agreement, not imposition”. Oslobodjenje pg ‘Inappropriate constitutional solutions’ by Fena – also reported.

SDA leader Tihic: SDA and SDP have recognized state interests, while SBiH cares only about its interest

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Lagumdzija, as well as SDA, acts in statehood manner’ pg 5 ‘Lagumdzija acts in statehood manner and SBiH in narrow frames of party interests’ By Husein Orahovac – In interview for DA, SDA leader Sulejman Tihic expressed a regret that agreement on constitutional changes was not signed on Sunday, but added he is convinced this would be done by the end of the week. Tihic reminded the agreement wasn’t signed due to HDZ’s objection to the direct election of BiH Presidency members, while other parties oppose indirect elections believing this would prevent members of minorities to be elected for BiH Presidency. Asked how the progress could be claim when the essential thing – entity vote – has been preserved, Tihic answers by stressing that the essential thing was to have the state authority over defence, security, elections, agriculture, science and ecology sectors which is not the case. Tihic said that SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija has recognized state interests, as well as SDA, and he acts in statehood manner, adding the same couldn’t be said for SbiH: “This party deceives BiH citizens talking about the reach of agreed constitutional changes.” Inset ‘Coalition depends on the election results’ – “When it comes to the state interest, I have to admit that SDP… was absolutely ready to act for the benefit of all citizens of our country. SDP elevated above narrow party’s interests. Differently from SBiH, which cares more for whether [Vahid] Heco will be the Minister than for the FBiH budget. Well, now that I have this many nice words for SDP, someone will think the coalition is done deal. Well, that is not the case. SDP and SDA coalition,… will depend on election results… and party leaderships,” comments Tihic. Inset ‘Without signature of US Administration’- Tihic said that he is not concerned by the fact that there would be no signature of US Administration or of western countries on the agreement on constitutional changes, stressing that it is far more important that they see this agreement as great progress.

SBiH founder Silajdzic:  Constitutional changes are big political deceit

Dnevni List cover pg splash and pg 8 ‘Constitutional changes are big political deceit’ by Zeda carries an interview with SBiH founder Haris Silajdzic who says that constitutional changes are not changes at all but it is all about political pamphlets that should persuade people that these changes are good for them. He added that according to a wish of greater Serbia nationalists there should be a slight change of the Constitution so that it cannot be changed afterwards. Silajdzic added that, unfortunately, 2 parties form the FBiH agree with such solution.  

Pudaric ( SDP ) on const. changes: It is time to stop with poltiical games 

Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Americans increase pressure on BiH politicians’ by D. Pusic carries Svetozar Pudaric from SDP who says that it is not important whether the agreement would be signed in 2 or more days but that it is important to respect the deadline within which it is possible to apply constitutional changes through the Election Law provisions and forming of executive and legislatives authority bodies. He also stressed that it is time to stop with political games that make possible for political-criminal elites to rob the citizens.

PDP: second-level authority talks acceptable unless it burdens RS; SDP supports HDZ’s request to continue of talks after elections; SDS : HDZ’s absence from reaching of agreement on const. changes now resulting in problems

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Croats do not accept offered solutions’ by M.Cubro/R.Segrt – Apart from carrying statements of Ivo Miro Jovic (no option with Croats insignia can sign agreement) and Tihic (claiming HDZ proposal on election of presidency members a step backwards), daily also carries comments of Mladen Ivanic, PDP President (saying he has not received official stances of HDZ, stressing his party has already presented its stance talks on second-level authority is acceptable unless it burdens RS), Zlatko Lagumdzija from SDP of BH (seeing no reason not to include HDZ provision into agreement stipulating talks should resume after autumn election), and Mladen Bosic from SDS (reminding talks at which constitutional changes had allegedly been agreed was not attended by HDZ officials, which is the reason why problems arose). Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Croats not content’ by Z.Domazet – Bosic adds that signing of agreement is symbolic act, while party bodies should first declare on the constitutional changes.

