Belgrade Media Report 19 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 19 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• There is no quorum, a new session is scheduled (Tanjug/B92)
• Vucic: We have a majority in Belgrade (TV Prva/Beta)
• Stefanovic responds to Vucic’s statement: You don’t have a majority in Belgrade (N1)
• Vucic: We are ready to accept ODIHR and OSCE recommendations regarding elections (Beta/FoNet)
• Declaration of “independence of Kosovo” unilateral, illegal act (Politika/Tanjug)
• Vucevic: Serbia managed to return topic of Kosovo and Metohija to the UN (RTS)
• Zeman: Recognition of so-called Kosovo is a disgrace and dangerous precedent (Tanjug/NovostiVoice of Europe)
• Silent rally in front of Russian Embassy following death of Aleksey Navalny (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Munich Security Conference (Glas Srpske/Dnevni avaz/Nova BH/BHT1)
• Koenig: EU expects B&H to fully align with EU foreign policy and restrictive measures, which includes sanctions against Russia (Nezavisne)
• RS delegation led by Dodik visits Belarus, announces greater cooperation of RS and Belarus; Dodik: RS prevented B&H to introduce sanctions against Belarus (RTRS)
• US Embassy: Covic’s public display of support for convicted war criminal is anathema to European values (Dnevni avaz)
• B&H House of Peoples adopts Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (BHT1)
• Dodik: EU made it clear they support domestic solutions, ‘Troika’ is unprepared for European story (RTRS)
• Stevandic meets Sattler; OHR to be turned in EU Office (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Eleven parties from the left organize protest in Zagreb (HRT)
Montenegro
• Council of the EU: Montenegro stands out in the region, managed to progress (RTCG)
• Milatovic with Murphy: The presence of the USA is a key factor of stability in the Western Balkans (CdM)
• Spajic and Abazovic express deepest condolences to the Navalny family (CdM)
Albania
• Western Balkans should be at a table with the EU, not with the right to vote, but as part of the same family (Radio Tirana)
• Munich Security Conference, Hasani: To increase the efforts for the EU integration of the Western Balkans (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi to the Montenegrin counterpart: Regional cooperation is the foundation of stability (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 16 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Sretenje Constitution proclaimed freedom, independence and peacefulness (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Ceremony for the Statehood Day: Vucic presented medals to deserving individuals (B92)
• Fight for freedom of Serbian people still ongoing (RTS/RTV)
• Vucic: Meeting with Cameron good, useful (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Vucevic: Kurti creating impossible conditions for survival of Kosovo Serbs (TV Prva/RTV)
• Office for KiM: devastating that crime Livadice is a closed case (Office for Kosovo and Metohija)
• Dacic thanks Ambassador for Egypt’s understanding regarding Kosovo issue (Tanjug)
• Kosovo Serb detained, beaten by Pristina’s police (Tanjug)
• ProGlas publishes conditions needed to resolve post-election crisis (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Orasac: Serbia marks Statehood Day; Dodik attends ceremony (ATV/RTRS)
• Palace of Republic illuminated in colors of Serbian flag; Flags of Serbia and RS displayed across RS (RTRS)
• Sattler in Banja Luka: Changes to B&H Election Law are one of key priorities; B&H needs compromise at this moment (ATV)
• US Embassy: Mr. Dodik continues to practice policy of blockade and blackmail while seeking to blame others for lack of progress (Avaz)
• Dodik: Murphy lives in parallel universe (RTRS)
• Russian Embassy: We are not interested in opinion of US Embassy with regard to European perspectives of B&H (Srna)
Montenegro
• DPS, SD, DUA and HGI press criminal charges against Mandic, BS refused to do it (CdM)
• PES Pljevlja: Dario Vranes obliged to solve accumulated problems and stop creating unnecessary crises and tensions (CdM)
• Rakocevic: Everyone should take a polygraph test to determine who is giving away secret information (CdM)
• Nebojsa Rodic – new diplomat, same dangerous narrative (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Election campaign for 8 May parliamentary elections to begin on 18 April (MIA)
• Election campaign for 24 April presidential polls to begin on 4 April (MIA)
