The trial of the accused five in the "Dženan Memić" case is scheduled to begin in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, October 7th.
This timetable is officially listed on the website of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The judge who will lead the trial is Branko Perić.
On that day, with the reading of the indictment and the introductory words of the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H, the trial in a case of great public interest will begin, especially after the Supreme Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina recently handed down a final acquittal to Ljubo and Bekrija Seferović, which the Sarajevo Cantonal Prosecutor's Office accused of causing the accident in which Memić died.

Zijad Mutap, his daughter Alisa Mutap-Ramić, who was with Dženan Memić when he was killed in the Great Alley in Ilidža in 2016, a member of the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of the Interior Hasan Dupovac and Josip Barić, and the receptionist of the Ilidza hotel "Crystal" who worked the night Memić was killed Muamer Ožegović are the accused. 
The accused are charged with organized crime and preventing the discovery and proving of the cause of the death of young man Dženan Memić. On August 25, they denied guilt for the crimes they are charged with.
As we published earlier, from the indictment filed and confirmed, which was submitted to "Avaz" from sources close to the Court, it is clear that Alisa Mutap refused to state all the facts that were very well known to her as an eyewitness and that it was established that at the fateful night she was conscious and communicative.

From the medical documentation and the doctor's findings, it can also be seen that Mutap did not have amnesia.

As stated in the indictment, Alisa's father Zijad is the organizer of a group whose goal was to cover up the real perpetrators and the real way in which Dženan Memić suffered severe bodily injuries as a result of which he died.
In the indictment, the Prosecution alleges that Zijad Mutap contacted Hasan Dupovac, then head of the Traffic Investigation Department of the SC Ministry of the Interior, after the accident, after which they arranged a meeting in restaurant “Royal” near Vogošća, where protected witness M-10 and Edin Avdić were present.

<h2>Asked them to find a Renault vehicle</h2>

Before the meeting, Zijad Mutap gave instructions to Dupovac and the phone number of the protected witness, in order to arrange a meeting in Vogošća.
- Dupovac asked them (protected witness M-10 and Edin Avdić, Op. cit.) to find a green Renault Clio vehicle, although he knew that it was not the subject of the crime in which Dženan Memić was killed, promising them, according to the instructions Zijad Mutapa, financial gain, knowing that they are not authorized to collect evidence and promising them that they can commit everything except murder when finding that vehicle - it is stated, among other things, in the indictment.
In addition, as "Avaz" published, the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina will open an investigation into the crime of murder in the coming days.

On that day, the trial in the case of great public interest will begin with the reading of the indictment and the introductory words of the Prosecutor's Office of B&H

Zijad Mutap, Alisa Mutap and Hasan Dupovac

Five indicted in Court of B&H: Trial of Alisa Ramić-Mutap, her father Zijad Mutap, police officers Barić and Dupovac begins

The trade union of the company ArcelorMittal Zenica has decided to go on a strike, as they stated, to protect and improve the rights and interests of the workers. The strike will begin on October 15 at 7 am, announced today at a press conference the President of the Trade Union, Zuhdija Kapetanović.

As he announced, the strike will last until the fulfillment of the demands of the trade union, i.e. until the signing of the collective agreement for 2021.
Kapetanović also stated that at the last meeting at which they negotiated the collective agreement, and to their statement that the salaries of the company's workers in Germany are ten times higher, and that they do not see why their salaries could not be increased by 20 percent, they received a response from AMZ director Nikil Mehta that "everyone should then go and work in Germany".
- It was the straw that broke the camel's back because we realized they didn't want to negotiate. The workers told us not to sign the Collective Agreement if they do not get the 20 percent salary increase. I must mention that the company has performed better than in the past 16 years, and this year it has increased the prices of its products by 80 percent. In the first six months, they made a very good profit - Kapetanović pointed out.
The Cantonal Trade Union of Metalworkers of the Zenica-Doboj Canton also supports the demands of the AMZ Trade Union.
The average salary is 1,026 KM, but more than 60 percent of the company's employees do not receive that average salary. A skilled worker, for 165 hours of work, has a basic net salary in the amount of 694.98 KM, which is 300 KM below the average salary in the FB&amp;H.

The strike will last until the fulfillment of the demands of the trade union, i.e. until the signing of the collective agreement for 2021.

