OHR BiH Media Round-up, 3/4/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

RTRS (12,00 hrs)

BiH religious leaders inBrussels

HR meets Dodik- ICTY cooperation

CSS visiting B. Luka

BiH CoM session

Tuzla transporting company in strike

Reactions on BH CC’ decision

Talks on Kosovo status continues

BiH-EU discusses economic issues

Vienna talks on Kosovo resume

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

World News

Floods in Central Europe

BiH soldiers in Iraq

World News

World News

Bosniaks from HVO on CC decision

World News

Old foreign currency savings issue

Glas Javnosti on Mladic’s extradition

HR visits religious leaders in BL

Interest rates in BiH

The trial of Ante Gotovina

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

MPs on law on rights and duties

First anniversary on Pope’s death

HR to visit Banja Luka

Report on suicides of veterans

Anniversary of Pope’s death in BiH

Old foreign currency savings issue

Hayat on law on abuse of children

Almhofer on constitutional changes

CoM on amendments to Constitution

Regional News

Tihic on constitutional changes

Johnson on BD Government

Oslobodjenje

MPs collect KM3. 000 each per month for two-three days of work

Dnevni Avaz

[Igor Davidovic] We have to prepare for disturbances in BiH economy

Dnevni List

Kosaca to be returned to Diocese ?! (Catholic Church’s Diocese in Mostar to claim its nationalized land in Mostar ?)

Vecernji List

Bomb thrown at invalid’s house (explosion in Mostar on Sunday morning)

Slobodna Dalmacija

Features Croatia related front splash story

Nezavisne Novine

New page of the municipality’s history was opened [Foca citizens celebrate lifting of sanctions, article features statements of Foca Mayor]

Glas Srpske

Srpska to get even less [Dixon decided to reduce RS’s and District’s coefficients, increase F BiH’s, for distribution of ITA funds for April 2006]

EuroBlic

Shares and state capital in exchange for marks and dollars [new pressures of old foreign currency savers]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

Schwarz-Schilling meets Dodik, expresses satisfaction with RS Govt’s activities in  cooperation with ICTY, fight vs. organized crime

BH Radio 1 by Dragan Stegic – The High Representatives Christian Schwarz-Schilling met today the RS Prime Minister, Milorad Dodik. Schwarz-Schilling welcomed the activities of the RS Government regarding the cooperation with the ICTY and fight against organized crime. The HR would later meet with the leaders of religious communities and the RS President Dragan Cavic. “Conditioning the path to the EU with the cooperation with the ICTY, but it shouldn’t be the same for BiH and for SCG” HR stated after meeting Dodik stressing “he is impressed’” with activities of the RS Government in this field. HR also expressed hope the work of the Police Reform Directorate would be sped up, welcoming the RSNA’s decision on draft law on RTRS. HR announced in a future he would be more engaged in alleviating visa regime for BiH citizens which Dodik commented as one of the most important issues for the country.RHBreports that the HR stated in Banja Luka that BiH had to do everything to arrest war crimes suspects Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, which is foremost the task for Serbia, because it is obvious the two of them can be found there too. CSS also stressed as a priority that BiH politicians should learn to take the responsibility and not think that the HR will do their job. RTRS – Dodik commented “the HR was particularly interested in legal solutions related to establishment of Special Prosecutor’s Office and Court. I explained the entire concept to him and I can say I am glad there is understanding and support expressed towards this issue. We are determined to conduct this work..”

BiH religious leaders in Brussels to meet senior EU officials

RHB – At invitation of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a five-member delegation of representatives of religious communities and churches from BiH departed to Brussels on Sunday, the Foundation said. The delegation includes the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Cardinal Vinko Puljic, Metropolis dabrobosanski Nikola Mrdja, President of the Jewish Community in BiH Jakob Finci, Ifet Mustafic on behalf of the Islamic Community in BiH and Prof. dr. Radomir Rakic. During the three-day visit, the delegation is planned to meet with the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn, Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact in Southeast Europe Erhard Busek, Director for Western Balkans in the European Commission Reinhard Priebe, and representatives of the Council of Bishop Conferences of the EU states, the European Church Conference, the World Bank and the Council of Europe.

