Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 28 March
| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs) | BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs) | RTRS (12,00 hrs) |
| FBiH HoR’s session continues today | FBiH HoR in session | BiH Fiscal Council to convene |
| Emergency FBiH HoR session today | HVIDRA protests in Mostar | Protests in Bijeljina |
| On initiative for Lozancic’s removal | HNC teachers protest in Mostar | National strikes in |
TV news broadcast on 27 March
| RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
| HVIDRA protests in FBiH | Meeting in | FBiH HoR in session |
| HD support HVIDRA protests | Donors conference on 31 March | Aluminij on increase in el. prices |
| ‘Aluminij’ on electricity prices | FBiH HoR on public revenues | HVIDRA protests in Mostar |
| Roundtable on water in BiH | FBiH Gov. regarding tem. allocation | Disabled war veterans from |
| NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
| Vitezit workers started hunger strike | FBiH HoR in session | EC, UNHCR & EC- rights of refugees |
| HVIDRA protests in FBiH | Aluminij on increase in el. prices | USA Gov abolished restrict. to Foca |
| 150,000 former soldiers to protest? | HVIDRA protests in Mostar | Inspection of prisons |
| Teachers’ strike in HNC frozen | HVIDRA protests in Travnik | RS MoI issues |
| Oslobodjenje | |
| Dnevni Avaz | [Islamic Community] The best cannot come out of bad at once |
| Dnevni List | Criminal-political strike against Aluminij (Aluminij company against announced increase of price of electricity) |
| Vecernji List | Fake spy of BiH is member of red berrets (forged IDs of BiH security services found in Montenegro) |
| Slobodna Dalmacija | Special forces waited for defenders (HVIDRA protests in Mostar) |
| Nezavisne Novine | State forgotten them [protest of Croat war invalids in F BiH] |
| Glas Srpske | A house turned into an island [Vrbas river flooded surrounding area] |
| EuroBlic | Out of 760 convicts – 109 were free [results of unannounced inspection of “Tunjice”, “Foca” and “Kula” prisons] |
| Vecernje Novosti | Features Serbian related titles |
Latest news of today | |
| HVIDRA protests for BiH-Cro interstate agreement is not ratified | BH Radio 1 – Members of HVIDRA [Association of Croat veterans and disabled veterans] protest in the front of FBiH Government building in Mostar, for the inter-state agreement on rights of HVO victims and members of their families between BiH and |
| Collecting of signatures for removal of F BiH Pres. Lozancic continues | |
Constitutional changes | |
| BiH political leaders attend colloquium in
| PINK – Leaders of BiH major political parties, constitutional law experts, representatives of German and European political scene and international community had colloquium on Monday in Caddenabia (Como Lake, Italy) named ‘Reform of BiH Institutions for Future in the EU’ regarding constitutional reform, future phases of the constitutional structure and BiH way toward EU. Sulejman Tihic, BiH Presidency Chair said that purpose of colloquium is to evaluate earlier work on constitutional changes and to discuss which conditions BiH has to fulfil in order to associate with EU. Tihic added that it is very important to pass constitutional amendments so BiH could become partner to EU. Hayat– This colloquium is organized by the ‘Conrad Adenauer Stiftung’. In a short statement, representative of this foundation, Ivana Maric talked about the purposes and goals of this meeting. 30 high-ranked BiH and international officials, including Head of the EU Delegation for South Eastern Europe Doris Pack, Chief Stabilisation and Association Agreement negotiator for the EU Reinhardt Priebe and US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney participate in this meeting. The joint conclusion after the first day of the seminar in Caddenabia is that the proposed changes are not ideal solutions, but do represent a radical step forward, and a very big change for BiH. BHT1, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Changes for faster trip to |
| VL:
| Vecernji List, pg 5, mentioned on front ‘America will not allow failure of constitutional reform’, by Zoran Kresic – VL learns from an ‘anonymous, diplomatic source’ that the US administration will not allow the constitutional reform process to fail, instead it will up the pressure in order to convince the public and parliamentarians that the agreed changes ought to be passed in the BiH Parliament by the stipulated deadline, May 4, when the BiH Election Commission should issue writs for elections. VL goes on to say that the US Ambassador to BiH, Douglas McElhaney, took part in a discussion on constitutional changes that is taking place nearby Milan, Italy, in organization of ‘Conrad Adenauer’ foundation, concluding the US administration is concerned with the number of amendments the Serb side has forwarded to the expert commission in charge of (preparing) amendments to the Constitution. |
| Islamic Community passes Resolution on constitutional changes
