LOCAL PRESS
Dacic: Albanian diaspora planning to seize some Serbian diplomatic facilities (Beta/RTS)
Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic has said that Serbia has information about the Albanian Diaspora’s plans to seize some Serbia’s diplomatic or consular facilities in the U.S. or Europe with the aim to force Serbia to abandon its request for prosecuting former Kosovo premier Ramush Haradinaj. Dacic said that this information had been forwarded to police and security services of those countries and also to all Serbia’s diplomatic and consular missions, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry on Jan. 9. “This shows what Albanian politicians are capable of – even terrorism,” Dacic said. Dacic further said that Serbia would like to remind all countries that they were responsible for security of all Serbia’s diplomatic missions and warned Albanian politicians not to play with fire. “Serbia will not abandon the prosecution of Haradinaj or anyone else who has committed crimes against the Serbs. The Serbs, as any other people, deserve justice,” Dacic stressed. Dacic also said that Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir
Bushati’s statement saying that following Haradinaj’s arrest, a revision was needed of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, demonstrated the essence of Albania’s policy that crimes against the Serbs were allowed and that the dialogue served only to further promote Kosovo’s independence.
Dacic told the morning news of Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) that Serbia has received this information from Western security agencies. “This information has arrived from a big country and big security community, with the names and last names of the people, with the country that was discussed as the possible country where the target may be our embassy or consulate,” said Dacic. “Protests of the Albanian Diaspora will continue today in front of French and Serbian diplomatic-consular representative offices, but this will not have impact on Serbia’s stand when it comes to Haradinaj or anyone else. At issue are war crimes,” said Dacic.
Serbia sends request for Haradinaj’s extradition (Tanjug)
The Serbian Justice Ministry has sent an extradition request for Ramush Haradinaj to the French judicial authorities, Tanjug was told in this ministry. Along the extradition request, Serbia sent the accompanying documentation translated into French, based on which the French judicial authorities will decide whether conditions have been met to extradite Haradinaj.
Serbia suspects Haradinaj of committing crimes in Kosovo and Metohija that have not been previously included in The Hague Tribunal’s case, which ended in his acquittal.
Committee for Kosovo and Metohija to discuss situation in Kosovo (Novosti)
The Chairperson of the Serbian parliamentary Committee for Kosovo and Metohija Milovan Drecun has scheduled this Committee’s session for tomorrow, while the plan is to inform the members about the current political and security situation in Kosovo and Metohija. The information delivered to Committee members says that the session will be closed for the public over the confidentiality of the information that will be discussed.
Great potential for strengthening cooperation between Serbia, India (RTS)
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic met today in Gandhinagar with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, with whom he discussed bilateral relations, strengthening economic cooperation and trade. Vucic invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Serbia, stressing that it would be a new impetus to the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries on all levels. The two officials discussed the promotion of cooperation in the field of food production, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, defense industry, tourism and information technology. There is a great potential for cooperation between the two countries in the export of edible oil, soya and oil seed from Serbia to India, Prime Minister Modi said and suggested Serbia as India’s partner in the program for the development of food industry and food processing for 2017-2018. Vucic expressed gratitude for the principled stance that India has with regard to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, and expressed his support in the fight against terrorism India is facing, stressing that only united can we fight against this evil of modern times.
Speaking about his meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, Vucic said that Rogozin was a friend of Serbia. “I thanked him for the supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” said Vucic. He pointed out that he had discussed with Rogozin military-technical cooperation, adding that the defense industry represents one of the most significant factors for Serbia’s future economic growth.
Kocijanicic: Agreement on judiciary to be fully implemented despite small, understandable delay (Beta)
The agreement on judiciary signed by Belgrade and Pristina will be fully implemented, despite a small and understandable delay, caused by a the incorporation of 200-strong judicial staff in the court system, a spokesperson at the European Commission, Maja Kocijancic said in an interview with Beta. She said that it’s a unique administrative challenge, which will be resolved, adding that she was confident both sides will work hard to find a solution. The explanation by the spokesman for EU High Representative Federica Mogherini came at Beta’s request for her to confirm the allegation that the original date for the Belgrade-Pristina judiciary agreement to come into force was moved forward from 10 January to 17 January.