• Xhaferi says ‘not feeling the need’ to comment decisions of political parties (MIA)
• SDSM to nominate own presidential candidate (MIA)
Albania
• Albania completes the mission in the Security Council, Rama: Gratitude for the invaluable support of the USA (Radio Tirana)
• Rama: The USA has a direct interest in Albania and Kosovo, without it there would be no independent state of Kosovo (Radio Tirana)
• Rama-Blinken: Your visit in times of turmoil, an important sign of friendship and partnership (Radio Tirana)
• Blinken: Albania the strongest supporter for Ukraine, Rama an exceptional partner for the USA (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 14 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 14 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of Statehood Day (B92/RTS/RTV)
• Putin congratulates Serbia’s Statehood Day to Vucic (Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic: It’s time to establish a great movement for the people and the state (Tanjug/B92/RTS/RTV)
• Lucic: Criminal charges submitted against mayor of Leposavic (RTS)
• Petkovic: Passage of another shipment of dinars prohibited at Jarinje (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Petkovic: Kurti is Balkan pyromaniac (Beta)
• Stoltenberg calls Belgrade, Pristina to ease tensions (N1)
• Further strengthening of all forms of cooperation between Serbia, Slovakia (Tanjug)
• NDSS: We won’t allow a majority in Belgrade Assembly facilitated by turncoats (Beta)
• Flaring up of silent occupation of B&H (Politika)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Covic says that their proposal of changes to B&H Election Law is only symbolic (O Kanal)
• US Embassy once again warns HDZ B&H and ‘The Troika’: Election Law cannot be changed without changes of Constitution (Politicki.ba)
• Viskovic and Ambassador Reinertsen: Europe is not complete without the Western Balkans countries (RTRS)
• Trial of Lukic begins before Court of B&H with reading of indictment (ATV)
• Cvijanovic: Full support to Lukic (RTRS)
• Viskovic expresses support to Lukic (RTRS)
• Dodik and Kalabukhov meet in Banja Luka, expressing their full commitment to respecting of DPA (ATV)
Montenegro
• Nenezic: Institutions’ silence proof that Mandic heads majority (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Mitreski: Parliamentary majority is stable, six AA lawmakers support ruling coalition (MIA)
• Marichikj: EU enlargement high on the agenda of Belgium’s EU Presidency (MIA)
• Speaker Mitreski meets British Ambassador Lawson (MIA)
Albania
• ‘Sustainable Defense’ exercise, Begaj: Our Armed Forces to be prepared for the challenges of our time (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 13 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Greek companies, financial institutions welcome in Serbia (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• IMF Managing Director praises Serbia’s fiscal policy (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Drecun: Reaction of countries that can influence Pristina crucial (TV Prva)
• Elek: Serbs sent a message they are against Pristina’s decisions, primarily regarding the banning of the Dinar (RTS)
• Escobar: Unilateral moves will have consequences (Tanjug)
• Schieder: EU seriously weighing how to set up independent inquiry into Serbian elections (Nova/Beta)
• Bujanovac makes Mayor of Tirana honorary citizens, Ministry approval pending (Bujanovacke/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H officially starts negotiations with FRONTEX (RTRS)
Nesic, Culum meet MONEYVAL Committee delegation (Klix.ba)
• B&H CoM’s European Integration Collegium adopts model for adoption of EU integration program of B&H (N1)
• Coordination Board for Public Administration Reform established (Nezavisne)
• HNS: Part of text of changes to Election Law already has ‘green light’ from Constitutional Court of B&H (Dnevni list)
• Genocide in Gaza is not committed by Jews but by Israeli government (Avaz)
Montenegro
• Mandic: Montenegro wishes to join the EU a.s.a.p., new generation of politicians can do it (RTCG)
• Milovic: I’ll ask Becic, Saranovic and Brdjanin who permitted Sukovic to reveal information from my private life (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• President Pendarovski meets British Ambassador Lawson (MIA)
Albania
• Hasani: Albania joins allies in the Security Council to contribute to peace efforts (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 12 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Serbia, Greece have always supported each other’s territorial integrity (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
