OHR BiH Media Round-up, 3/11/2005

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs)

RTRS(12,00 hrs)

Davidovic gives up candidacy

Muslims celebrate Eid

Cavic in BG

N. Geographic on people trafficking

Seljes refused to plea

Ashdown on rehabilitation process

Bomb explosion inThailand

Violence in Paris still on-going

Seselj trial

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

HR spoke for The Guardian

BiH Presidency members visit Court

Sentences for drug dealers

HR on his ending tasks

Draft of law on violations

“Balkan Route” dealer arrested

Preparing for Mladic’s arrestment

BiH Central Bank’s financial results

Ashdown’s interview for “Guardian”

Verdict to S. Halilovic

Apartments for war veterans

Reactions to Andnan’s statement

NTV Hayat  (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

BiH Presidency members visit Court

2 boys died from hand grenade

Davidovic rejected nomination

Srebrenica victims being checked

Man killed by land mine

RS Government on reforms

Exhumation in Snagovo

Hadzipasic/Bukejlovic meeting

FBiH and RS PMs on negotiation

Kostic, Milosevic, Simovic, update

Privatisation of “Magros”

Gregorian on soled ammunition

Oslobodjenje

Daily not published due to Eid

Dnevni Avaz

Daily not published due to Eid

Dnevni List

Features Croatia related headline

Vecernji List

Croats are American policemen in BiH

Slobodna Dalmacija

HVO defended Sarajevo and Rajic is war criminal (denial that HVO shelled Sarajevo)

Nezavisne Novine

BiH without High Representative in a year time

Glas Srpske

Everything stopped, except the heart (story about mother of fallen RS soldier)

EuroBlic

Djindjic was murdered because of Kosovo and Srpska

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related topics

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

RS delegation in Belgrade

RTRS – The RS delegation led by Dragan Cavic, RS President, is today paying a visit to Belgrade. According to unofficial information, the meetings with SiCG politicians will discuss two issues: situation in the region and cooperation with the ICTY. RTRS reporter says Cavic is currently holding a meeting with Vojislav Kostunica, Serbian Premier. It is presumed Cavic and Kostunica will exchange views on situation in the region, Kosovo status and situation in BiH 10 years after Dayton Agreement. The meeting is also attended by Interior Ministers of RS and Serbia, Darko Matiajsevic and Dragan Jocic. Cavic is to meet Boris Tadic, Serbian President, later on.

Political issues

Igor Davidovic gives up on candidature for chief negotiator

RTRS – Former BiH Ambassador to USA Igor Davidovic has withdrawn his nomination for Chief of BiH Negotiating Team on the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU. In a statement for RTRS, Davidovic said that any further mention of his name in that context is opposite to his will. He explained that he has decided this to ease the election of Chief Negotiator procedure for RS President Dragan Cavic, stressing that this procedure has taken directions opposite to his personal and professional dignity. BHT 1, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Davidovic gave up’ by N.G.  – also reported.

Comments on Davidovic’s withdrawal

RTRS late news edition- Commenting Igor Davidovic’s decision, Krstan Simic from SNSD said that it hasn’t surprised SNSD, stressing that this was an act of responsible and honest man, who understood seriousness of the task: “However he didn’t allowed his name to be speculated with from the side of SDS, where the goal was for SDS to install one of its candidates for chief negotiator; it is to be expected that this will be Mrs Cenic from well known reasons and SNSD has strongly supported Mr Davidovic and will not give support to other candidates”- said Simic.  SDS had no comments on this and Stanko Pivasevic told RTRS that the party is expected to discuss this issue at the upcoming session of SDS Presidency. Reporter stressed that election of most competent has again become the political issue, which further opens the possibility of the new political crisis in RS on horizon. Three candidates remain in the game – RS Minister of Finances Svetlana Cenic, Djordje Lajisic and Jugoslav Joovicic, whereas the last one wasn’t even consulted on his nomination. RTRS concluded that that if this tempo continues we will hardly get to the Europe .