SDU Vice President Komsic wonders why USA changed its policy towards SDS

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Komsic: Did American administration changed it’s attitude towards SDS’ not signed – SDU Vice President Ivo Komsic stated for DA: “It is a confusing fact that American Ambassador in Sarajevo receives visit of SDS leaders for talks behind close doors, the party with American administration quit communication.” Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Signing of constitutional changes postponed’ by S.Serhercehajic Inset, ‘Strengthening the division’ Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Coalition of SDA and SDS is promised support on elections’ by Fena – Leader of BIH Free democrats Senad Avdic stated that SDA and SDP would form coalition for the coming elections, that would receive support from some circles of International Community.

Serb Radical Party to demand RSNA’s official stance on const. changes

RTRS, Nezavisne novine pg 8 ‘Referendum on constitutional changes’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Aside of will of people’ by Z. M – Serb Radical Party announced that it is going to demand official stance of RS National Assembly on the agreement on the constitutional changes, and the referendum to enable RS citizens to express their opinion on it.

Other political issues

OHR: FBIH HoR must harmonise Public Broadcasting Service law with Public Broadcasting System law

RHB – On Sunday, OHR has urged the FBIH House of Representatives to complete the harmonisation of the Law on Radio-Television of FBIH with adopted Law on BIH Public Broadcasting System during the two-day session starting on Monday. OHR stressed that this is a key condition for BIH for making progress in the negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement with EU. It was noted that SAA demands the independent editorial board and financially sustainable Broadcasting service meeting all the needs of BIH citizens. PINK, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Parliament has to harmonize Law on RTV FBiH’ not signed– Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Law on RTV FBiH has to be harmonized with the state law’ by Fena, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Discussion on key reform laws’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘OHR warned of need to harmonize Law on RTV’ by, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Talks with EU brought in question’ by R.Cengic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘One Law after another, then Europe’ by N. Zelenovic – also covered.

FBiH HoR to discuss the proposed law on FBiH Public Broadcasting

BHT1 – FBiH House of Representatives on Monday will start two-days session, on which the proposed law on FBiH Radio-Television must be fully harmonized with the BiH Law on Public Broadcasting Service. Office of the High Representative emphasized on several occasions that it is one of the main conditions BiH has to fulfil if it wants to continue moving forward in the process of negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement with European Union. Hayat, FTV.

PDP and SBiH submit their proposals for new RS Ministers

RTRS, Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Tomic is candidate for Minister of Labor’ by D. R., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Tomic for Minister’ by Srna – PDP and SBiH submitted their proposals for new RS Ministers to the PM designate Milorad Dodik. PDP proposed Bosko Tomic for new Minister of Labour, Slaven Pekic for Minister of Agriculture and Branislav Borenovic for Minister without portfolio. SBiH proposed Omer Visic for new Minister of Justice and Fatima Fatibegovic for Minister of Physical Planning and Environment.

PDP collects 15 thousand signatures for establishment of Ministry of Sports and Youth

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘They collected 15 thousand signatures for new ministry’ by N.M. – PDP Sunday released a press statement saying that the PDP’ Council of Youth will today (Monday) hand PDP MP’s at the RS NA over 15 thousand signatures of RS citizens collected during the action aimed at seeing the Ministry of Sports and Youth established.

SPRS’s Djokic: SPRS will participate at the new RS Government

Nezavisne novine pg 3 ‘Tomic is candidate for Minister of Labor’ by D. R., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘The socialists in the new Government’ by Srna – SPRS President Petar Djokic stated on Sunday in Teslic that SPRS would participate at the new RS Government. He added that he had informed members of SPRS Presidency on talks he had held with RS PM designate Milorad Dodik, and the Presidency expressed its support to election of new Government and new policy.