| Hayat – Supreme Body [Rijaset] of the Islamic Community in BiH passed a Resolution on Constitutional Changes in BiH. According to this Resolution, BiH should have one president, one prime minister, one state parliament and one police. Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘The best cannot come out of bad at once’, pg 2 ‘It is not wise to risk everything only because everything cannot be achieved at once’ – Rijaset of the Islamic Community in BiH condemned disqualification of anyone and invited all politicians to take part in work on new BiH Constitution. BHT1, Dnevni List pg 2 ‘People expect democratic state’ by R.D. , Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Not everything should be lost’ announced on cover ‘We should not lose everything’ by D. Risojevic– also carried. |
| Presidency member Jovic, Cardinal Puljic: Bishops’ statement should not be abused
| Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Manipulation with statement of bishops is damaging’, by NINA, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Cardinal expects greater unity among Croat representatives’ by KTA, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Unity is the most important’ by Srna – Member of BiH Presidency, Ivo Miro Jovic, and Cardinal Vinko Puljic met on Monday when they agreed that any manipulation with the statement of the BiH (Catholic) bishops regarding the constitutional changes (bishops oppose agreed changes) would be detrimental to the Croats. Cardinal Puljic also stressed that he expected a more constructive approach of representatives of the Croat people, who will be taking part in the parliamentary discussion about the constitutional changes. |
| HR: if const changes were not adopted it would be a step back
| Dnevni Avaz pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘I will lobby for more liberal visa regime’ by Sead Numanovic – Commenting why OHR did not take more significant part in the process of constitutional changes in an interview to daily, High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schillingsaid: “When I took over the duty, talks on constitutional changes were at their end and I do not think that I should have taken part in it. But, 2007 should see the next phase when we will take more significant part in the process.” Schwarz-Schilling added that: “If parliamentarians decide to reject offered solutions, than they have to come up with alternative ones. Today’s situation is not bad, but constitutional changes are better. Someone can say that what is agreed on is neither good or enough. But in politics you have to be realistic and move step by step.” HR noted his priorities also include help to BiH authorities to pass the negotiations with EU on Stabilisation and Association Agreement [ |
| Chairman of | Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Constitutional changes are deceit for people of RS’ not signed, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Serious deceit’ by Z. M. – Nova Snaga Srpske – |
| GS lists delegates who announced they would not support adoption of amendments to constitutional changes, speculates the Constitution might not be changed
| Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Either Constitution or resignation?’ by Z. Markovic – The article reads the destiny of amendments to BiH Constitution is still uncertain, considering the fact 5 delegates of Party for BiH from F BiH, BOSS’s Muhamed Moranjkic, independent delegates Mladen Potocnik, Petar Kunic and Sead Avdic, and |
| DL op-ed: US Ambassador McElhaney will not allow SzBiH founder Silajdzic to undermine const. changes
| Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘New return of Silajdzic’, by Resad Dautefendic – the author comments on the announcement by ‘perennial returner’ Haris Silajdzic that he is going to return on the BiH political scene by saying that Silajdzic’s chances to be successful in his project are small if he continues lobbying against the agreed constitutional changes. “He can say whatever he wants to (leaders of SDA Sulejman) Tihic and (leader of |
| Oslobodjenje op-ed on const. changes: Covic opposed Church to get alibi in eyes of Intl. Community
| Oslobodjenje ‘Covic’s signature’ op-ed by Mirko Sagolj – Commenting on recent turbulences on issue of constitutional changes between HDZ leader Dragan Covic and his associates on one side and HDZ deputies in BiH House of Representatives and Catholic Church on the other side, editorial reads that Covic is maybe “playing it very wise”. Author says that there are allegations, speculating in spite of clear stance of the Church, Covic signed the agreement on constitutional changes to provide himself an alibi in the eyes of International Community that could not point finger at him if the agreement does not receive support of Croats in the parliamentary procedure. |
| SD: HDZ leader Covic is losing support within HDZ
| Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 7 ‘Only SDA is for Covic’, by Veso Vegar – the author argues that the leader of HDZ, Dragan Covic, is rapidly losing support within his own party, especially after the BiH (Catholic) bishops issued a statement in which they opposed the agreed constitutional changes that were signed by Covic. SD notes that Covic cannot count on support of majority of HDZ MPs and that only two influential HDZ members that support him are the FBiH President and HDZ Vice President, Niko Lozancic, and FBiH Justice Minister, Borjana Kristo. SD concludes that Covic on the other hand is strongly supported by SDA leaders Sulejman Tihic and Adnan Terzic. |
