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Protesters set fire to a section of the presidency building in the
Bosnian capital city of Sarajevo, on the third day of unrest over
unemployment and political intertia.Reuters news agency reported that protesters had smashed windows and threw a flare into the building police efforts to disperse them with water cannons on Friday.
At least 150 people were injured in Friday's clashes.
Earlier, police had fired rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of protesters the capital city, following Thursday's violence which left more than 130 people injured.
Also on Friday, protesters set fire to a local government building in the northern town of Tuzla, the hotspot of violence that began on Tuesday. Authorities in Tuzla had ordered schools to cancel classes earlier in the day.
AFP news agency reported that about 100 hooded men were seen storming the building with flames, and thick smoke billowing from the first floor windows a short while after. Protesters outside prevented two fire engines from reaching the building.
At least 6,000 people took to the streets in Tuzla, according to Reuters news agency, who also reported that protesters lobbed stones at police in Sarajevo.
Al Jazeera's Alma Brnicanin reported that demonstrators gathered in the northern city of Bihac on Friday.
Tuzla's protests spread to other parts of the country on Thursday and have morphed into widespread discontent in an election year about unemployment and rampant corruption.
Police on Thursday fired teargas to drive back several thousand people throwing stones, eggs and flares at a local government building in Tuzla, once the industrial heart of Bosnia's north which has been hit hard by factory closures in recent years.
A strong police contingent dispersed the crowd in the evening after protesters started rioting, smashing shop windows and setting garbage bins on fire, a Tuzla police spokesman said.
The town's emergency service said it admitted 104 police officers who were seriously hurt, and 30 civilians with lighter injuries.
Hundreds of people turned out in solidarity protests in the capital Sarajevo and the towns of Zenica, Bihac and Mostar. In Sarajevo, protesters clashed with police who had blocked traffic in the city centre. Four officers were taken to hospital, officials said.
Public resentment
The prime minister of Bosnia's autonomous Bosniak-Croat federation, where the protests took place, held an emergency meeting with regional security ministers and prosecutors.
"We put on one side the workers who were left without basic rights, such as pensions and health benefits ... , and on the other side all hooligans who used this situation to create chaos," Prime Minister Nermin Niksic said after the meeting.
"We will not come to the solution by destroying property, damaging vehicles and windows and fighting the police," Niksic said, adding that police and prosecutors should take steps against those he called the hooligans.
The protests highlight public resentment over the political bickering that has stifled governance and economic development since the 1992-1995 war in the Balkan country.
The protesters were initially made up mainly of workers laid off when state-owned companies that were sold off collapsed under private ownership. They have been joined by thousands of jobless people and youths.
At 27.5 percent, Bosnia's unemployment rate is the highest in the Balkans.
Al Jazeera and agencies
7/2/14
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Bosnie: retour au calme après de violentes manifestations...
ReplyDeleteLe calme était revenu samedi matin en Bosnie où plusieurs villes avaient été la veille le théâtre de violentes manifestations contre la pauvreté et la mauvaise gestion du pays qui ont fait près de 150 blessés.
A Sarajevo, dans la matinée, une forte odeur de brûlé se répandait à proximité des bâtiments abritant la présidence de ce pays de 3,8 millions d'habitants et l'administration régionale de sa capitale qui avaient été incendiés la veille.
Des pompiers ont lutté toute la nuit contre les flammes. L'immeuble de l'administration régionale a quasiment entièrement brûlé à l'intérieur, selon un responsable de la brigade municipale des pompiers.
Des manifestations contre la pauvreté, qui ont eu lieu pour le troisième jour consécutif, ont tourné à l'émeute aussi à Tuzla (nord-est), à Mostar (sud), à Zenica (centre) et à Bihac (nord-ouest).
Des hooligans qui ont rejoint des milliers de manifestants ont saccagé et mis à feu des immeubles de l'administration de l'Etat dans toutes ces villes.................http://www.rtbf.be/info/monde/detail_bosnie-retour-au-calme-apres-de-violentes-manifestations-contre-la-pauvrete?id=8195515
8/2/14
Massenproteste in Bosnien: Ruf nach "politischer Revolution"....
