Belgrade Media Report 3 April 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 3 April 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Discussion with Hill open, substantial (Tanjug/RTV)
• UNSC session on new report on UNMIK scheduled for 22 April (RTS/Tanjug)
• Brnabic: We are sorry, we did not reach an agreement. I’m calling the elections (Tanjug/B92)
• Opposition: No agreement, government does not want fair electoral conditions (N1)
• Mojsilovic visiting Cyprus (Beta/Tanjug/Politika)
• N1 finds voters registered at homeless kids’ day care (N1)
• Genocide accusations are new phase of aggressive policy (Politika)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Cvijanovic: There is rather hypocritical relation of West towards security situation in B&H (RTRS)
• Dodik rejects announced UN Resolution on Srebrenica, denies existence of state-level coalition (N1)
• Dodik announces lawsuit against US gov’t for sanctions against individuals in RS (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic: US sanctions are violating several laws and basic human rights (UNA)
• US Embassy in Sarajevo says they will continue to use their competences in order to call for responsibility of individuals and companies for destabilizing conduct (ATV)
• RS, FB&H banks close accounts of everyone on US blacklist (ATV)
• Konakovic attends Conference about Ukraine in The Hague; Holds bilateral meetings with EC and The Netherlands officials (Dnevni avaz)
• NATO headquarters in Sarajevo organizes reception on occasion of 75th anniversary of North Atlantic Alliance; McGaha: Partnership between B&H and NATO continues to deepen (FTV)
Croatia
• US Embassy: Milanovic’s claims are absurd, US policy towards B&H has been consistent (N1)
• Milanovic says he will not initiate a change to the presidential election model (Hina)
Montenegro
• Vucurovic: Government reconstruction possible in June (RTNK)
• Montenegro and Albania foster good neighborly relations through the IPA cross-border cooperation program (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• SEC: 1.814.317 voters registered for presidential, 1.815.350 for parliamentary elections (MIA)
• Presidential candidates sign Code for Fair and Democratic Elections (MIA)
• Pendarovski: Euro-Atlantic integrations, fostering interethnic relations for a democratic and prosperous country (MIA)
Albania
• Conference on Ukraine in The Hague/ Hasani: Albania supports Ukraine for achieving a just peace (Radio Tirana)
• An Albanian parliamentary delegation pays a visit to Pristina (Radio Tirana)
• The opening of the Kucova Air Base and the 15th anniversary of Albania’s NATO membership, Major General Lisa Hou’s visit to Albania (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 2 April
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: Ruling coalition accepts 2 of 3 opposition demands (N1)
• No deal after senior parliament officials’ meeting on ODIHR recommendations (Beta)
• France remains open for dialogue with Serbian delegation to PACE (RTV/Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Pristina has no intention of normalising political relations (Tanjug/RTV)
• Stano: Kosovo’s long-standing obligation to form ZSO must be urgently delivered (N1)
• SNS to run parliament’s defense committee, SPS given economy, urban planning (Beta)
• Danijela Vujicic elected Chair of parliamentary committee for Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTS)
• NDSS: Opposition parties won’t run in elections unless their demands are met (N1/Beta)
• Oath-Keepers to run for Belgrade elections in coalition with SNS, SPS (Tv Pink/Beta)
• PACE session on Kosovo on 16 April instead of 18 April (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: EUFOR Major General Sticz confirms situation in B&H is stable, nevertheless US imposition of solution in form of Schmidt’s latest illegal intervention has disrupted relations in B&H (ATV)
• Nesic responds to Zvizdic: RS has never been security threat; Goganovic answers Zvizdic: NATO will not be deploying their soldiers in B&H (RTRS/Srna)
• Karan: Schmidt and American sanctions are entering security sphere and becoming security problem for the RS (RTRS)
Croatia
• Milanovic says EU, US hostile towards Croats in B&H (N1)
• Croatia marks 15 years in NATO military alliance (HRT)
• Milanovic: Remaining a loyal partner to NATO, but Croatia comes first (Hina)
Montenegro
• Becic to the Serbian Ambassador: I believe that you will contribute to the strengthening of cooperation between our countries (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Political parties to sign Declaration on fair, free and democratic elections on Wednesday (MIA)
• DUI: Bosniak Democratic Union joins European Front (MIA)
Albania
• Albania’s 15th anniversary in NATO, Nikolla: Honest commitment to peace (Radio Tirana)