BiH Presidency with parliamentary parties’ leaders in Mostar Monday to discuss election of BiH chief negotiator and negotiation platform

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘In Mostar about negotiator’ by M.Cubro – NN source from BiH Presidency Wednesday confirmed that the members of the BiH Presidency will on Monday in Mostar hold meeting with the leaders of the parliamentary parties, in order to define negotiation strategy and elect BiH chief negotiator with EU on SAA talks. Source says “it is obvious that chief negotiator and negotiation platform cannot be agreed without political agreement amongst biggest political parties in BiH.” Daily also carries statement of Bojan Zec Filipovic, Spokesperson of Adnan Terzic, saying that BiH COM’s session, scheduled Wednesday, was not held since no list with candidates for BiH chief negotiator had been prepared. Filipovic is not aware of any Mostar meeting.

RTRS feature on reforms requiring more RS cooperation: Bukejlovic says RS is on reformatory course and it will preserve in it

RTRS by Aida Halilovic– Commenting the list submitted to RS Government by the IC representatives containing over ten legal acts which demand more cooperation from the RS, RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic said that Government has set a reforming course in accordance to EC demands and it would preserve in it. Bukejlovic stressed that Law on Education is a priority, adding that agreement has been reached on some issues, but there are few reforms for which discussion on whether to transfer them to the state level should be held. “Some issues that were mentioned yesterday, by their heaviness and character aren’t such that it can be said that this Government doesn’t provide sufficiently efficient activity for reform changes toward the EU”- said Bukejlovic. Bukejlovic added that Government has proposed a text of basic Law on Education, in accordance with Bologna Process, considering it as good response till location of the final solution. Bukejlovic added that unsolved status of the Dean of Faculty in Eastern Sarajevo is burdening the Faculty, adding that exams of Professor Radomir Lukic are questionable. Bukejlovic said that he appeals to Faculty’s Council to summon the Council of the Faculty of Law and to solve this issue. Law on Obligations and Law on Conflict of Interests are also part of the mentioned list. “One of the issues is the issue of the statistic…appropriate decisions have to be passed in that area and I am certain that these decisions will be passed in next few days”- said Michael Humphreys, Head of EC Mission. One of remaining obligations is cooperation with the ICTY and Bukejlovic hopes that RS Ministry of Interior will persist in arrestment of all indictees till the end of the year, as it was announced by RS Police Director Radomir Andan.

PM Bukejlovic on Professor Lukic: Case to be resolved soon

Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘To end the story’ by SRNA – Pero Bukejlovic, RS Premier, Wednesday at Jahorina stated that “Lukic case” should be resolved asap, since it overburdens the University of East Sarajevo. He demanded from the newly-appointed members of the University Council to self-initiatively schedule a session and resolve this issue. He reiterated RS Government’ commitment that HR’s decision should be implemented.

NN claims E. Sarajevo Law Faculty’ Council to hold session soon

Nezavisne Novine pg 9 ‘Soon about removal of Lukic again’ by G.M. – Without providing its source, daily reports that the East Sarajevo Law Faculty Council will hold a session in the coming days, which will be summoned upon request of majority Council members. The session is again to discuss removal of Dean Radomir Lukic.

Gnjato and Mirjanic most serious candidate for education minister of RS

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘The most serious candidates are Gnjato and Mirjanic’ by V.P. – According to source at SDS top, the most serious candidates for the new RS education minister are Rajko Gnjato, Dean of Faculty of Mathematics in Banja Luka and SDS Banjaluka Chair Board President, and Dragoljub Mirjanic, Banja Luka University Rector. Source further claims that Gnjato has already held meeting with leading party officials regarding this nomination, being left the opportunity to decide whether he would accept nomination or propose another candidate. Source further speculates that it is possible compromise would be reached according to which Gnjato, who is running for Banja Luka University Rector, will be appointed as new Rector, while Mirjanic would be appointed as Minister. Mirjanic Wednesday said that nobody ahs officially offered him position.