RS PM Dodik: Decision on entity symbols could have negative impact on const. changes

RTRS – In a statement to the Alternativna TV from Banja Luka on Sunday, the RS Prime Minister, Milorad Dodik, warned that the decision of the BiH Constitutional Court (BIH CC) related to the constitutional status of the flag, coat of arms and anthem of the RS could have a negative influence on the future reforms. He also noted that following the BiH CC’s decision, he will think about the constitutional changes in BiH, adding that the amendments to the BiH Constitution are now questionable. FENA – He also warned that BiH CC’s decision could have negative impact to future reforms in BiH. “Police reform could be acceptable only if the RS Police is part of BiH’ security structures” said Dodik for ATV.

Bosniak Caucus at RS NA welcomed decision of BiH CC

RTRS – The Bosniak Caucus at the RS NA today welcomed decision of the BiH Constitutional Court according to which RS symbols are not in line with BiH Constitution. The Bosniak Caucus is of the view decisions has upheld justification of their demand for review of RS symbols.

RS President, RS PM and RS NA Speaker to meet on Tue, discuss pol. issues

RTRS – Dragan Cavic, RS President, Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, and Igor Radojicic, RS NA Speaker, tomorrow in Banja Luka, will meet and discuss the political and institutional issues of great importance for RS. Cavic initiated the meeting, which will be held at his Cabinet

Economic Dialogue between BiH and EC started today in Sarajevo

BH Radio 1 – BiH Directorate for the European Integrations announced the economic dialogue between the BiH and the EU to take place on Monday and Tuesday in Sarajevo . The talks would focus on the financial and economic issues with a goal to establish framework for detailed discussion on economic situation in BiH and the EU and to locate modalities for future cooperation between them in this field. 

Political issues

HR CSS visits Banja Luka , holds first lecture at BL  Diocese European Academy ; on Mon. meets religious, RS leaders

FTV – The process of the European integrations would be successful only if everybody understands that it is a process that will bring mutual benefits, enrich BiH and the European Union, the High Representative Christian Schwarz–Schilling stated on the occasion of opening the European Academy at the Banja Luka Diocese. Schwarz-Schilling, who held the first lecture, added it is of a great importance that religious values are established and organized in a way that they can create and consolidate civil society. The ceremony was attended by RS Vice President Ivan Tomljenovic, BiH Justice Minister Slobodan Kovac, RS Education Minister Antun Kasipovic and Banja Luka mufti Edhem Camdzic. BHT1 – On Monday, the HR would also meet the RS President Dragan Cavic and the RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik, as well as with Banja Lukua religious leaders, Bishop Franjo Komarica, Mufti Camdzic and Orthodox Bishop Jefrem. RTRS, RHB, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Religious leaders in BiH are leaders of all citizens’ by P. Klincov – also covered.

CSS argues liberalization of visa regime would mean also bring benefits for EU

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘European integration brings mutual interest’ by N.Diklic – In his lecture, the HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling informed of his lobbying for liberalization of visa regime for the BiH citizens arguing that the free movement of the BiH citizens “throughout Europe would bring social and economical wealth not only for BiH but also for the EU.” The HR also spoke about the role of the religious communities, pointing out to its importance in both religious and civilian practices. Banja Luka Bishop Franjo Komarica stated for DA that he used an opportunity of meeting Schwarz-Schilling to stress the problem of small number of Croat returnees to RS, “I expect him [HR] to… help not only Croats but also other two constituent peoples in our country.” Dnevni Avaz pg 4 inset ‘Meeting with RS authorities today’, Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Culpability for war in BiH bears European states as well’ by O.Vukovic – announces the meeting with the RS authorities.

BiH CoM to discuss constitutional changes, decertified police on Monday

BHT1 – On Monday, BiH Council of Ministers should declare on the proposed amendments to the BiH Constitution, which are result of the agreement recently reached by the leaders of seven political parties. The information on the issue of the decertified police officers would also be included in the Monday’s agenda. RTRS – CoM is also expected to debate over the draft law on changes and amendments to the Law on CoM and draft law on changes and amendments to the BiH Crime Code. Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Decertified policemen on agenda’, Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Council of Ministers on proposed amendments to Constitution’, not signed – announces BiH CoM’s session. Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Answer on Peljesac today’, by Fena – notes that the BiH CoM should also be discussing issues pertaining to the construction of the Peljesac-Croatian mainland bridge. (earlier media reports suggested that the BiH CoM will not approve the Croatian plan, which foresees construction of a 30-metre high bridge). FTV, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Presenting of stances on constitutional amendments’ not signed – also announced.