• Vucic summarized the results of the UN visit: “Thirteen countries expressed concern” (B92/Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic from New York: Djuric returns to Serbia to perform a very important duty (Tanjug)
• China one of most important partners in economic development of Serbia (RTS/RTV)
• Odalovic: By holding of UNSC session, the topic of Kosovo and Metohija returned to the UN (Tanjug/RTV)
• Djilas: EP Resolution contains nothing that targets Serbia (Nova S/Beta)
• A gathering of Serbs was held; This is an occupation (B92/Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik on meeting of ruling coalition on B&H level, financial stability of RS (ATV)
• SNSD: Results cannot be positive until partners from FB&H remain under influence of foreigners (RTRS)
• Crucial week for B&H (Avaz)
• Dayton Agreement and Resolution 2625 (Nezavisne)
Montenegro
• Spajic: I will resign if the average salary doesn’t increase to €1.000, and the minimum to €700 (CdM)
• Picula: Govt has got off to a good start, reforms should be implemented, not just adopted (Radio Crne Gore)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski to diplomats: State to remain on EU path, keep building good neighborly relations (MIA)
• Kovachevski: European front exists, Taravari not key for country’s future (MIA)
• Sela: Central assembly can vote no confidence in leader (MIA)
• Taravari: Change must happen in Albanian bloc after 24 years (MIA)
• Nikoloski: VMRO-DPMNE has yet to discuss coalition for upcoming elections (MIA)
Albania
• United Nations meeting for Kosovo/ Rama: Pointless session, Prishtina and Belgrade should return to dialogue (Radio Tirana)
• Hasani: It is not enough just to condemn Banjska, it needs to make sure it doesn’t happen again (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 9 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 9 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic addresses UN Security Council: Widespread attacks directed against Serbs (B92/Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• UN SC permanent members call on Pristina to delay decision on Dinar ban (Beta)
• Vucic after UN Security Council session: People must know that we will fight for them (Tanjug/B92/RTS/RTV)
• Brnabic on UNSC session: The world has heard for the first time that what is Kurti doing is crime against humanity (RTS)
• Dacic: Vucic demonstrated statesmanly approach to protecting national interests (RTS/Tanjug)
• Drecun: Resolution 1244 is very much alive (RTS)
• Pisonero: We expect Serbia to implement recommendations from ODIHR report (Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Resolutions come and go (Beta/Tanjug)
• Opposition officials in Strasbourg hail adoption of EP resolution (Beta/N1)
• Aleksic: Accepting mandates does not mean recognition of election results (Insajder/Beta)
• Serb property set on fire in Odanovce village, Office for Kosovo and Metohija: It was most likely arson (RTV/Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Coalition partners at B&H level form working groups to harmonize laws important for EU path, demand EU to give precise date for beginning of EU accession negotiations; Statements of Dodik, Covic, Niksic (FTV)
• B&H Presidency adopts decision to initiate negotiation process between B&H and Frontex; Nesic welcomes this decision (Hayat/Dnevni avaz/FTV)
• Dodik and Eichhorst discuss reforms; Dodik: B&H must get full sovereignty in its acting (ATV)
• Konakovic responds to Dodik: Dodik can block and stop this process on EU path only if interest of Russian people is more important to him than interest of Serb people (Oslobodjenje)
• Becirovic reacts to Dodik’s latest statements: It is impermissible that any politician undermines the role of B&H CC (NAP.ba)
• Dodik: Becirovic is Islamic radical who advocates B&H where Sharia law would apply (RTRS)
• Ambassador Murphy says O’Brien’s criticism of meeting in Laktasi was not ‘slap in face’ of ‘The Troika’, notes it is up to High Representative to decide when and how he will use Bonn powers (Politicki.ba)
• Luhrmann meets Konakovic; Konakovic expresses gratitude to Germany (Oslobodjenje)
• Kristo meets Luhrmann; Kristo: It is extremely important for B&H to receive decision on opening of accession negotiations at upcoming meeting of European Council in March (BHT1)
• Borenovic meets Luhrmann in Sarajevo, he says that ruling coalition at B&H level is not interested in serious reforms on European path and fight against corruption, but only in division of positions (BNTV)