The Cantonal Trade Union of Metalworkers of the Zenica-Doboj Canton also supports the demands of the AMZ Trade Union

The trade union of ArcelorMittal Zenica announces a strike for October 15

The President of the Alliance for a Better Future (SBB), Fahrudin Radončić, commented on social media on the support of the High Representative in B&amp;H, Christian Schmidt, for the "Open Balkans" initiative.
You can read his post below:
- Schmidt ended the controversy: On my statements given in several interviews that "Open Balkans" is a great opportunity for regional investments, less unnecessary waiting at the borders, much easier interstate transport of people and goods, an avalanche of falsified interpretations was launched that the EU and Germany are against this idea. And, all of us, consequently, against official Brussels and Berlin.
Even worse, Mr. Komšić and Mr. Džaferović, as patriots on duty and managerially and economically incompetent persons, wanted to present all this politically as a policy of dangerous conquest of Bosnia and Herzegovina by our regional neighbors.
That is why it is good that the new High Representative, Christian Schmidt, and, as a high-ranking German diplomat, gave a strategic positive assessment of this development idea. This removes unnecessary speculation that the "Mini Schengen" is an alleged obstruction of the Berlin Process.
It is business, job creation, stopping young people from leaving the region, regional stability and cooperation that need new large investments and infrastructural networking. Regional cooperation is the best answer to populist quarrels and economic futility of politicians who have not been able to build a shed on their own in their lives, and that they have not even talked about opening a single job - Radončić's wrote on Instagram.

Schmidt gave a strategic positive assessment of this development idea. This removes unnecessary speculation that "Mini Schengen" is an alleged obstruction of the Berlin Process, wrote Radončić

Radončić: Schmidt stopped unnecessary speculations

Radončić: Schmidt ends controversy over "Open Balkans" initiative

The German government on Monday expressed "great concern" over rising tensions between China and Taiwan after Taipei alleged that dozens of Chinese military aircraft had violated its air defense zone over the past four days.

- The federal (German) government views the growing tensions in the Taiwan Straits with great concern - Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Christofer Burger said at a regular press briefing in Berlin.
He warned that the military activities in the Strait of Taiwan "have the potential to negatively affect stability in the region."
The German diplomat called on all sides "not to do anything that could lead to destabilization."
Meanwhile, Burger said his country will stick to its "one-China policy." Any change in the status quo can only be done through peaceful means, the spokesman added.
China views the island nation of Taiwan as a “breakaway province,” while Taipei insists it has been independent since 1949.
Taipei has been maintaining diplomatic relations with at least 16 states, triggering Beijing's wrath.
While Sino-German ties have been overshadowed by what Berlin views as tensions over Beijing's human rights record and its increasingly belligerent regional military activities, Germany does enjoy a deep economic relationship with China and sees the Asian economic powerhouse as a partner on issues such as climate change.
However, pressure is mounting within Germany’s political establishment and among a growing skeptical civil society, as well as from the toughening stance of some of Berlin’s closest allies, notably the US, for a stronger rethink.

Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman calls on all sides not to do anything that could lead to destabilization

The German diplomat called on all sides "not to do anything that could lead to destabilization"

Germany concerned about China's alleged incursion into Taiwan's airspace

Turkey has delivered 33 tons of food aid to Afghanistan, Ankara’s ambassador in Kabul said on Monday.

Speaking at a ceremony for the aid handover in the Afghan capital Kabul, Turkish Ambassador Cihad Erginay said: "The Turkish Red Crescent and other Turkish institutions will continue to carry aid to Afghanistan and Afghan people. This is the human duty."
The recent food aid was handed by the Turkish Red Crescent to the Afghan Red Crescent.
- Today's aid is a new phase, we have provided a larger amount of food aid, totaling 33 tons. In this aid effort, nearly 2,000 parcels will be distributed to meet the food needs of 16,000 people for one month - Erginay said.
He said the Afghan people have been suffering for years due to natural disasters such as drought and the coronavirus pandemic besides the recent transition period following the Taliban takeover.
- Turkey extended a helping hand to eliminate this suffering - Erginay said, urging all countries to offer help to Afghanistan.
Afghan Red Crescent head Mawlawi Said Sefatullah Quraishi, for his part, thanked the Turkish Red Crescent for the aid.
- Afghanistan has just come out of the war. The humanitarian crisis is growing. The number of people affected by drought and economic problems is between 19 and 25 million across the country. Our request from friendly and brotherly Turkey and the Turkish Red Crescent is to continue to help us.-

Turkey’s ambassador in Kabul says Ankara will continue to help Afghan people

The recent food aid was handed by the Turkish Red Crescent to the Afghan Red Crescent

Turkey has delivered 33 tons of food aid to Afghanistan

England on Monday further relaxed international travel to and from the country after ditching its traffic light system to replace it with a simpler red-list of countries and territories.

