OHR BiH Media Round-up, 7/2/2006

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (12,00hrs)

BH Radio 1(12,00 hrs)

Teachers in WHC on strike

Del Ponte met EUFOR and NATO

HNZ on constitutional changes

Extraordinary session FBiH HoR

Del Ponte in Sarajevo

WHC teachers to continue strike

RADIO HERCEG-BOSNA (18,00 hrs)

TV PINK (18,00 hrs)

BHT 1 (19,00 hrs)

ZHC teachers still in strike

Schwarz-Schilling visits Banja Luka

World News

HNC Teachers announce strike

Dodik on new RS Government

Protests re Danish cartoons in SA?

Del Ponte arrives in Sarajevo

Del Ponte visits SCG, BiH

Del Ponte in visit to Sarajevo

Del Ponte arrived in Belgrade

Radovanovic starts talks with NATO

Del Ponte’s visit to Belgrade

NTV Hayat (19,00 hrs)

FTV (19,30 hrs)

RTRS (19,30 hrs)

Del Ponte in Belgrade on ICTY coop.

Strike in West HerzegovinaCanton

Man died in traffic accident in Doboj

Ljajic on Mladic issue

HNC Govt on strike in WHC

Robbery and explosion in Novi Grad

HR visits BL

Travnik schools faced with problems

Schwarz-Schilling visits Banja Luka

Car explosion in Bosanski Novi

Del Ponte’s visit to Belgrade

NATO and BiH officials discussion

Oslobodjenje

[ SCG Prosecutor for war crimes] Vukcevic becomes main ICTY fugitives-hunter

Dnevni Avaz

[BiH Presidency Chair Jovic] In Washington , I did not ask for third entity

Dnevni List

Adriatic Euroregion is being established (made of Croatia, Slovenia, SCiG, BiH etc.)

Vecernji List

Maric was forcing children to attend classes (update on WHC teachers’ strike) 

Slobodna Dalmacija

Lasic and Maric, go away! (strike of WHC teachers, officials’ resignations demanded)

Nezavisne Novine

BiH is buying used trains from Britain

Glas Srpske

Circle of injustice [feature story on a lawsuit of one Ratko Dubajic against Cazin Healthcare centre]

EuroBlic

They are cold and afraid of fire [report on difficult conditions at Surgery Department of Banja Luka Hospital]

Vecernje novosti

Features Serbian related titles

LATEST NEWS OF TODAY

ICTY Chief Prosecutor Del Ponte meets EUFOR and NATO

BH Radio 1 – ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte met with EUFOR Commander General Gian Marco Chiarini in Sarajevo. Earlier this morning Del Ponte met with NATO and EUFOR representatives, in charged for coordinating of arrest of people that ICTY indicted for war crimes, where they also discussed plans for final arrest of remaining six persons from ICTY public list. RHB – also reports.

FBiH HoR holds extraordinary session, approves sale of nationalized apartments

BH Radio 1 by Ljiljana Radl – FBiH House of Representatives has commenced an extraordinary session scheduled upon demand of the SDA caucus to discuss a series of the laws. The session started with discussion on amendments to the Law on allocation of construction land imposed by the High Representative. The discussion focuses as the need to harmonize the English and local languages versions. MPs decided to task the FBiH HoR’s legal commission to give its comment on this. FBiH HoR would supported the law allowing the purchase of nationalized apartments by by tenancy right holders and appropriate compensation for previous owners. Upon BOSS’ proposal, MPs would also discuss amendments to the law which annulled the FBiH defence related laws, to regulate issues until BiH Law on Defence is fully implemented.  RHB – also reports.

Del Ponte visits Belgrade, Sarajevo

Chief ICTY Prosecutor Del Ponte visits Belgrade : to demand halt in SAA talks between SCG and EU

