Latest radio news broadcast at 12.00 on 6 February
RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00 hrs) | BH Radio 1 (12,00 hrs) |
Del Ponte visits BiH | HR met Cavic and Tomljenovic |
HR Schwarz-Schilling in | Del Ponte arrived to |
Catholic priest killed in | Demand for transfer to BH Court |
TV news broadcast on 5 February
RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs) | TV PINK (18,00 hrs) | BHT 1 (19,00 hrs) |
Ivo Miro Jovic in | BIH HoR delegation in Iran | RS parties on Dodik’s Government |
BiH HoR delegation visits | HR on enterprises at mtg. in Travnik | Explosion in Zenica |
Schwarz-Schilling in Travnik | Del Ponte in | World News |
Schwarz-Schilling to visit Banjaluka | Dodik to form Government | World News |
NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs) | FTV (19,30 hrs) | RTRS (19,30 hrs) |
WN: cartoon controversy | WN: cartoon controversy | RS Parties on support to new Govt |
Dizdarevic on controversial cartoons | 12 anniversary of Markale massacre | Issue of Privatisation in RS |
Problems of FBiH military industry | Carla del Ponte visits | Debate on EU free trade zone |
430 illegal border crossings in BiH | Stances on new RS Govt not final | WWII massacre memorial in RS |
Oslobodjenje | Half of pension instead KM10 of help |
Dnevni Avaz | Personnel changes, but ideology doesn’t [Ajanovic on Dodik appointment] |
Dnevni List | Chinese Mafia exists in BiH ?! |
Vecernji List | |
Slobodna Dalmacija | Features |
Nezavisne Novine | [HR Schwarz-Schilling:] I will not impose laws |
Glas Srpske | If only mom would come back [feature story on a severely ill girl] |
EuroBlic | Dodik’s aces up in sleeve, four parties are waiting for an offer |
Vecernje novosti | Features Serbian related titles |
LATEST NEWS OF TODAY | |
HR Schwarz-Schilling meets RS President Cavic, discusses priorities
| BH Radio 1 by Dragan Stegic – The High Representative Christian Schwarz- Schilling officially visited |
ICTY Chief Prosecutor Del Ponte arrives in two-day visit to | |
Appointment of new RS Government | |
SNSD leader Dodik announces new RS Government to be formed soon; priorities on budget and fight against organised crime
| PINK by Ljubisa Davidovic – SNSD Leader Milorad Dodik, appointed as the RS PM-designate by the RS President Dragan Cavic on Saturday, stated that he would not wait for legal deadline of 40 days to expire to establish the new Government. Dodik stated that the session of the RS National Assembly on the issue would be scheduled for 14 or 15 February. In a statement for PINK, Dodik said his priorities are adoption of 2006 RS budget and procedures to help fight against organised crime. “I will form a special department at the Prosecution to fight the organised crime and I will pass regulations allowing Government to seize property of individuals suspected of organised crime,” said Dodik. He added that ministers he appoints would have to be dedicated to their work without a possibility for misuse of their power. Dodik stated that Cavic’s decision was the only possible since he (Dodik) was the only candidate that could win the overall majority in RSNA. He added that any other decision could had brought RS into difficult situation.BHT 1 – BHT 1 carries that Dodik expects by 15 or 20 February to he could inform the RSNA with the content and program of his Government. |
Blic: Speculations Matijasevic and Cenic to remain in the new Govt as Interior and Finance Ministers
| EuroBlic cover pg splash ‘Dodik’s aces up in sleeve, four parties waiting for an offer’ and pgs RS2-RS3 ‘Dodik’s aces up in sleeve, four parties offered themselves’ by Rajna Radosavljevic – The article reads RS PM-designate Milorad Dodik had refused to comment on speculations that the current Minister of Interior Darko Matijasevic and Minister of Finances Svetlana Cenic would remain at their posts and also reads rumor has it that the new Government would be mostly composed out of SNSD members, while three Ministerial posts would be given to PDP and posts intended for Bosniaks would be filled in by SDA members. |
Reactions of RS parties to Milorad Dodik’s appointment for RS PM-designate: parties demand ministerial positions, urge budget adoption,
| BHT1 by Boris Gagic – Following Milorad Dodik’s appointment as the RS PM-designate, BHT 1 reports that it is not yet certain who would take part in the new Government. PDP Main Board still has not decided whether to join or not, denying they asked for three ministerial positions in the executive authorities. Instead, PDP claims their support entirely depends on Dodik’s concept. “It also depends on representatives to be appointed, but first of all it depends on whether our stances, defined at second PDP’s Convention, held in November would be respected”, said PDP official in the RSNA, Perica Bundalo following the session of the PDP Main Board on Sunday. RTRS – Bundalo added that the PDP’s stance would also depend on the support to their proposals oriented to the health sector, retirements, etc. BHT 1 – “We have to pass the budget as soon as possible in order to stabilize the situation”, said DNS’ Drago Kalabic. FTV – “As far as DNS is concerned I am sure that the RS PM designate is going to be supported in the RS NA”, said Kalabic and added that he believed that the DNS would take part in the Government. RTRS – Kalabic added the DNS also expects to get some Ministerial positions. FTV – “We had our Ministers in Pero Bukejlovic’s Government and we are not going to have them in Dodik’s Government”, said |
