14382/09 EXT 1 PH/Lz DGC 1C Delegations Will Find Attached The

Council of the European Union

Brussels, 14 July 2015 (OR. en)

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EUPM 58

PARTIAL DECLASSIFICATION of document: 14382/09 RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED dated: 16 October 2009 new status: Public Subject: European Union Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina Monthly Assessment report for the month of September 2009

Delegations will find attached the partially declassified version of the above-mentioned document.

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ANNEX

COUNCIL OF Brussels, 16 October 2009 THE EUROPEAN UNION

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COPS 598 PESC 1300 CIVCOM 724 COSDP 928 COWEB 216 EUPM 58

NOTE From Secretariat To Political and Security Committee Third States contributing to EUPM Subject : European Union Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina Monthly Assessment report for the month of September 2009

Delegations will find attached the EUPM Monthly Assessment report for the month of September 2009.

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EUROPEAN UNION POLICE MISSION

Analysis and Reporting Cell EUPM Headquarters Monthly Assessment Report 9/09 PO BOX 90 Aleja Bosne Srebrene bb 1 – 30 September 2009 71000 – SARAJEVO (BiH) Tel: +387 (0) 33 752 685 Fax: +387 (0) 33 752 734 Email: [email protected]

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EUPM HoM met Republika Srpska Minister of Interior (MoI) and Director of Police (DoP) in

Banja Luka on 24 September. On 1 September, RS MoI in cooperation with MoI Serbia and MoI C anton 9 (Sarajevo) conducted operation ‘Delta’ simultaneously in BiH and Serbia, targeting organized crime figures. Further arrests regarding Citizens Information Protection System (CIPS) investiga tion. On 14 September, following a long term investigation and based upon an order issued by the Canton 7 Prosecutor, FMoI officers conducted an operation in Canton 7 (Herzegovina Neretva Canton), aimed at drug trafficking. On 7 and 8 September, officers of the Banja Luka Department for prevention of production and trade of narcotics arrested five persons and searched their accommodations in the course of Operation “Dealer”. On 17 September SIPA Mostar conducted an operation against illegal production and distribution of CD, DVDs and VHS cassettes. A very important step in the right direction was made with the implementation of a database for forged Euros on 24th September 2009. On 30 September, representatives of the Ministry of Security of BiH, Federation Police Administration, Republika Srpska (RS) Ministry of Interior, Border Police, SIPA, Brcko District Police, cantonal Ministries of Interior and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council signed an agreement on the establishment of an electronic data exchange system between the police and the prosecutors’ offices.

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Cantonal Assembly (CA) adopted the new Law on Weapons and Ammunition on 22 September. Canton 7 Government Appointed New Police Commissioner on 9 September. The Proposed Law on Changes and Amendments to the Law on Salaries and Remunerations in BiH Institutions Adopted by the House of Representatives and House of Peoples on 15 September. Positive agreements related to the the visa liberalization roadmap.

EUPM monitored a FIFA qualification football match between BiH and Turkey in Zenica (Canton 4) on 9 September.

On 23 September, the Head of Mission gave an interview to the International Herald Tribune on ESDP and its effectiveness. Following the presentation of the operational plan to the Political and Security Committee, BHT TV in Brussels carried the newscast that EUPM should finish its tasks in the coming two years.

2. COMMENTS OF HEAD OF MISSION

September has been an active period for the mission internally, but it also saw the resumption of public life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Politically, the discussion about the extension of the presence of international judges and prosecutors in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina continued both in the Parliamentary Assembly on the basis of legislative proposal of the Council of Ministers and among international community representatives in Sarajevo.

NOT DECLASSIFIED

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However, in parallel, agreements were reached by the political institutions, allowing for significant progress on the visa liberalization roadmap. EUPM welcomed the fact that domestic actors by themselves reached an agreement on the location of the so-called exchange server as the last outstanding element in the work on the “Agreement on Establishment of Electronic Data Exchange System from Registers from Police Bodies and Prosecution Offices”. Together with the finalized draft Anti-Corruption Strategy and the Anti-Corruption Agency in BiH, these represent important steps supporting also EUPM’s objectives.