Hayat – The Chief ICTY Prosecutor, Carla del Ponte, visited officials in Belgrade to discuss the cooperation of the SCG authorities and the Tribunal, after which she announced demanding from EU to cease talks with SCG on the Stabilization and Association Agreement. At the meetings with SiCG Defence Minister Zoran Stankovic, Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and SiCG Human Rights Minister and Chair of the SiCG Council for cooperation with ICTYRasim Ljajic,Del Ponte repeated she expects the arrests of suspects at large. “I have received promises that agreed issues would be implemented, but that is not sufficient if there are no results,” said Chief ICTY Prosecutor Carla del Ponte. BHT– “I am first of all interested in access to documentation, namely military documentation”, said Del Ponte. FTV – Del Ponte stressed that the issue of Ratko Mladic was the most important one. Del Ponte also met with the Serbian War Crimes Prosecutor Vladimir Vukcevic, who, according to unofficial information, should lead team in charge of arrest of Mladic and other ICTY fugitives. Oslobodjenje cover splash, pg 6 ‘Vukcevic becomes main hunter of ICTY runaways’ by B.Boskov – Vice President of Serbian Government Miroljub Labus stated the Chair of the EC Jose Manuel Barroso would visit on February 16 and that his report would determine whether next round of negotiations on SAA would happen. RHB, PINK, RTRS, Dnevni Avaz pg 17 ’Del Ponte would ask for interruption of negotiations with the EU’ not signed, Dnevni List pg 21 ‘Cooperation was not achieved, The Hague expects results’ not signed, Vecernji List pg 20 ‘Del Ponte is not satisfied with cooperation of Serbia’ by zb, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘She demands for actions, not promises’ by Beta, EuroBlic pg 2 ‘Some ten operative agents are chasing Mladic’ by Tanja Nikolic-Djakovic, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Mladic is a concrete step’ by Beta – carried similar reports.

SCG’s Ljajc: SCG took set deadline to locate/extradite Mladic seriously

Hayatby Midheta Kurspahic – In a phone interview for Hayat, SiCG Minister of Human Rights and President of the SiCG Council for cooperation with ICTY Rasim Ljajic stated that Chief ICTY Prosecutor, Carla del Ponte, has set the strict deadline for locating and extraditing Ratko Mladic by the end of February. He said that SiCG took this deadline seriously since it is aware that the negotiations on signing of the SAA might be interrupted if its fails to meet ICTY requests. “SiCG is carrying out series of actions in locating Mladic,” said Ljajic. “SAA talks in February will not be stopped but the technical negotiations in April are still uncertain until this situation is resolved” explained Ljajic.

Del Ponte visits to Sarajevo ; to meet new HR Schwarz-Schilling, EUFOR, NATO, BiH judicial officials

BHT1, RHB, Oslobodjenje pg 6 ‘Del Ponte with Schilling and Jurcevic today’ by A.O., Dnevni List pg 2 ‘Del Ponte arrived to Sarajevo’ not signed, Slobodna Dalmacija pg 14 ‘Del Ponte in Sarajevo’ by E.F., Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘She demands for actions, not promises’ by Beta, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Mladic is a concrete step’ by Beta inset ‘In Sarajevo today’- Chief ICTY Prosecutor, Carla del Ponte, arrived to Sarajevo on Monday evening after visiting Belgrade. Del Ponte is scheduled to meet representatives of EUFOR and NATO, the High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling, and representatives of the BiH Prosecution and BiH Court during her two-day visit. Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Del Ponte asks for help’ not signed also carries that del Ponte expects from the HR help in successful fulfilling of her mandate.

Oslob. op-ed: Del Ponte demands from fugitives’ accomplices to arrest them

Oslobodjenje pg 9 ‘Carla again’ op-ed by Mirko Sagolj – Commenting visit to of ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte to Belgrade and Sarajevo, author said that the main problem in capturing Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic is that international community constantly demands from their accomplices, i.e. politicians at power, to arrest them.

Political issues

HR Schwarz-Schilling meets RS President Cavic: priorities are economy and cooperation with ICTY

Hayat by ATV– The High Representative to BIH Christian Schwarz-Schilling visited Banja Luka on Monday where he met with the RS officials. At the meeting, HR explained his priorities stressing that the reformatory processes must be continued, whereas his top priorities are to include economic development and agriculture and cooperation with the ICTY. “One side of the priorities is the ICTY cooperation while on the other side is the continuation of negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement with EU, I would add that the elections in this year are very important as well as that citizens should have the opportunity to met the candidates” said Schwarz-Schilling. RS President Dragan Cavic promised HR Schwarz-Schilling that RS would definitely cooperate. “I believe that forthcoming period should be used for accomplishing the key issues, and that is to sign SAA with EU that will mean the start of new future for BIH” added Cavic. HR and RS President also discussed the appointment of RS PM-designate concluding that overall destabilisation of RS and BiH was avoided. RHB– RS Vice- President Ivan Tomljenovic and Principal Deputy High Representative Lawrence Butler also attended the meeting with Cavic. RTRS, BHT1, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Hague and economy remain priorities’, mentioned on cover ‘New Government for ending the crisis’, by N.Diklic, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘RS’s priority is cooperation with The Hague’ by O. V, Dnevni List, pg 7 ‘Priorities are cooperation with The Hague and negotiations with EU’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Priorities are economy and cooperation with the Tribunal’ by V. Popovic, Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘A good advisor’ by M. Labus, EuroBlic pg RS3 ‘I will be a good advisor’ by Mirna Soja, Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘Through the Hague to Brussels’ by G. Dakic – also reported on meeting with Cavic. Nezavisne Novine pg 4 ‘Compliments for 10 years of work’ by N. N. – CSS also visited “Nezavisne Novine” on Monday and congratulated them for ten years of work.

