LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Dialogue cannot be just about us recognizing Kosovo (RTS/Beta)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that the talks with Pristina and the preservation of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina were key subjects for Serbia, but also the stability of the Western Balkans. Vucic told Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) that he had stated that Belgrade wanted to negotiate and try to reach a compromise with representatives of Pristina. “I told the Albanians, if you say every day and if others in the world expect that we will give everything while receiving nothing back, if you get everything without giving anything back, then thank you and goodbye,” he said. If someone thinks the idea of the process of normalizing the Belgrade-Pristina relations is just that Serbia must recognize Kosovo, it will be a case of ‘thanks and goodbye’, Vucic said in Davos Thursday. Vucic said this in response to a reporter’s question if there was a possibility of an international conference being held to solve the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, rather than continue the ‘tortuous’ Brussels dialogue. “We had meetings with Albanians who are represented here in line with what has been agreed – i.e., Kosovo, asterisk, Resolution 1244,” the president said. When the interviewer remarked that Vucic will be taking part in a number of meetings actually also referring to Serbia and Kosovo – and asked whether that should make us rejoice or be worried, Vucic said this was not about Serbia and Kosovo but about Belgrade and Pristina – although Thaci has been talking about Serbia and Kosovo, while some people are not talking at all about Serbia and Kosovo.

Vucic, Rama meet in Davos (RTS/Beta)

Vucic said during a meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, that relations between the two countries were good and particularly important for the stability of the Western Balkans.

According to a statement from the Serbian President’s media service, Vucic and Rama met in

Davos and discussed the two countries’ European path and bilateral economic cooperation, especially through the improvement of tourism exchange. “The fact that we have different opinions regarding some issues, does not mean that we are not aware of the fact that our two countries play an important role in the preservation of peace,” Vucic said, adding that the stance on Kosovo was the main point of disagreement between Serbia and Albania. Rama said he was convinced the two countries would continue to carry out the agenda for the economic development of the region without borders, and contribute to the removal of barriers in trade, culture and science. He added that Kosovo was still an important subject in relations between Albania and Serbia, and that Tirana supported the continuation of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

Vucic, Hahn meet in Davos (Beta/B92/TV Prva)

Vucic talked in Davos with the EU commissioner Johannes Hahn, about the situation in the region and Serbia’s European path. Vucic said he expected the announced EU enlargement strategy to represent the concretization of positive and encouraging messages of the president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, who had marked Serbia as a leader in the process of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, stated the Serbian president’s media service.

Vucic and Hahn discussed the dialogue between Belgrade, concluding that it was important that, in the future, Belgrade and Pristina had a realistic, serious and responsible approach, the statement reads. “The situation in which two sides try to agree has to be such that both are a little dissatisfied. If someone thinks that they can get everything, and the other nothing, that is the wrong way that does not lead to a solution,” Vucic said. It was clear that the EU would request legally binding document in negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina, which should clearly state that the relations were normalized, Vucic said. “This does not have to mean recognition of Kosovo. They would be happy if this was achieved. We cannot do it, but they request something that means that everything can function and there are no big problems in the future”, Vucic said to journalists after the meeting with Hahn. Vucic explained that his job was to say to the EU representatives that what some of their members were saying, as well as Pristina representatives, they actually were turning Serbia away from the negotiation table. “They say that recognition is the only possible way. If that is so, then let us not bother you, or you bother us, because this will not happen in such way”, Vucic said. According to him, Serbian side requested that this should be an agreement that both sides would not be happy with, or the one that both sides would be somewhat happy with. “But that one side should get everything in accordance with the interest of the most powerful western countries, and the other one should get nothing – that is not possible realistically and this will not happen. I said that to Hahn and the others”, Vucic said. He added that some had reacted to his words: If this is it – than thank you and goodbye – and responded with “goodbye”. “Well, great, tell that to us, no problem, just tell us that. And you from Pristina should also say that you actually do not want a dialogue, but blackmails. And others should say that they do not want the dialogue but only fulfillment of their political goals and political interests”, Vucic said. He emphasized that Hahn was a very normal, rational and serious man, who did not mention the word “recognition”, but had a different, more objective and more responsible approach, because he knew how this issue could be difficult for both Belgrade and Pristina.