Austrian Ambassador Almhofer: Agreement on constitutional changes is “a step forward”

FTV – Assessing the agreement on constitutional changes, Austrian Ambassador to BiH Werner Almhofer told news agency Onasa that it is “certainly a step forward”, especially since it was reached between representatives of BiH political parties, and in the year of elections. Commenting the fact that some political parties are against the agreement, Almhofer said this was the result of the different perspectives from which politicians look at the changes and stressed however the agreement is only one step in the process of constitutional reform in BiH. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Agreement is step forward for BiH’ by Onasa – Almhofer also said that “This agreement would be considered very successful in every country, and that is the conclusion of EU Foreign Ministers from their meeting on March 20.”

Presidency Chair Tihic in Srebrenica on const. changes: strengthening state, weakening entities

FTV – During his visit to Srebrenica, the BiH Presidency Chair Sulejman Tihic emphasized that the changes to the BiH Constitution are the first step towards essential changes in BiH. Tihic added that for the first time the state is being strengthened and entities weakened all through democratic means, without any conflicts. On Sunday, BiH Presidency Chair visited PotocariMemorialCenter and several families of returnees to Srebrenica municipality. Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘We are strengthening the state, weakening the entities’ by I.N.– Talking at the public debate on the constitutional changes held in Srebrenica, Tihic underlined that “nothing new was given to entities, but taken away and transferred to the state… Strengthening of the state is good for Serb and for Croats and for Bosniaks.” Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Constitutional changes result of the agreement not of imposition, mentioned on cover by S.Smajlovic– Tihic also stressed the fact that the agreement was reached by the domestic parties and not imposed.  BHT1, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Strengthening of state, weakening of entities’ by V. D., Glas srpske pg 2 ‘Weakening of entities’ by K. C. – also reported.

SDP’ Lagumdzija: Constitutional changes lead toward gradual but certain changes of DPA

Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘First phase of BiH’ modernization’ by B.Ka.– Addressing the public platform on constitutional changes in Sanski Most, SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija said that the constitutional amendments, which were available to public, are a steps forward in gradual, but certain change of the Dayton Agreement “by measure of all citizens and BiH as modern state”.  Lagumdzija stressed: “Under condition that the BiH constitution is changed, the International Community remains in BiH as guarantee of the peace, but it would not be necessary to ask Berlin, Moscow, Zagreb nor Belgrade for further changes”. 

SDU Tokic: proposed changes look like dictation of Serb parties and part of the IC

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Changes remind to dictate’ by L.Sinanovic– SDU leader Sejfudin Tokic strongly criticizes a statement by the Serbian President Boris Tadic to the Serbian TV [in which he said that proposed reforms of BiH Constitution are the biggest success of Serb politics in the last several years], and the statement of US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney in which he allegedly “threatened” those against the changes. Tokic added he hopes the Parliament would rejected the proposed changes.

Six political parties established Political Centre of Srpska in Bijeljina

RTRS By Spomenka Djurdjevic – At the RS Democratic Party HQ in Bijeljina, six political parties established Political Centre of Srpska [PCS]. Nedjo Djuric was elected Chair of PCS. The following parties joined the Centre: Democratic party, Peoples’ democratic party, Pensioners’ party, Democratic patriots’ party, Peoples’ party, Salvation Party, Movement for Herzegovina and Nedjo Djuric, independent member of the RS National Assembly. RS Democratic Party leader Dusko Vukotic said that the PCS was established with a purpose to preserve the authorities the RS has under the Dayton . He added parties were mainly represented by deputies in the RS National Assembly who have been voting against transfer of competences from the RS to BiH level. Djuric said that PCS would be the main opposition in RS. Election Assembly of PCS would be held in 30 days.

MP Potocnik: some MPs could solve their existential problems by rising hand for constitutional changes

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Maybe votes would be buying in the Parliament’, mentioned on cover by H.Orahovac– Independent MP in the BiH House of Representatives Mladen Potocnik said in a short interview to DA that it would be tragic if proposed agreement on constitutional changes. “Public must know that there is no seven but six signatures on the agreement on constitutional changes” said Potocnik, claiming that HNZ leader Milenko Brkic did not sign the agreement. He added that the adoption of the agreement in the BiH HoR is a possibility, “as no one can exclude dirty games around votes”. Potocnik alludes MPs are under the burden of their ‘troubled past’ which could be used to apply pressure on some MPs who “could [also] solve their existential problems just by raising their hands [in favor of the agreement]”.