Hadzipasic and Bukejlovic met in Sarajevo discussing implementation of reforms

FTV, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Talk on negotiator with EU’ by R.S. – FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic on Wednesday held talks with RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic about the level of adoption and implementation of reformatory documents. Talks also focused on forming of the negotiating team for SAA talks with the EU. Hadzipasic and Bukejlovic also talked about the inter-entity economic cooperation, with accent on creation of preconditions for an integral viewing of privatization in energy and telecommunication sectors.  They analyzed the status of oil industry in BiH and affects of microeconomic situation on this branch of economy. The Entity Prime Ministers said they talked about the matters of importance for both Entities and noted that resolving them will require a high degree of coordination, is said in the announcement.

Ashdown in Guardian: DPA superb agreement to end war, but bad to make a state

RHB, BHT1, RTRS – In an interview to the British newspapers Guardian, the HR Paddy Ashdown stated that the Dayton Peace Agreement “was a superb agreement to end a war, but a very bad agreement to make a state” adding that he thinks that the time has come to split with DPA. Ashdown said that BiH is still not ready for reconciliation, but is ready for truth, and that Serbs, who he thinks bear the most responsibility for the horrific things that happened, should acknowledge it. To remarks that he assumed an authority which has been compared to that of a medieval pope Ashdown confesses that he really did have sweeping powers, but denies acting as an absolutist, since he acted in close cooperation and based on instruction of the international community.

VL carries parts of alleged OHR’s secret report on reason why Croats cannot get their entity: USA afraid of Moslem stat in BiH

Vecernji List cover pg splash and pgs 4 and 5 ‘Croats are American policemen in BiH’ by M. Vasilj carries that according to the OHR’s secret report written at the time when Wolfgang Petritsch was the High Representative Croats cannot get their entity since the US Administration would never allow establishing of a small Moslem state in Europe because it might become a base for Moslem extremists. VL says that this report has been made topical again due to coming constitutional changes and demands that Croats get their entity if the RS survives. The report also says that Americans have nothing against the Croats and that the crucial reason for their opposition for the establishment of the third entity is a fear of the Islamic terrorism in Europe. VL says that Director of the Department for Balkans at the US Institute for Peace Daniel Serwer has given a similar statement for the Voice of America recently. VL inset ‘Fear of annexing of entities to Serbia and Croatia’ carriesthat the OHR’s report also mentions a fear of annexing the Croat and Serb entities to Croatia and Serbia respectively.  

PDP on Washington ceremony marking 10^th anniversary of Datyton

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Fear from Washington’ by V. P., Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Insincere offer’ by Z.Ma. – PDP warned that the marking of 10^th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement in Washington might be used for an illegal change of the BiH state structure. PDP’s Veselin Poljasevic thinks BiH political representatives in Washington might approve future constitutional organization of BiH, which might be used as an introduction into a story on future talks on SAA. He thinks an agreement on constitutional changes might be reached by March next year, but only if a consensus of all parties involved is reached.

NN int with Ashdown: BiH without HR in a year time

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash, pg 4 ‘BiH without High representative in a year time’ by N.Krsman – In a half-page interview to daily, Paddy Ashdown, HR to BiH, speaks of reform processes in BiH. he says that agreement regarding election of chief negotiator for SAA talks with EU should be reached soon. He claims if reforms continue to be implemented, BiH will not need HR in a year-time any longer. He says he has no intention of engaging in constitutional changes, stressing it is a task for BiH citizens. He announces some officials, who were removed from positions, will be returned to the political scene in the coming days. He gives assessment and review over three and a half year mandate in BiH. regarding his future engagement in BiH, he notes: “If somebody asks me to be ambassador who would work without salary to bring BiH closer to Europe, I would be glad to accept it.” Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘To say good-bye to Dayton ’ – HR interview to GS along the same lines.