SDA, SBiH,
| BHT1 – Commenting the establishment of the new RS Government, Party for BiH said that Milorad Dodik can count on their support if recently adopted law regulations are implemented. “[This includes], law on the local governance and self-governance, since we are not satisfied with the way it is being implemented”, said SBiH’s Dzevad Osmancevic. FTV – BiH |
SBiH and SDA would condition their support to SNSD’s Government; support depends on proposed program
| Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘Personnel changes, but ideology doesn’t’, pg 2 ‘Ajanovic: Only personnel changes, but not the ideology’ by S. Turcalo– Commenting the appointment of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik to the RS PM-designate position, SBiH’s official Safet Halilovic said that this development would bring no conceptual differences, but only changes in personnel of the executive authority. Halilovic stressed that some of Dodik’s partners are insisting on mono-ethnic Government, emphasizing that SBiH would not support this and that their support to new government would depend on program. SDU leader Sejfudin Tokic also doesn’t expect any major changes, stressing that it would be illusory to expect that six months before elections. BOSS leader Mirnes Ajanovic stated that Dodik wouldn’t bring changes, except in personnel. Inset, ‘Tihic: conditional support’- SDA leader Sulejman Tihic believes that Dodik’s Government would present step ahead, comparing to |
Member of | Dnevni List pg 6 ‘Huge political appetites endanger stability’ by D. Pusic – Asked whether SNSD would have a possibility and strength to preserve institutional stability and harmonized political relations in the RS after Dodik was appointed the RS PM Designate, member of the |
| Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Strong opposition to Dodik’ by K. C. – |
HR Schwarz-Schilling to meet RS officials, new RS PM-designate today
| |
DA op-ed: Dodik will come up with good programe, but also take credit for successes of former Government | Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘What is Dodik not telling’ op-ed by Nadja Diklic– Commenting on most recent developments in the RS and appointment of the SNSD leader Milorad Dodik to the RS PM-designate position, author comments that Dodik has presented great plans that his Government would insist on, but he would also take credit for all good work that Ministers from former Government have made, especially Finance Minister Svetlana Cenic and Interior Minister Darko Matijasevic. |
NN op-ed: Cavic made the only logical move by appointing Dodik RS PM designate | Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘PM designate’ by Aleksandar Sekulic – The author notes RS President and |
Other political issues | |
BiH HoR delegation visits
| PINK, BHT1, Hayat, RTRS, |
NN interview with HR Schwarz-Schilling: I will not impose laws easily
| Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash and pg 2 ‘I will not impose laws’ by D. Risojevic – In an interview to NN, High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling stated he would act more as an advisor than a ruler. He stated his work would be based on a dialogue with domestic politicians, not on imposing or pressures. He noted he would not easily impose any laws, noting he would use |
HDZ leader Covic: HDZ would continue to insist on position of FBiH Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining
| Dnevni Avaz pg 5 ‘I will try to come to an agreement with Tihic and Halilovic’, mentioned on cover, by Faruk Vele – In a page long interview, HDZ leader Dragan Covic commented on recent clashes within FBiH government caused by the division of the ministerial positions. Covic stressed that SBiH and HDZ are not in clash, but added that abolishment of the FBiH Defence Ministry it became obvious that partners in FBiH Government have to find solutions that would satisfy all parties. Covic confirmed that HDZ would keep insisting their official to take the position of the FBiH Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining, adding that HDZ has already nominated Miroslav Nikolic, former FBiH Defence Minister. He added that in interest of ending this crisis. He could meet with SDA leader Sulejman Tihic and SBiH leader Safet Halilovic to discuss these issues once more. Asked about recently published information that BiH Prosecution would raise new indictment against him, this time for embezzlements in company ‘Soko”, Covic stated that there is no material for investigation, let alone indictment, but he stressed that nothing is impossible, not even raising of new indictment since intelligence agencies in BiH are leading this case. |