HR Schwarz-Schilling meets RS PM-designate Dodik: New Government should be appointed by 20 February

Hayat by ATV– While in Banja Luka, HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling also met with the RS PM-designate Milorad Dodik, who informed the HR the consultations with political parties on the establishment of the new Government are to be completed by Thursday and that session of RS National Assembly should be scheduled for February 20. “I said that having RS NA majority will not be a problem,” explained Dodik. He also promised that he would focus on ICTY cooperation, development, economy if he receives the support at RS NA. PINK– During his visit to Banja Luka, Schwarz-Schilling also met with RS Prime Minister in technical mandate Pero Bukejlopvic. RTRS – Schwarz-Schilling stated that, unlike his predecessor Paddy Ashdown, he would be only a good advisor to the local politicians. “It is clear that the responsibility for political events in BiH and RS must lie with the BiH politicians”, said the HR. Chair of RS National Assembly Dusan Stojicic invited CSS to present the agenda of his mandate before the RS NA. BHT1, FTV, Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Hague and economy remain priorities’ by N.Diklic, Oslobodjenje pg 3 ‘RS’s priority is cooperation with The Hague’ by O. V,  Dnevni List, pg 5 ‘Negotiations on RS Government will be completed by Thursday’, not signed, Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Completion of consultations with parties by Thursday’ by D. Risojevic, EuroBlic pg RS2, announced on cover ‘Dodik: I have the majority’ by Rajna Radosavljevic, Glas Srpske pg 5 ‘Majority was ensured’ by Z. M. – also reports of the meeting.

RS PM designate Dodik: we will preserve RS as a permanent category

Vecernje Novosti pg 5 ‘We will preserve Srpska’, announced on cover ‘Srpska will survive’ by D. V. – VN carries a short interview with RS PM Designate Milorad Dodik, in which he reiterated statements given for other media. He was asked whether he has any strategy to prevent abolishment of RS as an entity through constitutional changes, upon which Dodik replied RS cannot be brought in question by will of someone outside RS. ‘We maintain the stance of preserving RS as permanent category. Everything else is a daily propaganda that serves to Bosniak side as a preparation for the elections’, Dodik concluded.

PDP expects to get three Ministerial posts at new RS Government, reform of pension system, SDA expects to get two Ministerial posts

Nezavisne Novine pg 3, announced on cover ‘Completion of consultations with parties by Thursday’ by D. Risojevic – PDP allegedly informed RS PM Designate Milorad Dodik they expect to get three Ministerial posts at the new Government.The article also speculates PDP top expects a reform of pension system to be realized and suggests that money collected from the privatization, especially from the privatization of “Telekom Srpske”, to be used to increase pensions and agricultural incentives. PDP’s Borislav Borenovic stated that the support they gave to Dodik as RS PM designate does not signify an automatic support to the new Government. SDA’s Sadik Ahmetovic stated SDA would, most probably, demand to get two Ministerial posts.

FTV’s ‘60 minuta’: is Dodik’s move reckless or brave; how would he satisfy appetites of all interested parties?

FTV current affairs program ’60 minuta’ by Dragan Stanimirovic – Commenting recent appointment of the SNSD leader Milorad Dodik to the position of the RS Prime Minister designate, reporter wonders whether this is an extremely reckless or extremely brave move. Reporter comments that after five years of criticizing SDS’ coalitions with PDP, SDA, and SRS, Dodik now has the opportunity to prove that he is a consistent person, however – as 60 minutes notes – in order for him to become the new RS Prime Minister, Dodik would have to satisfy interests of at least seven RSNA parties and, in that way, to win necessary 42 votes. This would mean, comments reporter, that Dodik would have to rely on support of his former political enemies, such as the PDP. In case of this party, PDP leader Mladen Ivanic already announced it would support Dodik’s new Government, but – says 60 minutes – they would probably ask for ‘favour in return’ [reporter speculates PDP would ask for the position of the RSNA Speaker and three ministerial positions]. Reminding of the Dodik’s statement given to ’60 minutes’ about month and half ago that SDA would not participate the Government, reporter stressed that Dodik would soon have the opportunity to show if he is the man of principle [noting he has already the party one ministerial position]. In this light, reporter also wonders what would SDP do as they repeatedly stressed never to share power with either of three nationalistic parties. However, now they gave support to Dodik, despite the fact that SDA would most probably be part of that government.