Chief BiH Negotiator Davidovic: constitutional changes were not set as a pre-requisite for SAA negotiations

Nezavisne Novine pg 6, announced on cover ‘Constitutional changes are not pre-requisite for negotiations’ by G. Golub – In an interview to NN, Chief BiH Negotiator Igor Davidovic stated it is not only in the interest of BiH to see enlargement of EU market but EU too has its interests in BiH. He added that a dominant goal of EU is to strengthen and enlarge the market. Asked to which extent the resolving of the issue of constitutional changes would affect SAA negotiations, Davidovic said, as in accordance with the stance of EU, the constitutional changes are not pre-requisite for carrying out the negotiations, adding that the agreed constitutional changes were welcomed by EC and Brussels as a good signal and a good message to EU. Inset ‘Cooperation with the Hague influences the negotiations’ – Davidovic noted that the issue of cooperation with the Hague might influence the negotiations greatly.

DL: SDP and SDA will form coalition to be in power, SDP betrays ideas of social-democracy

Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Red-green coalition’, by Ivica Glibusic – the author argues that what used to be thought as impossible just a little while ago is now happening, namely it looks ever so likely that the SDP and SDA will form a coalition for the October elections with sole purpose to be in power. Glibusic criticizes the SDP for abandoning ideas of social-democracy and for not caring for all the citizens of BiH, claiming that the SDP is in the essence a Bosniak party.

Reactions on BiH CC’ decision on entity symbols: PDP: continuation of FBiH pressures vs. RS; SNSD warns decision destabilizes relations btw entities; SDS: nobody can deprive RS of its right to symbols; SDA, SBiH: Court decisions to be implemented; HDZ: entities are unnatural thing

Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Tomorrow about decision of the BiH Constitutional Court’ by V.Popovic – Mladen Ivanic, BH Foreign Minister and PDP President, has stated that decision of BiH Constitutional Court (regarding non-constitutionality of entity symbols) represents continuation of pressures against RS coming from F BiH, over which key officials from RS will Tuesday hold a meeting in Banja Luka and discuss the latest development. He also said he had spoken with Milorad Dodik, RS Premier, who will initiate the meeting. Krstan Simic, SNSD President, warns that decision of BiH CC introduces destabilization of relations between RS and F BiH. Borislav Bojic, SDS Vice President, is convinced that solution acceptable for all sides will be identified, adding that nobody can deprive RS of its right to symbols. Sulejman Tihic, SDA President, Sunday noted that Court decisions are to be implemented not discussed. Safet Halilovic, Party for BiH President, is also of the view that BiH CC’ decision should be implemented not politicized. Miso Relota, HDZ Spokesperson, has assessed that BiH division into entities is “an unnatural thing”, noting the latest BiH CC decision “is just another wheel in mosaic of his party’s politics”.  Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Problem is Federation’ – Ivanic stated that a key problem in BiH is Federation BiH, but this problem is settled over RS’s back, noting latest decision of BiH CC is a continuation of such a trend. Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Tihic’s service’ – Serb Radical Party is of the view that latest decision of BiH CC ascertains stance of this party regarding constitutional changes, i.e. there should be no space given to constitutional changes that are perfidiously undermining the RS. EuroBlic pg RS2 ‘Symbols of Srpska are radicalising political scene’ by Marija Milic – carries statements of Simic, Bojic, Ivanic and Tihic.

Interview with RS team member before BiH CC: RS needs to adjust, not annul its symbols

Patriot pgs 4-5 ‘Less rights, more politics’ by Miljan Kovac – In a page-long interview to daily, Rajko Kuzmanovic, member of the RS Team of Representatives before BiH Constitutional Court, former President of RS Constitutional Court and academician, comments on decision of BiH Constitutional Court (regarding non-constitutionality of RS symbols), explains that decision does not demand annulment but instead adjustment of RS hymn, coat-of-arms and flag. He notes that RS Constitution referring to RS symbols marking statehood should be re-written. According to him, RS has no capacity of a state and therefore its symbols should be marked as symbols of RS as entity, as federal area. He underlines that nobody has a right not to implement court decisions, noting these decisions were of more political than legal character. He is convinced RS Parliament will implement BiH CC’ decision, but changes would not be so large and would simply indicate we have no ambition to treat RS as a state. 

