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

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

Oil in Neretva has cancer substances

Robinson on “Jahorina osiguranje”

Liberation of visa regime

Possible Q fever outbreak

EUFOR and Banja Luka PSC meeting

Search for attackers of SBS patrol

Report on 2 dead ducks

HR and PIC Ambass. joint statement

Raid in “Jahorina Insurance” offices

PIC on constitutional changes

Possible liberalisation of visa regime

Update on BiH trial vs. SCG

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV  (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Affair in FBIH Employment Ins.

Update on BiH trial vs. SCG

HR and PIC Ambass. joint statement

SBS action near Bileca

PIC welcomes constitutional changes

Robinson on “Jahorina osiguranje”

Jahorina Osiguranje searched

Problems of reform of judiciary syst.

Fire on BiH State Border Service

BIH lawsuit against SCG

Frauds in FBiH Employment Bureau

Dodik brought charges

Oslobodjenje

Croats want to choose their president at state top

Dnevni Avaz

BiH can be an address for start of talks  (Reis Ceric on dialogue between religions)

Dnevni List

Source of infection leads to Nevesinje (Q-fever outbreak)

Vecernji List

From grandmother’s embrace to foreigners (feature story on small boy)

Nezavisne Novine

SNSD is the strongest, SDA and SDP follow

Glas Srpske

We looked death in eyes

Constitutional changes

HR and PIC welcome constitutional changes agreement

TV PINK – High Representative to BiH and Ambassador of Peace Implementation Council acclaimed moves that BiH political leaders made in the process of constitutional changes, which has improved functionality of power. A joint statement reads that great step was made towards Europe , more functional and efficient country, and accomplishment of human rights standard. HR to BiH and Ambassador of PIC also acclaimed role of the US in enabling and giving assistance in the process of negotiations on constitutional changes. They also urged parties to reach final agreement prior to receiving opinion of Venetian Commission on election of BiH Presidency members, so the preparations for October elections could start.  

RHB, BH TV 1, FTV, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Final agreement to be reached prior to reccommnedations of Venetian Commission’ by ONASA, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Progress on constitutional amendments welcomed’ by N.N., Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘A great step towards Europe’ – also report

DA interview with Austrian Ambassador to BiH: Agreed constitutional changes respond to political reality’

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Agreed constitutional changes respond to political reality’, announced on cover ‘This is an issue of maturity of BH political elite’ by E.Sarac – In a statement to daily, Werner Almmhofer, Austrian Ambassador to BiH, believes that the BH leaders will soon sign the agreement on constitutional changes. He grounds his optimism on the fact that “a wide compromise solution has already been agreed on, bar one minor detail related to election of BiH Presidency members, on which Venetian Commission is to give view., adding: “I think this is an issue of maturity of BH political elite, that has been running this process from the very beginning.” In regard to the EU role in the process of talks on constitutional changes, he said reminds that EU has been engaged in talks as of autumn 2005, noting: “EU states have provided significant finances to project of Donald Haysand American Peace Institute, while Norway and Switzerland have also provided major financial assistance.” He reminds Venetian Commission criticised the so-called entity vote at BiH HoR, adding that “Constitution is something that corresponds to political reality of the state.”

DA interview with Durakovic: Changes of Constitution should have been approached in a more serious manner

Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘Changes of Constitution should have been approached in a more serious manner’, announced on cover ‘I know why HR is keeping silent’ by Husein Orahovac – In an interview to daily, Nijaz DUrakovic, member of the BiH House of Representatives and member of President of the Socio-Democratic Union of BiH, is of the view that a wide public should have been involved in talks on constitutional changes, rather than holding talks with several political parties in BiH, since “changes of Constitution is a fateful issue…Round tables should have been organised, public debates held.” He notes “America is in hurry”, since it allowed such flow of talks being held, “because USA wants to resolve the issue of BiH before the issue of Kosovo comes on agenda.” Responding to press question whether the silence on the issue by HR to BiH, Christian Schwarz Schilling is unusual, Durakovic says: “No. Because Mr. Schwarz Schilling has practically taken the vow of silence during his entire mandate. His message is clear: he wants stronger, more serious and responsible engagement of local political forces. In order to achieve this, he must stay at side.”  