EP presents draft resolution on Serbia’s progress (Beta)
The European Parliament (EP) has welcomed Serbia’s efforts in the European integration process, its political will and readiness for the EU accession talks, but urged the authorities in Belgrade to harmonize Serbia’s foreign and security policy with that of the EU, including the policy towards Russia, and to act quickly to address the controversial events in the Savamala neighborhood. In a draft resolution discussed by the EP foreign policy committee, concerns had been raised over the freedom of expression and media, and anti-corruption efforts, as no progress had been made to improve the situation in the two fields. In his report to the committee, the EP rapporteur for Serbia, David McAllister, said he was pleased to see the accession chapters opening in the EU-Serbia talks, underlining that Serbia has taken important steps in the normalization of relations with Kosovo, making process in creating an effective market economy, and improving the overall economic situation in the state.
Seeing Serbian Army contingent off to multinational operation MINUSCA (Politika)
The fifth contingent of the Serbian Armed Forces has been officially seen off today at “Banjica 2” barracks in Belgrade to the UN mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The ceremony was attended by the Serbian Army Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Jovica Draganic with members of the extended Collegium of Chief of General Staff, representatives of the organizational units of the Defense Ministry and families and friends of our peacekeepers. Seventy members of the Serbian Army will be sent to the Central African Republic. In the next six months they will be engaged within the military hospital in medical care of the forces in the mission MINUSCA. The Commander of Serbian contingent will be Colonel Dragan Antic whereas the Commander of the military hospital in this rotation will be Lieutenant Colonel Veljko Milic. General Draganic stressed that Serbian soldiers and medical personnel are recognized in missions as highly professional, honourable and responsible and they set high standards in work and behavior for their colleagues in the mission and new contingents of our Armed Forces, thus giving a contribution to the reputation of Serbia in the world. “It has been two years since the Serbian Army started to engage in the UN mission in the Central African Republic military observers, staff officers and the military hospital in charge of medical care of several thousand members of the forces in the mission. During the past two years doctors and medical technicians of our military hospital have done medical examinations of more than 20,000 patients, cured more than 1,300 people affected by malaria, have conducted 210 complex surgery and 140 medical evacuation, have done 2,400 dentist examinations and have taken care of 620 different injuries of the UN members,” General Draganic said and told the “blue berets” going to the mission to continue the successful system of work of the military hospital established by their colleagues in the previous four rotations. “In the area of operation you will perform responsible duties on medical care of the forces members in the mission – you will rescue lives. The work in the mission will pose a great challenge in your personal and professional life, having in mind that you will execute tasks in the multinational surroundings, in an unfamiliar field, in unfavorable climate conditions, far from you closest ones,” Deputy Chief of General Staff emphasized. “In the area of operation you will perform responsible duties on medical care of the forces members in the mission – you will rescue lives. The work in the mission will pose a great challenge in your personal and professional life, having in mind that you will execute tasks in the multinational surroundings, in an unfamiliar field, in unfavourable climate conditions, far from you closest ones,” General Draganic emphasized. During the ceremony, General Draganic handed over the national flag of the Republic of Serbia to the Commander of Serbian contingent Colonel Antic with the words “may you carry it highly and proudly in the Central African Republic”.
Serbian Army Chief of General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic has wished a good trip and success in the mission to the members of Serbian contingent. Pointing out a very important fact that there are people in the contingent who have been engaged in this and other missions, General Dikovic said that they should use the precious experience in the performance of tasks. “Your leaders are experienced and they know their job and you can believe them. Believe yourselves and your capabilities, be disciplined and responsible and take care primarily of your health and security while performing tasks,” General Dikovic added.
Serbian, Belarusian ministers discuss military-technical cooperation (Beta)
Serbian Defense Minister Zoran Djordjevic met Belarusian Defense Minister Lieutenant General Andrei Alekseyevich Ravkov. The interlocutors have talked about the possibilities of improvement of military-technical and military-economic cooperation of two countries. Djordjevic and Ravkov agreed that defence cooperation has been essentially improved in the previous period and it has reached a high level of general and political relations of two friendly countries. Agreements on cooperation in various fields signed in the previous three years represent a legal framework for the development of collaboration and researching modality for its improvement. The interlocutors emphasized that in the following period two defense ministries should endorse the possibility of cooperation of Serbian and Belarusian defense industry companies, having in mind the perspective of mutual collaboration and possibilities of participation in armament, military equipment and technology export to the third markets.
