LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Dialogue on Kosovo is already well on its way (RTV)

A nationwide dialogue on Kosovo has already started to a great degree, and after several rounds of talks a proposal will be agreed upon “by which the future generations will be saved”, President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday.

“The dialogue has considerably began, the greatest number of people from the public scene are declaring their views”, Vucic told reporters while visiting the works on the highway along Corridor XI.

The dialogue will take place “in concentric circles”, through municipal boards, and sessions, talks with the civic sector, the church, said Vucic and added that only after this it would be seen “what the conclusions are if there are any at all”.

Talking about the change of the Serbian Constitution, Vucic said that this act would not be brought suddenly and without a broad consensus. “There has to be an agreement of the largest number of the Serbian citizens. This has to be a bigger majority and a more significant agreement of different political factors for the Constitution to be able to survive, and not for us to bring it again in five years”, he underlined.

Vucic called upon the representatives of political parties, NGOs, public institution and the church to join the dialogue on Kosovo, but he is at the same time undermining the possibility of a dialogue by his contemptuous, aggressive attitude towards the opposition.

Even though Vucic had not clearly defined the kind of solution for Kosovo which he himself sees, the majority of the opposition rejected his appeal, accusing him that he wished to share with them the responsibility for the recognition of the independence of Kosovo, which he has, as he is accused of, promised to the EU and US in return for a free hand on the inter-political plan, where he is demonstrating powerful autocratic tendencies.

Dacic: This was our message to Skopje  “ we know everything you do” (TV Pink, Tanjug)

Serbia’s decision to withdraw its embassy staff from Macedonia is in fact “a message to Skopje.”

The message is that Serbia “knows what they laid their heads together for, and what they agreed on,” First Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Tuesday.

“That’s something not done among friends,” Dacic said referring to Skopje’s actions, and added that despite this, Serbia was seeking “good relations with all countries in the region, for the sake of peace and stability.”

With that, he told TV Pink, Serbia wants to “calm the newly created situation with Macedonia.” Dacic remarked that “the situation” emerged not on the basis of assumptions, “but on the unequivocally established actions that speak of increased offensive activities towards Serbia.”

Dacic said that “everything that happened in the last days will be discussed with our diplomats, but also with our colleagues in Macedonia.” He announced that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will talk to Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev on the phone tomorrow (Wednesday), while he would speak with his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Dimitrov.  Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic will also have the opportunity to meet with Zaev at an international gathering in the coming days, Dacic said.

“We are trying to talk, but to protect the interests of our country and not to endanger peace and stability in the region. What we are talking about – let everyone be clear on this – is nothing that would fall under the scope of some assumptions, instead there are unambiguously established actions that speak of very enhanced and extremely offensive activities towards the institutions and the Republic of Serbia, and the staff of the embassy in Skopje as a whole,” he said.  It is very important, Dacic continued, “that we know in what environment our staff will work in the embassy in Skopje.”

“We must learn some lessons from all this, about how we organize ourselves,” Dacic said, noting that Serbia “has not undertaken and is not undertaking anything against Macedonia all these years.”  Serbia, he said, has acted very correctly and constructively, and did not interfere in Macedonia’s internal affairs, “even during those turbulent times when they had daily protests.”

“There is nothing on the basis of which it could be determined that Serbia has ever done anything that would go against the interests of Macedonia. On the contrary, we had in mind that this was a republic of the former Yugoslavia, whose continuity Serbia extended with Macedonia and other countries,” the minister said.  He recalled that Macedonia “has a problem, and definitely has not resolved the issue regarding the state’s name.”

Commenting on the Macedonian government’s statement that it would be guided by the views of the majority of EU member states in regard to Kosovo’s candidacy for membership in UNESCO, Dacic noted that, if Serbia shared the position of the European Union, “it could certainly annul its previous decision, and recognize Macedonia under the name under which it sits in Brussels – and that is FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia).”

“We are very clear when we say that we want good neighborly relations with Macedonia, but these relations must be based on the principles of reciprocity. And that means, as you act toward us, so we will act toward you,” said Dacic.

According to the minister, “there is nothing is strange in the fact that Macedonia will support Kosovo’s membership in UNESCO” – but he then “quoted German Chancellor Angela Merkel” to point out that “that’s just not done among friends.”

Without wishing to reveal any details, Dacic pointed out that Serbia would “never act in the way it did, had there not been for the unequivocally established facts.”

Although, he continued, there had been intelligence activities in the past, “an order came recently to ramp up these activities.” He said he was “not worried about his phone being eavesdropped on” – because he is “saying the same things in public and on the phone.”

“But this can have serious consequences on our state institutions, because the goal of such activities is to come up with all sorts of false accusations about Serbia representing a threat, and wanting to stage some sort of conflict in Macedonia,” Dacic said, adding that the truth was “completely the other way around.”