The Mission drafted and submitted the OPLAN for 2010 and 2011 and continued its outreach about these activities to national counterparts, both on technical and ministerial level. Ministers of State and both entities welcomed the extended stay and the concept of the refocused Mission. I personally briefed national counterparts and the EU family in Sarajevo. In this context, important aspects of an increased link to the European Commission were discussed.

After submission of the draft OPLAN, the Mission embarked on work to identify a downsizing policy, notably including the question of the modalities of the downsizing of national staff.

First elements of the procedure how to identify EUPM’s planning for 2010/2011 were brought to light in senior staff meetings. October will see significant work on this important issue. This will be taken forward with national counterparts thereafter.

On 21 September, I presented EUPM's strategy of assistance in the fight against Organized Crime and Corruption to the Informal CivCom Meeting in Stockholm. Senior representatives of EUROPOL were present and welcomed the Mission’s intention to intensify the cooperation with Third Pillar instruments. This was followed, on 22 September, by a presentation of the situation in Bosnia & Herzegovina to the PSC in Brussels, jointly with EUSR and Operational Commander EUFOR.

The permanent group of Directors of Law Enforcement Agencies and the State Prosecutor convened its first meeting after the summer break early in September. I witnessed significant progress in identifying joint strategies of BiH LEA Agencies to fight Organized Crime and Corruption.

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The group accepted EUPMs plan to organize a study visit, together with a technical representative of the Ministry of Security, in order to assess the cooperation of LEA in a federal governmental structure. The visit is planned for early November. Operational details of cases of Orgnaized Crime of mutual interest were discussed.

September also witnessed progress in police reform. The members of the Independent Board and the Public Complaints Board were appointed and chairmen for both boards selected. Inaugural sessions were held. These appointments are the prerequisite for the subsequent selection of the Director of the Directorate for Police Coordination, the last of the new institutions still to be established.

A particularly complex anti-organised crime activity is worth highlighting, reflecting EUPM’s continuous advice over several years, especially at the critical police-prosecutor interface. The investigation led to arrests of regional significance. A high level organised crime network, suspected of being responsible for a series of murders, including that of police chiefs, dating back to the 1990s, is on the verge of being properly dismantled. One of the feuding gang leaders was arrested early this year for a murder in Germany and extradited. Thanks to covert investigations led by prosecutors from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, several arrests were carried out in September, including the second gang leader who was arrested in Serbia. This has created momentum to solve related remaining murder cases. EUPM is advising the state prosecutors’ office. The matter will be reported in future as it progresses. However, already at this stage, the investigation has to be considered another major achievement in creating a track record in the fight against Organised Crime and Corruption achieved by international police and judicial cooperation.

3. MANDATE IMPLEMENTATION

Transition to EUPM 2010-11

EUPM HoM meets Republika Srpska Minister of Interior (MoI) and Director of Police (DoP) in Banja Luka – During a meeting on 24 September HoM met RS Minister of Interior, Stanislav Cadjo, and expressed his willingness to consult relevant aspects of the follow-up mission with the main counterparts prior to his departure for Brussels to present the OPLAN for EUPM 2010-2011 at the PSC session.

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He underlined his appreciation to the RS MoI and RS Police contribution to the cooperation between different LEAs in BiH. Minister Cadjo confirmed his full support to the new EUPM mandate in terms of providing assistance in fighting organized crime and corruption. On the same day a separate meeting was held with RS Director of Police (DoP), Uros Pena. HoM once again reiterated his intention to talk to relevant authorities prior to the presentation of the OPLAN. During the conversation, both representatives discussed the meeting of Police Directors regarding the location of the server on data exchange and its presentation at the media.

3.1 Support in the fight against organised crime and corruption

Well-known organised crime figure (OC) from BiH arrested in Belgrade (Serbia) – On 1 September, RS MoI in cooperation with MoI Serbia and MoI Canton 9 (Sarajevo) conducted operation ‘Delta’ simultaneously in BiH and Serbia, targeting organized crime figures. Police searched 19 locations in Sarajevo, Bijeljina and Trebinje area. In total, 19 persons were arrested, 6 in Serbia and 13 in BiH. Among them 3 police officers were arrested, one from SIPA, one from Border Police and one from RS MoI. Darko Elez, a well known OC figure from Eastern Sarajevo was arrested in Belgrade together with his close associate. The main case, related to organized crime, is being investigated by the Serbian MoI and has ramifications in BiH as well. It is suspected that the arrested police officials are in close connection with the criminal network. From RS MoI side the activities are conducted by the Special Investigations Unit within Crime Investigation Department and coordinated by the State Prosecutor’s Office. EUPM is closely monitoring the ongoing operation.