DA op-ed: Decision by BiH CC step on entities symbols is a step to establishment of state of all citizens, but strengthening rule of law is priority

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘State for all its citizens’ op-ed by Elvir Huremovic – Commenting the Friday’s decision by the BiH Constitutional Court, which ordered entities Parliaments to abolish current coat of arms and flag of entities, author stressed this was a first step in establishing the state of all citizens, regardless of their religion and ethnic background. Before this, notes daily, the rule of the law has to be established, including processing war crimes suspects and fighting the organized crime and corruption. Huremovic notes this is a job for the political structures, whose success would mean less job for the BiH CC. “And such recipe could only mean benefit for the BiH citizens. Regardless of the symbols,” concluded Huremovic.

VL: BiH Constitutional Court ’s decision on entities’ symbols is more significant than const. changes

Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘RS without national symbols’, by Miroslav Vasilj – commenting on the BiH Constitutional Court’s decision from the weekend, which ruled that the entity symbols are not in harmony with the Constitution of BiH, Vasilj says the decision is in fact a sort of compensation for the cosmetic constitutional changes that cemented the existence of the RS. The author goes on to say that the next step should be the abolishment of the name of the RS, since the name implies the right of one people only to the entity, which is not consistent with the BiH Constitution. Finally, Vasilj fears that the period of implementation of the decision (entities have to comply within next 6 months) could lead to abuse during the pre-election campaign by the Serb parties.

BHT1: US Embassy in BiH refused to issue a visa to Haris Silajdzic

BHT 1 – US Embassy in BiH refused to issue a visa to founder of SBiH Haris Silajdzic, Banjaluka-based newspaper Fokus reports in Monday’s edition. Fokus learns from well-informed sources that the US Administration considers Silajdzic to be the enemy of US politics on the Balkans, because he opposes the proposed changes to the BiH Constitution. Fokus also claims that international representatives in BiH possess the documents proving that Silajdzic is linked with “extremists from the Arabic countries”. FTV, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Haris Silajdzic banned to enter USA’ by BHT1 also reported.

One of founders of HDZ 1990 Raguz: HDZ BiH not taking care of BiH Croats

Vecernji List, pg 10 ‘Two HDZs in fight for Croats’, by Zoran Kresic – commenting on the decision to form a new Croat political party, the ‘HDZ 1990’ that is, one of the founders of the party, an expelled member of HDZ BiH, Martin Raguz, says the decision to form the party was taken after the current HDZ (leadership) signed the constitutional changes agreement, which did not improve the position of the Croats in BiH. Raguz also denies speculations that Zagreb (HDZ of Croatia) has anything to do with the decision (earlier reports suggested that HDZ of Croatia does not like HDZ leader Dragan Covic in the office). On the other hand, the HDZ BiH spokesman, Miso Relota, denies any rifts within the HDZ BiH, arguing that the party will come out of this even stronger.

OHR finds some provisions of F BiH Law on pardoning unacceptable

Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Some provisions of Law are not acceptable for OHR’ by R.Cengic – Oleg Milisic, OHR Spokesperson, claims that the new F BiH Law on Pardoning, which F BiH Government has forwarded to parliament procedure is not acceptable since it does not meet standards OHR set (after all existing laws on pardoning were out of effect). Milisic explains: “This Law makes it possible for Federation officials to pardon convicts of BiH Court, whom only BH Presidency has a right to pardon. This ensures F BiH officials’ powers are overlapped or mixed with powers of state authority officials, which is inadmissible.” Borjana Kristo, F BiH Minister of Justice is of the view new Law contains no disputable element, “since law does not treat courts but instead other laws and deeds.”

Minister Halilovic: Agreement on higher education reform should be completed this week

Dnevni List, pg 8 ‘Final agreement on higher education this week’, by Tanja Calic– The BiH Minister of Civil Affairs, Safet Halilovic, confirmed for DL that the process of negotiations on higher education reform should be completed this week, so the (draft) law on higher education could be sent to the BiH CoM and BiH Parliament for adoption. DL also carries the RS Minister of Education, Anton Kasipovic, who says the RS Government, after it got acquainted with the draft law, had positive opinion about it. He stresses the draft law leaves enough space to the RS to regulate the area of higher education.