• 15 years of Albania in NATO, US Embassy to Tirana: You are a reliable ally (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 27 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 27 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucevic: We have a ready answer to what will happen in the Council of Europe, the new government will have new energy and new faces (RTS)
• President Vucic with ambassadors of Quint (RTS)
• Vucic: Difficult days ahead for Serbia, the vital interests of Serbia and the RS are directly threatened (RTS)
• Vucic: The time of challenges is ahead, we have to take care of ourselves and strengthen the army (Tanjug)
• The bombing of the FRY is a forbidden topic, the absence of discussion in the UN Security Council does not change the historical facts (RTS)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: The West hysterically blocked the SB session on aggression against the FRY (RTS)
• Dacic: We are disappointed that the truth about NATO aggression was prevented from being heard in the UN Security Council (RTS)
• Russia again requests UN SC meeting on NATO bombing of Yugoslavia (FoNet)
• Brnabic: During my presidency in Geneva, they talked about the anniversary of NATO aggression (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HR Schmidt uses Bonn Powers and imposes changes to B&H Election Law (N1)
• B&H CEC President Arnautovic: We have made all preparations for organizing the pilot project (N1)
• The Troika’, FB&H Politicians on HR Schmidt’s Decision (Dnevni avaz, Klix.ba)
• Dodik gives statement prior to Schmidt’s decision: The RS cannot accept to live in conditions of imposed regulations; Schmidt has nothing to do with election process in B&H (O kanal)
• Cvijanovic says Schmidt does not have right to impose decisions and change laws (RTRS)
• Viskovic: By imposing the law, B&H’s European path is probably over (RTRS)
• EU reacts to Schmidt’s decision: Extensive international supervision is incompatible with European future of B&H (Dnevni avaz)
• US, UK and Nederland welcome HR Schmidt’s decision (Dnevni avaz)
• Working version of RS election law published (BNTV)
Croatia
• Interior Minister visits border with B&H (HRT)
Montenegro
• Montenegro will vote against the admission of Pristina to the Council of Europe (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• North Macedonia a factor of stability in Western Balkans, says PM on NATO membership anniversary (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj: National Guard of New Jersey, contribution to the modernization of the Armed Forces (Radio Tirana)
• Speaker Nikolla meets the rapporteur for Albania in the European Parliament (Radio Tirana)
• Rama: EU accession, a process that concerns everyone, not just the government (Radio Tirana)
• President Begaj at the Baku Global Forum: Need for a unified response to address global issues (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 26 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 26 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• NATO bombing of FRY was violation of international law (Tanjug/RTV)
• Pristina does not want solution for use of Dinar in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTS/Politika)
• Lajcak: We will reconvene next week to find solution for cash operations (Tanjug)
• Brnabic discusses cooperation at Geneva meetings (Tanjug/Beta)
• Drecun: Support for so-called Kosovo aimed at getting it into NATO (TV Pink)
• Djukanovic: NATO PA associate membership for Pristina scandalous (Tanjug)
• Orlic says new government will be formed soon (TV Pink/Beta/RTV)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HR Schmidt: Agreement has not been reached and the time is running out. Citizens want to see that their vote counts, and if there is no agreement, we will undertake measures (Dnevni avaz)
• US Embassy on Ministry of Justice’s proposal of B&H Election Law: HDZ B&H cannot reach solution it prefers by force (O Kanal)
• Dodik criticizes US Embassy’s reaction to HDZ B&H’s proposal of changes to B&H Election Law (RTRS)
• Niksic: Domestic authorities should have another chance for agreement on Election Law (Nova BH)
• Konakovic meets Fajon; Fajon: OHR will not be needed when B&H is in the EU (O Kanal)
• Konakovic meets Swedish Minister Roswall: B&H belongs to Europe (AJB)
• Dodik responds to Roswall: There can be no EU path with OHR and foreign judges present (Glas Srpske)
• EU officials made contradictory statements during visit to B&H (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic meets Roswall: There is no place for impositions on B&H’s European path (ATV)
• Dodik: Serbs will never forget what NATO did and B&H will never join NATO (BNTV)
Croatia
• Ethics Commission appointed to monitor upcoming elections (HRT)
Montenegro
• Gorcevic with Sarrazin: Tangible results, then membership in the EU (CdM)
• Mandic organized a meeting of the leaders of the parliamentary majority (RTCG)