Further arrests in Citizens Information Protection System (CIPS) investigation – On 1 September, in the course of the CIPS investigation and based on an order issued by the BiH Court, SIPA Tuzla (Canton 3) assisted by PSC Bijeljina and Brcko police officers searched several private accommodations as well as official premises of CIPS in Zvornik and Registry Office in Zvornik. Although nine persons were targeted, seven were arrested during the operation. All arrestees were interviewed. During the search officers seized documents necessary for issuing ID cards and passports, extracts of birth and citizenship certificates, copies of ID cards – BiH and Serbian, visa

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forms, a pistol and a hunting rifle. No incidents occurred during the searches. EUPM will monitor the investigation. EUPM comment: At the spot searches were executed in a structured way and every investigator/team was aware of their tasks. Cooperation between SIPA, Brcko District police and RS MoI was satisfactory and conducted in a professional manner. This operation can be considered as very successful because three different police agencies were involved with more than 100 officers deployed and no information leaked indicating that almost all suspects were found and more evidence than expected was seized. Background: On 28 May 2008 following a long-term investigation undertaken by the State Prosecutor’s Office, SIPA, Brcko District and RS MoI officers executed 26 search warrants in Banja Luka, Brcko and Bijeljina. The operation aimed at widespread abuse and misuse of BiH computerized CIPS ID cards and passport system. The investigation uncovered evidence that the illegally obtained cards, possibly numbering hundreds, have been used as part of criminal activities in BiH. 20 persons were arrested and four CIPS offices have been searched. During the operation, a large amount of money was found and seized as well as certain documents, several weapons and some other evidence. EUPM members were closely involved from the planning stage of this operation and were deployed in the field. Good co-operation was maintained between SIPA, Brcko District and RS police and excellent co-ordination with EUPM officers. The investigation is ongoing and EUPM is monitoring. (See MAR 05/08)

FMoI operation “Medusa” in Canton 7 (Mostar) – On 14 September, following a long term investigation and based upon an order issued by the Canton 7 Prosecutor, FMoI officers conducted an operation in Canton 7 (Herzegovina Neretva Canton), aimed at drug trafficking. The operation was also simultaneously conducted in Trebinje area where PSC Trebinje searched six locations in Trebinje and Gacko and arrested four persons. They were handed over to FMoI for further proceedings. During the search at nine locations in the Mostar area, FMoI officers seized 2 kg of heroin (some weapons were also seized) and arrested eight persons, among them the main suspect. The arrested persons are allegedly part of an organized crime group involved in drug trafficking in BiH, mostly in the Federation. During the past months, FMoI officers applied special investigative measures, made several arrests, interviewed suspects with the aim of gathering evidence against the main leaders of the targeted organized crime group.

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The operation was fully synchronized with PSC Trebinje and cooperation was excellent. EUPM has monitored and assisted in this investigation from the beginning and commends professional cooperation between LEAs. EUPM Assessment: This was a challenging investigation/operation into organized crime, and was also approved by EU ESDP Coordination Board as a Main Target (MT). EUPM identified some weaknesses that should be overcome in future similar investigations. This investigation had slowed down on several occasions due to various unforeseen factors. When submitting requests to apply for new Special Investigative Measures, it was taking ten days for Prosecutor’s to approve. Following a meeting between EUPM and the respective Prosecutor, Special Investigative Measures were dealt with in a more professional manner from both sides. Another obstacle was the lack of support from MoI Canton 7 who agreed to support FMoI but the support was restrained for no apparent reason. This required hard-pressed FMoI officers to involve all resources in to this case and eventually impacted on the cost of the investigation. Other obstacles were related to the lack of Police Ethics by the Police Forensic Centre. The forensic technicians had erroneously mixed up the dates of the seized drugs and therefore the dates on the exhibit were not corresponding to the interception and the date of arrest. When FMoI requested the Chief of Forensics to fix the mistakes, forensic technicians refused to do so and EUPM had to intervene with the Director of Police in order to instruct the Forensic Department to correct the mentioned errors. Overall, this investigation can be considered as a success. Although 2 kg of heroin was seized, the criminal report outlining the activity of the group will include 14 persons. This means, that if the police and prosecutor manage to prove the case, we will have another criminal group rounded up and prosecuted. Police and prosecutor are confident that they have enough evidence to indict the suspects of committing an offence as a criminal group.