HDZ Vice President: Croats want to elect their representative

Oslobodjenje cover pg splash, pg 7 ‘Croats want to choose their president at state top’ by A.Omeragic – Marinko Cavar, HDZ of BiH Vice President, told daily that HDZ is of the view if proposed agreement on constitutional changes is accepted, the Croats could lose its representative at the BiH presidency, since the agreement does not stipulate nationality of members to be elected (i.e. it just says one member should be elected from RS, while other two should be elected from F BiH).

RS PM Dodik: BH is not disputable if RS ain’t

RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘We have affirmed and consolidated RS in an international regard’ – Milorad Dodik, RS Prime Minister told Belgrade weekly “NIN” that BiH is not disputable if RS is not disputable. Dodik also said that Serb negotiators on constitutional changes affirmed and strengthened RS.

HDZ’ Lasic: Venetian Comm. in 2005 recommended indirect election of state head

Vecernji List pg 5 ‘Election at Parliament proposed in 2005’ by Zoran Kresic – Daily carries statement of Mile Lasic, HJDZ legal expert, who reiterated that Venetian Commission in March 2005 recommended indirect election of state head through state Parliament.

HNZ’ Brkic pleased that BH politicians asked opinion from Venice Comm.

Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Better a President than BH Presidency’, Dnevni List pg 7 ‘It is positive Venetian Commission is to give view’ by NINA,RHB – HNZ Chair Milenko Brkic expressed pleasure with the fact that BIH politicians agreed to ask opinion from Venetian Commission related to election of BIH President and 2 Deputies. HNZ reminded that Venetian Commission already expressed its opinion a year ago and stressed that it would be better if BIH were to have one President. He concluded that he is pleased with the unity of Croat parties when it comes to this issue.

HKDU urges HDZ and HNZ not to sign agreement on constitutional changes

Oslobodjenje pg 7 ‘Agreement detrimental for Croat people’ by FENA,RHB – HKDU held a press conference in Mostar on Friday related to negotiations on constitutional changes. HKDU Chair Ivan Musa stated that they urge HDZ and HNZ not to sign the agreement on constitutional changes since it doesn’t resolve the position of Croats in BIH. Musa stressed that HKDU’s final goal is to resolve this position.  He feels that Serb and Bosniak parties made a pact to reduce the position of Croats in FBIH to the position of minority.  

Other political issues

BIH ready for liberalisation of visa regime, says CEIS /

Possible liberalisation of visa regime in Western Balkans

Nezavisne Novine pg8 ‘Visa regime for citizens of BiH must be more liberal’ by D.Muminovic, Oslobodjenje pg 2, announced on cover ‘The time has come for non-visa regime’ by FENA,NTV Hayat, RHB, TV PINK, FTV – Centre for European integrations strategy presented a report stating that BIH is ready for liberalisation of visa regime with EU and rest of the world. CEIS Director Senad Slatina stated that it is often claimed that BIH cannot have a better visa regime due to its lax procedure for awarding citizenship. Slatina reminded that BIH intelligence and police services act in the same manner as such services in other countries do as well. 2006 should be a year of liberalisation of visa regime for Western Balkans countries. Indicators in the most important document for BiH “BiH ready for liberalisation of visa regime” show that BiH is ready for liberalisation of visa regime. BiH has support of European Parliament Representatives, EC and Austria, that is presiding EU. Hannes Swoboda, European Parliament Representative said that students, businessman, civil servants and journalists would be the first that would get right to travel without visa. Swoboda added that the goal is absolute liberalisation of visa regime. Reporter commented that BiH is known as fertile soil for people with suspicious intentions. According to the Reporter, BiH proved by its audit of citizenship and security system that it is determined to look West.

BH TV 1 – BiH Deputy Minister of Security Dragan Mektic explained that BiH Commission for Revision of Citizenships is soon going to check all decisions on citizenships granted to foreign citizens. In this way, BiH is going to provide the final evidence it is not supporting any form of terrorism. As a result, visa regime for BiH citizens should be liberalised, first for students, journalists and business people, and later for all other BiH citizens.

Dnevni List pg 5, announced on cover ‘Europe is ready to open borders for BiH’ by Danka Polovina Mandic – This is an interview daily made with Hannes Swoboda, along the sam lines and with the same focus as reported above on presentation of report on BH.

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Frattini invites Colak for talk next week’ by T.Lazovic – Daily learns that Franco Frattini, European Commission for Internal Affairs, has invited Barisa COlak, BH Security Minister, to come to Brussels next week in order to discuss the issue of relaxation of visa regime for BiH citizens travelling to EU states. It also carries statement of Svoboda.