- From 4 am today (Monday), the UK’s new travel system comes into force with countries and territories categorized as either red or the rest of the world - a government statement said.
According to the announcement, “eligible fully vaccinated passengers and eligible under-18s” returning England from countries not on the red list will no longer be required to undergo pre-departure or 8th day tests, which were compulsory before. They will not need to go on a 10-day self-isolation either.
- The new rules also mean that from later in October eligible fully vaccinated passengers with an approved vaccine and recognized certificate from a country not on the red list will be able to replace their day 2 test with a cheaper lateral flow test, reducing the cost of tests on arrival into England - the statement added.
- We are accelerating towards a future where travel continues to reopen safely and remains open for good, and today’s rule changes are good news for families, businesses and the travel sector - said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
He said: “Our priority remains to protect public health but, with more than 8 in 10 people now fully vaccinated, we are able to take these steps to lower the cost of testing and help the sector to continue in its recovery.”
The statement added that England is “expanding our vaccinated policy to a further 18 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Canada.”
The recognized vaccines are Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca (including Covishield), Moderna and Janssen (J&amp;J).
Those eligible must have a “document from a national or state-level public health authority that includes certain information including name, date of birth and vaccination details.”
Residents of countries “not yet part of the inbound policy,” are still required to “take a pre-departure test, PCR tests for day 2 and day 8 after arrival, and self-isolate for 10 days, with the option to test to release after 5 days.”

New travel system comes into force with countries, territories categorized as either red or rest of world

The recognized vaccines are Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca (including Covishield), Moderna and Janssen (J&J)

England further relaxes international travel

The Tuzla Municipal Court accepted the motion of the acting prosecutor and ordered one-month custody measure for three Pakistani citizens, Muhammad Afzal (30), Hasan Riaz (27) and Salman Ali (30), due to a well-founded suspicion that as accomplices they committed the criminal offenses of fraud, unlawful deprivation of liberty and forced sexual intercourse in which the victims are citizens of Nepal.
 
According to the Cantonal Court of Tuzla Canton, there is a well-founded suspicion that in the second half of September these people promised four Nepalese people that they would provide them with a transfer from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Italy for a fee and thus took money from the Nepalese on several occasions in the total amount of about 5,500 euros, even though they knew that they were not able to transfer them to another country or that they had such an intention.
Thus, on September 27, they promised to transfer two Nepalese from B&amp;H, and took them to a forest location in the Tuzla settlement of Šički Brod, where they tied them with belts and shoelaces and illegally deprived them of their liberty, demanding additional amounts of money from them.
After that, they intimidated them with videos and photos of torturing people, and they put a knife under the throat of one Nepalese man, who was still tied up, and forced him to have sexual intercourse with them.
After some time, the Nepalese managed to escape and report the events to the police. The suspects were identified and arrested immediately after the incident was reported. The Criminal Police Sector of the Tuzla Canton Ministry of the Interior conducted an investigation and examined a number of witnesses. Criminal processing was carried out and the suspects were handed over to the Prosecutor's Office with a report on the committed crime, where they were interrogated. The investigation is ongoing.

There is a well-founded suspicion that Muhammad Afzal (30), Hasan Riaz (27) and Salman Ali (30) committed the criminal offenses of fraud, unlawful deprivation of liberty and forced sexual intercourse in which the victims are citizens of Nepal

The suspects were identified and arrested immediately after the incident was reported

One-month custody for three Pakistani citizens

A total of 887 samples were registered with the Public Health Institute of the Federation of B&amp;H in the past 24 hours, of which 335 were positive for SARS-CoV-2.

In the past 24 hours, 19 people died in the Federation of B&amp;H.
There were two newly infected out of 65 tested in the Brčko District. Two people have recovered and no one has died. Currently, 523 cases of infection are active in Brčko.
In the entity of Republic of Srpska, 207 samples were tested in the last 24 hours, and coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed in 44 people.
In the same period, 27 deaths were reported to the RS Institute of Public Health.
The total number of hospitalized in the RS is 746, the Institute said.