• Radinovic rejects Knezevic’s proposal to be a candidate for Montenegro’s ambassador to Russia; DNP proposes Bojovic (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Xhaferi – Silvestri: North Macedonia to continue on European path (MIA)
• Mitreski – Silvestri: North Macedonia and Italy deepening friendly relations, support for Euro-Atlantic aspirations (MIA)
• Dashtevski: Preparations for double elections proceeding smoothly (MIA)
• Four parties sign agreement to take part in European Front (MIA)
Belgrade Media Report 25 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 25 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Serbia does not accept occupation, orders from outside (RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Vucic: NATO showed it worked with Pristina all the time (Politika/RTS/Tanjug)
• Quint Ambassadors, Norway on 25th anniversary of NATO bombing of Yugoslavia (Beta/Politika)
• Dacic: Security situation in Serbia stable (RTS/Tanjug)
• NATO bombing of Serbia of 1999 warning to humankind (Tanjug/Politika/RTV)
• Response to Kurti: Head of Commission for Military-Technical Agreement reacts (Tanjug/Politika)
• Kosovo will probably join CoE; Serbia could leave organization (TV Prva)
• Dacic and Brnabic’s fierce reaction to von Cramon’s statement regarding CoE (N1/FoNet)
• Pantic Pilja: Bakoyannis has recommended CoE admission for so-called Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Security Council meeting scheduled to mark anniversary of NATO bombing (RTS)
• Trilateral discussions conclude in Brussels, bilateral meeting underway (Tanjug)
• Opposition on government’s call for dialogue: Talks necessary (Danas/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Minister Nesic confirms precautionary measures were strengthened in B&H following attack in Moscow (BHT1)
• Sattler says EU Council’s decision historical achievement of B&H (FTV)
• RS officials hold press conference, Dodik says European Council’s decision is confirmation that Dayton structure of B&H is functioning and that its composition of two entities and three constituent peoples can be propulsive (ATV)
• Becirovic: We are facing transformation process in which B&H legislation needs to be harmonized with EU acquis (O Kanal)
• Dodik – Cvijanovic: Europe has to answer question how come that “false HR can ban legally elected RS President from having talks and deciding on fate of country he lives in” (RTRS)
• Dodik: There is no EU path of B&H without RS, B&H Constitution will not be changed (Nezavisne)
• United States Congress passes law entitled ‘Maintaining Dayton Peace Agreement through Sanctions’ (N1/FTV)
• Nesic, Milicevic, Banjac condemn NATO for bombing FRY in 1999 (Glas Srpske)
• Dodik: Serbs and Russians are close to each other thanks to Orthodox faith, as well as preservation of their own identity (ATV/RTRS)
• Konakovic meets Croatian officials: Compromise and dialogue in B&H paid off, European narrative comes first (FTV)
Croatia
• Plenkovic reminds of Croatia’s assistance to B&H, expresses support to Covic’s stances on Southern Interconnection (HMS)
• Milanovic: Accession negotiations with B&H should have started long ago (N1)
• Plenkovic rejects Milanovic’s accusations (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Rakocevic tells NATO partners: Montenegro needs both elections and pro-Western majority (CdM)
• DNP: We fully encourage Vukicevic to vote against Kosovo’s entry to the Council of Europe (CdM)
• Montenegro officials express deep regret for the innocent victims in Moscow (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Presidential candidates allowed to hold one public event until beginning of campaign (MIA)
Albania
• 25 years since the NATO started the airstrikes against former Yugoslavia, Begaj: They saved Kosova and stabilized the Balkans, Osmani: The hope began for us (Radio Tirana)
• NATO’s intervention in Kosovo, decisive in undoing genocidal ambitions (Radio Tirana)
• EU membership, Begaj meeting with his Montenegrin counterpart (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 22 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 22 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• MoD: Kurti’s allegations on SAF movement near administrative line disinformation (FoNet)
• Starovic: Kurti is inventing an invasion in order to continue harassing the Serbs in KiM (RTS)
• Dacic: Bakojani’s statement about the protection of Serbs in Kosovo is the height degree of hypocrisy (Tanjug)
• Kosovo Serb media crew banned from Osmani news conference (Beta)
• Petkovic: Neither Kurti nor those much stronger than him can forbid Belgrade to always take care of its people (RTS)
• Russian Ambassador says Russia working on holding U.N. Security Council session devoted to bombing of FR Yugoslavia (Beta)
• Vucic on Putin: I can congratulate whoever I want, I’m no one’s servant (FoNet)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• European Council approves opening of accession negotiations with B&H (Oslobodjenje)