Serbia, he stressed, has been “expressing friendly relations, even to our detriment – and we did nothing to influence a change in that relationship.”  He repeated that Serbia recognized Macedonia under the name “the Republic of Macedonia” because that was “important to them and their interests.” But, he added, for Serbia, the issue of its territorial integrity is important – and that is the issue of Kosovo.

“The whole of Europe officially lists them as FYROM. By recognizing them under a different name, we have practically poked our friends the Greeks in the eye, and this is harmful to our state and national interests,” explained Dacic. For, he repeated, the state must protect its interests.

Apparently referring to opposition politicians, Dacic addressed the issue of “those who spoke from some beaches and some destinations on this occasion, interrupting for a moment their vacations to write something on social networks.”

He pointed out that “as many as 86 countries had recognized Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence while they were in power, while in the last five years only 20 countries did so.”  Dacic explained that it was not a rule that a countries that has recognized Kosovo’s independence also supports Pristina’s bid to join UNESCO, and cited Poland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Peru, Egypt, and Swaziland as examples.  Dacic then showed a map and pointed out that the regions of those countries have not recognized Kosovo are larger, and remarked that Serbia “should pay full attention to these countries.”  That is why, said Dacic, “there is no room for criticism from those who spoke on social networks yesterday and issued press releases to call Serbia’s foreign policy amateurish and charlatan-like.”

“The result of Serbia’s foreign policy is clear: 86 countries recognized Kosovo’s independence from 2008 until 2012, while in the last five years only 20 countries did so,” he said.

He recalled that Macedonia recognized Kosovo at the end of 2008, when the Democratic Party, including Vuk Jeremic, was in power in Serbia, and that “our reaction then was only to expel (Macedonia’s) the ambassador.”

“And why didn’t we decide then to change the name under which we recognized Macedonia, because it was harmful to our national and national interests?,” Dacic asked. Serbia cannot be silent to anyone’s attempt to “vent on it” he said – while “it will remain written” whether “our decisions and reactions” have had an effect.

“It will not be easy for the authorities in Macedonia, either, to know that we know about everything that’s been going on, and in which, there is no dilemma, the foreign factor has been involved. So, we know everything. We know what they have decided, what they are doing, and what they will do,” the minister said, adding that “Serbia’s goal is not to give details because we do not aim to fight ‘special wars’ but to have good neighborly relations.”

Dacic also said that he received “an interesting reaction from a Western country” to Serbia’s decision to withdraw its embassy staff in Skopje, when he was told, “Well, that’s what everyone is doing.”

“He wanted to say that this was normal. It is not normal,” Dacic was clear, pointing out that Serbia was “doing nothing against Macedonia.”

“That’s why it isn’t normal. Macedonia is facing no danger from the north (from Serbia). We are not denying their language, we have recognized them under their constitutional name, we are not denying their nation – the fact that the Churches have a problem is not a matter of the state – and we do not have any territorial aspirations,” Dacic said. He then repeated that this was “not done among friends – all the more so since our peoples are very close.”

Commenting once again on “those who criticize the decisions of the government” – which, as he pointed out, is acting “very responsibly in order to protect the interests of the country” – Dacic said that such decisions should be left out of the realm of “politicization.”

“It’s easy to tweet, write press releases and leave likes on social networks, from distant warm seas,” Dacic said, adding that he himself has not taken a vacation “for six years.”

Jeremic, DS criticize decision to withdraw the entire staff of the Serbian embassy in Macedonia (VIP)

A small part of the opposition on Monday criticized the decision to withdraw the entire staff of the Serbian embassy in Macedonia but the rest said nothing perhaps because the circumstances under which the decision was taken remain unclear.

Former Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said that the withdrawal of the entire staff of the embassy is “diplomatic dilettantism”. “Whatever happened in Skoplje, the withdrawal of the entire embassy staff is diplomatic dilettantism and a charlatan act characteristic of banana republics,” Jeremic said.

The Democratic Party (DS) said the decision by the Serbian authorities was “a radical step” and called Vucic to state the real reason for the decision. In a written statement to the media, DS Foreign Policy Board Chairman Aleksandar Crkvenjakov said the withdrawal of the diplomats is “shooting your own foot”.

“Dacic’s radical steps which Vucic dictates are not the right way to conduct foreign policy,” the statement said. How does the Serbian government intend to tackle the problems in relations with Macedonia, Crkvenjakov asked. “By mobile phone? Or, as usual, through tabloids which will appear on newsstands tomorrow sowing scores of speculations and stirring up the emotions of the population,” Crkvenjakov said. “What do thousands of citizens of Serbia feel as they are staying or passing through Macedonia right now? Does anyone in the government even think about their need to feel diplomatically protected,” he asked.