UNDP survey: Level of support to OHR reforms remains the same; Bosniak support decreasing, Croat and Serb increasing

Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Rise of support to OHR’s reforms’, by A. Beus – According to a UNDP survey, the support of BiH citizens for the OHR’s reforms from the end of 2005 is at the same level as in mid-2005. However, there are changes when it comes to the level of support of interviewees of different nationalities. Apparently, there is a decrease of support among the Bosniak interviewees and the rise of support among the Croat and Serb interviewees. Despite this, the Bosniak interviewees’ support to the OHR for its political reforms in BiH is the biggest among the three peoples (52,2%), whilst the figure for the Croats is 46%. (NB: There are no figures for the Serb interviewees, nor the data on how many peoples were interviewed or earlier figures).

Economic and judicial issues

ITA Governing Board Chairman Dixon informed RS Ministry of Finances on change in distribution coefficients; Member Kudic: we did not adopt the decision

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘Srpska to get even less’ by D. V. M. – Chairman of ITA Governing Board Joly Dixon on Friday afternoon informed RS Ministry of Finances the Governing Board had decided to apply new coefficients for distribution of indirect taxes for April – RS coefficient was reduced for 0,5%, Brcko District’s coefficient was reduced for 0,3%, while the coefficient of F BiH was increased for 0,8%. Member of the Governing Board Miodrag Kudic says he was surprised with this decision and added they voted for a decision, but the decision they voted for did not contain any coefficients and, in addition to this, RS Minister of Finances Aleksandar Dzombic did not vote for it – therefore, it could not be treated as an adopted decision.

BiH Chief Negotiator on SAA Davidovic: We should start immediately with procedure of certificates issuing and not wait after signing of the SAA

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘We have to prepare for disturbances in BiH economy’ and pg 5 ‘BiH economy has to prepare faster for time after signing of the agreement’ by Tarik Lazovic– In an interview to DA, the BiH Chief Negotiator on the Stabilization and Association Agreement, Igor Davidovic, warned that BiH economy and manufacturers have to speed up the pace of preparations for what would follow the signing of the SAA, adding that after the next round of the talks on 12 May it would be known what are BiH obligations in the process of liberalization of the trade with the EU. Davidovic said that it is expected that this would cause disturbances in BiH economy, but the measures for amortization have been planed. Davidovic explained that after the signing of the SAA BiH producers would have to apply the same standards in domestic trade in line with the EU standards, including adoption of the international certificates on quality and protection of production brands and intellectual property. “There is a logical question here why wait after the signing of the SAA to start with procedure of issuing of certificates and protection of production brands. My opinion is that it needs to be started as soon as possible,” said Davidovic. Inset ‘Would BiH economy be under impact?’- Davidovic said the team doesn’t expect the SAA would have negative influence on the BiH economy, which is why staff are in contact with all the representatives of producers, stressing that it is necessary and obligatory to prepare amortization mechanisms.

BiH Parliament’s Commission for Budget and Finances will develop new draft law on old foreign currency savings as soon as possible

EuroBlic cover pg splash and pg RS1 ‘Shares and state-owned capital in exchange for marks and dollars’ by Mirna Soja – Member of BiH Parliament’s Commission for Budget and Finances Dusanka Majkic has confirmed that the Commission will try to develop a new version of the draft Law on verification and payment of obligations for old foreign currency savings as soon as possible, adding they will try to incorporate in the draft other mechanisms, such as possibility to use the savings to buy shares of state-owned capital, state-owned land, business premises etc. RTRS, PINK – the Association of the old currency savings holders announced that unless the state comes up with the solution by beginning of May, they would organize mass protests.

RS NA to hold special session Tuesday and discuss set of Laws aimed at providing legal conditions for efficient fight against organised crime

Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘MP’s supportive of efficient fight against crime’ by V.Popovic – At special session scheduled for Tuesday (tomorrow), the RS NA will discuss a set of Laws, which would provide legal conditions for efficient fight against organised crime. SNSD stressed that those MP’s who fail to vote for Law on stamping out organised crime would indirectly support crime. Krstan Simic, Head of SNSD Caucus at RS NA, said that “institutions to be formed in line with this Law would be time-limited and would only help us to get back on regular judicial course.” Borislav Bojic, Head ofSDS Caucus, stated that: “It is a logical issue whether this Law represents parallel establishment of system institutions. SDS demands systematic, not ad-hoc solutions in fight against organised crime and corruption.” PDP’ Veselin Poljasevic, SDA’ Dzevad Gusic, SDP’ Slobodan Popovic and Party for BiH Muharem Murselovic all stated their parties would support the Law.