• B&H Politicians on Opening of Accession Negotiations with B&H (BHT, Dnevni avaz)
• The Troika issues joint statement welcoming decision of European Council on accession negotiations with B&H (Klix.ba)
• Becirovic: There is no alternative to EU membership; This is shared victory for B&H and EU (Klix.ba)
• Komsic: European Council’s decision is excellent news for B&H (Klix.ba)
• Dodik welcomes decision of European Council on opening of accession talks with B&H (RTRS)
• SDA: Council’s decision is based on geopolitical circumstances, B&H must work hard to fulfil remaining priorities (Klix.ba)
• Dodik: It is important for RS not to sacrifice its identity and tradition on EU path (RTRS)
Croatia
• Plenkovic and Grlic Radman congratulate B&H on opening of accession negotiations with EU (Vijesti)
• Prime Minister Plenkovic at nuclear summit in Brussels (HRT)
Montenegro
• Vranes refused to participate in the fair in Pristina because he does not recognize the state of Kosovo (RSE)
• Djeljosaj: Let Vranes go freely to Prizren, the institutions of Kosovo will be waiting for him (CDM)
• Capuni: The response of the President of the Municipality of Pljevlja to the invitation from Kosovo is ridiculous (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Mitreski – Jovanovic: Serbia and North Macedonia have excellent cooperation, no open disputes (MIA)
• Pendarovski invites opponents to two leaders’ debates; to present campaign platform on April 3 (MIA)
• OSCE/ODIHR opens elections observation mission ahead of double elections (MIA)
Albania
• Albania extends the participation of military troops in KFOR until 2027 (Radio Tirana)
• Pirdeni: Albania, progress in the course of reforms in vital areas (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 21 March
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Nuclear energy required for higher growth rates (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic: I had important discussions with Macron, Von der Leyen (Tanjug/RTV)
• Relations between Serbia, Russia based on mutual trust, respect (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
• Brnabic elected Serbian parliament speaker (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Lajcak expects concrete proposals on Dinar issue form Belgrade, Pristina on 25 March (Beta)
• Two opposition coalitions seek dialogue on conditions for fair and democratic elections (Beta/Politika/RTV)
• Lazovic: Talks in Bundestag focused on December elections (N1)
• Serbian opposition to Austrian parliament: Election fraud must not be ignored (N1)
• Serbian Embassy in Moscow marks anniversary of NATO bombing (RTS)
• State Duma of Russia adopts draft UN address, regarding the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik congratulates Brnabic: I am sure that she will be defending Serbia’s interests (Srna)
• Varhelyi meets Forto and Cudic (Nova BH/FTV/AJB)
• Covic: How can we expect a green light from Denmark and the Netherlands when we have the High Representative who imposes laws (RTVHB)
• Dodik expects positive decision of European Council, but stresses that there will be a lot of work to be done if B&H gets the green light (RTRS)
• Bundestag gives green light for opening negotiations between B&H and EU (AJB)
• Dutch parliament adopts resolution leaving possibility for PM Rutte to vote in Brussels for decision to open negotiations with B&H (FTV)
• Meloni: We are ready to support opening of accession negotiations with B&H (Klix.ba)
• Austrian Minister for EU Edstadler: Use positive moment and open negotiations with B&H (Nezavisne)
• Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen: EU must not abandon its merit-based approach, situation in B&H is still fragile (Nezavisne)
• French Embassy: B&H’s future is in EU, it is necessary to continue with reforms (Fena)
• Dodik insults Becirovic over Easter Assembly (Avaz)
• Becirovic replies to Dodik’s insults (Oslobodjenje)
Montenegro
• Milatovic’s councillors overthrowing Podgorica local govt. together with DPS (CdM)
• Szijjarto: Publicly everyone in EU is in favour of enlargement, but secretly majority is against it (Dan)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Not thousands of citizens, but only VMRO-DPMNE MPs back Siljanovska Davkova, Pendarovski’s team says (MIA)
• SEC: Diaspora voters to vote only for President; not enough interest for parliamentary elections (MIA)
Albania
• Rama meeting with the US Assistant Secretary (Radio Tirana)
• Robinson’s meetings with Manja and Balla/American embassy: It is important to maintain pace for the Reform in Justice (Radio Tirana)
• Spiropali: Boosting the strategic partnership with the USA, a priority (Radio Tirana)
• Contact Group for Ukraine, Peleshi: Albania remains committed to playing a leading role (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 20 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 20 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic congratulates Putin on election win, informs him of situation in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/Politika)