Operation “Dealer” in Banja Luka – On 7 and 8 September, officers of the Banja Luka Department for prevention of production and trade of narcotics arrested five persons and searched their accommodations. During searches police seized approximately 900 grams of substance resembling heroin, a digital scale, several mobile phones and SIM cards as well as a certain quantity of ammunition. On 14 September, as a continuation of the operation, officers of the three persons in Prijedor and four persons in Banja Luka and Laktasi were arrested.

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Following the search of a house in Prijedor area, the police found and seized 272, 1 grams of substance resembling heroin, 8, 2 grams of substance resembling cocaine, two digital scales, several mobile phones, various mobile phone cards and one hand grenade. Also, several houses in Banja Luka and Laktasi were searched. All arrestees are suspected of illegal production and trade of narcotics and were handed over to the Banja Luka District Prosecutor for further processing. The final phase of the operation was conducted on 21 and 22 September in the area of Banja Luka. PSC Banja Luka Drug Department in cooperation with RS MoI Drug Department arrested six persons and seized 1, 047 grams of substance resembling marijuana, 45 grams of substance resembling heroin, a digital scale, a rifle and 100 rifle cartridges. EUPM Assessment: Banja Luka police commenced special investigation measures against this group in June 2009. The case is being closely monitored by EUPM. The main organiser is one of the arrestees and in 2007 he was convicted to 10 months imprisonment for committing a similar crime, although the RS CC stipulates that the penalty for such crime is detention from 1 to 10 years. He was released from the prison in October 2008. On suspicion that an additional person who is residing in Sarajevo (Canton 9) provided heroin to the main organiser, PSC Banja Luka cooperated with FMoI and MoI Canton Sarajevo and a suspect was arrested in Sarajevo on 10 September.

SIPA operations target counterfeit CDs, DVDs and VHS – On 17 September, based upon orders issued by the BiH State Court and the State Prosecutor and as a continuation of previous operations, SIPA Mostar conducted an operation against illegal production and distribution of CD, DVDs and VHS cassettes. The searches were simultaneously conducted in Ljubuski (Canton 8) and Konjic (Canton 7). During the search in Ljubuski nothing was found while during the searches in Konjic SIPA officers seized 2 computers, 3 burners, 3,595 audio and video drives, 5,635 CDs, 50,000 CD covers, 165 CD layouts, 476 VHS layouts, 414 empty VHS tapes, 364 VHS tapes without covers and 21 DVDs. The seized items are valued at approximately 400,000 KM. Two persons were arrested but released subsequent to interviewing. EUPM monitored the investigation and preparations for the operation in the field.

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In a separate crackdown on pirated discs carried out on 25 September in Prijedor (Republic of Srpska), SIPA officers searched six shops and seized 19,385 CDs and DVDs. The operation was conducted in a professional way by both SIPA officers and local police officers who were assisting and providing security.

Counterfeit Currency – A very important step in the right direction was made with the implementation of a database for forged Euros on 24th September 2009. Further there is the intention to install a database to verify against the counterfeit KM. The software was donated by the French Government. An analyst will be in charge to maintain and use the database. Two investigators from SIPA HQ, who are responsible for such cases, attended from 22nd until 25th September 2009 a training program for Counterfeit Currency. This course represents a follow- up-education, which is linked to the cooperation with the French Counterfeit Currency Unit.

Development of Counterfeit Currency (CC) Enforcement Program – The basic aim of this program is to create a centralized unit in SIPA and to further establish a database in the Central Bank of BiH (CBBiH) for the fight against Counterfeit Currency. The team running the program should be able to analyse the situation concerning Counterfeit Currency countrywide. In addition they should be obliged to offer all requested information to the other police authorities. Not only is this program timely and necessary due the increase in circulated counterfeit money, it is a requirement to join in the European Union.