• Cvijanovic sends verbal note to German Embassy regarding organization of meeting with Luhrmann (RTRS)
• Slovenian President Pirc Musar pays visit to B&H: Slovenia supports B&H’s path to EU (BHT1)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: Montenegro in the EU is in Austria’s national interest (CdM)
• Mandic: One part of the reconstruction of the government as soon as possible – the other after the summer (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Toshkovski – Wahl: Interior Ministry to ensure fair, democratic elections (MIA)
• Toshkovski – Geer: Cooperation with EU delegation to continue with undiminished intensity (MIA)
Albania
• Rama meets the EIB Vice-President, increase of investments in Albania (Radio Tirana/RTSH)
• President Begaj decrees the dismissal and appointment of 10 ambassadors (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 8 February
LOCAL PRESS
• At 21:00 sharp at the request of Serbia, Vucic speaks at the Security Council session (B92/Tanjug)
• Vucic: Interference in Serbia’s internal affairs must be reduced (B92/Tanjug)
• Pistorius after meeting with Vucic: We agreed Serbia will not support secessionist tendencies in B&H (N1)
• Dacic: Non-recognizers of so-called Kosovo want clarification on Chapter 35 (Tanjug/Politika)
• Dacic: Guyana was under tremendous pressure over Serbia’s request for UNSC session (Tanjug)
• Dinars sent to Kosovo and Metohija in line with years-long practice – NBS (Tanjug/Politika)
• European Parliament adopts Resolution on Serbian elections (N1)
• Bilcik: Crucial that Serbia bring to justice those responsible for election irregularities (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Eichhorst, Brkic address press conference; Eichhorst: B&H has to seriously take the tasks it has to fulfill to be granted the possibility of opening the accession negotiations (Dnevni avaz)
• EEAS’ Eichhorst chairs meeting of six political directors of Western Balkans and EU (FTV)
• Komsic after meeting with Eichhorst: Foreign policy priority of B&H is clear – full membership in EU (Oslobodjenje)
• FM Konakovic: Meetings with Pistorius and Eichhorst are continuation of diplomatic offensive, some in opposition are prepared to bring down B&H’s EU path (Slobodna Bosna)
• Dodik: EU path is not disputable for RS, but selective implementation of 14 priorities; Dodik: Konakovic overplayed a little (RTRS)
• SDA Caucus: Konakovic is using lies to cover up responsibility of ruling coalition (Slobodna Bosna)
• Covic emphasizes importance of adopting reforms on their path to EU; Covic announces meeting of all partners in authorities (BHT1)
• Dodik: Schmidt can be tourist guide in B&H and nothing more (RTRS)
Montenegro
• Ministers in Rome: Italy strongly supports reform processes in Montenegro (CdM)
• Italian Minister to Milovic: Italy is willing to assist Montenegro in drafting anti-mafia law (CdM)
• Spajic: This govt wishes to transform economy, it is why we need collaboration with strongest French companies (CdM)
• Milatovic: Montenegro can and should be a new member of the EU in 2028 (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: Ethnic Albanian can be president, must be supported by all ethnicities (Euronews Albania)
• President Pendarovski meets with EU Ambassador Geer (MIA)
• McAllister: EU failed to deliver on some promises in enlargement process, North Macedonia an example of this (MIA/Bild)
• Alliance for Albanians proposes replacements for Ministers Mexhiti and Aliu (MIA)
• Marichikj: Outcome regarding AA ministers up to Xhaferi (MIA)
Albania
• Rama meeting with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg (Radio Tirana)
• Cooperation in higher education with Kosovo, Manastirliu: Joint projects in scientific research (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 7 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 7 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Dacic: According to information that I have, UNSC session will be open for public (RTS)
• Chinese Ambassador: Kosovo issue should be resolved through dialogue (RTS)
• UNMIK Chief calls for resolving outstanding issues through dialogue (Tanjug)
• Vucic asks what the point of circus with trial of Dodik is, unless it is someone’s intention to continue with punishing of Serb representatives (TV Happy)
• Dacic: We’ll continue to be constructive element of political stability (Beta)
• Stefanovic: We will not nominate candidates for deputy speaker, committee chairs (N1)