RTRS int with McElhaney on DPA, SAA, const. changes: BiH officials should discuss some issues at the ceremony in Washington

RTRS ‘Pecat’ current affairs programme by Zorica Rulj – The guest of the magazine was the US Ambassador to BiH Douglas McElhaney, who talked about the situation in BiH ten years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, constitutional changes and BiH’s admission to European Union. “A lot has been done during last ten years. Economically speaking, we would like more things to happen; politically speaking, I think that the progress in development of state institutions has to be mentioned”, stated McElhaney. According to US Ambassador, a number of issues are yet to be solved, such as the full cooperation with the Hague Tribunal. He added there has been some progress in the field of police reform, but the implementation is what is really important, and it is still not clear how the BiH police forces would look like. McElhaney believes that BiH officials should discuss those and some other issues – such as the BiH Presidency and Houses of the BiH parliament – at the ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of DPA, scheduled for November 21 and 22 in Washington. As for the SAA talks, McElhaney says BiH would obviously have to form the state Agriculture Ministry as it would be impossible to conduct talks with EU on subventions for agricultural sector with many cantons, two entities and state government all involved. Furthermore, if BiH wants to join the EU, the constitutional changes are inevitable: “I think that things that would be laid out in SAA would probably require a lot of changes in this country.” NATO and European Union would also ask BiH to give up some responsibilities and to transfer them to Brussels . 

Globus int with Richard Holbrooke on DPA: Largest mistake is fact Karadzic, Mladic are still at large

Globus cover pg splash and pgs 26-30 ‘Holbrooke: How we let Karadzic go’ by B. Lusic carries an interview with US diplomat and one of the Dayton Peace Agreement’s authors Richard Holbrooke who still thinks that the DPA was the best possible solution for the situation that existed at that time. He added: ‘I do not think that the mistake is in the agreement itself but in the way in which its implementation was understood. Of course it is not a perfect document and no one ever claimed it to be. But what I consider the worst, what is the largest mistake, is the fact that Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic have not been arrested yet.’ Asked whether the RS should be abolished Holbrooke said: ‘Whether the RS should be abolished or not, I think is up to the citizens of BiH to decide. The RS is a part of BiH. It was a mistake to accept its name, with the word republic, even though I do not think that this was the biggest mistake of the DPA.’

RHB int with HR: Rehabilitation of some removed officials to start

RHBby Milan Vego – In an interview to RHB, the HR Paddy Ashdown says he wants to spend two remaining months of his mandate effectively on two things: “Finishing the tasks I set myself…I would like to open the next phase, the phase of handing over powers to BiH authorities. For instance I can tell you that we will be rehabilitating more people who have been moved by the HR, in the near future. I will be challenging the Parliaments to find a way where they can ensure that vetting process undertaken by OHR is in the future done by the Parliamentary process. The next phase for the IC is handing over the powers it has to the democratic Institutions of Bosnia and I want to begin that phase”. Asked about the role that Christian Schwartz Schilling will have, if he elected, HR explained that Schilling would be Special Representative of the EU and the HR at the same time, and at some point would become simply the EUSR. Dnevni List pg 3, mentioned on cover ‘Sanctioned politicians return’ by A. Beus – Commenting Ashdown’s announcement given in an interview to RHB on amnestying of removed politicians, DL says that judging by the persons who have been amnestied so far it seems that those who were less exposed in the authority would be amnestied. 

Palavric, Jukic, Milojevic: Schwartz-Schilling is good solution for BiH

Dnevni List, pg 9 ‘Schilling is ideal solution for BiH’, by Danka Polovina-Mandic – Commenting on candidacy of Christian Schwartz-Schilling for the new High Representative for BiH, Vice President of SDA, Seada Palavric, says he is an ideal solution for BiH, adding it was about time Germany appointed the High Representative. Deputy Speaker of BiH HoP, Velimir Jukic (HDZ), says it is a good proposal to have a German as the HR, however he personally expects that the role of the HR will be redefined in the future. Other Deputy Speaker in BiH HoP, Goran Milojevic (PDP) does not have objections to the news, saying that Schwartz-Schilling is an acceptable solution for everyone.

DL, VL op-eds: Law on public RTV service damaging for Croats

Dnevni List pg ‘Deprived pf rights to Europe’ by I. Rozic carries that by the adoption of the Law on public RTV service BiH has approached beginning of the SAA negotiations. The author implies that on the ground of this law Croats were deprived of their right (the right on the Croat TV channel) and she ironically wonders what rights would have to be violated in order to stay within the EU if it is necessary to deprive one people of its rights in order to join the EU.

Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Good afternoon Europe, good by justice!’ by I. Barbaric also criticizes adoption of this Law and the author says that a great damage was caused to BiH Croats in this way. The author also ironically wonders whether Croat politicians would look for justice before the Human Rights Court in Strasbourg regarding the Croat TV channel or the protocol for the ceremony marking opening the road Ravno –Cepikuce is perhaps more important for them (referring on alleged excluding the speech of the BiH Presidency Chairman Ivo Miro Jovic from the protocol). 

Interview with DS Vice President Gavrilovic:  Djindjic was murdered because of Kosovo and Srpska

EuroBlic cover pg splash ‘Djindjic was murdered because of Kosovo and Srpska’, pg 2 ‘Djindjic murdered because of Kosovo as well’ by Ljiljana Begenisic – In interview to daily, Slobodan Gavrilovic, DS Vice President, speaks of Serbian issues of interest. He also mentions RS in the following context: “Imposed independence disturbs the entire region, since it is realistic to expect RS asks – do we have a right like Albanians at Kosovo and Metohija or Serbs are always second class citizens. Nobody in Belgrade would ever sign document on independence of KosMet. However, if agreement were reached that same offer is brought before Kosovo and RS, it would be understandable to consider it. The late Premier Zoran Djindjic used to state at important international centres that issue of Albanians in province and Serbs in RS cannot be regarded separately, noting that same standards should apply to all those in region. I am afraid he was murdered because of that.” There is no further reference to RS, neither is there any elaboration on those responsible for Djindjic’ murder.

War crimes

Custody ordered for Kostic, Milosevic and Simic

FTV, PINK, RTRS, BHT1, Hayat, Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Custody ordered for Kostic, Milosevic and Simic’, not signed, Glas Srpske pg 12 ‘Three persons from Bijeljina were detained’ by M. Dj., EuroBlic pg RS7 ‘One month of detention for Kostic, Milosevic and Simic’ not signed, Vecernje Novosti pg 18 ‘Detention for indictees’ by M. Draganic– Basic Court in Brcko District has set one month detention to Kosta Kostic, Milos Milosevic and Raco Simovic. They were arrested on Monday in Bijeljina, over suspicion that they had committed war crimes in the Brcko area in 1992.

Holbrooke: Karadzic could have been arrested easily in 1996

BHT1, Hayat, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘A wrong name’- US diplomat and the “father” of the Dayton Agreement, Richard Holbrooke, stated in an interview to “Globus” magazine that Radovan Karadzic could have been arrested without problems back in 1996. However, he added, even though US President Bill Clinton issued the order for Karadzic’s arrest US Admiral Leighton W. Smith did not obey it. Smith was promoted into a four star general in April 1994 and was given the command of NATO forces in BiH and East Europe. He was removed from the position in the summer of 1996 and retired in October the next year.

BHT 1 feature on PIFWCs still at large

BHT 1 by Boris Gagic – RS Police Chief Dragomir Andan stated recently that, judging by available operational information, all persons from ICTY public list of indictees are going to be processed by the end of this year. This statement has caused many reactions. RS Ministry of Interior refused to give any details about ongoing activities, confirming only that MoI is working intensely on transfer of all ICTY indictees to Hague. RS Prime Minister Pero Bukejlovic stated that he is confident that RS MoI’s judgment regarding the timing of processing is correct, adding that he hopes that RS MoI is going to continue with its good work. RS President Dragan Cavic confirmed that RS MoI is closely cooperating with Serbian police authorities. As some Serbian media speculate, everything is ready for arrestment of Ratko Mladic. According to Cavic, latest actions of RS MoI prove that even more progress can be expected. Igor Radojicic from SNSD believes that the stance of highest RS officials regarding arrestment of war crime suspects has obviously changed. RS Government decided to pay money to families of ICTY indictees who surrender voluntarily, and this decision might be helpful in the future. However, political analyst Tanja Topic believes that money doesn’t play any role in cases of Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic.