Most of the seized banknotes are KM. As in previous cases it seems, that organized groups from abroad are using Bosnia as a test market for their Counterfeit Euro-banknotes, because the population is not as familiar with Euro-banknotes as they are in the Euro zone. There is also a noted increase in the use of counterfeit 5KM coins. The Central Bank of Bosnia have informed us, of the following increase of counterfeit currency cases during the first 5 months 2009 (January until May):

KM increase of 100% comparing 2008 Euro increase of 600% (!) comparing 2008

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The current status of the CC Enforcement Program is not satisfactory, with only one SIPA- investigator working on this issue. There is a lack of information because just 5 Cantons from Central Bosnia are providing information to the Central Bank. The RS and the Cantons from Herzegovina are not cooperating.

Most remarkable case in 2009 - On 10th May 2009, after extensive investigations, three suspects were arrested. They were charged with the criminal offence of Organized Crime and Counterfeiting of Money. The SIPA with assistance of their Special Support Unit have confiscated around Euro 80.000.

Agreement on central server for data exchange between police and prosecutors’ offices signed – On 30 September, representatives of the Ministry of Security of BiH, Federation Police Administration, Republika Srpska (RS) Ministry of Interior, Border Police, SIPA, Brcko District Police, cantonal Ministries of Interior and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council signed an agreement on the establishment of an electronic data exchange system between the police and the prosecutors’ offices. The signing of this document came as a follow up to the agreement reached between the Deputy Minister of Security of BiH and the Ministers of interior of RS and FBiH on Friday, 25 September. The deputy Minister of Security of BiH stated that he expects to have the agreement implemented 60 days after the Director of the Directorate has been appointed.

3.2 Police Reform

Cantonal Assembly (CA) adopted the new Law on Weapons and Ammunition – At the 20th regular session held on 22 September the Cantonal Assembly adopted the new Law on Weapons and Ammunition. After the Law got a green light at the Government and was accepted and recommended by the Assembly’s Legislative Commission as well as none amendment has been proposed by the political parties, the Assembly decided to adopt the Law immediately, without further procedure.

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Canton 7 Government Appointed New Police Commissioner – At its 44th session held on 9 September 2009, the Government of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (Mostar, Canton 7) unanimously appointed Mr. Amir Begic as the Police Commissioner. The proposal for his appointment was presented by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Zoran Kresic. He noted that the ISRB has selected Begic as a candidate for this position following the completion of the selection procedure that was prescribed by the vacancy for this position. Begic’s predecessor was removed by the Decision of High Representative on 6 June 2009.

The Proposed Law on Changes and Amendments to the Law on Salaries and Remunerations in BiH Institutions Adopted by the House of Representatives and House of Peoples – Proposed Law on Changes and Amendments to the Law on Salaries and Remunerations in BiH Institutions was adopted in the second reading by the House of Peoples on 15 September. This marks the completion of the adoption procedure as the House of Representatives adopted the same Law on 2 September, also in the second reading. Adoption of the Law will mostly affect Border Police and support services in BiH institutions.

Activities related to the visa liberalization roadmap requirements – House of Representatives (HoR), during a session held on 16 September 2009 adopted the Report of execution of Plan of activities for realization of pending obligations from the Road Map for visa liberalization, as prepared by the Council of Ministers (CoM). Representative of the Joint Committee for European Integrations made the following observations: The Report elaborates that out of 52 conditions, 10 were completely implemented, 38 were running according to the plan, while 4 were seriously late. However, some of the 38 supposed to be running according to the plan are nowhere near realization, - i.e. the Law on Central Anti-Corruption Body that was supposed to be in the parliamentary procedure by 15 September. For 4 items that are seriously late the report provided no explanation or suggestion how to overcome the deadlock.

Finally, the HoR adopted the Report as well as conclusions proposed by Zlatko Lagumdzija (SDP) whereby the CoM is instructed to be in permanent session over the remaining issues related to visa liberalization process.

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Council of Ministers (CoM), during its session held on 24 September 2009 adopted the Proposed Law on Agency for Prevention of Corruption and Coordination of Fight against Corruption which will be sent for the adoption to the Parliament under regular procedure. It also adopted the Proposed Strategy of BiH for the Fight against Corruption and Proposed Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy 2009-2014. Additionally, the Proposed Strategy of BiH for the Fight against organized crime 2009–2012 was also adopted.