UN DP’s research: SNSD, SDA and SDP are strongest parties in BiH

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘SNSD is the strongest, SDA and SDP follow’, pg 2 ‘The strongest parties are SNSD, SDA and SDP’ by S.Gojkovic – Daily carries results of the UN DP’s research in BiH, according to which if elections in BiH were held tomorrow, the SNSD would get majority support (10% of votes in BH), while SDA would get 9.1% and SDPO would get 8.5%. The three-months research which ended in December 2005 was conducted on the sample of 1650 citizens of BiH.

SDS collecting money from members for upcoming elections

Nezavisne Novine pg 5 ‘SDS collecting money for participation in elections’ by V.Popovic – Vlado Glamocic, member of the SDS City Board Banja Luka has stated that the only chance for SDS to succeed in the upcoming elections would be if Dragan Cavic filed resignations or were removed from position of SDS President at the extra-ordinary session of the SDS Assembly. Daily notes that at the last session, SDS Presidency decided to start collecting money from membership in order to ensure participation of the party at the elections. Glamocic was also critical of this SDS Presidency decision, calling on SDS leadership to identify way in which SDS account would be de-blocked.

IC to reprimand RS PM over his linkage of RS and Kosovo

Vecernji List pg 2 ‘”Yellow card” given to Dodik’ by Miroslav Vasilj – Daily learns that the international community in BiH will reprimand Milorad Dodik, RS PM, over the statement he made prior to his election to this position (when he said that “it is not easy to explain two difference solution for two almost identical ethnic and political situations – Republika Srpska and Kosovo”). Daily also reports that Javier Solana, EU Commissioner and head of UNMIK Mission released press statement underlining there is no link between these two issues.   

IMF on stand-by arrangement /

Terzic: We do not want their loan

RTRS – International Monetary Fund reported that negotiations with BiH on new stand-by arrangement, worth of 50 million $ were stopped at the end of last year. International Monetary Fund is waiting for BiH authorities to give new proposals in order to continue with negotiations.

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘IMF invents hot water’, announced on cover ‘We do not want to those US $ 50 million’ by A.Malagic – Adnan Terzic, BiH COM Chair, has stated he sees no major problem in the fact that IMF observed BH authorities do not want to talk about taking of US $ 50 million loan, noting: “My stance has been made known earlier that we do not want to take that money. We do need a stand-by arrangement but without this loan…We do not want their money and I have a feeling they are inventing hot water.” Responding to press inquiry how he regards announcement of SP RS regarding launch of initiative of a confidence vote in BiH COM, Terzic ironically responded “well, it is a big party…I am seriously concerned and afraid for my position and position of BiH CoM.”

Law on Truth in BiH under preparation’

Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Law on Truth in BiH under preparation’ by R.Cengic – The representatives of the eight parliamentary parties in BiH, under auspices of the US Peace Institute are creating the Law on Truth in BiH, on basis of which BH Commission for Truth should be formed. This was confirmed by Besima Boris, member of Task Force and SDP ’s representative.

BH Presidency Chair received SDHR Bas-Becker

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘It is necessary to jointly work on exit strategy for BiH’ by FENA – Sulejman Tihic, Chairperson of BH Presidency, Friday in Sarajevo received the newly appointed Senior Deputy High Representative to BiH, Peter Bas-Becker.. The meeting stressed necessity for full cooperation and mutual respect on joint tasks related to preparation for signing of SAA . 

PDP supports program orientation of new RS Government

Nezavisne Novine pg4 ‘Strong support to all projects of RS Government’ by R.S., RTRS – PDP is satisfied with program orientation of new RS Government since priorities are increase of pensions, gasification, increase of resources for agriculture, building of transport infrastructure and establishment of Ministry for sport and youth.

DHSS’ Batic supportive of RS PM

Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Dodik’s victory, Kostunica’s defeat’ by SRNA– Vladan Batic, leader of DHSS (Demo-Christian Party of Serbia) has stated that the election of Milorad Dodik from new RS PM represents “a major defeat of Vojislav Kostunica”, adding that throning of Dodik’s Government has overthrown “a marionette-like Government of RS”.

Hand-over at F BiH Ministry of Energy: Heco takes over from Zigic

Dnevni Avaz pg 8 ‘Vahid Heco certain in salvation of “Energopetrol” by M.Kukan – Izet Zigic, former F BiH Minister of Energy, Industry and Mining, Friday handed over duties to the newly appointed Minister Vehid Heco. In a statement to daily, Heco  stated in regard to “Energopetrol” issue that he would pledge maximal efforts to identify the solution in the interest of state and employees asap.