• DS: Entering parliament will be considered only after EP resolution (Nova/Beta)
• Kurti continues, a new attack on the Serbs: The first transport of dinars banned (RTV/B92/Kosovo Online)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• German Minister Pistorius meets Helez and his deputies (BHT1)
• Russian Embassy responds to Pistorius’s statements: It is not Russia, but Germany that is exacerbating the internal political crisis in B&H (Depo.ba)
• Pistorius meets with B&H Presidency members, emphasizes Germany’s support to B&H’s EU integration (Klix.ba)
• Pistorius meets with HR Schmidt: Germany remains strong support to B&H and it supports country’s Euro-Atlantic commitments (BHT1)
• Eichhorst meets B&H Presidency members; Eichhorst: Certain EU member states soften critical approach toward B&H (Klix.ba/FTV)
• HR Schmidt addresses key challenges at “Friends of the Western Balkans” meeting in Rome (Dnevni avaz)
• Konakovic attends meeting of foreign ministers in Rome (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia
• FM Grlic Radman reiterates support to opening of accession negotiations with B&H (Dnevni list)
Montenegro
• Ministers in Rome: Italy strongly supports reform processes in Montenegro (CdM)
• Knezevic: I will talk about the reconstruction only with Spajic, others should not try to re-educate us (Adria TV)
• Ivanovic-Tajani: Italy will help Montenegro on its way to becoming the next EU member (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani: Gov’t doesn’t dismiss ministers, parliament does (MIA)
• Aliu and Mexhiti: We will not resign, AA stands together (MIA)
Albania
• World Security and Defense Fair, Balla in Saudi Arabia (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 6 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Serbia submitted an urgent request to the UNSC (RTS)
• Vucic meets with Chinese Ambassador: I delivered letter to President Xi about Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Hybrid war waged against Serbia: Scheme shown (TV Happy/B92)
Dacic: Serbia submits request for emergency session of UN Security Council due to situation in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)
• Summit of Friends of Western Balkans takes place in Rome; Group say their goal is to keep Western Balkans membership in EU high on agenda (RTS)
• Stano: Lajcak working on dialogue, Pristina should avoid unilateral steps (Tanjug/Beta)
• Serbian parliament holds inaugural session (N1)
• Lazovic: Opposition forced SNS to indefinitely suspend parliament session (N1)
• Displaced Kosovo Serbs block Albanian vehicles from crossing at Merdare (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Trial of Dodik formally begins with reading of indictment (BHT1)
• Cvijanovic: It makes no sense to have trial for non-execution of Schmidt’s decision because –Schmidt is not legitimate HR in B&H (O Kanal)
• Viskovic on Dodik’s trial: I believe that B&H was buried today (O Kanal)
• HNS Main Council says they support southern gas interconnection and point to lack of implementation of Mostar Agreement (BHT1/O Kanal)
• NS Presidency calls for fulfilling conditions for opening of accession negotiations with EU before discussing electoral reform (Dnevni avaz)
• Time is running out for implementation of Laktasi agreement, analysts hold Bosniak politicians responsible for its non-implementation (Nezavisne)
Montenegro
• Milatovic with German Minister Ana Learmann: Germany’s unequivocal support for Montenegro’s European integration path (CdM)
• Gorcevic and Learmann: Govt aims to obtain closing benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24 (CdM)
• Macron hosted Spajic: Four pillars of cooperation between Montenegro and France were announced (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Xhaferi: In case of opposing positions AA ministers should institutionally state if they feel they belong in government or not (MIA)
• Xhaferi meets EU member states’ ambassadors: Support for commitment to holding democratic elections (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: Kosova should coordinate with allies, but has the right to implement the Constitution (Radio Tirana)
• “Friends of Western Balkans” meeting in Rome/ Hasani: Let’s enhance cooperation to expedite the integration of the region (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 5 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 5 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: Now right time to request urgent UNSC session (TV Pink)