Oslobodjenje: Ivo Miro Jovic asked for
| Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘Jovic lobbied for third entity’, mentioned on cover, by R. I. – As daily learns, during the meeting with US Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns, the Chairman of BiH Presidency Ivo Miro Jovic asked for support of US Administration in establishing of the third entity. According to daily’s source, Jovic asked for establishment of third entity in case it would be impossible to abolish existing two. As Oslobodjenje’s source stated, Burns rejected this with “disgust” and commented that “this is not how democracy is built”. Neither Jovic nor his advisor Stjepan Kljujic wanted to comment on this. |
DL interview with SDA President S. Tihic on const. changes talks:‘SDA is willing to make a concession again in order to serve an interest of all’
| Dnevni List pg 9 ‘Without new Constitution we shall fall in Balkan abyss’ by R. Dautefendic carries an interview with SDA President Sulejman Tihic who says that it has been worked on continuation of the constitutional changes talks and he is an optimist that the talks would continue. Tihic also hopes that the International Community would exert pressure on RS politicians so that the talks can continue. Asked to comment on High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling’s statement given during the talks with FBiH leaders when the HR said that non-resolving of the problems in the FBiH Government gives arguments to those who do not want entities, Tihic said: ‘The beginning and end of these problems is the story about constitutional changes. The |
VL: Constitutional changes will make BiH administration more expensive to run
| Vecernji List, pg 4 ‘Double more expensive officials’, by eme – The author argues that the result of the agreement of 8 political parties about the constitutional changes in BiH will be a more expensive administration. VL reminds that the result of the talks is formation of 2 new ministries at the state level (agriculture; science and technology), however the same entity ministries will remain in place, and the BiH House of Representatives with twice as many MPs than before (new BiH HoR should have 87 instead of current 42 MPs) |
DL ridicules meetings of Croat parties on constitutional changes
| Dnevni List, pg 2 ‘Talks because of promotion’, by Ivica Glibusic – The author is ridiculing meetings of the Croat parties in BiH that are dedicated to constitutional changes, saying the numerous talks have not produced anything concrete, calling the talks “the flying circus”. Glibusic reckons the aim of the small Croat parties is not to contribute to the position of the Croats in BiH, instead they just want to attract publicity. As a remedy, Glibusic says the HDZ and three more relevant parties (author does not name them) should sit down and tackle the issue. |
ICG Director: Decision on visa abolishment is political and authorities should do more
| Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘EU have reasonable fear from crime in the Balkans’, mentioned on cover, by T. Lazovic– Director of ICG James Lion stated for DA that EU, in fear from organized crime and huge unemployment rate, still doesn’t discuss on total abolishment of visa system for Western Balkans. “Their fears are justified and citizens of BiH, |
Oslobodjenje op-ed on political events: ‘It’s six of one and half a dozen of the other’
| Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘It’s six of one and half a dozen of the other’ op-ed by Ramo Kolar – Editorial refers to the most recent political developments in the country – mentioning the talks on the constitutional changes, the shifts in the RS Government, the crisis in the FBiH Government and the trade in positions, as well as the arrival of the new HR. Author notes that the “power” changes hands, but that the situation overall doesn’t, meaning the entities are being strengthened at the expanse of the state. “[Milorad] Dodik is the proof. Now, we await [to see what Zlatko] Lagumdzija would do,” says the author adding that it is only left to be see whether |
Economic issues | |
Schwarz-Schilling chairs business meeting in Travnik, participants praise focus on economy
| FTV by Nadja Ridzic– On Sunday in Travnik, the High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling chaired the meeting on development of small and mid-sized enterprises in BiH held with BiH businessmen. Participants concluded that due to extremely complicated administrative and other negative aspects of business environment in BiH, investors and entrepreneurs are often discouraged to establish a new company or to expand the existing one. The HR called on some joint activities in order to solve the problems. “All illegal and criminal actions, corruption, has to be reduced and you have to take part in it”, said the HR. FTV comments that after the numerous reforms implemented in BiH to date, for the first time the priority was given to economy. While expressing their optimism on the HR’s mandate, businessmen saoid that despite the fact that Schwarz-Schilling is the fifth HR, he is also the first to start solving things “from the beginning” adding this is the reason why they believe that things can be done together. PINK, |