DS decides to support Sasa Jankovic’s candidacy (Beta/B92/RTS)
The presidency of the Democratic Party (DS) has decided to support the presidential candidacy of Ombudsman Sasa Jankovic. According to DS leader Dragan Sutanovac, Jankovic personifies those values that the DS stands for. “Guided by the citizens’ interests, we are convinced that he is the best candidate and that he will win,” Sutanovac said on Tuesday, adding that the decision was unanimous, and made at his proposal. Sutanovac also said this was the moment when the force of what’s just, not the right of the force, should be established in Serbia.
REGIONAL PRESS
RS Day marked; Solemn parade on occasion of RS Day held (BHT 1/BN)
Aside from Chairman of the B&H Presidency Mladen Ivanic, who lined up the members of the Armed Forces of B&H prior to the parade, this event was also attended by high-ranking officials of Repuiblika Srpska (RS) and President of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic. Ivanic underlined that it is important for people to understand that they should be tolerant towards each other, without imposing their own will. RS President Milorad Dodik underlined that the RS has no intention of giving up on its identity, stressing that Serbs were only fighting for their freedom without affecting the others. “Today, 25 years after, we are celebrating the Day of the RS as a proof of our persistence, commitment and desire for freedom”, he added. RS Prime Minister Zeljka Cvijanovic commented on the liturgy explaining that anyone can choose to go to church to mark the Day of the RS. She added that this option was obviously recognized by politicians, high-ranking officials and citizens of the RS. Nikolic noted that he came to attend the solemn academy as a representative of citizens of Serbia, expressing his hope that special relations between Serbia and the RS will be deepened even more. “Serbia will exist for as long as the RS exists. It might be more natural to say that the RS will exist for as long as Serbia exists, but your role is much greater and, therefore, I congratulate you on everything you did, particularly on the referendum”, Nikolic said.
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, who was unable to attend the celebration of the Day of the RS on Monday due to his official visit to India, sent President of the RS and leader of SNSD Milorad Dodik a letter in which he congratulated the citizens of the entity, the RS Government and Dodik on the Day of the RS. “I wish to congratulate to you, the Government of the RS, the people of the RS the Day of the RS, in the hope that you will jealously guard and protect the RS, as well as peace and stability in the whole of B&H. Mr. President, Serbia will always be your sincere support” said Vucic.
Commenting the marking of the RS’ Day, HDZ B&H leader and B&H Presidency member Dragan Covic stated that tensions are constantly being raised unnecessarily. “I am afraid that such an approach will not bring us forward. I advocate the idea that we deal with issues of life importance. It seems that we have dedicated a whole year to the issue of the RS’ Day which used to be marked until recently without anyone taking a notice, and now we all talk only about that”, said Covic.
Dodik: Restore rights to RS or B&H will break up (Srna)
The President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik says that the RS can and should remain a part of B&H if its rights are restored, but if not, he vows to promote the principle of a peaceful breakup. Dodik says that a peaceful split should be sought in an agreement with the Federation of B&H since that is what has been envisaged. He told RTRS that one should persist with the cause and that RS is aware of the internal, regional and global trends in which there is now a positive moment for the promotion of RS’s interests. Dodik thinks that the Serbs now have an excellent chance to resolve the state-building issue once and for all and that they shouldn’t miss that chance in the years and decades ahead.
Dodik said that it is his opinion that B&H is no good for anyone, including the Muslims who, led by Sarajevo politicians with the help of the international factor, didn’t manage to establish their control over it because the Serbs, Srpska and Croats are in their way. Dodik maintains that Bosniaks have to get rid of that illusion and try to create something that is virtually impossible, because they have lost a number of international friends who forced the Serbs and Croats to conform to them.
According to him, the Croats are dissatisfied with B&H because they lost even what they gained by the Dayton Peace Accords, and the Serbs are unhappy for being a part of the country that for them and for Srpska is an epitome of evil, instead of being their desire, love and need. President Dodik asserts that the neighboring countries are also dissatisfied with B&H, since Croatia only formally respects it while, informally, it is trying to strengthen the Croats’ position within it.