Chair of FBiH HoR: decisions on appointment of new ministers weren’t submitted

Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Nothing of appointment of new ministers’ by S.Se.– Even though session of FBiH House of Representatives was scheduled for Monday, Chair of FBiH HoR Muhamed Ibrahimovic confirmed that FBiH President Niko Lozancic did not decide on appointment of three new Ministers in FBiH Government. On Saturday FBiH Vice President Desnica Radivojevic confirmed that SBiH still hasn’t submitted a candidate for position of FBiH Minister of Physical Planning, instead of Ramiz Mehmedagic who resigned last week. Author reminded that amendments to the  Laws on FBiH Government and FBiH Ministries were passed last week in both Houses of FBiH Parliament and that this was a first step in establishment of new Ministry [of Tourism and Environment], but that situation was additionally complicated by resignation of FBiH Physical Minister Ramiz Mehmedagic who protested because of splitting of his Ministry.

SBiH nominated candidate for FBiH Minister of Physical Planning

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Ferid Otajagic instead of Ramiz Mehmedagic’ by H.O.– Late on Sunday night SBiH decided to nominate Ferid Otajagic for a position of FBiH Minister of Physical Planning and Environment, instead of Ramiz Mehmedagic. Mehmedagic resigned the function last week, protesting against the agreement on establishment of new Ministry in FBiH, since that would mean splitting of his own Ministry. SBiH has already submitted this proposal to FBiH President Niko Lozancic.

SDA advocates reduction of number of delegates and Ministries in F BiH, SDP welcomes initiative, HDZ thinks SDA attempts to strengthen entities

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Less Ministries and delegates’ by R. Cengic – Head of SDA Caucus at F BiH HoR Semsudin Mehmedovic confirmed SDA will demand for a reduction of the number of F BiH Parliament delegates, as well as for a decrease in the number of F BiH Ministries. SDP’s Svetozar Pudaric welcomed the announcement, while HDZ believes this is only one more SDA’s initiative launched with an aim to strengthen entities. SBiH’s Beriz Belkic notes the party is not participating in any changes at F BiH level, but he noted that the party had demanded for similar changes a long time ago.

2005 BiH Transparency International report: BiH is among least developed and most corrupted countries in world

EuroBlic cover pg splash and pg RS3 ‘Corruption is swallowing BiH’ by Srna – BiH Transparency International report for 2005 reads BiH is still among the least developed and most corrupted countries of the world, which is caused by a lack of political will to systematically fight corruption and organised crimes, as well as by involvement of political elite in illegal activities. BiH TI assessed a small progress in fight against organised crime was made during 2005 after all, and complimented the work of BiH Court and BiH Prosecutor’s Office. Glas Srpske pg 4 ‘Corruption crossed limits’ by G. Dakic – also reported

Political parties comment TI report: they admit corruption, but not in their party lines

Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘Halilovic: Such reports are warning, but are bias as well’ by N.D. and Z.P. – Following 2005 annual report issued by the Transparency International according to which BiH is one of the least developed and most corrupted countries in the world and that the political parties are the most corrupted, DA brings reactions by some of the leading political officials in BiH. SDA’s Sefket Hafizovic emphasized that SDA is not one of such parties, emphasizing its determination to fight corruption. Stressing such reports are a warning but also that they are bias, SBiH’s Safet Halilovic stated corrupted parties certainly exist, again excluding a possibility that SBiH is one of htem. SNSD’s Nebojsa Radmanovic reminded that SNSD warned about this. “I don’t know how true is the claim that crime is largest in highest bodies of parties, but I do know that we will try to eradicate it,” said Radmanovic. DNS’s Drago Kalabic stated the majority of RS officials are involved with the crime, however adds the International Community uses evidences for this for political blackmail. Kalabic adds SDS is to be blamed for this. “They started first and paved the way to others to come. PDP that was united with them in crime for years, acts like that as well” said Kalabic

VL: National structure in BiH security sector against violated as Croats lost leading position in Commission for Struggle against Organized Crime

Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Croats left without leading position’ by D. Jazvic carries that the national structure has been violated in the BiH security institutions again since Croats have lost the leading position in the Commission for Struggle against Organized Crime and Corruption that should act with the BiH Council of Ministers ‘after they had lost the position of the SIPA Director with the assistance of the International Community’. VL goes on to say that Assistant to the BiH Security Minister Vjekoslav Vukovic should have been appointed at this position, however his colleague from the aforementioned Ministry Ljiljana Tirsic was appointed to this position and the article says that Trisic a is a person that SIPA Director Sredoje Novic has great confidence in.  VL also says that Triisic is not qualified for this position. 