Judiciary, crime and security

BiH Presidency visits BiH Court

RTRS by Dragana Knezevic– For the first time Members of BiH Presidency officially visited BiH Court and concluded that BiH Presidency will fully support the work of judiciary, which is impartial of domestic and foreign influences. Members of BiH Presidency have been introduced with work and conditions that it is preformed within Prosecution, Registry Office and BiH Court. Chairman of BiH Presidency Ivo Miro Jovic stated that this has become the respectable institution, regardless to all troubles and problems that are encountered with in the job. Special accent was put on future project of construction of State Prison, which with 300 places could satisfy the needs of BiH Court and to establishment of two more Courtrooms, and Chairwoman of BiH Court Meddzida Kreso explained that one Courtroom will be specially protected and partially underground. Even though he was present, BiH Chief Prosecutor Marinko Jurcevic didn’t want to comment the recent arrestment of three people for terrorism, stressing that investigation is ongoing. Jurcevic said that BiH Prosecution had conducted investigation and that no details were going to be published. PINK by Zeljko Mandic – “We paid a visit in order to be introduced to the working conditions, and to see the way in which reform process has been implemented so far”, said Jovic. Hayat by Nebojsa Radulovic – In terms of 500,000 KM bail paid by Ante Jelavic, who fled to Croatia, they are not going to be allocated to construction of the new prison unit. Jovic saidthat in terms of bails, judiciary should not interfere in executive authority. Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘No influence on the Court’ by A.Sisic, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘On the right path’, EuroBlic RSpg 3 ‘They promised support’ by S.D, Dnevni List, pg 3 ‘State Prosecution is on the right path’, by M. Zorlak. – also covered.

Sarajevo press reveal identity of Turk suspected of terrorism

RHB, Hayat, RTRS  – Sarajevo press report that Turkish citizen arrested along with a Swedish citizens under suspicion of preparing terrorists attacks and detained by BiH Court is Abdul Kadir Cesur. Identity of Turkish citizen was revealed by Attorney Mehmed Ceribasic, who said that he is protecting his client and thus didn’t want to reveal details of the case. BHT 1 – Media also reported that the name of Swedish citizens is Mirsad Begtasevic.

SD on arrest of terrorists in Sarajevo : ‘3 terrorists still at large’

Slobodna Dalmacija pg 17, mentioned on cover ‘3 terrorists still at large’ by Z. Tulic carries new details on the arrest of 3 terrorists on October 20 in Sarajevo and SD says that the whole police action was carried out too early and for this reason out of 5 persons only 2 were arrested while the police is still looking for 3 of them.

Doboj round table “NATO promotion in defence reform in BiH”

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘NATO brings security’ by S.Ca., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Terrorism is primary concern’ by S. Puhalo – “Promotion of NATO in defense reform in BiH’ round table was held on Wednesday in Doboj. Round table noted that the preservation of safety and fight against terrorism are main roles of NATO in the world. Chairman of Defense Reform Commission Raffi Gregorian announced that the number of soldiers in BiH will be reduced down to 15.000 professional soldiers as of January 1 next year and he added that the work on defense reform is actually a story on transformation of both NATO and defense structures in BiH.

EC donation to strengthen capacities of commission for protection of information

Hayat by Alem Karamesic – Head of the EC Delegation to BiH Michael Humphreys and President of the BiH Commission for the Protection of Information Petar Kovacevic signed on Wednesday a Working Plan starting the implementation of the Twinning project for strengthening the institutional and administrative capacities of this Commission. The EU will finance this project with almost 1 million KM and the Czech experts in the field will will work on its implementation during the next 14 months. “This issue is of extreme importance, particularly today when everyone use internet, since certain databases could easily be accessed”, said Humphreys. The project will support harmonization of the legal frame, strengthening of organizational structure and capacities and presentation of the Commission’s work. FTV, BHT 1, RTRS, Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Personal data to be protected soon’, by D. Kozina– also reported.