Protests to be organized in Sarajevo due to caricatures portraying Prophet Mohammed

BHT1 by Suzana Stambol – Protests against Danish caricatures portraying Prophet Mohammed,which caused a widespread demonstrations and heated discussion around the world, are scheduled to take place in Sarajevo on Wednesday, in front of Danish, Norwegian and French Embassies. Protests are going to be organized by B.S. from Travnik and Islam Bosna Forum, however the Embassies said they did not receive any information on the demonstration. FTV – media focused their reports at the mayhem caused by the cartoons in Europe and around the world. Dnevni List pg 3 ‘Danish Ambassador expects peaceful protests’ by R. Dautefendic, Nezavisne Novine pg 3 ‘Protests in Sarajevo tomorrow’ by N. N.– also announced protests. 

VL: BiH Ambassador to Denmark to be revoked over signing of petition related to prophet Mohammad cartoons?

Vecernji List, pg 2, mentioned on front ‘Even withdrawal of ambassador Masle is possible’, by Dejan Jazvic – According to VL, the BiH Presidency could soon start a disciplinary procedure against the BiH Ambassador to Denmark, Sead Masle. Apparently, Masle joined a group of ambassadors from Islamic countries, who sent the Danish authorities a protest letter asking an apology over the insulting cartoons depicting prophet Mohammad. However, BiH authorities have not issued an official position regarding this case and it would appear Masle signed the letter without consent of BiH Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanic.

BiH Presidency Chair Jovic: It is unjust to have two entities for three peoples

Dnevni Avaz cover splash ‘In Washington, I did not ask for third entity’, pg 5 ‘I have told Burns that it is unjust to have two entities for three peoples’ by Husein Orahovac – Commenting allegations that he has been lobbying for forming third entity during his visit to Washington, BiH Presidency Chair Ivo Miro Jovic in an interview for DA stated that he only said to US Undersecretary Nicholas Burns that it is unjust to have two entities for three peoples. Jovic said he was only trying to gain support for stances that constitutional changes should be done on the basis of equality, stressing that Washington Agreement guarantees equality for Croats in BiH. Jovic also added that US administration would take larger part in constitutional changes. Inset, ‘BiH diplomatic representative body to be opened in Podgorica’ – Jovic unofficially met with Montenegro President Filip Vujanovic in Kotor, promising BiH diplomatic representative body would be opened in Podgorica in Spring this year. Vecernji List pg 4 ‘Jovic reiterated Burns: 3 entities or none’ by Z. Kresic carries Jovic as confirming that he told Burns that the solution for BiH might be shutting down of the entities or creation of a new one.

DA reports from Brussels that Western Balkans countries cannot enter EU before 2013

Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘BiH cannot enter EU before 2013’ by Sead Numanovic – DA journalist reports from Brussels stating that during the seminar on EU and Western Balkans, journalists were told that Western Balkan countries, excluding Croatia, cannot enter EU before 2013, due to lack of money for further expansion of EU. It was explained at the seminar [DA doesn’t not specify who were participants or keynote speakers] that main amount of funds would be spent on association of Turkey , Croatia and Macedonia . Reporter also stressed BiH must pass constitutional changes in order to meet all EU legal and structural standards.

EC’s Humphreys: EU to demand from BiH to consistently implement international agreements on free trade

Dnevni Avaz pg 4 ‘Agreement on free trade have to be consistently implemented’ by T.Lazovic – Head of European Commission Delegation to BiH Michael Humphreys stated for DA that EU will demand from BiH authorities to consistently implement international agreements on free trade. Humphreys added that there are already numerous international agreements on free trade zones, and that this new initiative for Western Balkans countries is nothing revolutionary new. Regarding relaxation of visa regime for BiH citizens, Humphreys said that documents issued during the wartime still have to be revised.

DA op-ed: fighting organized crime a precondition for visa regime liberalization

Dnevni Avaz pg 3 ‘Abolition of visas doesn’t depend only on EU’ by Tarik Lazovic – Commenting EU announcement of liberalizing visa regime for BiH citizens, author says that BiH authorities have to fight organized crime, which is one of the EU major demands.