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General political issues | |
| BiH HoP passed amendments to the BiH Election Law, introducing passive registration of voters
| BHT1– At session on Monday, the BiH House of Peoples has passed the amendments to the BiH Election Law, which installs passive registration of voters. This means that every citizen with CIPS issued ID would be automatically registered on central voters’ list. At the same time, this enables BiH Election Commission to schedule elections in 150 days, i.e. in first week of May and held in first week of October. In this way BiH Parliament would have time to pass amendments to the Constitution referring to number of MPs in the Parliament and election of BiH Presidency. RTRS – New Election Law kept the regulation from previous one stipulating political parties have to have 30% of women on their election lists. Electoral threshold remained 3% but refers to entity level. Public Broadcasting Services are obligated to follow election campaign for 30 days instead of earlier 60. Private media have no obligation to follow on election campaign but if they decide to follow it, they would have to follow on all political parties. RHB, Hayat, FTV, Dnevni List pg 4 ‘Dispalced persons have right to vote’ by D. P. Mandic, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Election Law changed’ by F, Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Accepted amendments to the Election Law’ by H.Orahovac, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Property of ICTY indictees is being frozen’ by A.Terzic, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Changes and addenda to Election Law were adopted’ by N. N., EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Elections to be signed out on May 4’ by Duska Stanisic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘A step closer to October’ by Z. Domazet– also reported. |
| Part of SDA MPs in FBiH HoR support removal of FBIH President Lozancic
| Dnevni List, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Removal of Lozancic is likely’, by Mensud Zorlak – According to DL, the necessary pre-requisites for removal of the FBIH President, Niko Lozancic, are being created, namely the initiative launched by the |
| RS President Cavic criticizes RS PM Dodik for removing so many officials
| Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Due to Dodik’s removals RS Official Gazette looks like telephone directory’ by N.Diklic – In his interview for DA, RS President Dragan Cavic said that he does not agree with policy of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik who removed so many officials that RS Official Gazette looks now like telephone directory with names full of removed people, adding that it represents political influence on the work of institutions that should be freed from it. Cavic reminded of 1997 when about 6000 people were removed when ‘Sloga’ coalition came to power, adding: “These removals were bad decisions since the removed ones will easily get their rights in court. It is RS budget that would be damaged for compensation to the removed. And further, it is a question how system could function when it is shaken with so many changes.” |
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| Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Failure to execute decision of Court is felony’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 8 ‘BiH suit versus SiCG is not on agenda’ by |
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| Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 11, mentioned on front ‘Thousand people for party’, by Marko Karacic – According to SD’s knowledge, the |
| BiH expert commission: Peljesac bridge would limit BiH pass to open sea
| Oslobodjenje cover splash, pgs 4-5 ‘Croatia builds bridge suitable for their ships’ by Az.Kalamujic – BiH expert-commission prepared a document for BiH Council of Ministers which reads that Croatian proposal for building Peljesac bridge would limit BiH pass to open see. Article says that BiH CoM is expected to accept this document and entrust BiH Foreign Ministry to negotiate an acceptable solution with |
Crimes / Cooperation with ICTY | |
| RS Interior Minister Cadjo met RS MoI Trade Union; stressed that ICTY obligation has to be fulfilled
| PINK – Following the meeting of the Board of the RS Union of Internal Affairs employees, RS Minister of Interior (MoI), Stanislav Cadjo said that cooperation with the ICTY is a legal obligation RS and BiH have to fulfil and that there should be no inactivity in this regard. Cadjo reminded that end of March is the deadline to provide concrete evidence on Ratko Mladic’s arrest. The main topics of the meeting were financial status and protection of police officers. According to the RS Police Union Head Dusko Jandric police officers are not well protected, since there were 92 attacks on police officers in 2005 and none of the perpetrators was processed by judiciary. Jandric said that RS MoI employees are satisfied with the 17% increase of salaries (although they previously asked for 20%). BHT1 – Cadjo expects the Trade Union to help the Ministry in fighting crime and corruption. “I expect support in an extremely decisive fight against all kinds of corruption and criminal actions, especially those referring to the MoI employees and the Ministry itself”, said Cadjo. RTRS, EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Police are looking for protection’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Cooperation with the Hague is lawful obligation of RS’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Thicker wallets for policemen’ by M. Milunovic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Cooperation with the Hague’ by M. M– also covered. |