Crkvenjakov said that this step by official Belgrade recalls a recent decision to withdraw the ambassador from France “which the authorities quickly overturned and the public forgot”. Serbia in April recalled its ambassador from Paris for a short period after a French court decided to release Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj who was arrested in France under a warrant issued by Serbia.

Serbian president grateful to Russia for “political support” (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received on Monday in Belgrade the ambassador of the Russian Federation, Aleksandr Chepurin. According to a statement from the presidency, cited by Tanjug, Vucic “thanked Chepurin for Russia’s political support to Serbia.”

The president also told Moscow’s top diplomat in this country that Serbia “will continue to build good relations with the Russian Federation, and protect its military neutrality, independence and autonomy in making political decisions.”

According to the statement, “special emphasis was placed on joint actions to set up an industrial zone in order to attract more investors from the Russian Federation.”  Vucic and Chepurin “expressed their satisfaction over the nine percent increasing in trade between the two countries in the first six months of this year.”  They also “emphasized the need to intensify work on further strengthening economic cooperation and exchange of capital and trade goods.”

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia and Herzegovina

HNS to send another proposal on changes to Law on Elections of B&H in parliamentary procedure (FTV)

The Main Council of the Croat People’s Assembly (HNS) held a session in Mostar on Monday. On this occasion, the HNS Main Council discussed the issue of amending the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) and concluded that amending this law is a key issue for the future of B&H.

The Main Council assessed the attitude of part of Bosniak parties that oppose HNS’ proposal of amendments to the Election Law, as an attempt to maintain domination over Croats in B&H.

The Main Council also discussed responsibilities with regard to disposal of land, natural resources, and construction of infrastructure. Its members emphasized the need to confront Federation of B&H authorities’ usurpation of constitutional responsibilities of municipalities and cantons in disposal of natural resources.

Special focus of the discussion on infrastructure was set on the issue of Neum and construction of the Peljesac Bridge. Addressing a press conference after the session, Main Council Chairman Bozo Ljubic stated that the most important thing at the moment is that the Peljesac Bridge significantly solves ecological and traffic issues of Neum. Ljubic finds that there are tendencies of Bosniak policy and, as he called it, “para-policy” to build railroad and freight port, which is impossible for the Neum maritime zone. Ljubic commented on amendments to the Election Law saying that the Main Council hopes B&H House of Representatives (HoR) will endorse HNS’ law proposal. Ljubic warned that otherwise the Main Council will demand an extraordinary session of HNS aimed to adopt some strategic decisions.

Ljubic made a remark saying that the Office of the High Representative (OHR) cannot do anything against decisions of the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H. Head of the Constitutional-Legal Affairs Department of the HNS Main Council Barisa Colak pointed out that the Main Council would like to see SDA’s proposal of amendments to the Election Law. Colak reiterated that HNS is willing to accept any solution that legitimately solves the issue of election of delegates in the Federation of B&H House of Peoples (HoP) and members of B&H Presidency. According to Colak, the issue of amending the Election Law needs to be solved this year.

SDS Glamocak: We will follow Serbian stance re NATO, everything is political populism (RTRS)

Leader of SDA Bakir Izetbegovic explained why he has chosen the Alliance for Changes (SzP) as a state-level partner, instead of SNSD and its leader Milorad Dodik. According to Izetbegovic, he has chosen the SzP as a group of the Serb parties that offered more than others three years ago, i.e. normalization of relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), “a step forward in relation to the NATO”, calming down the situation and reconciliation. On the other hand, Izetbegovic described Dodik as the main person who obstructs the NATO path and the European integration. Asked what SDS actually promised to Izetbegovic three years ago, Vice President (VP) of SDS Nedeljko Glamocak did not provide a concrete answer to RTRS. Glamocak reiterated the general stance of his party that, when it comes to the NATO, they will follow the stance of Serbia about this issue. According to Glamocak, SDS will not give up on the abovementioned standpoint and stressed that all other stories about the NATO are nothing but political populism. The reporter noted that while the ruling authorities and the opposition in Republika Srpska argue about membership in the NATO, Izetbegovic is getting ready for new lawsuits and motions. According to the reporter, there is no doubt that the RS will again be Izetbegovic’s target while the Constitutional Court of B&H will again be the instrument in the hands of SDA.

fYROM

Without making hasty conclusions, the Governement welcomed Belgrade’s announcements of friendly relations (Meta)

The government said this that it will not jump to hasty conclusions about the withdrawal of the entire staff of Serbia’s embassy in the country for consultations in Belgrade, they welcomed statements from officials in Belgrade for “protecting friendly relations and restoring conditions in the usual framework”

“The Republic of Macedonia is developing friendly relations with all neighboring countries. The new Government of the Republic of Macedonia is absolutely committed and undertakes intense steps in the direction of resolving as opposed to creating problems, promoting good neighborly relations, cooperation and partnership with the Republic of Serbia, as well as with other countries in the region. We are convinced that it is the only way that the region moves forward. Regarding this concrete case, without bringing hasty conclusions, we welcome the announcements from Belgrade for the protection of friendly relations and restoration of the situation in the usual framework”, reads the government statement.