There were two newly infected out of 65 tested in the Brčko District

In the past 24 hours, 19 people died in the Federation of B&H

Covid -19 confirmed in 335 people, 46 deaths in B&H

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina today, October 4.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Chairwoman Margareta Cederfelt will join Linde on her visit to B&amp;H.
During her visit, Chairperson Linde will discuss with her interlocutors the current political situation in the country, the implementation of key reforms, the importance of reconciliation and confidence building, regional cooperation, and the empowerment of women and their participation in political decision-making.
They will also discuss the state's plans in the areas of EU integration, the fight against corruption, electoral law reform and recovery from the pandemic.
Chairperson Linde will also meet with members of the B&amp;H Presidency, as well as with the B&amp;H Foreign Minister Bisera Turković.
Organized by the OSCE Mission to B&amp;H, Chairperson Linde will also meet with representatives of civil society in B&amp;H to discuss women, peace and security, as well as with representatives of the international community in B&amp;H.
With Maša Durkalić, co-author of the book # ŽeneBiH and artist Nataša Konjević, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office will unveil a mural dedicated to Milena Mrazović, the first journalist, editor and publisher in Bosnia and Herzegovina, announced the OSCE Mission to B&amp;H.

During her visit, she will discuss with her interlocutors the current political situation in the country

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina today

Ashes erupting from the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Canary Islands blanketed most of the island in the south of Spain on Friday.

When residents of Los Llanos de Ariadne awoke in the morning, they found their homes, workplaces, and businesses completely engulfed in ashes.
As the shopkeepers cleaned the ashes in front of their business outlets, the residents strolled on the streets with umbrellas to protect themselves from the ashes that continued to pour.
- It's bad, very bad. We already have enough problems and now we need to deal with the ashes - Gregorio Paz, a Spanish shopkeeper, told Anadolu Agency.
Paz said it was the second ash rain since the activation of the volcano in mid-September.
- I was on leave and started work today. I had to pick up the broom immediately. I have to keep cleaning otherwise everyone will carry the ashes into the shop - he said.
The ashes should be cleaned as soon as possible, the shopkeeper said, because they set "in a short time like cement" and can clog pipes and drains.
Paz went on to say that he was one of the victims of Cumbre Vieja – the first active volcano in La Palma after 50 years – but still feels happy as he did not lose his house due to volcano eruption.
- I hope this nightmare will end when I go to bed and wake up in the morning - Paz, who was born on the island, added. - However, it seems to me that it will take much longer - he remarked, hoping for the best.
According to Copernicus, the EU Earth observation program, the lava pouring out of the volcano, which has been active since Sept. 19, has covered an area of 709 hectares so far, and damaged more than 1,000 houses, with 870 of them completely destroyed.
The lava, which burned some agricultural fields and greenhouses in the vicinity, also wrecked the 30 kilometers (18.7 miles) road, according to reports.
While it has been reported that gas emissions in La Palma have increased in the last two days, the Spanish Department of Homeland Security has stated that rising sulfur dioxide emissions do not represent a health risk.
Earlier, the Institute for Volcanic Studies of the Canary Islands said eruptions are expected to continue for 24 to 84 days.

Residents of Los Llanos de Ariadne town awaken to see their homes, workplaces and businesses entirely engulfed in ashes

The Cumbre Vieja volcano continues to spew lava and ashes, on the Canary island of La Palma in El Paso on October 01, 2021.

Cumbre Vieja volcano ashes blanket most of island in Spain

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday assured the top Libyan leader that Germany’s new government will continue efforts for Libya’s political reconciliation and economic development.

Speaking at a joint news conference with visiting chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya, Mohamed al-Menfi, Merkel said that Libya will continue to be among Berlin’s main foreign policy priorities, after the formation of a new German coalition government.
- In the next couple of weeks and months, we will see a transition process here from one government to the next. But I can assure you that Libya will continue to be among the main priorities of Germany - Merkel said.
- There will be a continuity in this respect. We would like to continue our cooperation with you - she added.
Merkel underlined that a political solution to the conflict in Libya was of significant importance, not only for the country but also for the whole African continent.
She reiterated her demand for the withdrawal of foreign troops and mercenaries from Libya and said that it was important to ensure that parliamentary and presidential elections are held on Dec. 24. She also promised Germany’s continued engagement for Libya’s economic development and stability.
Germany’s outgoing chancellor played a leading role in resolving the conflict in Libya by hosting a leaders summit in 2020, and her government continued its diplomatic initiative to advance the UN-led political unification and reconciliation process in the country.
After last month’s elections in Germany, Angela Merkel is quitting active politics, but she will remain in her post until a new coalition government is formed.