| NN op-ed: If a special RS Prosecutor’s Office for fight against organised crime is established, then it should have special mechanisms at its disposal
| Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Prosecutor’s Office, a special one’ by Dragan Jerinic – The author notes that the announcement on establishing of a special Prosecutor’s Office shows that the RS Premier Milorad Dodik wishes to fulfil a promise given before taking over the authority in RS with regard to fight against organised crime. Nevertheless, as soon as the realisation of this project commenced, resistance appeared in political structures, judiciary, individuals at HJPC, BiH Prosecutor’s Office and even some representatives of IC are not willing to accept this idea. The author wonders if this is a reflection of a fear that changes might show the “reformed” judiciary had failed to provide with expected results and he concludes by saying that if a special Prosecutor’s Office is established, then it should have special mechanisms at its disposal, otherwise this would only represent cosmetic changes. |
| BiH HoP adopted Law on applying provisional measures to ensure efficient implementation of ICTY mandate
| Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Property of ICTY indictees is being frozen’ by A.Terzic – BiH House of Peoples adopted on Monday the Law regulating introduction and application of certain provisional measures aimed at preventing the use, stealing or other disposal with assets and properties of persons indicted before the ICTY, which are not available to the Court and their supporters in avoiding the availability to the Tribunal. BiH House of Representatives adopted the law earlier. BiH HoP also adopted report on harmonization text of budget for BiH institutions and international obligations, which was the last step in the row of adopting the state budget. |
| RS President Cavic views recent allegations versus | Dnevni Avaz pg 10 ‘Due to Dodik’s removals RS Official Gazette looks like telephone directory’ by N.Diklic – In his interview for DA, RS President Dragan Cavic ccommented on recent allegations that |
| US Congress lifted ban on
| RTRS – The US Congress lifted sanctions against the |
| NN and GS carry opposing reports on reactions of Bijeljina Mayor Micic and Pale Mayor Savic on decision of US Administration to lift sanctions to Foca / Sokolac and Han Pijesak Mayors: we never received official information that our municipalities were under sanctions
| Nezavisne Novine pg 5, announced on cover ‘USA lifted sanctions to Foca’ by A. Sekulic, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘A ramp to Foca was lifted’ by E. G. S. – carry opposing reactions on the decision of US Administration to lift sanctions to Foca. While NN quotes Bijeljina Mayor Mico Micic and Pale Mayor Slobodan Savic as welcoming the decision and expressing hope their towns would be next for lifting sanctions, GS reads Micic was “unpleasantly surprised” with the decision and noted Bijeljina had fulfilled everything former mediator for RS and F BiH, current HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling, had recommended to it while Savic expressed disappointment because he thinks Pale had not deserved such a status. Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘They found out from media’ by B. G. and Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Nothing official’ by Srna – carry statements of Sokolac Mayor Dragan Cvijetic and Han Pijesak Mayor Milan Borovina respectively, both saying they had never received any official note that their municipalities were under sanctions. Nezavisne novine pg 5 ‘There were no reasons for imposing sanctions to Han Pijesak’ – carries Borovina’s statement, saying he does not know why the sanctions were imposed to Han Pijesak nor why these had not been lifted. |
| Anton Nikiforov, Advisor to Chief ICTY Prosecutor: Death of Milosevic disturbed ICTY, Chief Prosecutor will demand extradition of all remaining fugitives | Vecernje Novosti pg 13 ‘We want both Karadzic and Mladic’ by E. Radosavljevic – in a short interview to VN, Anton Nikiforov, the Advisor to Chief ICTY Prosecutor, has stated that the death of Slobodan Milosevic disturbed the Tribunal greatly and added Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla del Ponte will demand that the remaining Hague fugitives are extradited. He added they have information both Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic are either in SiCG or BiH adding: ‘Nobody is disputing this, not even in your countries’. |
| VL: Former Montenegrin security official in possession of Ids belonging to BiH security agencies