War crimes and judicial isuses

Sunday Times: Mladic secretly negotiated with US and Serbian officials to surrender for 4.5 mil Euros

PINK – According to the British newspaper Sunday Times, ICTY indictee Ratko Mladic has spent at least one day in Belgrade during last week, in secret negotiations on his surrender with members of US and Serbian administration. According to London Sunday Times, American negotiators offered € 4,5 million to Mladic’s family and bodyguards, for his surrender. Allegedly, Mladic also demanded that pictures showing him with handcuffs mustn’t be published, and transfer to Hague by direct flight from Serbia. BHT1, Hayat, FTV, RTRS, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Americans offered Mladic 4,5 million euros’ By Fena, Dnevni List pg 23 ‘Mladic was in Belgrade last week?’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 16 ‘US negotiators were offering money to Mladic?’ not signed , Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Mladic was in Belgrade’, EuroBlic pg 2 ‘Mladic does not want pictures of him handcuffed’ – also reported.

Pejic: RS MoI dedicated to cooperation with ICTY but no new information on Mladic

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘No new information on Mladic arrest’ by Fena– Head of Information Bureau of RS Interior Ministry, Radovan Pejic stated that RS MoI is truly dedicated to cooperation with the ICTY, but that there are no new information on possible arrest of Ratko Mladic. Pejic stated that he couldn’t comment whether certain officials of RS MoI are participating in negotiations on his arrest. RS Police Director Dragomir Andan on Friday returned from ‘business trip’ [as claimed by the RS MoI]. However, media widely speculated that the he was in Belgrade participating negotiations on Mladic arrest. Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘No new information on arrest of Ratko Mladic’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Nothing important on Mladic’ by Fena, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘We have no information on arrest of Mladic’ by N. M. – also covered.

Brussels to demand Mladic to be arrested by April 5, otherwise SAA talks with SiCG would be stopped

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Cooperation with the Hague hindering negotiations’ by Agencies – B 92 reported that at today’s meeting in Brussels, the EU Foreign Ministers will demand from the Belgrade authorities to resolve the problem of cooperation with the ICTY. Report notes that although EU ministers will not pose exact deadlines, officials in Brussels claim that substantive evidence, i.e. apprehension or surrender of Ratko Mladic, must be provided prior to official political round of talks on 5^th April, in order to avoid postponement or stoppage of SAA talks with SiCG. Vecernje Novosti pg 5, announced on cover ‘Final deadline for Mladic is 5^th April?’ by BETA, EuroBlic pg 2 ‘Mladic does not want pictures of him handcuffed’, Jutarnji List pg 2 ‘Mladic must be in The Hague by April 5’ by M. Kuskunovic – also report

Croatian Interior Minister: We would arrest Jelavic, but extradition is another issue

Dnevni Anaz pg 2 ‘We will arrest Jelavic when we receive Interpol warrant’, mentioned on cover by T. Lazovic– Speaking for DA, the Croatian Interior Minister Ivica Kirin stated that Croatian police would certainly arrest Ante Jelavic, former HDZ high official and member of BiH Presidency sentenced by BiH Court to 10 years of imprisonment for abuse of position in the case of Croat Self-Rule, if it receives warrant from Interpol. He added they still haven’t received any official document from BiH authorities regarding the Jelavic case. Kirin added that there is no information that would confirm that Jelavic is in fact hiding in Croatia.