“The same goes for Serbia. Turkey wants to help the Bosniaks here to dominate the entire B&H territory,” said Dodik and added that B&H was a provisional and imaginary country and that he wouldn’t have anything against the country if it were a successful project.
Dodik doesn’t want to waste his years on the country where RS, unlike the Federation of B&H, has never tried to do any evil to the Bosniaks in the Federation or any other wrong that would humiliate the people from that entity.
“Restoring the state, nation and people is a general and major trend. Why should we act any different? Why should we be trapped in an impossible and monstrous state which is absolutely not working and which has offered nothing good to the Serbs and RS since it was established?” asked Dodik.
He asserts that B&H doesn’t stand a chance and that the massive international intervention here was a wrong thing to do, as was the act of the formation of the state itself. The RS President says that RS is a territorial, political and popular fact with an effective government and that it adheres to international standards and every other thing that a modern state has.
US Embassy, OHR warn: B&H Constitution and decisions of Constitutional Court must be respected (Hayat)
Commenting on the fact that the RS marked the RS Day, the Office of the High Representative (OHR) issued a statement stressing that the authorities in the RS are obliged to respect the B&H Constitution and the decisions of the B&H Constitutional Court. The OHR also pointed out that the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA) needs to be fully respected, adding it is not an à la carte menu. Prior to the celebration of 9 January, the Public Relations Office of the US Embassy to B&H also issued a statement, saying that failure to respect the decision of the B&H Constitutional Court represents violation of the rule of law and those who do it must be held responsible. “Disrespecting the decisions of the CC B&H represents violation of the rule of law and those who do that must be held accountable. Any kind of threat to security and stability guaranteed by the Dayton structure will be taken very seriously”.
B&H Defense Ministry: We did not approve line up of B&H AF in Banja Luka; NATO’s Wilz: I expect detailed investigation (Hayat)
Members of the Honorary Unit with the Third Infantry Regiment of B&H Armed Forces (AF) lined up in Banja Luka on Sunday, while Chairman and Serb member of the Presidency of B&H Mladen Ivanic was laying flowers to a memorial erected in honor of fallen soldiers of the WWII People’s Liberation War. Then, members of the Unit rendered the salute to Ivanic and withdrew from the ceremony. Following the ceremony, Deputy B&H Minister of Defense Sead Jusic explained that attendance of the members of B&H AF in Banja Luka on Sunday was legal, but warned that no member of B&H AF is allowed to attend the ceremony in this town on Monday. Nevertheless, members of the Honorary Unit with the Third Infantry Regiment of B&H AF lined up again on Monday and rendered the salute to Ivanic. Namely, they lined up at the main square in Banja Luka after Ivanic requested their presence as a military honor guard, flouting the warnings issued by B&H Ministry of Defense and NATO. However, B&H AF members did not partake in a solemn military parade organized in the center of this city. Commenting on the issue, the Ministry of Defense of B&H confirmed that it has not issued an order for the participation of the members of B&H AF in the activities in Banja Luka on 9 January 2017. This institution explained that it requested instructions from B&H Presidency in regards with Ivanic’s request, but failed to receive a response. The Ministry of Defense also underlined that it issued written instructions to B&H AF Joint Staff, by which any participation of B&H AF members in activities on January 9 is not allowed.
In the meantime, NATO HQ Commander, Brigadier General Giselle Wilz stated that she hopes that B&H Ministry of Defense will conduct a detailed investigation into Monday’s participation of B&H AF’s Third Infantry Regiment in the activities to mark the Day of the RS, which the CC of B&H declared unconstitutional. Wilz earlier stressed that participation of any member of B&H AF in any part of celebration of the Day of the RS would represent violation of the Law on Defense, and possibly even of the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA). She added that, according to the law, these persons would be a subject to disciplinary measures, including dismissal from military service.
Izetbegovic to demand investigation on engagement of B&H AF in ceremony marking RS Day (TV1)
B&H Presidency member Bakir Izetbegovic stated that he will demand a detailed investigation on the engagement of B&H Armed Forces members in the ceremony marking the RS Day in Banja Luka. Izetbegovic will demand that the engagement is examined in terms of violation of the Law on Defense, Law on Service in Armed Forces, Rulebook on Regiments and Rulebook on Festivities and Ceremonies. He will also demand that responsibility is established for all individuals who in any way violated the laws and regulations of B&H Armed Forces, as well as instructions of the Commander of NATO Headquarters.