New German government will continue efforts for Libya’s unification, stability, Merkel tells Mohamed al-Menfi

Merkel assures Libyan leader of continued German support

The trial of Fadil Novalić and others in connection with the procurement of 100 ventilators worth 10,530,000 KM continued today in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In today's continuation of the trial of Novalić and others in the "Ventilators" affair, the interrogation of persons from the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of B&amp;H has resumed. Mladen Čančarević, who is employed as a lawyer in the Agency, and Dragana Reljić and Strahinja Obradović were questioned.

The first witness, Mladen Čančarević, as a lawyer in the Agency and Assistant Director for Legal Affairs, dealt with licenses for emergency import of medical devices and coordinated with colleagues in the case on whether they meet the conditions for emergency import.
He heard about the company "Silver raspberry" from Fikret Hodžić on April 23, 2020. When the director of the Agency, Aleksandar Zolak, called him and told him that he had been contacted by Miloš Stevanović, advisor to the director of the Indirect Taxation Authority, and said that he had contacted a company for importing ventilators for the Government of the Federation of B&amp;H.

Then, the director of the Agency for Medicines of B&amp;H, Aleksandar Zolak, contacted Mladen Čančarević and told him that Stevanović had called him and that the process related to the import of ventilators should be started urgently and that they were just arriving.
He gave him the telephone number of the person he would contact for that emergency import. It was the telephone number of Fikret Hodžić, the owner of "Silver raspberry", and he told him that he had to register in the register of wholesalers with medical equipment and gave him instructions for entry in the register, as well as instructions for emergency import.

<h2>Milićević is accused of negligent work in the service</h2>

Apart from Novalić, in the case of the disputed purchase of ventilators, the accused are the suspended director of the Federal Civil Protection Administration, Fahrudin Solak, the Minister of Finance of the Federation of B&amp;H, Jelka Milićević, and the owner of the company "Silver raspberry", Fikret Hodžić.
Novalić, Solak and Hodžić are accused of associating in order to commit criminal offenses related to acts of abuse of position or authority, and receiving a reward or other form of benefit for trading in influence.
The indictment also charges them with money laundering, falsification or destruction of business or trade books or documents, falsification of official documents and violation of the obligation to keep trade or business books and compile financial reports and their falsification or destruction.
Milićević is accused of negligent work in the service.
At the last hearing held on Wednesday, September 29, a member of the expert council of the B&amp;H Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices, Harun Avdagić, said that he was called from the FB&amp;H Prime Minister's Office by a man in connection with obtaining a license to import medical equipment.
Avdagić said that it was possible that Hasan Ganibegović had called him from the FB&amp;H Prime Minister's Office, and that he had referred him to Indira Fazlagić, the Agency's chief pharmaceutical inspector.
During her testimony, Fazlagić confirmed that Ganibegović called her in connection with obtaining the permit.

Witnesses Mladen Čančarević, who is employed as a lawyer in the Agency, and Dragana Reljić and Strahinja Obradović were questioned

"Ventilators" affair: Who did Aleksandar Zolak call, and who did Fikret Hodžić call?

Fikret Abdić, a convicted war criminal and the mayor of Velika Kladuša, was not arrested and brought before the Court of B&amp;H yesterday, because the duty judge of this judicial institution informed the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) that Abdić should not be arrested and brought to this institution because, as a B&amp;H citizen, he cannot be extradited to Croatia on an Interpol warrant!?
This is a new scandal of this judicial institution headed by Ranko Debevec.