BiH Court sentences two for drugs smuggling

RTRS, BHT1 – BiH Court has sentenced Jasmin Pacariz to nine and Zlatan Subasic to five years in prison for drug dealing and Judge Salem Miso stated that they are members of organized group, which dealt with international smuggling of heroin.

HJPC Chair presents projects of magistrates courts reform to RS officials

RTRS by Sinisa Mihailovic– Chairman of BiH High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council Branko Peric has presented project of reform of Magistrates Courts in BiH to the members of RSNA Board for Judiciary and Administration and RS Ministry of Justice. Peric stated that project stipulates a merge of these courts to the regular courts in form of Departments, which presents continuance of successfully started reform of BiH judiciary. “Reform of judicial sector in BiH is the best story in this region. We have gone furthest in this reform, we have finished an enormous job, but it still not completed,” said Peric. Chairman of RSNA Board for Judiciary Krstan Simic considers that this is a good reform, but however points out to a problem: “This reform, I fear, isn’t sufficiently infiltrated into realistic frames, realistic needs and possibilities of BiH.”

BHT 1 Zorica Lolic – BiH magistrates courts currently have over a million unsolved cases. In line with the planned reform, the police will no longer be allowed to collect fines at the spot.

Chief RS Attorney Todorovic tenders resignation

Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Stefan Todorovic resigned’ by D. Risojevic – RS Government confirmed Wednesday that Chief RS Attorney Stefan Todorovic resigned on Monday after RS Government launched a procedure for his removal last week. The Government launched the procedure upon a failure of Todorovic to file complaints upon court verdicts in two cases ordering RS Government to pay compensation (1,85 million KM plus 600.000 KM of interests to Hypo-Alpe-Adria Bank and 6 million KM to Cepter company).

Economy

BiH Central Bank: Rate of mandatory reserves for commercial banks increased

Hayat by Elma Kazagic – BiH Central Bank presented report on financial results achieved in the first 9 months of 2005. In comparison to the same period last year, the bank’s incomes have been increased by 26 %. The Bank’s Managing Council decided to increase obligatory reserve rate to commercial banks by 5 %, due to increase in issued loans, especially in domain of private sector which presents a risk in stability of bank system. Namely, these loans are used for financing foreign trade deficit. The Council also decided to reduce amount of means the Central Bank pays to the commercial banks on the obligatory reserve. The Bank also decided to change directions on investment of foreign currency reserves, which are, at the moment, estimated on 3.9 milliards KM. The Bank’s incomes have been increased by 14 %, while expenses have been reduced by 4 %. FTV, BHT1, Hayat, RTRS, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘They earned BAM 8 million than planned’ by R.Cengic, Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Decision: Rate of mandatory reserves for commercial banks increased’, by D. P. Mandic– also reported.

VL: Future of FBIH Government in question over ‘Energopetrol’

Vecernji List, pg 2 ‘Fall of FBiH Government a possibility’, by Dejan Jazvic – Announces the extraordinary session of FBiH House of Representatives that is to be held on Monday, which is to discuss issues pertaining to co-capitalization of ‘Energopetrol’ company. According to VL, the session could be also crucial for the destiny of the FBiH Government, given that the Government has twice voted in favour of co-capitalization of ‘Energopetrol’ with ‘INA-MOL’ consortium and given announcements that the MPs will overturn the Government’s decision. VL says the future of the Government is in jeopardy due to the fact that this would be the third decision by the FBIH Parliament over a short period of time, in which the Parliament is deciding against the Government’s decision (other two issues are nationalized flats and recovery of BH Airlines).

The Economist: VAT has no alternative in BiH

Vecernji List, pg 3 ‘VAT will stabilize state’, by Zoran Kresic – According to the UK-based ‘The Economist’, the introduction of the VAT in BiH will have a strong influence on the fiscal stability of the state. The estimate has it that BiH will amass an additional 1 billion KMs of public revenues. ‘The Economist’ did not go into the issue how many VAT rates BiH should have, admitting that the introduction of the VAT will initially cause negative social effects, however the assessment is that the VAT has no alternative in BiH.