• Petkovic: Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija in a very difficult satiation, we will fight for an urgent session of the SC (RTS)
• Dacic: Kosovo issue of highest national and state interest (Tanjug)
• More concrete cooperation with Gambia in many fields (Tanjug)
• An introduction to a total exodus of the Serbian people? (Tanjug/B92)
• EU concerned over sudden closure of Serbia-run institutions in Kosovo (N1)
• France calls for immediate suspension of decision to ban dinar in Kosovo (N1/Politika)
• Zakharova: By protecting Kosovo, Serbia is protecting the center of Europe from total devastation (Beta/Politika)
• Brussels formally proposes including obligations from Ohrid in accession talks with Serbia (RFE/Beta/Novosti)
• Li Ming: Position of the Chinese side on Kosovo issue is consistent and clear. We firmly support Serbia’s efforts to protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity (Politika)
• Former diplomat: No one believes Vucic anymore (Beta)
• Displaced Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija announce three-hour blockades (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• O’Brien delivers lecture at Sarajevo University, promising that USA will respond to any unconstitutional actions and will not allow malign actors to divide B&H; Expresses strong support for Schmidt, criticizes Dodik, Izetbegovic and Covic (O Kanal)
• O’Brien: We will respond to anti-Dayton and unconstitutional actions and will not allow malignant actors to divide this country (O Kanal)
• Dodik: Everything that O’Brien said in Sarajevo confirmed his subservience to Bosniaks in B&H and politics advocated by Sarajevo (RTRS)
• Dodik: O’Brien’s performance in Sarajevo is demonstration of arrogance and lack of ideas (ATV)
• RS politicians criticize O’Brien’s statements during visit to B&H (ATV)
• Niksic: There is no alternative to put policy of dialogue and agreement; O’Brien’s message demonstrates support to policy we have been advocating (Dnevni avaz)
• Parties of ‘Troika’ believe that highest officials of NATO and US recognized that there are pro-state forces in B&H that very responsibly and in no way populist lead key processes at different authority levels despite so many obstructions (Hayat)
• SDA reacts to O’Brien’s statements, criticizes Troika (FTV)
• Sebija Izetbegovic: Those informing O’Brien should have devised more convincing arguments against me (Dnevni avaz)
• EU approves funds for Western Balkans and its southern neighbors for safety of EU borders and solving of problem of illegal migrations; Minister Nesic says everything can be solved in line with constitutional competencies of B&H and entities (Nezavisne)
Montenegro
• We expect that the US will dedicate special attention to Montenegro, Zivkovic says (VoA/CdM)
• Ivanovic at the State Department: Strong US support for reforms on the European path (CdM)
• If strikes happen, state to face collapse (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Action Plan draft sent to Brussels, roadmaps to be adopted once conditions in place: Deputy PM (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Political parties belong to coalitions sharing same values (MIA)
• Leader wants AA to join opposition of ethnic Albanians, secretary-general says party has decided to run alone (MIA)
• Marichikj says no problems in functioning of caretaker government (MIA)
Albania
• Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Tajani gathers the heads of diplomacy of the Western Balkans in Rome (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 2 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Serbia to submit Monday written request for UN SC session (RTS)
• “Kosovo police” raid into Serbian institutions in Metohija, continuation of ethnic cleansing (Office for KiM)
• Vucic meets with EU official, says safety of Serbs in Kosovo a priority (Beta/RTS/RTV)
• Contribution of Defence Ministry, Serbian Army to EU common security and defence policy (Tanjug)
• Mojsilovic to Brieger: Serbia sees KFOR as only legitimate armed formation in its southern province (Tanjug/RTV/ Politika)
• NBS: No agreements with Kosovo Central Bank on Dinar (Danas)
• Six MEPs seek international investigation of Serbia’s elections (Beta/Politika)
• Serbia Against Violence invited to EP session for adoption of resolution on Serbia’s elections (Danas)
• State Department says US deeply disappointed by Kosovo’s decision to ban Dinar (Beta)