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic and Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic stated that staff from the Serbian embassy in Macedonia have been withdrawn for consultations in Belgrade since sufficient intelligence was obtained by Serbian intelligence authorities for many offensive intelligence activities against the authorities and institutions of Serbia”.

Deputy PM Osmani: Macedonia committed to fostering good neighborly ties (MIA)

The Republic of Macedonia is fostering good neighborly relations with every country in the region. I believe the new government has proven it’s committed to doing so and we are taking intensive measures to settle open issues with our neighbors, instead of opening new ones, Deputy PM for European affairs Bujar Osmani told reporters on Tuesday.

“Of course we are closely following the situation, however we wouldn’t like to jump to conclusions. What we can do is to welcome the statement of Serbian officials, i.e. Serbia’s official stance on protection of our friendly relations and restoration of the standard state of play,” Osmani told a news conference in Skopje.

Asked whether Serbia’s move had to do with Kosovo’s bid to join UNESCO, the Deputy PM urged that any speculation as to the reasons why was ‘unwanted’.

“For us, it is important to close outstanding issues with the neighbors. We won’t rush to conclusions, we will wait until we gather all the details regarding the matter. It is vital the two sides to show positive will aimed at restoring relations back to normal,” noted Osmani.

He said he had learned after communicating with authorities in Kosovo that at the moment Pristina hadn’t even applied for UNESCO membership.

“They say at the moment they haven’t even prepared an application, which means it isn’t being discussed. As soon as we are asked for support, we will make a decision,” Deputy PM Osmani said.

INTERNATIONAL PRESS

Republika Srpska doesn’t want to ‘lose Russia, other friends’ to NATO (Sputnik)

Republika Srpska (RS), one of the constituting parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), wants a referendum on the country joining NATO, RS President Milorad Dodik said in an exclusive interview with Sputnik.

Dodik pointed out that a referendum would give the people an opportunity to voice their opinions on the possible integration of B&H into the alliance when the issue is on the agenda.

“Several years ago we were not against some aspects of military cooperation with the alliance. But now the situation is different. NATO wants Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the military bloc without the consent of RS. This is why the people’s voice is what really matters,” Dodik told Sputnik Serbian.

Serbian-majority RS is one of two largely autonomous entities constituting B&H. The other one is the Federation of B&H dominated by Bosniaks and Croats – as well as the Brcko district. The union state is governed by a three-member presidency.

Commenting on the possible date for such a vote, the president suggested that it should be organized “as soon as possible.”

“There is some sort of a consensus within RS that we should not advance towards a membership in NATO. The most adequate response is to organize a legitimate referendum as soon as possible. If RS says no to B&H’s admission to NATO this would mean no more procedures related to joining the alliance,” Dodik said. He explained that the decision has been prompted by a recent ruling of the Constitutional Court of B&H that the Veliki Zep military facility in RS is owned by the state.

Re-registration of the so-called “prospective military property” is the final step in B&H’s bid to join NATO, the so-called Membership Action Plan.

“This decision is aimed at stripping RS of the right to possess its own property. This decision was imposed by NATO and supported by Sarajevo. The alliance shows its defiance of law and sovereignty. … RS will not obey this ruling. This precedent is very dangerous,” Dodik said.

Commenting further, the president shed light on the possible plan for a referendum.

“We’ll try to unite all of the RS political parties and reach a consensus on a referendum. The proposed question should be: ‘Do you support RS becoming a NATO member?'” Dodik said.

He also commented on the possible consequences of a referendum and the possible reaction from the international community.

“I guess they will say that the referendum is illegal. But it is legal for RS. We want to reach a domestic political consensus and abandon the integration with NATO. We want to send a clear message that B&H should not join NATO in a polarized world, in which joining one side would mean losing Russia and other friends. We don’t want to lose this friendship. RS wants to be like Serbia that maintains neutrality. At the same time, we should not forget about NATO’s attempts to meddle in our domestic affairs,” Dodik said.

Sarajevo and Brussels have been discussing Bosnia’s NATO membership since the mid-2000s. B&H joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 2006. As part of the reforms needed for the implementation of the program, RS armed forces and defense ministry were abolished and control over the RS Army was transferred to a state-level ministry.

B&H was expected to join NATO by 2011, but the plan hit a skid over the need to hand over more than 60 military facilities to the federal government.