SBiH’s Jusufovic: HDZ wants whole ministry, not Minister without Portfolio

Oslobodjenje pg 2 ‘Uncertain outcome of FBiH Government crisis’ by A.O. – Oslobodjenje reports that leaders of SDA, HDZ and SBiH should meet during this week to try to resolve crisis in FBiH Government, adding that no party has confirmed when this meeting should take place. SBiH Secretary General Munib Jusufovic said for Oslobodjenje that HDZ wants the position of the Industry Ministry, adding that other options are also possible. Jusufovic stated that it is possible that HDZ gets some other ministry.

Defence and security issues

NATO experts to assist in fulfilling technical conditions for BiH’s membership to PfP

RTRS, RHB, PINK, Oslobodjenje pg 5 ‘NATO et team visited Sarajevo’ by A. P., Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘Gregorian: Defence reform appraised as excellent by L. Sinanovic, Dnevni List pg 6 ‘NATO team with Radovanovic’ not signed  – An expert team from NATO Headquarters in Brussels met on Monday with BiH Defence Minister Nikola Radovanovic, Chief of the Joint Staff Sifet Podzic and other senior BiH defence officials. The NATO team was led by Frank Boland, the Director for Force Planning and was accompanied by NATO Political Advisor Raffi Gregorian. The meeting initiates a series of staff discussions between NATO HQ in Brussels and BiH on the development of its armed forces, which will inform BiH about and assist in fulfilling those technical steps necessary to become a credible candidate for PfP and NATO membership. The NATO team reiterated the importance for BiH and RS authorities to cooperate fully with the ICTY and so remove the final obstacle to PfP candidacy.

Bomb planted under vehicle belonging to ‘Sume Srpske’

RTRS – A bomb planted under the vehicle belonging the “Sume Srpske” company exploded in Bosanski Novi. The incident occurred near the apartment of Miroslav Drljaca, newly appointed manager of forestry management unit in Prijedor. Drljaca believes that the explosion is result of his attempt to fight irregularities in “Sume Srpske”. BHT1, Hayat, Dnevni Avaz pg 28 ‘Official car of newly appointed manager of Srpske Sume exploded’, mentioned on cover, by M.Z, Nezavisne Novine pg 16 ‘A jeep of “Srpske Sume” exploded’ by D. Kovacevic – also reported

Deputy BiH Security Minister Mektic: we have persons that might be linked with terrorism under surveillance

Nezavisne Novine pg 9, announced on cover ‘We have persons linked with terrorism under surveillance’ by M. Cubro – BiH security services have several persons that might be linked with terrorism under surveillance, as Deputy BiH Security Minister Dragan Mektic confirmed in an interview to NN. He added that persons, who have been expelled from other countries due to their connection with terrorism, currently reside in BiH and he announced this issue would be resolved by completing the revision of citizenships approved between 1992 and 2005. He confirmed both domestic and international institutions have forwarded names of members of the Commission for Revision of Citizenships and CoM should reach the decision on the appointment of the Commission soon.

Economic issues

WHC teachers refused working obligation imposed by WHC Government/ WHC Education Minister Maric tried to force children to attend classes in Grude

PINK, RHB, BHT1, Hayat, FTV Slobodna Dalmacija cover pg splash and pg 17 ‘Lasic and Maric, go away!’ by Z. Zekic, Dnevni List pg 11 ‘Trade Unions of teachers demand resignation of Lasic and Maric’ by S. Bjelica – In spite of the West-Herzegovina Canton Government’s decision to introduce a working obligation for teacher in this Canton as of Monday (yesterday) the teachers refused to respect this decision and therefore the strike continues until their demands are met. Vecernji List cover pg splash ‘Maric was forcing children to attend classes’ and pg 5 ‘Strike’ by I. Brkic-Cubela, I. Kaleb carries that WHC Education Minister Maric came in front of a primary school in Grude on Monday and he tried to force children to enter the school and attend classes, however, he failed.