The SDP, DF and GS stressed that the participation of the Armed Forces of B&H’s 3rd Infantry Regiment in the RS Day celebrations in Banja Luka as an attempt of a ‘mini-coup,’ orchestrated by Chairman and Serb member of the Presidency of B&H Mladen Ivanic and Minister of Defense of B&H Marina Pendes, resulting in the “collapse of the chain of command”, undermining of B&H Presidency as the commander-in-chief and an assault against the constitutional order and peace in B&H. SBB B&H warned potential secessionists and separatists that B&H is stable and that patriots are ready to defend this country at all costs.
Montenegrin Army to modernize (MINA)
The Army of Montenegro is undergoing modernization, which entails purchase of helicopters, tanks, modern patrol ships, air surveillance equipment, and connection to NATO integrated system of air protection, said Minister of Defense Predrag Boskovic. Speaking to MINA Agency, he said that he expects that by spring all 28 members will ratify the Accession Protocol of Montenegro to NATO. He expects the new US administration to fully support Montenegro’s integration. According to him, the Ministry will be dedicated to developing the Army through basic defense, participation in international mission, and more efficient support to civil institutions in the times of crisis. Montenegro will continue to contribute to peace in the world through participating in UN, NATO and EU missions. When it comes to Army’s readiness, the Minister said that the results accomplished during the last ten years are extraordinary. Positive remarks from NATO and partners are the best measure of success. Boskovic reminded that the Strategic overview of defense entails that by 2024 Montenegro must bring budget for defense to 2% of total GDP, which is a NATO standard. He reminded that Montenegro received the Bluebook in July, based on which it will share its capacities and develop defense systems within the collective system of defense.
“Ministry of Defense is working on compliance of legislation and preparation of the Draft of the Law on amendments to the Law on using Army of Montenegro units in international forces and the Draft of the Law on amendments to the Law on Defense,” Boskovic said. He added that he expects these laws to pass within the first half of this year.
Ivanov gives government mandate to Gruevski (MIA)
President Gjorge Ivanov gave Monday the government mandate to VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski, said his office. The deadline for the President to present the government mandate to the party/parties winning most MP seats at the December 11 parliamentary elections expired on Monday. The PM-designate has 20 days to submit the government program and its makeup within 20 days. The government is then elected by parliament majority. The parliament, which held its constitutive session on December 30, includes 51 MPs from the VMRO-DPMNE-led coalition, followed by the SDSM-led coalition with 49, DUI-10, Besa-5, Alliance of Albanians-3 and DPA-2.
EU expects swift formation of new government in Macedonia (MIA)
The European Union reiterated that it expected a swift formation of a new government in Macedonia, MIA reports from Brussels. “At this stage we are following the situation very closely. As we have said in the past, we are looking forward to the swift formation, within the constitutional deadlines, of a new stable government. We also need to see urgent implementation of reforms to address systemic rule of law issues through the Urgent Reform Priorities and to the continued implementation of the previous political agreements. In this context, we will continue to support the country in its European integration process,” said European Commission Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic at the press briefing. The statement comes after President Gjorge Ivanov gave the government mandate to VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski.
Gruevski: No support from VMRO-DPMNE to bilingualism or establishing of cantons (Dnevnik)
VMRO-DPMNE President Nikola Gruevski said that his party will attempt to form the next Government, but will not be prepared to do so at any cost. Interviewed by daily Dnevnik, Gruevski says that, if VMRO-DPMNE is stood up in the talks by the other parties, they will soon return to power in a big way. “I will try to form the next government, but not at any price. If we follow already established principles, I should be able to form the Government. If these principles are violated, then anything is possible,” Gruevski told Dnevnik. “If DUI now decides to form a coalition with the second placed party in the elections, with the party that lost and not the party that won the elections, this would create a new political tradition, a new practice in Macedonia, and we will naturally adapt to it, now and in the future” Gruevski said, speaking about the possibility that SDSM cobbles together a coalition with the ethnic Albanian parties, based on their proposed platform and SDSM’s own promises to reform the country beyond the inter-ethnic agreement laid in the Ohrid Agreement that ended the 2001 conflict.