ReplyDeleteNach den schweren Ausschreitungen in Bosnien-Herzegowina haben die Demonstranten eine "politische Revolution" gefordert. Demnach sollen beispielsweise die Politikergehälter den äußerst niedrigen Durchschnittslöhnen im Land angepasst werden.
Von Stephan Ozsvath, ARD-Hörfunkstudio Südosteuropa
Die Schäden sind beträchtlich nach den zum Teil gewalttätigen Ausschreitungen in Bosnien und Herzegowina am Freitag. In mehreren Städten brannten Regierungsgebäude. In der Hauptstadt Sarajevo wurde das Staatsarchiv in Mitleidenschaft gezogen, bestätigte der Internationale Repräsentant Valentin Inzko, im ORF. "Das Archiv konnte erhalten werden im Ersten Weltkrieg, auch im Zweiten Weltkrieg sowie im Krieg von 1992 bis 1995. Aber jetzt ist es ausgebrannt." Der Schaden sei immens..................http://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/bosnien138.html
8/2/14
Bosnia braces for more unrest after protests....At least 300 people injured since anti-government demonstrations over faltering economy began earlier this week.....
ReplyDeleteBosnia braced for fresh protests amid warnings the country could face a "tsunami" of popular anger over its dire economy after days of riots left several hundred people injured.
Yesterday, demonstrators set fire to a section of the presidency building in capital Sarajevo and at least 200 people were injured in clashes with police. That brought the total to around 300 people injured since demonstrations began on Wednesday, the AFP news agency reported.
The interior minister warned on Friday that government inaction could spark more popular anger, saying authorities had to launch an "anti-graft tsunami."
"If this does not happen, we will have a 'citizens' tsunami'," Fahrudin Radoncic said in a TV interview.................http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/bosnia-braces-more-unrest-after-protests-201428134949506168.html
8/2/14
EU to Consider Intervention in Bosnia if Tension Escalates....
ReplyDeleteAn eventual escalation of tension in Bosnia might result in intervention of EU forces, a high official warned Sunday.
Valentin Inzko, High Representative of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, told Austrian media that the situation in the country will be analyzed next Tuesday.
"Austria will increase its troops there, but if it comes to escalation we would have to consider the intervention of EU forces. Currently, we do not have such intention," Inzko said for the Austrian Kurier newspaper.
"For many years people did not protest because for them the peace after the war, with more than 100 000 killed was very important," he explained.
"It all began in the town of Tuzla, where workers have not been paid for over a year. The have been protesting every Wednesday, but no one paid attention to them," Inzko said adding that the current situation is Bosnia is the worst since1995.
Sunday is the fifth day of anti-government protests in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Locals are protesting against high unemployment, rampant corruption and the lack of economic and political progress.
- See more at: http://www.novinite.com/articles/158040/EU+to+Consider+Intervention+in+Bosnia+if+Tension+Escalates#sthash.XytZ7R36.dpuf
9/2/14
Bosnie: nouvelles manifestations attendues contre le pouvoir...
ReplyDeleteLe mécontentement social restait entier en Bosnie et les appels à des élections anticipées se multipliaient après les violentes manifestations de vendredi, sans précédent depuis la guerre intercommunataire de 1992-95.
De nouvelles manifestations sont attendues lundi, notamment à Sarajevo, où les protestataires réclament la démission du gouvernement de l'entité croato-musulmane, qui ensemble avec une entité serbe, forment la Bosnie après le conflit qui a fait 100.000 morts.
La veille, plusieurs centaines de personnes ont manifesté dans la capitale devant l'immeuble incendié de la présidence tripartite du pays, réclamant la démission des autorités.
Sous la pression de la rue, depuis le début mercredi de ces manifestations, les chefs de quatre administrations régionales de la Fédération croato-musulmane ont présenté leurs démissions.
L'accord de paix de Dayton (Etats-Unis), a imposé à la Bosnie des institutions politiques extrêmement compliquées, au sein desquelles le pouvoir est partagé entre Musulmans, Serbes et Croates et les décisions doivent être adoptées avec l'accord des trois communautés.