Adriatic Euroregion including BiH established/ Its goal is strengthening of economic development, security and welfare protection

RHB, PINK, BHT 1, Dnevni List cover pg splash ‘Adriatic Euroregion is being established’ and pg 3 ‘Members of Adriatic Euroregion to join EU faster’ by A. Vrebac, Hina, Vecernji List pg 2 ‘Declaration on establishment of Adriatic Euroregion’ by H, Nezavisne Novine pg 2 ‘Declaration on Adriatic Euro-region was signed’ by Beta – Representatives of local authorities of Adriatic states (Croatia, Slovenia, SCiG, BiH, Italy and Albany) signed in Venetia on Monday the joint Declaration on establishment of the Adriatic Euroregion in order to strengthen economic development, security and welfare protection. Governor of the CroatianCountyIstria, Ivan Jakovcic, was elected the President of this association and he is certain that the Adriatic Euroregion can offer strong integration of the regions and help the states to complete the process of European integration in an easier manner. Also reported by

FBiH House of Representatives to discuss amendments to Law on Apartments

Oslobodjenje pg 4-5 ‘Solution for nationalized apartments in Federation on sight’ by Senita Sehercehajic – On its session on Tuesday, FBiH House of Representatives should discuss amendments to the Law on sale of apartments, over which the tenancy right exists. Amendments foresee privatisation of about 900 apartments. Draft of these amendments were submitted by SDA MPs in FBiH HoR and according to them old owners of these apartments would be offered so called replacing apartments from the state’s fund. Dnevni Avaz pg 9 ‘SDA initiated discussion on amendments to Law on Apartments’ by A.Dedajic – also reported. 

BiH negotiating on purchase of nine trains from London company “Capital Rail Ltd.”

Nezavisne Novine cover pg splash ‘BiH is buying used trains from Britain’ and pg 5 ‘British trains on BiH rails’ by N. Krsman and S. Gojkovic – F BiH and RS Railroad Companies confirmed nine trains from Great Britain will be put in function in BiH by the end of this year. Trains should arrive to BiH at the beginning of summer and they noted they are negotiating on purchase of these trains with London company “Capital Rail Ltd.” BHT1, Glas Srpske pg 2 ‘Are they buying old train cars?’ by Sl. P.,- also reported.

BiH HoR’s Commission scheduled public debate on draft of law on payout of old foreign currency savings

PINK by Zeljko Mandic – BiH House of Representatives’ Commission for Budget and Finances postponed the discussion on draft law on payment of debts from old foreign currency deposits. BiH Council of Ministers prepared the draft law, but due to the large number of submitted amendments Commission decided to organise a public debate to hear proposals and opinions of all relevant subjects. The discussion is scheduled for February 15^th. After that, all submitted amendments and proposals would be forwarded to the BiH CoM, tasked to then draft a new law proposal. Association of foreign currency savers welcomed the decision of the parliamentary Commission. BHT1, Dnevni List pg 5 ‘Savers finally get opportunity to speak’, by Danka Polovina-Mandic – Main topic of scheduled public debate would be the time of debts payout, set under the draft law to be 15 years, to which BiH Association of Old Foreign Currency Savers strongly opposes demanding the deadline of payout to be 5 years. Oslobodjenje pg 4 ‘Public debate on old foreign currency savings’, Dnevni Avaz pg 2 ‘State should indemnify old foreign currency savers’ by H.O.– Member of the Commission Beriz Belkic explained that they have rejected the draft law demanding the extension of the commission stage to listen to all sides and prepare a version which would be adopted by the parliament.

RS Association of Pensioners sent a letter to HR asking for a meeting, Association claims some people in OHR are lobbying for the benefit of F BiH politicians

Glas Srpske pg 3 ‘We will go all the way to Strasbourg’ by R. Skondric, Dnevni List pg 8 ‘Pensioners demand help of HR’ by NINA – RS Association of Pensioners sent a letter on Monday to HR Christian Schwarz-Schilling, in which they have asked to meet him. They claim pensioners in BiH were discriminated in exercising their rights and they remind of the Decision of the Human Rights Chamber, which orders F BiH to accept its obligations towards pensioners that have earned their pensions in F BiH. The Association also claims they have an impression even some persons from OHR are lobbying for the benefit of F BiH politicians and they claim they can prove it with written replies of Legal and Economic Departments of OHR, which were sent upon the Association’s demands. The Association Chairman Rade Rakulj announced pensioners will ask for the protection of their rights before the Court in Strasbourg , should it be needed.

NN op-ed: only a small group of businessmen, thanks to shady deals, gained benefit from privatisation in RS

Nezavisne Novine op-ed pg 7 ‘Privatization’ by Predrag Klincov – the author is critical of the privatization in RS and claims only a group of businessmen, who have managed to buy approximately 100 firms thanks to shady deals and small money, as well as persons close to PIFs (Privatization and Investment Funds) have gained benefit from the privatization.