The information that SIPA did not arrest Abdić, at the request of Interpol, because the judge said that there were no grounds, was confirmed for the "Avaz" portal by Darko Ćulum, the director of SIPA.
- Abdić was not arrested because the judge on duty said that it had been determined that he was a citizen of B&amp;H and that he could not be extradited to Croatia on a warrant. We called the judge on duty twice, we were told the same thing twice - Ćulum told us.
By the way, that is one of the reasons why there was confusion about Abdić's (non) arrest yesterday. Although the family filmed SIPA's entry into the family home, it was eventually said that he was neither arrested nor taken to the Banja Luka Office at all.
When asked whether the Court should determine the details of the request from the warrant at the court hearing, which is a well-known procedure and legal practice, Ćulum told us that "the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies has determined that Abdić has B&amp;H citizenship and is now up to the Court. "
But whether Abdić will be arrested, Ćulum told us:
- Now everything is on hold.

This is not the first time that the Court of B&amp;H has made obvious mistakes in its steps. They recently refused to detain Milomir Savčić, indicted for war crimes in Srebrenica, at the suggestion of the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, after which he fled the country.
In addition, in the cases of the arrest warrant from Zagreb for the Mamić brothers, Zdravko and Zoran, the Court on several occasions determined at the hearing whether there was a legal obstacle to their extradition, regardless of their citizenship. The same was the case with the recent arrest of Vinko Martinović Štela. After his arrest, he was brought before the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on a warrant from Zagreb, which was determining whether he could be extradited or not.

Instead of being brought before the Court where details need to be established, which is a well-known procedure and legal practice, the judge said not to bring him

New scandal of the Court of B&H headed by Ranko Debevec: This is the reason why SIPA did not arrest Fikret Abdić

The trial of Fadil Novalić and others continued in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in connection with the procurement of 100 ventilators worth 10,530,000 KM.
Apart from Novalić, in the case of the disputed purchase of ventilators, the accused are the suspended director of the Federal Administration of Civil Protection Fahrudin Solak, the Minister of Finance of the Federation of B&amp;H Jelka Milićević and the owner of the company " Silver raspberry" Fikret Hodžić.
Novalić, Solak and Hodžić are accused of associating in order to commit criminal offenses related to acts of abuse of position or authority, and receiving a reward or other form of benefit for trading in influence.
The indictment also charges them with money laundering, falsification or destruction of business or trade books or documents, falsification of official documents and violation of the obligation to keep trade or business books and compile financial reports and their falsification or destruction.
Milićević is accused of negligent work in the service.
At the last hearing held on Wednesday, September 29th, a member of the expert council of the B&amp;H Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices, Harun Avdagić, said that he was called from the FB&amp;H Prime Minister's Office by a man in connection with obtaining a license to import medical equipment.
Avdagić said that it was possible that Hasan Ganibegović had called him from the FB&amp;H Prime Minister's Office, and that he had referred him to Indira Fazlagic, the Agency's chief pharmaceutical inspector.
During her testimony, Fazlagić confirmed that Ganibegović called her in connection with obtaining the permit.
The hearing was scheduled for 1 PM.

Apart from Novalić, in the case of the disputed purchase of ventilators, the accused are Fahrudin Solak, Jelka Milićević and Fikret Hodžić

Arrival of the accused in the "Ventilators" affair at the Court of B&H

The trial continues: See the arrival of Fadil Novalić and the other indictees

The President of the Alliance for a Better Future (SBB), Fahrudin Radončić, posten on his Instagram profile after today's meeting with the US envoy in charge of reforming the B&amp;H Election Law, Matthew Palmer.
- There is much more at stake than the election law. If our politicians do not understand that the American mediation rope for reaching a compromise agreement on changing the Election Law is the last chance for stabilization and a more secure future for B&amp;H, the consequences will be incalculable.
By the end of the year, the public and international partners will understand who are really power-loving populists, selfish leaders and sick careerists who publicly or secretly want a triple division, and who are politicians with full state responsibility towards a difficult historical challenge and citizens.

And, whose priority is a stable Bosnia and Herzegovina, harmonized interethnic relations, economic development, stopping the division of B&amp;H, peace, regional and Euro-Atlantic integration before positions or ideological interests.
Compromise is the mother of all successes.
We have a potent negotiating platform. Thank you, Mr. Palmer and Mr. Nelson, for their exceptional work, diplomatic innovation and persistence - Radončić wrote on Instagram.
And yesterday, Radončić, like other party presidents, had a longer working breakfast "in private" with Palmer and Nelson.