• Formation of Community of Serb Municipalities remains key topic of negotiations with Pristina (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Petkovic: Solution must include continued Postal Savings Bank operations in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)
• Lajcak: Dialogue to be continued on Monday (Tanjug)
• Dacic: UN Security Council session regarding NATO bombing of Yugoslavia anniversary still uncertain (TV Pink/Beta)
• Hill: ZSO is overdue (RTS)
• Varhelyi says Serbia should open next cluster (Beta)
• Revision of Pogrom and Kalimero (Danas)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Venice Commission adopts Opinion on certain issues related to functioning of Constitutional Court of B&H (Hayat/N1)
• Dodik: Schmidt is constantly messing around, shifting the blame to the RS (ATV)
• Varhelyi expresses support to B&H ahead of European Council session (FTV)
• GAC meeting: Several EU-member states and MEPs call on European Council to approve opening of B&H’s accession negotiations (Hayat)
• Becirovic, Schmidt speak about EU path of B&H (FTV)
• Helez to Dodik and Goganovic: When B&H gets the green light for negotiations with the EU, it will continue path towards full NATO membership (Avaz)
• Speaker Stevandic address Russian Duma: Serbs are being brutally punished because of refusal to join the anti-Russian hysteria (RTRS)
• Stevandic and Volodin sign agreement on cooperation between RS parliament and Russian Duma (ATV)
Montenegro
• Dragovic: Government stable, appointment of Police Directorate acting director legal (RTCG)
• In a letter sent to Milatovic, Emmanuel Macron said it would be a pleasure to visit Montenegro (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Party structures decide on coalitions, says SDSM leader (MIA)
• Ahmeti: Constitutional change, country’s EU membership of great importance (MIA)
• SEC: Inspection of Electoral Roll, diaspora voter registration officially closed (MIA)
• Deadline to hand in presidential candidacies expires on Wednesday (MIA)
Albania
• Albania’s reforms and contribution to global developments, Begaj meets QUINT countries Ambassadors (Radio Tirana)
• Hasani: OSCE, valuable contribution to promoting stability and cooperation in the region (Radio Tirana)
• US Assistant Secretary, Todd Robinson meeting with the head of SPAK and the head of National Bureau of Investigation (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 19 March
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: There is no kind of agreement related to use of Serbian Dinar (RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Vucic: No voter roll access to foreigners (FoNet/N1/Politika)
• Brnabic: Derecognitions of so-called Kosovo biggest success of Serbian authorities (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Vucic, Dodik announce great Easter assembly of Serbia, RS (Beta)
• Dacic: UNSC session on NATO aggression on FRY scheduled for 25 March (Tanjug)
• Trilateral meeting of Petkovic, Lajcak and Bislimi begins in Brussels (Tanjug/RTV)
• ODIHR confirms invitation to observe Belgrade elections (N1)
• Serbian parliament constitutive session resumes (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H HoP’s session interrupted after Law on B&H CC was included in agenda and after Bosniak Caucus decides to leave session (Hayat)
• HR Schmidt: Removal of international judges from B&H CC would violate Constitution and principles of independent jurisdiction (AJB)
• FAC holds session ahead of session of European Council; Schallenberg: There is possibility B&H will be finally given green light for beginning of pre-accession negotiations (Nova BH)
• Dodik meets EUFOR Commander, stresses importance of continuation of good cooperation of RS institutions and EUFOR; Karan also meets Sticz (RTRS)
• Putin’s victory sparks positive reactions in RS (RTRS)
Croatia
• Constitutional Court: The President of the Republic of Croatia cannot be a candidate in the elections (HRT)
• Plenkovic: This is an attempt at a mini-coup (HRT)
• Milanovic: Constitutional Court’s decision is tantamount to a constitutional coup (HRT)
Montenegro
• Spajic: Montenegro should be EU member state, period; Escobar: Government under PM’s leadership has already taken huge steps (CdM)
• Ibrahimovic with Escobar: The Bosniak Party is an important partner of the USA in Montenegro (CdM)
• Gorcevic with Escobar: Montenegro should continue to confirm its adherence to Euro-Atlantic values (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Council for coordination of security services holds session on electoral process (MIA)
Albania