| Vecernji List, front pg splash and pg 3 ‘Fake spy of BiH is member of red berets’, by Zdenko Jurilj – VL reports that Montenegrin police recently arrested Vasilij Mijovic (during the investigation related to buying of votes for Montenegrin independence) when the police found in Mijovic’s apartment several forged IDs that belong to security agencies of BIH, RS and Serbia. VL notes that Mijovic’s name was mentioned even in the ICTY because he was the commander of the ‘infamous ‘Red berets’ unit’, which took part in wars in BiH and Croatia. VL also does not rule out a possibility that Mijovic had connections in security agencies in BiH (when getting the IDs) because Mijovic was fired from the Montenegrin national security Agency because of the forged diploma of the |
Economic / social affairs | |
| FBiH HoR approved FBiH Government to launch temporary allocation of public revenues
| BHT1 – The FBiH House of Representatives has given approval to FBiH Government to pass decision on temporary allocation of revenues from the single account. The decision would be in force until the Law on Allocation of Public Revenues is passed. The |
| MPs blame FBiH PM Hadzipasic for financial collapse
| Dnevni List pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘Hadzipasic accused for financial collapse’ by M. Zorlak also carries that replying to accusations of most MPs who blame the FBIH PM Hadzipasic for the financial collapse of the FBiH due to his inefficiency and carelessness, Hadzipasic said that the MPs are to be blamed for this situation since he sent the Law to the Parliament in September last year. Zahid Mustajbegovic from SBiH denied this claim and added that they received the Law in December when it was too late to do anything. Vecernji List pg 3 ‘Temporary distribution’ by Fena |
| Large companies filed complaints to FERK due to announced increase of electricity prices; BiH CoM Chair Terzic embittered with such decisions
| BHT1 – Certain BiH companies, such as ‘MITTAL STEEL’ and ‘Aluminij’ have filed complaints to the FBiH Electricity Regulatory Agency’s [FERK] decision to increase price of electricity, as of April 1. ‘Aluminij’ leadership claims that the increase would cause great losses. The company states that the money, collected in this way, goes to political parties. “Political-criminal actions are behind the whole issue… elections are to take place and we have to make reserves in order to finance parties”, said General Manager of Aluminij Mijo Brajkovic. FERK claims that the increase is justified, since both ‘Elektroprivreda’ [referring to two in FBiH] had great losses in 2005. Aluminij states that due to poor managing in Elektroprivreda, its leaderships should be blamed, not the citizens. BiH Prime Minister Adnan Terzic, who visited Mostar on Monday, was shocked with decision on increase in prices. “I think that this is an example of how so called independent regulatory agencies are able to act as separate entities. I am embittered with such decision and I think that both, FBiH Prime Minister and FBiH Government should dedicate to the issue, although I believe that the so called independency of such agencies makes them unable to act”, said Terzic. Aluminij leadership pointed out that if the production were to be reduced, the state would face losses, as well as all companies they are cooperating with. |
| Aluminij Gen. Manager Brajkovic opposes higher electricity prices
| Dnevni List cover pg splash and pg 11 ‘Criminal-political strike against Aluminij’ by S. Bjelica, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 13 ‘Aluminij’ is shutting production down ?!’ by Z. Zekic – Aluminij CEO Mijo Brajkovic stated that he had informed foreign investors about this situation and impossibility for new investments. He added that, most probably, ‘Aluminij’ will suspend the ongoing projects including the factory that they build with ‘Feal’ from Siroki Brijeg, which should employ about 100 persons, as well as the project of the first phase of electrolyses that would secure 1000 new jobs. |
| FBiH PM Hadzipasic disagrees with increase of electricity prices; proposes meeting with large companies
| BHT1 – late news- FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic commented on numerous reactions regarding increase in electricity prices, expressing his disagreement with the increase of electricity price, especially due to the fact that it should take place in a year when VAT is being implemented. He added that the only thing the FBiH Government and he could do was to meet larger companies’ representatives in order to try to reach concrete activities in order to solve the issue and then propose them to Elektroprivreda. |
| HR: I will lobby for more liberal visa regime
| Dnevni Avaz pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘I will lobby for more liberal visa regime’ by Sead Numanovic – Explaining his priorities for the next twelve months of his work, in his interview for DA, High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schillingstressed that more liberal visa regime for BiH businessmen, as part of improving economic situation, would be among his top priorities. Schwarz-Schilling said: “We have to change image of BiH abroad. I have to admit that I did not expect I would have to deal with this. But, it is really obvious that I have to agitate in favour of BiH in European capitals and change image of this country in their heads.” Inset ‘I am against removal of Dixon’ by Sead Numanovic – HRsaid that he is against removal of Indirect Taxation Administration [ITA] Steering Board Chair Joly Dixon, adding that this position is anticipated to be inherited by BiH citizen, when the time comes. |