Compromise is the mother of all successes, Radončić wrote on Instagram

Nelson, Radončić, Palmer, Kojović, Magazinović and Konaković

Radončić: There is much more at stake than the Election Law

Since my last visit, I have taken on a new function that is enlightened to the reform of the Electoral System in B&amp;H, said the US envoy in charge of reforming the B&amp;H Election Law, Matthew Palmer.
He added that the goal is to harmonize the legislation with those in the EU and in order to fulfill the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.
- The goal is to introduce transparency and fairness in the original process. I believe that there is a possibility that is open in B&amp;H, and to try to implement significant electoral reforms this year. I think we can have the necessary support in Parliament as well. This will also require targeted constitutional changes. We are doing everything in our power, we are here to help the parties sit down at the negotiating table - Palmer explained.

<h2>We want to see a solid system in the Federation</h2>

Asked about the necessary reforms and the parties' reactions to the US proposals, Palmer said that a compromise was necessary.
- We do not represent any political spectrum in B&amp;H. We want to help the parties reach an agreement. I'm not going to tell you what the deal should look like, that's what the parties should say. We can say what we think should be part of the negotiations. We believe that constitutional changes are needed. We cannot say what the parties should agree on. It is hard work, but it is democracy. My job is not to order something from someone, but to help get the conversation going - Palmer emphasized.
Speaking about the House of Peoples, Palmer pointed out that the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights refer to the state House of Peoples.
- There are a lot of questions about the federal House of Peoples, but it belongs to the parties to lead those talks. We want to see a solid system in the Federation that will ensure that people elect their representatives and that they serve those citizens. There are a lot of ways to find balance, I can’t say how that will happen. I am here and the EU is here to help. Voters, citizens are the main ones in this process. We are just helping, but B&amp;H must have a system that is strong and in line with the intentions for EU membership - Palmer believes.

When asked about the competencies of the Presidency of B&amp;H, Palmer pointed out that it is useful to discuss the competencies.
- I think that they also understand the interests of the citizens involved in this process. I will not tell you what the parameters of some existing institutions are, it is not my job, it is the job of the parties. My job is to facilitate conversations. If B&amp;H wants to join the EU, then that is the future that the citizens and B&amp;H want. But the obligations that imply that must be fulfilled. The conditions that are implied when EU membership needs to be met. First of all, it is a question of the "Sejdić and Finci" verdict. This must be done by basic political actors and opposition parties. There is not just one answer. There are many ways this can be done. Judgments must be implemented, electoral system reform must exist to ensure fairness and transparency. There must be a majority in Parliament that will allow the necessary laws to be passed. We will help as in the case of Mostar - said Palmer.
He added that there is no alternative to standing and talking.
- This is not the only issue that is of interest to the United States. My focus is on electoral reform, but that is not the only problem that needs to be addressed in B&amp;H. We are promoting the agreement - Palmer emphasized.

<h2>File's model is not the only one</h2>

Speaking about meetings with political leaders, Palmer said he is committed to believing there is a solution and room for agreement.
- Based on the conversations I had, I believe that there is a common understanding that there is an urgent need for progress and that there is a chance for the parties to come together and agree, and to protect the interests of their voters. It’s not easy, but there is that path. As it happened in Mostar, it took years, but we will work with the parties on that. File's model is one of the ways to go further. But the question is how to achieve that the model reflects B&amp;H, and that is one state, two entities and three peoples. How to ensure that anyone is elected to public office. File's model is not the only one, but the concept is open to progress. There is no fixed constituency which is why some have said it is a slippery slope towards the third entity. We would also support some variant of File's model, no one will come out of these talks 100 satisfied - Palmer pointed out.
He added that the OHR has its own 5 + 2 agenda.
- The USA is working in partnership with the EU within this reform, we are talking to the OHR, but this is not their focus - Palmer emphasized.

<h2>Some parties will have reservations about asymmetric solutions</h2>

When asked about his function, Palmer pointed out that the United States sees the same as the citizens of B&amp;H.
- We see a blockade of state institutions, but this should be an additional motive. And the blockade needs to be overcome and the institution strengthened in order to face political challenges. Crises are normal, navigating through crises and challenges is the responsibility of elected leaders. I understand everything and understand the pressures, but I hope that the leaders will understand that as a signal that they must enter the negotiations to reach an agreement by the end of this year - Palmer said.
When asked about the legitimacy of the new High Representative, Palmer pointed out that the right procedure was followed.
- Schmidt was appointed through PIC procedures in B&amp;H. The fact is that Russia refuses that, but I am not too interested in that - Palmer said.
He added that it is possible to discuss asymmetric solutions for B&amp;H in terms of electoral reform.
- It is up to the parties, we will not say which level is acceptable and which is not. Some parties will have reservations about asymmetric solutions - Palmer explained.