• US Assistant Secretary Robinson to visit Albania and Kosovo (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 18 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 18 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: No one can take away Serbia’s right to truth about March pogrom (RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Vucic: They did not listen carefully – no surrender of Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: Worst crimes committed against innocent people and clergy during Pogrom in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic: Meeting with Lajcak addressed unbearable living conditions for Kosovo Serbs (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Brnabic: Continuation of work on fulfillment of ODIHR recommendations (Tanjug)
• Significant cooperation with OSCE Mission, US Embassy to Belgrade (Tanjug)
• NADA coalition demands mixed committee to clean up voter roll (N1)
• Blinken: Kosovo, Serbia need to meet their obligations stemming from EU-mediated dialogue (Beta)
• Borrell: Time for Belgrade, Pristina to stop tensions, apply agreement (Beta)
• Giaufret: Opposition should take up its role in parliament (Beta/Politika)
• Djilas responds to EU Ambassador: Opposition would like to take parliamentary seats that belong to it, but they were stolen (N1)
• Serbian parliamentary constitutive session resumes (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: Persecution of Serbs from Kosovo continues even after 2004 pogrom (Srna)
• Becirovic: I hope decision of European Council will be positive, negative decision would only make Moscow happy (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik: Becirovic needs to explain to the public what kind democracy allows foreigner to annul decisions of institutions (RTRS)
• Becirovic: Statements of some politicians that opening of negotiating process basically means relocating of OHR do not have any foundation in DPA (Klix.ba)
• Escobar: RS has no capacity to oppose NATO or to declare independence (O Kanal)
• Dodik: Escobar’s assessment about the RS is lie (N1/Srna)
• Covic attends 20th HDZ Croatia General Assembly: April 17, when Croatian elections will be held, will be a non-working day in B&H as well (N1)
• Milanovic: Things done by HDZ B&H and its leader Covic, i.e. on the Zagreb-Mostar line, show that these people do not wish to solve problems of Croats in B&H (FTV)
Croatia
• Milanovic decided: Parliamentary elections on Wednesday, 17 April (HRT)
• Milanovic to head the SDP list: I will resign after the election victory (HRT)
• Plenkovic: Milanovic’s election run dispels the myth of presidential impartiality (HRT)
Montenegro
• Escobar: The most important task for Montenegro is to support everything the Prime Minister does, a risk if the former DF enters the government (RFE/CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski: Upcoming elections to decide if country joins EU or gets stuck in uncertainty, isolation, divisions (MIA)
• Siljanovska-Davkova: Scandinavian policy toward neighbors, no need for veto threats (TV24)
• Bekteshi: Whoever loses should step back from politics (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj in Baku, meeting with the Deputy Secretary General of the UN (Tirana Times)
• Balla meets his Romanian counterpart: Deepening of cooperation between the police (Radio Tirana)
• Ambassador of the EU, Silvio Gonzato: I appreciate the leadership and responsibility shown by the parties in reaching the agreement (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 15 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 15 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic after the meeting with Soder: We proposed 7 important things (B92/Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Kurti cannot break Kosovo Serbs’ ties with their state (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: Inadmissibility of any attempts by “Kosovo” to achieve membership in the Hague Conference (Tanjug/RTV)
• Orlic: New Serbian parliament to have six deputy speakers (Tanjug/RTV)
• Escobar with Kurti on Dinar issue: I hope Kosovo govt will be flexible (KoSSev/N1)
• Jovanovic: We are waiting for authorities’ response to call for dialogue (N1/Beta)
• Opposition party files criminal complaint against two ministers (Beta)
• Serbian Patriarch: We will speak Serbian, not gender-sensitive language (Beta)
• NATO report: Presence in Kosovo remains key to stability of Western Balkans (Beta)
• Serbian government extends decision on protection of displaced Ukrainians (Beta)
• Stano: Chief negotiators of Belgrade, Pristina to meet in Brussels Tuesday (Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik, Covic and Niksic at panel discussion ‘The Future of B&H: On the Path to the EU’ in Vienna; Dodik: B&H will stop being a colony after 21 March (RTRS)
• Commissioner Varheyli: If Council adopts proposal, EC will immediately start with preparing of negotiating framework (Oslobodjenje)
• Covic: B&H will receive the invitation next Thursday, and it is necessary to prepare to make much bigger steps forward than was the case until now (Dnevni avaz)