War Crimes

Hearing in lawsuit BiH vs. SCG continues

BH TV 1 –The hearing in BiH lawsuit against Serbia and Montenegro before the International Court of Justice continued on Friday. BiH legal representatives stated that SCG is responsible for violation of conventions on genocide, because it didn’t do anything in order to prevent genocide or punish the responsible ones. They also presented evidence for SCG authorities directly participating in financing of RS Army and controlling the order chain of RS Army troops.

FTV – They emphasized that SCG authorities didn’t do anything to prevent or punish genocide, adding that ICTY indictees Ratko Mladic still lives in Belgrade. BiH representatives presented a transcript of conversation between Radovan Karadzic and Slobodan Milosevic which proves that they are responsible for the murder of former RBiH Deputy Prime Minister Hakija Turajlic.

RTRS – BiH Presidency member Borislav Paravec believes that this lawsuit makes tensions and that has goal to abolish RS.

BH TV 1 – In the Friday’s session of hearing in BiH lawsuit against Serbia and Montenegro, BiH legal representatives showed a video of Serbian Prime Ministers Vojislav Kostunica when he was visiting the RS Army troops in BiH during the war. Commenting this video tape, Kostunica said that it doesn’t prove anything. He refused to say if he was supporting the siege of Sarajevo or not.

Dnevni Avaz pg 11 ‘During the war, Belgrade regarded RS as a part of SRJ’, Nezavisne Novine pg 6 ‘Authorities incited people to commit genocide’, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Under the command of Belgrade’, Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5, announced on cover‘Arguments before Court Panel’ by Nagorka Idrizovic– also report on trial

VL on trial before ICJ: BH legal team neglected Croat victims in BiH

Vecernji List pg 5, announced on cover ‘BH team neglected Croat victims in BiH’ by Miroslav Vasilj – In regard to the ongoing trial before ICJ on BH suit against SiCG, the author notes that prior to commencement of trial, the BH legal team underlined SiCG is to stand trial for genocide over non-Serb population in BiH. The author stresses that the so far flow of trial has showed BH legal team only regards Bosniaks as non-Serb population in BiH, since only few nminor references were made to Croats in BiH as victims. Furthermore, the author underlines that such an approach BH team may have taken owing to indifferent conduct of Croat political officials towards the issue.

Oslobodjenje op-ed critical of RS PM’s statement reg. trial before ICJ

Oslobodjenje op-ed pg 9 ‘A cheap acquisition’ by Daniel Omeragic – Following statements by RS officials in regard to ongoing process before ICJ on BH suit against SiCG fior aggression and genocide, the author notes that decision of this Court to accept and start process on 27 February speaks the best whether the suit is legitimate. He underlines that RS PM Milorad Dodik’claims that suit is “illegitimate” is aimed at acquiring as much votes as possible on the eve of the upcoming elections.

Affairs

PB ES Provisional Administrator Robinson and her staff searched documentation of “Jahorina osiguranje” in connection with PB ES case

BH TV 1 – Officers of the temporary administration of “Privredna banka “ East Sarajevo with assistance of EUFOR soldiers searched the premises of “Jahorina Insurance” company in order to find evidence for illegal activities. Some documents have been confiscated. Temporary Administrator of PBES Toby Robinson stated that the documents were confiscated in order to protect the valuable property of PBES. EUFOR Spokesman Jem Thomas explained that the local police has been informed about this action. However, Spokeswoman of Doboj Centre for Public Security Ljerka Stanimirovic claims that the Centre in Doboj wasn’t informed about any activities in premises of PBES. The confiscated documents will be used as evidence in trial against Momcilo Mandic, Mirko Sarovic, Milovan Bjelica and Milorad Govedarica who are charged with organized and economic crime in the case of PBES.

RTRS, TV PINK – Robinson said that check of documentation in Foca, Pale, Doboj and Banja Luka was conducted since “Privredna Banka ad Srpsko Sarajevo” is one of major shareholders of “Jahorina osigurnje”. On the question whether this search has something to with Sarovic and others, Robinson said that it is possible but that Prosecutor will decide in that regard after gets the information.

Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Jahorina osiguranje” raided’ by A.Sisic – daily also learns Robinson confirmed ICTY members also took part in the raid. Daily unofficially learns that the Hague Tribunal is concerned over the possibility that the network supporting Radovan Karadzic was financed through business dealings of this company.