DUI led two other Albanian parties, BESA and the Alliance of Albanians, into forming a joint platform with a number of requests to amend the Constitution, give Albanian politicians veto powers over the funding of municipalities, make the Albanian language into an official language throughout Macedonia, change the flag, coat of arms and anthem, concessions in the name issue talks with Greece and in talks with Bulgaria, and other issues. While SDSM have yet to respond officially to the platform, Gruevski said that demands will not help ordinary ethnic Albanian citizens, whose needs would not be helped by having expanded language rights in municipalities where there are no Albanian citizens, but would be better served by having 100 or 150 new factories open up in the next four years, by adding thousands of jobs, and appropriately increasing the salaries, retirement incomes and welfare payments for all citizens. Given that the Constitution can only be amended with a two thirds majority, Gruevski adds that there will be no support from VMRO-DPMNE to introduce bilingualism across Macedonia or to establish cantons, and will act to prevent a push in this direction by other parties, including SDSM.
Two out of three Albanian parties say no to cooperation with Gruevski (Alta)
After the VMRO-DPMNE President Nikola Gruevski received the mandate to form the government, the Alliance for Albanians and Besa parties said they would not be a part of discussions with Gruevski on forming new government because he is under investigation by the Special Prosecution Office (SPO). The SPO probes crimes among high-ranking officials.
INTERNATIONAL PRESS
Serbia, Kosovo Urged to Work Harder on EU Goals (BIRN, by Natalia Zaba, 10 January 2017)
New EU reports on Kosovo and Serbia list judicial issues, media freedom, corruption, organized crime and political polarization as the chief obstacles slowing their path to EU membership.
The European Parliament’s rapporteurs for Kosovo and Serbia, Urlike Lunacek and Davic Mcallister, on Monday presented draft resolutions on the progress of both countries towards European Union membership. The recent arrest in France on a Serbian arrest warrant of Kosovo’s former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj drew strong reactions, including a note that the agreement of justice issues signed by Kosovo and Serbia in November 2016 should have solved such matters and remarks that such behaviour does not aid progress, dialogue and good neigbour relations. Relations between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were also called barely acceptable in a draft resolution on Serbia debated on Monday. The resolution called on Serbia to align its foreign and security policy more closely with that of the EU, including its policy on Russia. Serbia was praised, however, for its efforts to deal with the migrant crisis, as well as for making significant economic changes. Serbia’s work towards regional stability was called progressive although often symbolic, especially when it comes to building better relations with neighbouring countries. Fighting corruption and organized crime, as well as safeguarding the independence of the judiciary was described as a major concern, as Serbia is deemed to have little or no progress. The European Parliament reiterated concerns that no progress had been made to improve freedom of expression and of the media in Serbia. “Threats, violence and intimidation аgainst journalists remain an issue of concern,” the resolutions said, calling on Serbia’s authorities to investigate attacks on journalists and media outlets and fully enforce its own media laws, underlining the need for complete transparency in media ownership and funding of media. Serbia was also urged to work on creating a better environment for workers in the media and the NGO sector and respect the Ombudsman’s office.
In the draft resolution on Kosovo, rapporteur Lunacek called on the government to establish the stalled Association of Serbian Municipalities. Lunacek expressed concern over the continued existence in Kosovo of Serbia-run “parallel structures”, calling for them to be scrapped. Kosovo was also urged to solve the demarcation issue with Montenegro and deal with high-level corruption cases in order to achieve visa liberalization with the EU. Politicians on all sides were urged act for good of all of Kosovo’s citizen, independently from Belgrade, reducing political polarization, and working on dialogue between the parties. Kosovo was called to take more decisive action in its work on joining the EU. According to the resolution, progress in fighting corruption has been very slow. The rapporteur said joining Interpol and Europol were worth considering. The European Parliament expressed regret that corruption and organised crime went unpunished in certain areas of Kosovo, notably in the Serb-run north. It voiced concern that the track record of investigations, prosecutions, final convictions and confiscation and sequestration of criminal assets remains low. The draft resolution praised Kosovo’s decisiveness in fighting violent extremism, however, as well as good progress made in technical agreements with Serbia in 2016 over the cadaster, university diplomas and the bridge in the divided town of Mitrovica.