• Ambassador Arnaut: Germany will continue to provide help to B&H regarding preparations for EU negotiations (N1/Dnevni list)
• 4th session of the SAPC ends in Strasbourg: Institutions of B&H lack capacity for accession negotiations (Dnevni list)
• RS government adopts Action Plan for alignment of RS regulations with EU acquis (BHRT)
• US Embassy: Annual Threat Assessment warns of Dodik’s provocative steps (Oslobodjenje)
• Dodik: All scribblings from the US are created by US Embassy in Sarajevo, with Murphy at helm; Murphy is trying to stuff as much garbage as possible on the RS (RTRS)
• Dodik: It is ridiculous for US to impose sanctions against my associates because of celebration; Additional statments (RTRS)
Croatia
• 10th convocation of Croatian parliament dissolved by unanimous vote (HRT)
• Milanovic to announce election date (HRT)
Montenegro
• Mandic: Continuation of parliamentary session on 18 March, it’s time for compromises and mature decisions (CdM)
• Spajic: No political instability, question for Democrats is whether they will leave government (CdM)
• Forty-six percent of Montenegrin citizens support NATO, 44 percent of them support leaving the Alliance (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Escobar: North Macedonia should be immediate candidate for EU membership (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj in Azerbaijan, meeting with his counterpart Aliyev: Energy and tourism, at the top of the agenda (Radio Tirana)
• Albania becomes a member of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 13 March 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 13 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic meets with Roquefeuil (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Brnabic accuses independent media, opposition of attacking SNS activists (Beta)
• Petkovic informs French diplomat of difficult position of Kosovo Serbs (Tanjug/RTV)
• Petkovic: Kurti main threat to regional stability (RTV/Tanjug)
• Spanish Ambassador reiterated support for Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: Everyone should turn to formation of state institutions, let’s not waste time (TV Pink)
• Socialists divided on joining Vucic’s new movement (TV Prva/Beta)
• Panel debate on Djindjic: He imbued Serbian society with energy (Beta)
• Escobar: No alternative to Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (FoNet)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Von der Leyen: We recommend European Council to open negotiations with B&H (AJB)
• Kristo says B&H authorities hope for green light from European Council for start of accession negotiations (N1)
• Dodik: Opening of negotiations for EU membership is result of enormous contribution of RS, opening of negotiations is transitional phase (ATV)
• Nesic stresses huge contribution of B&H Security Ministry and team which led to historical decision and progress on EU path (RTRS)
• Viskovic says he sees nothing spectacular in announcement on recommendation to launch accession negotiations with B&H (RTRS)
• Niksic expresses satisfaction following announcement on upcoming recommendation to launch accession negotiations with B&H (Dnevni avaz)
• Murphy criticizes behavior of Dodik and Covic (Hayat)
• Dodik: USA has once again confirmed its determination to tear up European path of B&H, they wish for new focal point (ATV)
• Lavrov congratulates Dodik on his birthday, with message that Serb people continue to carry flag of freedom with dignity thanks to consistent efforts of RS President (RTRS)
Montenegro
• Escobar: We did not see commitment to EU integration through Mandic’s actions, we are worried about the announcement of ZBCG’s entry into the government (Pobjeda)
• At Spajic’s proposal: Aleksandar Radovic, acting director of Police Directorate (CdM)
• Milatovic: Sending Montenegrin soldiers to Ukraine is not an option (RTCG)
• Milatovic: It was confirmed at the most important addresses in Romania that we have serious potential for intensive economic cooperation (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• US Senate puts forward resolution supporting North Macedonia’s EU accession (MIA)
• Escobar: US expects government formed after elections to be committed to NATO, EU integration (MIA)
Albania
• Peleshi: High level of cooperation between the Albanian and American Special Forces (Radio Tirana)
LINKS
UNMIK
Peacekeeping
UN News Center
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- Serbia Convicts Yugoslav Army Soldiers of Kosovo Village Massacres - Balkan Insight 24/04/2024Serbia Convicts Yugoslav Army Soldiers of Kosovo Village Massacres Balkan Insight
- Kosovo banks' net profit rises 8% y/y in Q1 - SeeNews 24/04/2024Kosovo banks' net profit rises 8% y/y in Q1 SeeNews
- EU Parliament Extends Visa-Free Travel to Kosovo Serbs - VisaGuide.News - VisaGuide.World 24/04/2024
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