Daily: Do BiH MPs deserve all benefits they are asking for?

Oslobdjenje cover splash and pgs 4-5 ‘MPs collect KM3. 000 each per month for two-three days of work’ by Almir Terzic– In a statement to daily, member of the BiH Parliament’s Commission for Budget and Finances Dusanka Majkic assess that the demand of several Caucuses for the MPs rights and obligations to be regulated by the law is legal. According to the submitted law proposal, MPs would be entitled to the more favorable retirement conditions, fees for contacts with voters, hiring of experts and administrative staff, procurement of equipment, as well as a number of other benefits. Majkic said that most of these demands are justified, but she still doesn’t know how much would all this cost. However, as daily commented, MPs forgot they come to work only when a session is scheduled while many do not show up even for this. This, says daily, questions a justification of their demands.

Justice Minister Kovac: BiH gathered 8 million euros but the amount is not final

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Eight million euros from the donors’ conference’ by S.Skuletic– Speaking for DA, BiH Justice Minister Slobodan Kovac expressed satisfaction with the donors’ conference held in Brussels on March 31, at which the BiH authorities were officially promised 8 million euros for judicial reform. Kovac explained that it is not custom for states to declare immediately on the amount they would donate, stressing that significant amounts were donated by Austria , Germany , Spain , Norway , Netherlands , Ireland etc. Minister stressed that this amount is not final, since other countries have promised to also help, stressing that Turkey has promised technical help. Inset ‘Start of prison building is close’- Kovac stated that start of building of BiH prison is close, where as soon as the project documents are drafted, international tender for building would be signed off.

Elektroprivreda of Herceg Bosna CEO Maric: It is likely citizens will pay for extra cost of imported electricity

Slobodna Dalmacija, pg 11, mentioned on front ‘Yes, citizens pay electricity for Aluminij’, by Emil Karamatic – carries an interview with the CEO of ‘Elektroprivreda of Herceg Bosna’ (EP HZ HB), Vlado Maric, who explains that the ‘EP HZ HB’ does not have the capacity to provide electricity to all its consumers, particularly to ‘Aluminij’ of Mostar, therefore it had to import electricity. He underlines that the electricity was imported for 37,2 Euros per MWh, whilst ‘Aluminij’ was charged 36 Euros per MWh in first three months of 2006, saying it is likely it will be citizens that will cover the extra costs. Maric also denies information that consumers in BiH pay the most expensive electricity in Europe, claiming it is fact the cheapest electricity in Europe.

War crimes

Belgrade daily: Mladic to be extradited to the ICTY by mid April; Source from RS Govt: it was agreed Mladic to surrender in BiH on April 14

BHT1, RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Mladic in he Hague by mid-April’ by Fena, Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Mladic in The Hague in mid-April?’, by Dn. L.– Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica convinced Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte that the most wanted ICTY indictee Ratko Mladic will soon be extradited to The Hague, Serbia-based ‘Glas Javnosti’ daily reports on Sunday. Newspapers speculate that Mladic could be extradited from Serbia by mid-April. Nacional (Belgrade daily) cover pg splash and pg 2 ‘Surrender on April 14’ by P. T. N. – A source from RS Government told Nacional negotiations with Mladic on his surrender to the ICTY were brought to an end and all details of an action, which will be carried out on April 14, were agreed upon. The source said the surrender will take place in BiH, but he refused to talk about conditions Mladic had set, only noting nothing extreme had been asked for. Inset ‘Media ready for spectacle’ – reads western media are already well prepared for the surrender – 8 foreign TV crews are in BiH, making reports on Srebrenica, Sarajevo, Gorazde, talking to former Mladic’s associates and opponents. Inset ‘Dodik accepted responsibility’ – the source claims RS PM Milorad Dodik was glad to accept deporting of Mladic to the Hague from BiH territory and says Dodik will use this to gain political points and prove himself as a cooperative political partner.

EuroBlic source: Hague indictee Hadzic is hiding in Byelorussia

EuroBlic pg 2 ‘Hadzic is hiding in Byelorussia’ by D. V. – According to sources close to security structures, Hague indictee Goran Hadzic [former President of the Republic of Srpska Krajina, indicted for crimes against Croats in East Slavonia] is, most probably, hiding in Byelorussia and not in Russia as it was previously thought.