L'entité croato-musulmane est formée de dix cantons, chacun avec son propre gouvernement. Cette administration est pléthorique avec quelque 180.000 salariés pour un pays de 3,8 millions d'habitants...............http://www.rtl.be/info/monde/france/1068321/bosnie-nouvelles-manifestations-attendues-contre-le-pouvoir
10/2/14
Clashes in Bosnia and Herzegovina...
ReplyDeleteThe Bosnian and Croat presidents of Bosnia and Herzegovina's tripartite presidency have issued a joint call for an end to the violence in the country.
Croat President Zeljko Komsic said that the international community must support Bosnia while it implements reforms. "The international community can help us by standing by the same principles that they champion in their own countries. The intervention of international military forces is out of the question," he said.
Komsic also said Bosnia's neighbors should not intervene in the developments in the country.
Komsic also said that he could resign from office if the protests continue. However, Bosniak President Bakir Izetbegovic said resigning would not solve the current crisis.
"I do not think it (resignation) would be a solution. The people voted for me and I am responsible for the stability and security of the country. I am going to defend our establishments, stability and security until the end of my term in office," Izetbegovic said
People have demanded bread and justice and the authorities should act accordingly as soon as possible, Izetbegovic said.
http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/285924--clashes-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina
10/2/14
Protesters close road to traffic in Sarajevo....
ReplyDeleteSARAJEVO -Protesters on Tuesday blocked a road outside a government building in Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital as demonstrations against the prime minister continued into a second week.
The group gathered outside the presidential building and marched to the Federal Government offices as vehicles slowed to a halt behind them.
Protesters then started chanting "resign" and unfurled banners like "EU-HELP," "Overhaul the privatization," "take back the illegally captured goods," "health insurance for everyone," and "decrease the ministers' wages."
Security forces wrapped barbed wire around the building to keep the marchers out.
Protesters - who want Prime Minister Nermin Niksic to resign - were joined Tuesday by public corporation 'GRAS', which is responsible for public transportation in Sarajevo.
Protests also took place Tuesday in the southern city of Mostar.
http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/286610--protesters-close-road-to-traffic-in-sarajevo
11/2/14
Bosnia PM Calls for Early Elections amid Massive Protests ....
ReplyDeleteBosnian PM Nermin Niksic has proposed the holding of snap elections as a result of massive anti-corruption protests that have gripped the country.
At present, Bosnia and Herzegovina's constitution does not allow for the holding of early elections.
Wednesday the PM of the Bosnian-Croatian federation within the larger Bosnia and Herzegovina confederative entity tabled to parliament a motion for legislative amendments that will make snap elections possible.
Monday protesters in many Bosnian cities consolidated calls for an overthrow of power and a new general vote.
Tuesday thousands of people gathered again across the country in protest against economic stagnation, unemployment and a perceived massive corruption among political elites.
- See more at: http://www.novinite.com/articles/158130/Bosnia+PM+Calls+for+Early+Elections+amid+Massive+Protests#sthash.Jws3KLye.dpuf
12/2/14
Turkish FM calls on international community to back Bosnia...The Turkish minister said that holding a protest is a democratic right [ "unless it spoils political stability and public order."].......
ReplyDeleteDavutoglu visits the capital city of Sarajevo to meet his Bosnian counterpart Zlatko Lagumdzija.
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina- Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has urged the international community to back Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Davutoglu visited the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo to meet his counterpart Zlatko Lagumdzija.
Davutoglu said stability and the territorial integrity of the country should be preserved and political reforms should be launched with the help of immediate economic assistances.
The Turkish minister said that holding a protest is a democratic right[ "unless it spoils political stability and public order."]
"Reoccurrence of political and religious civil tension in Bosnia will bring risk to the region, Europe and the international community," Davutoglu said.
Bosnian minister, Zlatko Lagumdzija, said: "Now, it is time for citizens to talk and for politicians to listen in silence. We should create a dialogue environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina."
http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/287194--turkish-fm-calls-on-international-community-to-back-bosnia
12/2/14
Ban Ki-moon concerned over Bosnian unrest....