| HVIDRA members asking for signing of inter-state agreement on right of HVO members
| FTV – On Monday, Mostar HVIDRA [Association of disabled veterans and veterans of HVO] members held peaceful protests in front of the FBiH Government building. One of the main reasons of protests is the fact that the inter-state agreement on rights of HVO victims and members of their families between BiH and |
| Classes in HNC started again; teachers warn that strike is only frozen not ended / Signing of petition for removal of HNC Education Minister Musa to be launched these days
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Police / defence reform | |
| RS MoI Cadjo: ICTY cooperation has to be fulfilled
| Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Intensive cooperation with the ICTY’ by Fena, Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘Proposals for police reform are being prepared in RS MoI’ by Fena, EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘Police are looking for protection’ not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘Cooperation with the Hague is lawful obligation of RS’ by Srna, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Thicker wallets for policemen’ by M. Milunovic, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Cooperation with the Hague’ by M. M. – Commenting on activities on police reform, RS Interior Minister Stanislav Cadjo stated that all capacities are mobile within entity police in order to prepare proposals, which can be valid in negotiating process. Cadjo stated that solutions in police reform have to contain consensus, stressing: “We have to reach those solutions that would not be of temporary character and then escalate in some other forms and present some other kind of problem or political focuses”. |
| HR Schwarz Schilling: Hard talks with RS PM Dodik on police reform
| Dnevni Avaz pg 5, mentioned on cover ‘I will lobby for more liberal visa regime’, Inset ‘Hard talks with Milorad Dodik’ by Sead Numanovic – In an interview to daily, the High Representative to BiH Christian Schwarz-Schilling commented on his talks with RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik on police reform. HR Schwarz-Schilling said Dodik convinced him that he has no intention to obstruct any reform. “I was glad to hear that since two of us had hard talks both on telephone and in person,” said HR. |
| DA op-ed: RS PM Dodik tries to make complete state infrastructure within RS
| Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Dodik and police’ by Edina Sarac – Commenting announcements of RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik that he is not ready to continue implementation of police reform, editorial reads that this he aims to preserve entity police. “If it is added the idea of forming special court and prosecution, it is clear that Dodik tries to make complete state infrastructure within administrative unit called RS,” concludes author. |
| Presidency member Tihic: Defence reform behind schedule?
| Dnevni List, pg 6 ‘Reform to military is not going according to plan’, by Ljiljana Vidacak – According to member of BiH Presidency, Sulejman Tihic, the defence reform could be behind the schedule since the entity defence structures should cease to exist on July 1. “The joint HQ (of BiH Armed Forces) is already in place, however the entity structures should close down. However I am not sure it could be done by June 30 as agreed”, said Tihic. He did not go into details about reasons behind the statement, noting that the BiH Presidency will receive a delegation of the BiH MoD that should present a plan of future activities related to defence reform. |
Judicial issues | |
| Acting Assistant of RS Justice Minister Djukic: unannounced inspection of prisons showed 109 out of 760 convicts were absent
| EuroBlic cover pg splash and pg RS1 ‘Out of 760 convicts – 109 were free’ by Tijana Veselinovic, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Every seventh convict absent’, announced on cover ‘109 convicts were absent during inspections’ by S. Karic – Acting Assistant of RS Justice Minister Bosko Djukic has stated that the results of unannounced inspection, carried out on March 23 in “Tunjice”, “Foca” and “Kula” prisons, showed that out of 760 convicts 109 were missing and added it will be known soon whether their absence was justified by laws or some of them enjoyed privileges of prisons’ managements as it is suspected. Inset ‘MoI is dissatisfied too’ – RS Minister of Interior Stanislav Cadjo on Monday assessed MoI was dissatisfied with the situation in correctional facilities and noted important information and facts indicating irregularities exist in these facilities were collected during the latest action. |
| Robinson to transfer money from
| RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Preparations for transfer of money from |