<h2>There is room for work on judicial reform</h2>

When asked about the situation in the judiciary, Palmer pointed out that the rule of law is fundamental.
- It is the center of American strategy. That was the case from the beginning. There is certainly room for work on judicial reform. There is no chance that B&amp;H will progress towards the EU without judicial reform. We have invested a lot in that so far. Over time we had to look, we are not satisfied, a lot of work that needs to be done and we are partners along the way. We bring in our experts and we have invested a lot. The public should be fair to choose the individuals who will represent their interests. That requires a judicial system that will ensure all that - Palmer emphasized.
Asked about the leaders' future negotiations, Palmer said he thought the leaders were capable and that the agreement on Mostar proved that.
- There was pressure and it took time. I don’t want to go into hypothetical questions in terms of what methods the U.S. is doing to put pressure. I don't mind repeating myself, but it is up to the parties to decide how and what they will agree on. Sometimes it’s good to have a third party at the table who isn’t too interested. I think I can help, I know these people. The EU is also there to help, but they have to do the hard work. This is an agreement and an exchange of interests. This is difficult in the United States as well, and it is not the only thing that is difficult in B&amp;H. They are capable and I am convinced of that - said Palmer.

He added that he would be satisfied with a minimal reform package that would improve the transparency of the election process.
- We want to see a result that is consistent and in line with the path to the EU - Palmer emphasized.
According to him, citizens are the key.
- The state is a group of citizens and they all have the right as individuals. Individual citizens have rights and should be respected by the state. A system should be established so that a Serb in the FB&amp;H has the same rights as everyone else and also a Bosniak in the RS. That is the basic European principle. And that should be harmonized with the principles of one state, two entities and three peoples - Palmer concluded.

Judgments must be implemented, electoral system reform must exist to ensure fairness and transparency

Palmer: We are doing everything in our power, we are here to help the parties sit down at the negotiating table

Five indicted in Court of B&H: Trial of Alisa Ramić-Mutap, her father Zijad Mutap, police officers Barić and Dupovac begins

The trade union of ArcelorMittal Zenica announces a strike for October 15

Radončić: Schmidt ends controversy over "Open Balkans" initiative

Germany concerned about China's alleged incursion into Taiwan's airspace

Turkey has delivered 33 tons of food aid to Afghanistan

England further relaxes international travel

One-month custody for three Pakistani citizens

Covid -19 confirmed in 335 people, 46 deaths in B&H

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina today

Cumbre Vieja volcano ashes blanket most of island in Spain

Merkel assures Libyan leader of continued German support

"Ventilators" affair: Who did Aleksandar Zolak call, and who did Fikret Hodžić call?

New scandal of the Court of B&H headed by Ranko Debevec: This is the reason why SIPA did not arrest Fikret Abdić

The trial continues: See the arrival of Fadil Novalić and the other indictees

Radončić: There is much more at stake than the Election Law

Matthew Palmer for "Avaz": Electoral and judicial reform in B&H is necessary

News

Five indicted in Court of B&H: Trial of Alisa Ramić-Mutap, her father Zijad Mutap, police officers Barić and Dupovac begins

The trade union of ArcelorMittal Zenica announces a strike for October 15

Radončić: Schmidt ends controversy over "Open Balkans" initiative

Germany concerned about China's alleged incursion into Taiwan's airspace

Turkey has delivered 33 tons of food aid to Afghanistan

England further relaxes international travel

One-month custody for three Pakistani citizens

Covid -19 confirmed in 335 people, 46 deaths in B&H

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina today

Cumbre Vieja volcano ashes blanket most of island in Spain

Merkel assures Libyan leader of continued German support

"Ventilators" affair: Who did Aleksandar Zolak call, and who did Fikret Hodžić call?

New scandal of the Court of B&H headed by Ranko Debevec: This is the reason why SIPA did not arrest Fikret Abdić

The trial continues: See the arrival of Fadil Novalić and the other indictees

Radončić: There is much more at stake than the Election Law

Matthew Palmer for "Avaz": Electoral and judicial reform in B&H is necessary