NTV Hayat, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Premises of “Jahorina osiguranje” searched in four cities’ by H.C./Z.P., Oslobodjenje pg 3, announced on cover ‘Bank documents searched’ by A.Prlenda, Dnevni List pg4 ‘Toby Robinson inspecting Jahorina Osiguranje’ – also report on the search

RS NA Speaker Radojicic demands establishing of board for audits

Nezavisne Novine pg4 ‘Radojicic conveyed support to RS Audit Office’ by P.K., Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Mainstay in Parliament’ by D.V.M., Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘SUport to Chief Audit Office’ by O.VB. TV PINK, BH TV 1, FTV, RTRS – Igor Radojicic, RS National Assembly (RSNA) Speaker had meeting with Bosko Ceko, RS Public Sector Main Auditor on Friday in Banja Luka. The subject of the meeting was establishment of Special Audit Board that Radojcic requested from RSNA. “It (Special Audit Board) would discuss reports of RS Public Sector Audit and give recommendations. There are reports that were finished half year ago and still have not been discussed neither by RSNA or RSNA Board”, said Radojicic. Ceko apprised Radojcic’s initiative as positive. Ceko also informed Radojicic on current problems in RS Public Sector Audit.

NTV Hayat – RS Chief auditor Bosko Ceko announced that RS auditing service will complete the audit of all budget users in RS by August.

RS PM Dodik files denunciations over illicit privatisation of “Kristal banka” and “Banjalucka banka”

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Dodik files denunciations over privatisation of two banks’ by SRNA, Nezavisne Novine pg3, announced on cover ‘Denunciations over sale of Kristal and Banjalucka Banka’ by G.Maunaga, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Banks at Prosecution’ by D.Z.,FTV – RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik filed two denunciations with Banja Luka District Court regarding the illegal privatisation of “Kristalna banka” and “Banjalucka banka”. Dodik demands urgent investigation of these cases.

Security issues

Security protection level around BH Def. Min. Radovanovic enhanced over threats

Vecernji List pg 3 ‘Defence Minister under enhanced  protection of SIPA’, announced on cover ‘Death threats addressed to Defence Minister’ by Dejan Jazvic – Daily learns from the security sources in Sarajevo that SIPA has enhanced security level around Nikola Radovanovic, BH Defence Minister, over threats that have allegedly been addressed to him over the past few days. Daily notes it failed to obtain any comment from SIPA or MoD officials. Daily speculates into possible motives for threats, including his clear support to ICTY and duty to apprehend war criminals and also his active role in deployment of BH troops in Iraq .  

Police still searching for persons who attacked a SBS patrol on Thursday

Glas Srpske cover pg splash ‘We looked death in eyes’ by D.Todorovic – daily features a story of Nedjo Mastilo, a SBS officer who was wounded in shooting in Bileca two days ago. According to him, the assailants, known to police for trafficking in drugs, were the first to open the fire against the two border police officers, and they fired back. Daily notes it was not able to find more information about second SBS officer Vahidin Jaserevic.

BH TV 1 – On Thursday night, a patrol of State Border Service has been attacked by drug smugglers in the border region near Bileca. Na mely, SBS patrol was conducting an action of prevention of smuggling. SBS officers fired back, and one of the attackers has been killed. Two SBS officers have been injured. Police still searches for the two missing attackers. SBS is constantly trying to prevent illegal crossing of the border and smuggling, but this task is very difficult due to the terrain in the region. Report features medical report on the two SBS officers, who are not in life danger.

Miscellaneous

Ceric presents the Declaration of European Muslims to Terzic

Dnevni Avaz cover pg splash, pg 4 ‘BiH can be an address for commencement of talks’ by A.Malagic, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Bosnian tolerance as an example of dialogue between religions’ by D.Muminovic,Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Muslims want to be a bridge of understanding and tolerance’ by ONASA,Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Support to Declaration of European Muslims’ by R.D.BH TV 1 – A delegation of the BiH Islamic Community headed by Reis-ul-Ulema Mustafa effendi Ceric presented on Friday the Declaration of European Muslims to the Chair of BiH Council of Ministers Adnan Terzic. According to Ceric, this document represents a clear commitment of Muslims in Europe to be the bridge of understanding and tolerance. He emphasized that the recent events have shown the need for strengthening of dialogue among civilisations and religions.