3.3 Police Accountability

EUPM monitored football match between BiH and Turkey in Zenica (Canton 4) for World Cup Qualification – On 9 September, a FIFA qualification football match between national teams of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey took place in Zenica. Although the match was assessed as a high risk event no incidents occurred. There were 350 officers deployed to secure the event together with an additional 350 security guards. Support Units from Canton 4, Canton 3 (Tuzla), Canton 6 (Travnik) and Canton 9, including K-9 Units from Cantons 3 and 4, were also engaged. MoI Canton 4 assessed that approximately 14,000 supporters attended the match including 950 Turkish supporters. Approximately 7,000 people watched the match on the screen close to the stadium. Local police took all necessary measures and acted in a professional and competent manner.

An incident occurred in Mostar (Canton 7) after televised football matches BiH vs. Turkey and England vs. Croatia. The police spotted approximately 50 youngsters in the Park Zrinjevac in West Mostar (Canton 7), which is very close to the Boulevard where confrontations between supporters from both sides of town sometimes take place. Once the group noticed the police approaching them, they threw stones at the police and ran away. The crowd, which was composed of persons of Croat ethnicity, gathered to more than 100 as people from nearby coffee shops joined them. The police ordered them to disperse but the crowd responded by throwing stones and bottles against the police. MoI Canton 7 officers used tear gas to restore public order. Six police officers sustained injuries, several windows at the Mercator Shopping centre and nearby small shops were broken; one police vehicle and Security Agency vehicle were damaged. The police arrested eight persons including three juveniles.

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It must be pointed out that this was not an ethnically related incident but an act of vandalism and attack against local police.

4. POLITICAL AND SECURITY UPDATE

Row over Appointment of BiH Minister of Security Continues – The BiH Minister of Security has not been appointed yet, and the row that ensued between the SDA and Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers has in the meantime intensified. SDA first announced the withdrawal of its ministers from the BiH CoM if this appointment is conditioned by the appointments of the Head of Indirect Taxing Administration and Communications Regulatory Agency as they think that the Chairman was obligated to appoint the Minister of Security of BiH two days after receiving confirmations from SIPA and the Central Election Commission, i.e. 31 August, 2009.

SDA President recently stated that he would request OHR assistance in reaching a solution for this problem. The Chairman of the BiH CoM has requested new verification from the Central Electoral Commission on the data provided by the SDA candidate for the position of Minister of Security, Mr. Sadik Ahmetovic.

The reason behind the new request according to the Chairman of the CoM is the receipt of an anonymous letter from a group of citizens who claim that Mr. Ahmetovic is in conflict of interest and that he cannot be the Minister of Security.

Following these developments the Central Electoral Commission announced that this request is unfounded as the Commission has already verified the data provided by Mr. Ahmetovic. Background: BiH to have a new Minister of Security following initiation of removal process - On 15 July the SDA President Sulejman Tihic wrote to the Council of Ministers (CoM) Chairman proposing the initiation of an urgent procedure to dismiss Minister of Security Tarik Sadovic (SDA). This followed Mr Sadovic’s refusal to follow his party Presidency’s 3 July call to resign. The Chairman of the CoM initiated the procedure which resulted in the BiH House of Representatives (HoR) confirmation of the request on 22 July.

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On July 23 the SDA presidency decided to propose SDA vice-president Senad Sepic (currently Deputy Minister of civil Affairs) or Halid Genjac, (president of the SDA main board and member of the BiH HoRs) for the position.

However, on Monday 27 July Mr Sadovic began questioning the legality of the decision, stating that the procedure had not been completed in accordance with the law since the BiH House of Peoples (HoPs) has not confirmed the dismissal. While the final outcome is not expected to change, it is unlikely that a new appointment can be expected before September. In the meantime, Deputy Minister, Mijo Kresic (HDZ) has started to sign documentation in relation to ministerial duties.