HR Schwarz-Schilling says he will make sure
| Dnevni List, pg 4 ‘Sanader must accept free trade zone’, by M. Zorlak – DL reminds that Croatia is rejecting an EC proposal according to which there would be a free trade zone consisting of western Balkans countries, which is something that BiH does agree to. DL reads that the new High Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, stresses that he will make sure |
RS Chamber of Commerce: political crisis in the RS influences economy sector
| PINK by Dragica Tojagic – Chair of RS Chamber of Commerce Mladen Micic stated that the political crisis in RS has gravely influenced the trade sector. Micic emphasised that consequences of the situation would be obvious in February when VAT is to be collected. He stressed that main difficulties refers to the privatisation and agriculture sectors. “Not everything is defined regarding the agriculture, [and] Trade Unions contributed to adopting some regulations but they cannot be implemented because Government hasn’t adopted the budget,” added Micic. RS Minister of Economy, Energy and Development Miladin Gligoric, stressed that political crisis caused raised questions by the international partners during the negotiation processes. “Naturally they wanted to know what influence the crisis might have on their investments” said Gligoric. |
BOSS leader Ajanovic: Commission for Energopetrol should dismiss FBiH Prime Minister
| PINK By Zeljko Mandic – After FBiH Prime Minister Ahmet Hadzipasic sent a letter to FBiH House of Representatives, inviting them to establish a Commission for recovery of ‘Energopetrol’, BOSS leader Mirnes Ajanovic stated that he is willing to work within this Commission. “First thing that Commission should do is to dismiss FBIH PM, which I consider to be corrupted, dismiss the Energopetrol management, find out the exact situation in Energopetrol and apply the study of World Bank from 1997” said Ajanovic. He claimed that FBIH PM could have done the same thing if he only wanted. The next session of FBIH House of Representatives is scheduled on Tuesday but it is still uncertain if Hadzipasic’s proposal is going to be discussed. Energopetrol Trade Union warned that they would organize strike unless their situation is not solved soon. |
FBiH Minister of Labor and Social Policy: we would pay half of pension to those who can’t wait for passing of budget and social programs | Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 6 ‘Half of pension instead of 10 KM of aid ’ by Hajdar Arifagic – FBiH Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and Minister Radovan Vignjevic have started with preparations to implement the measures that would help socially endangered categories of population, especially pensioners, to handle negative consequences of the VAT. Vignjevic added that these people can’t wait for the social programs and 2006 budget to be passed, in order for them to receive promised 10 KM of assistance. “Twenty one million KM was provided for payment of half of pension [owed by the Government]…and we are working of that so that pensioners would get this backlog as soon as possible” said Vignjevic for daily. |
War crimes, crime and security | |
Chief Prosecutor Del Ponte visits
| FTV, PINK, BHT1, |
Gregorian: there is no complete cooperation with ICTY because strong support network to PIFWCs exists in BiH
| Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘On a long stick’ by M. Dzepina – Rafi Gregorian, the Political advisor of the Commander of NATO HQ in Sarajevo, has stated that claims of the EUFOR Commander and Commander of NATO HQ, Gianmarco Chiarini and Lewis Webber respectively, saying that Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic were not in BiH, therefore BiH authorities cannot arrest them, do not diminish the responsibility for the lack of cooperation with the Hague Tribunal. He noted that there is no complete cooperation with the Hague Tribunal because a strong support network to PIFWCs exists in BiH. |
Chinese Ambassador to BiH: ‘Perhaps, the Chinese Mafia exists in some BiH places, however, I am not aware of it.’
| Oslobodjenje pgs 4-5 ‘Chinese experiences presented to BiH’ by S.Rozajac, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Chinese in BiH do not do illegal jobs’, Dnevni List cover pg splash ‘Chinese Mafia exists in BiH’ and pg 3 ‘It is possible that Chinese Mafia exists in BiH’ by M. Zorlak carries that neither BiH competent institutions nor the Chinese Embassy in BiH have the exact number of Chinese citizens who are currently in BiH. DL also carries Chinese Ambassador in BiH Li Shuyuan, who says: ‘Perhaps, the Chinese Mafia exists in some BiH places, however, I am not aware of it. We have to reveal the truth together.’ |
According to Swiss senator and rapporteur in the Council of Europe D. Marty: | Vecernji List cover pg splash and pg 3 ‘ |