ReplyDeleteThe UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern over the ongoing protests in Bosnia and Herzegovina during a lunch he hosted for the U.N. Correspondents Association in New York on Tuesday.
Referring to the unrest which started last Friday in Tuzla and spread to other Bosnian cities, in which thousands of Bosnians went onto the streets calling for the resignation of the government, Ban said “Bosnia and Herzegovina is one area where they - ethnically divided Bosnian politicians - are not able to clearly form one unity government.”
Chief U.N. spokesperson Martin Nesirky told the AA, although UN “don’t have any direct statement at this point”, Ban was dully informed on the situation in Bosnia during his official visit to the Sochi Olympic Winter games.
Asked whether he will go and was he already invited to the big centenary commemorations of the start of World War One (1914) – which will be held in Sarajevo at the end of June this year, Mr. Ban said he is still waiting for an official invitation. He also said: “June looks crowded.”
First World War Centenary commemorations will open with the Festival “Sarajevo – Heart of Europe” which will be held from June 22nd to June 28th, 2014 in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/287364--ban-ki-moon-concerned-over-bosnian-unrest
13/2/14
Bosnia-Herzegovina - EU: Deep disappointment on Sejdić-Finci implementation...
ReplyDeleteCommissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle visited Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday and Tuesday to continue the efforts to help the political leaders in the country to find compromises needed to move Bosnia and Herzegovina forward on its European path. After completing another round of lengthy talks he addressed the media to inform them about the results. This is what Commissioner Füle said:
"Good morning. Prior to this meeting with Chairman Bevanda and Prime Ministers Nikšić and Cvijanović, I had an extremely constructive and insightful session at the EU Delegation with representatives of civil society organisations, including people who have been participating in the work of 'plenums' in Tuzla and Sarajevo. So my first remark is about civil society.
"It is clear that the political system in Bosnia and Herzegovina must become more responsive to the citizens' agenda – conditions for more jobs, more efficient justice and fair opportunities in life.
"I call on the politicians of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) not to ignore the voices of the citizens. There is an important space for citizens' engagement – they should be listened to – they should engage – they should be able to do so free from fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation. Indeed there should be no violence from any side – it is completely unacceptable.
"My second remark: the result of last night's meeting of the party leaders on implementation of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the 'Sejdić and Finci' case was so deeply disappointing.
"Implementation of this judgment is not a remote issue or virtual issue. It is an international obligation of Bosnia and Herzegovina that, following the will of the Member States, is now a key to progress on the EU path. It has real consequences. It means the full entry into force of your Stabilisation and Association Agreement. It means the possibility for Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit a credible application for EU membership. And that inevitably means more reform and improvements in the country and more investments. I want to address this myth that here in Bosnia and Herzegovina we were sort of involved in some kind of virtual issue. No, exactly the opposite - the issue has very clear consequences on the life of each and every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Do not forget that since 2010, three formal initiatives had been tried, via the Bosnia and Herzegovina institutions, to resolve this matter. They had not met with success. It was right that we tried to resolve it, working with the political leaders, because we could leave no possible method aside................http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-117_en.htm?locale=en
18/2/14
Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the new initiative for Bosnia and Herzegovina ...
ReplyDelete"I highly value the ideas on the way forward on Bosnia and Herzegovina presented last night in Berlin by German Foreign Minister, Frank Walter Steinmeier, and British Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond. They advocate a new approach, which I have had the chance of discussing with them in the last days, with the objective to get Bosnia and Herzegovina moving again on the reform track so it can proceed on its EU path.
We all agree that after the recent elections Bosnia and Herzegovina should not remain in a stalemate. Good work has been done in the past by the EU and its international partners to assist the country in overcoming its challenges. But a new spirit is needed to effectively deal with reforms which are the key not only for the EU way of the country, but also and mainly for its citizens' lives.
The ideas of my German and British colleagues are timely and they address the real issue. I will take this reflection forward at the first opportunity, at the next Foreign Affairs Council on 17 November, when we can have a more thorough discussion with all EU Foreign Affairs Ministers. I also intend to visit Sarajevo at the earliest to engage with the new leadership on the way forward."
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2014/141106_01_en.htm
6/11/14