Business and Politics – political parties as a business venture – On 24 September, Fahrudin Radoncic, a local business tycoon and owner of the Dnevni Avaz group announced the formation of his new political party, the Union for Better Future of BiH (Stranka za Bolju Buducnost BiH, SBBBiH). The declared goals are to strengthen the economy, ensure employment, eradicate poverty and corruption, end the isolation of the Bosniak population, steer the country towards the EU and – preserve the heritage of SDA founder Alija Izetbegovic. Potentially Mr Radoncic has great impact through his newspaper - the most popular daily among Bosniacs. Although Avaz started as an SDA paper, Radoncic gave support to the SDP during the 2000 election campaign and is viewed as responsible for its victory. During the 2004 and 2006 elections he withdrew this support, transferring to SBiH, making possible that party’s re-emergence. Unless his party could dominate Bosniac support (unlikely) its main significance will only be to divide this voter base even further.

5. SECURITY

The security in the Mission remains stable.

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6. MEDIA

EUPM attends a presentation of EUSR commissioned public opinion survey – A main purpose of the survey was to find out data regarding the perception of BIH citizens toward the current work of the OHR and a future mandate of the EUSR. Following the presentation, representatives of the EU family press offices agreed to exchange results and co-ordinate activities in the field of public opinion surveys.

EUSR has committed to carry out an analysis of the results of surveys commissioned this year, which will be used as the basis for development of the joint EU-family communication strategy.

HoM interview with the International Herald Tribune – On 23 September, the Head of Mission gave an interview to the International Herald Tribune on ESDP and its effectiveness. Journalist’s intent is to take BiH as a case study for ESDP operations in light of the upcoming Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. The thread of the story will be to explain what the Status Quo of ESDP in the field is and what might change/improve in case the Lisbon Treaty enters into force.

HoM interview with BHT in Brussels on 25 September – Following the presentation of the operational plan to the Political and Security Committee, BHT TV carried the newscast that EUPM should finish its tasks in the coming two years.

EUPM PPIO received award from West Herzegovina Canton – At this year’s ceremony of marking the Police Day of the West Herzegovina Canton Ministry of Interior, the press and public information office received an award in recognition of its assistance to the Ministry’s Press Office.

EUPM promoted Krimolovci (Crime stoppers) hot line at Alfa TV – Alfa TV hosted SIPA and EUPM’s PPIO Chief in a talk show “GostIona” promoting the cooperation between the police and citizens. The focus was on the Krimolovci (Crime Stoppers) hotline and the public information campaign “Dare and call Krimolovci” which was run by EUPM and LEAs in BiH. Once more the message was sent to BiH citizens to share information with police via the hotline, as well as TV show Nerijesen Slucaj (Unsolved Case) and the website www.krimolovci.ba.

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7. RELATIONS WITH HOST COUNTRY AUTHORITIES As EUPM is an established mission, currently there are no issues to report under this heading

8. RELATIONS WITH EU, OTHER IC ORGANISATIONS AND REPRESENTATIVES As EUPM is an established mission, currently there are no issues to report under this heading

9. OTHER ASPECTS

Extradition of murder suspects – On 10 September, after an extradition procedure was completed, the Croatian MoI extradited and handed over to FMoI two persons suspected of murdering a 23 year old man in a catering facility ‘Ocho Rios’ in Sarajevo on 13 August. The victim died several hours later. (See MAR 08/09) Following this death there has been a public outcry at what is seen as a lack of will on the part of the Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office and the authorities to tackle this type of crime effectively. In protest, people from the locality blocked the main through-route in Sarajevo in both directions for long periods between 14 -16 August. The protests were lifted following the arrest of the suspects in Croatia on 16 August.

SIPA arrest war crimes suspects – On 7 September, SIPA War Crimes Investigations Centre (WCIC) and Special Support Unit officers arrested a person residing in Prijedor, suspected of committing war crimes against civilians in the areas of Travnik/Knezevo/Skender Vakuf. The arrest is the result of an ongoing trial against several suspects in the ‘Koricanske stijene’ case. On 8 September, SIPA WCIC officers arrested a police officer residing and working in Kupres (Canton 10), suspected of committing war crimes against the prisoners of war in November 1994.

On 9 September, based on an order issued by the BiH Prosecutor’s Office, SIPA WCIC officers arrested a person suspected of committing war crimes against civilians committed in 1993 in Bugojno (Canton 6).