• Pristina court sentences Serb Dusko Arsic to 13 years (KosovoOnline/Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Komsic and Becirovic meet senior NATO delegation (BHT1)
• Russian Embassy: Becirovic does not like Russian players in B&H, but would like to be American player (ATV)
• NATO delegation meets Kristo, B&H Ministers; Kristo stresses importance of this visit (FTV)
• Geoana meets Konakovic, says secessionist policies and rhetoric of division undermine stability and hinder reforms (FTV)
• US Embassy: Like US, NATO will not allow hard-won peace in B&H to be jeopardized (Vijesti.ba)
Croatia
• Minister: Croatia has sent €181 million worth of military aid to Ukraine (Hina)
Montenegro
• Djelosaj at the Prayer Breakfast: We prayed for peace, especially in Ukraine and Gaza (CdM)
• Escobar to Ivanovic: US support for reforms, we hope that we will soon be your partner in the EU (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Mitreski – Stefanchuk: North Macedonia and Ukraine to continue to cooperate, support each other on EU path (MIA)
• Kovachevski and Taravari discuss policies related to EU membership and US partnership at meeting (MIA)
• Amendments to law on restrictive measures withdrawn from parliamentary procedure due to ‘administrative reasons’ (MIA)
Albania
• Members of the US Congress: The US should support the Western Balkans in the face of the influence of Russia, China (VoA/Radio Tirana)
• The parliamentary majority welcomes the resumption of the work on the electoral reform (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 1 February
LOCAL PRESS
• No statement from Vucic’s meeting with Quint, EU representatives (Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Vucic’s meeting with Quint representatives most difficult ever (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Vucevic: Serbia will never recognize Kosovo’s independence (TV Happy/Beta)
• Dacic: Kurti’s decision to ban Dinar undermines dialogue (TV Pink)
• Drecun: Kurti will not stop (RTS)
• Raid on Serbian infirmary in Pristina unprecedented act of violence (Office for KiM)
• Vucic informs Russian Ambassador about Pristina’s latest decision (N1)
• US Ambassador says no one asking Serbia to recognize Kosovo (FoNet)
• DS in favor of the opposition accepting seats in the parliament to boycott its work (Nova/Beta)
• Movement Dveri urges all opposition parties to form caretaker government in Belgrade (Beta)
• Unity is crucial for the opposition (Demostat/Beta)
• Jerkovic: I will request an internal monitoring body for Belgrade (TV Pink/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H HoP rejects to discuss amendments to B&H Election Law in urgent procedure (RTRS)
• SDA: Decisions passed by B&H HoP are result of agreement reached by SNSD and HDZ B&H at meeting in private property in Laktasi (N1)
• B&H HoP adopts amendments to Law on HJPC; Proposal of Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing Terrorist Activities was sent for harmonization (N1)
• EUD welcomes adoption of amendments to Law on HJPC and Civil Service Law, regrets failure to adopt Law on Prevention of Money Laundering (BHRT)
• Kristo, Kosarac and Helez discuss EU path of B&H with Sattler (BHT1)
• Brkic meets Varhelyi, Makovec in Brussels, discuss EU path of B&H (Dnevni list)
• Dodik: US Embassy is not authorized to agree solutions on behalf of B&H and its peoples (RTRS)
Croatia
• Government clarifies investigations bill; Journalists remain opposed (HRT)
Montenegro
• Nikolic in Washington: Russian aggression against Ukraine threatens the stability of the Western Balkans, Montenegro knows where the greatest danger is coming from (CdM)
• Sehovic in Washington: Montenegro must resist the malignant Russian influence, preserving the alliance with the USA is a priority (CdM)
• PM Spajic: I want all parliamentary majority representatives in executive power, I am not interested in showing symbols (CdM)
• Seshadri to Spajic: We’re happy about re-directing focus on economy, it’s the only way to move forward (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Grkovska: US partnership key in dealing with malign influences in the Balkans (MIA)
• Xhaferi – Qehaja: North Macedonia and Kosovo working to enhance economic and good-neighborly policies (MIA)
• Mexhiti on Kurti meeting: AA has never hid its meetings, party and Taravari’s sole goal is European Macedonia (MIA)
Albania
• Gjiknuri visit to Washington, meetings with American congressmen (Radio Tirana)
• US Embassy to Tirana on the assembly’s delegation visit to US: Pleasure to see the elected Albanian representatives together (Radio Titana)