On 16 September, based upon orders issued by the BiH State Court and the State Prosecutor’s Office, SIPA WCIC and Special Support Unit officers arrested four persons residing in Bihac (Canton 1), Mostar, Konjic (Canton 7), and Sarajevo (Canton 9), suspected of committing war

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crimes against civilians. Two arrestees are also suspected of committing war crimes against the prisoners of war. There were no problems encountered during the arrests.

10. OUTLOOK

NSTR

Approved by Commissioner Stefan Feller Head of Mission

ANNEX I: Personnel situation

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ANNEX I: Personnel situation Deployment of Police Officers - Member States EUPM MHQ Reg. Office

30-Sep-09 Pale SIPA Livno Office Bihac Tuzla Brcko TOTAL Mostar Support Travnik Bijeljina Trebinje Sarajevo Sarajevo Reporting Reg. Office Inspections Reg. Office Banja Luka Department Department Banja Luka Border Police Police Reform Reg. Office Tuzla Head ofHead Mission's Administration and Reg. Office Mostar Anti-OC Department Austria 1 1 1 1 1 5 Belgium 1 1 2 Bulgaria 2 2 Cyprus 1 1 2 Czech Republic 1 4 5 Denmark 0 Estonia 1 1 Finland 1 2 2 1 6 France 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 8 Germany 1 1 4 2 1 1 1 1 12 Greece 1 1 Hungary 2 1 3 Ireland 1 1 1 1 4 Italy 1 3 2 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 17 Latvia 0 Lithuania 0 Luxemburg 0 Malta 1 1 2 Netherlands 1 1 3 1 1 1 8 Poland 1 1 1 3 Portugal 0 Romania 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 10 Slovakia 2 1 1 1 5 Slovenia 1 1 1 1 4 Spain 2 1 1 4 Sweden 1 2 3 United Kingdom 1 1 2 Sub total 5 2 2 17 11 2 22 10 4 3 2 2 3 3 2 4 2 2 2 4 2 2 1 109

Deployment of Police Officers - Third States EUPM MHQ Reg. Office

30-Sep-09 HoM Luka Pale SIPA Livno Bihac Tuzla Brcko TOTAL Mostar Support Travnik Bijelina Trebinje Sarajevo Reporting Inspections Department Department Banja Luka Border Police Police Reform Reg. Off. Tuzla Off. Reg. Reg. Off. Banja Reg. Off. Mostar Off. Reg. Administration and Reg. Off. Sarajevo Anti-OC Department Canada 0 Iceland 0 Norway 0 Switzerland 1 2 1 4 Turkey 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 Ukraine 1 1 1 1 1 5 Sub total 0 0 1 1 3 0 4 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 16 TOTAL 5 2 3 18 14 2 26 13 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 125

14382/09 EXT 1 PH/lz 19

ANNEX DGC 1C

Deployment of International Civilians - Member States EUPM MHQ Reg. Office

30-Sep-09 HoM Luka SIPA DHoM Mostar TOTAL Anti-OC Sarajevo Reporting Reporting Reg. Office Reg. Office Department Department and Support Border Police Police Reform Administration Reg. Office Tuzla Reg. Office Banja Banja Office Reg. Austria 0 Belgium 0 Bulgaria 1 1 2 Cyprus 0 Czech Republic 0 Denmark 0 Estonia 0 Finland 1 1 France 1 1 2 Germany 2 2 Greece 0 Hungary 0 Ireland 3 3 Italy 1 2 1 4 Latvia 0 Lithuania 0 Luxemburg 0 Malta 0 Netherlands 0 Poland 0 Portugal 1 1 Romania 0 Slovakia 0 Slovenia 0 Spain 2 2 Sweden 0 United Kingdom 3 1 1 1 6 Sub total 9 1 3 3 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 23

Deployment of International Civilians - Third States EUPM MHQ Reg. Office

30-Sep-09 HoM SIPA Luka DHoM Mostar TOTAL Anti-OC Sarajevo Reporting Reporting Reg. Office Reg. Office Department Department and Support Border Police Police Reform Administration Reg. Office Tuzla Reg. Office Banja Banja Office Reg. Canada 1 1 Iceland 0 Norway 0 Switzerland 0 Turkey 1 1 2 Ukraine 1 1 Sub total 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 TOTAL 9 1 4 4 6 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 27

14382/09 EXT 1 PH/lz 20

ANNEX DGC 1C