Brnabic: Foreign companies interested in expanding business in Serbia (RTS)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said that our country is increasingly present in world trends, noting that during her stay at the World Economic Forum in Davos she had several important meetings with investors. In a statement to RTS last night, Brnabic assessed that the most significant were meetings with companies that already operate in Serbia, and from whom she received confirmation that they are interested in expanding their business. She said she spoke with presidents of large corporations, such as Tarket, Japan’s Itocha and French Suez, who were interested in her vision of further development of Serbia, stability for business and new opportunities, because they want to expand their presence in Serbia. Brnabic noted that she was the only one from the region to participate in the meeting of the “New Leaders for Europe” group, while Serbia is also the only country in the region to participate in the report “Renew Europe” for the World Economic Forum this year. According to her, the new vision of Europe is much more investment in education and science, research and development, which is precisely the chance for Serbia. Namely, Serbia can now provide one major contribution to the EU and Europe, and I think that this is our great opportunity, which is certainly recognized by the World Economic Forum and European leaders, Brnabic pointed out.

Dacic invites Plenkovic to go to Jasenovac (Beta/Tanjug/B92)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic opened on Thursday evening the exhibition “Jasenovac – the Right Not to Forget”, staged at the UN headquarters in New York City. In his address, Dacic invited Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic to travel to Jasenovac and bow before the victims. Jasenovac was a death camp set up by the Ustasha regime of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) – a wartime Nazi-allied entity – and a place of mass murder of Serbs, Jews, and Roma. Speaking in New York, Dacic recalled that it was, unfortunately, of the largest concentration camps from the World War II era. In the same way, he said, as the Serb people have enough courage and morals to look at their mistakes from the past and punish, arrest and condemn those who committed crimes against other nations, so all other nations have an obligation not to rehabilitate criminals. “Just as Plenkovic goes to Jerusalem to bow before the shadows in Yad Vashem, we expect him to do this in Croatia and in Jasenovac itself, and say clearly who the victims were. Have there been 50, 100 or 700. If only one person was killed for being a Jew or a Serb, it’s a disgrace for humanity,” said Dacic. The victims who have fallen must not have been in vain, Dacic said at the opening exhibition, and added that it was time for the United Nations to hear, see and find out about this, because the truth was being hidden for many years. Dacic said that the Holocaust and genocide have no boundaries and know no obstacles. “Here as well, during the organizing we faced the opposition of one country that said we manipulated fact and figures. There are no manipulations, here are the historical facts, names and last names, statements made by survivors..,” Dacic said. He added that Serbia was not accusing anyone except criminals and those who defend criminals, as defending them represents a foundation for something like this to repeat in the future. “We did not come here to argue, but our people have gone through the greatest suffering during the Second World War. It is our duty to remember this. Therefore, we are here, and the UN was formed this reason, so that fascism does not repeat, and we stand firm in this conviction,” he said, according to Tanjug.

Agreement in 2019 if the “big” powers push (Novosti)

A comprehensive normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, in the form of a legally binding agreement, is “urgent” and of key importance for the EU perspective of Kosovo, Serbia and the wider region, it is written in the working version of the new EU enlargement strategy that Novosti has had insight into.  It is stressed that the EU high representative will intensify her engagement in facilitating negotiations between Pristina and Belgrade in order to achieve normalization of relations in the form of a legally binding agreement. The strategy also includes an “indicative illustration” of the steps required to complete the process of Serbia’s accession to the EU by 2025, which is the best case scenario. Thus, at the latest by the end of 2019, among other things, Belgrade should meet the transitional criteria under Chapter 35 that relates to Kosovo. The document also contains this statement: “Serbia and Kosovo need to achieve a comprehensive normalization of relations at the latest by this stage, which should pave the way for further substantial progress of Kosovo on the path of EU integration.” All this means that in less than two years, Belgrade and Pristina should close all controversial issues, which is too ambitious, given the slow pace of the previous dialogue. Novosti’s interlocutors, however, believe that it is not impossible to reach an agreement with Pristina by the end of next year, but with the “assistance” of influential states. Thus, Political Science professor Dragan Djukanovic believes that normalization of relations can be achieved by the end of this or at the latest in early 2019, while former ambassador Milovan Bozinovic told Novosti it was his impression that the government was psychologically preparing the public for major decisions.

Scott: Belgrade-Pristina dialogue must continue (Beta)

The dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina on the normalization of relations must continue, despite the shock caused by the murder of Oliver Ivanovic, said US Ambassador to Serbia Kyle Scott. The Brussels dialogue must continue and move forward, Scott told reporters in Belgrade.

He expressed condolences to Ivanovic’s family and everyone who knew Oliver Ivanovic.

Commenting on the visit of President Vucic to Kosovo after the murder of Ivanovic, he said it was the correct thing to do. Peace and stability of the region depend on Pristina and Belgrade, Scott said. Asked about his view on the investigation into Ivanovic’s murder, he said that the joint police of the Serbs and the Albanians already existed in Kosovo and that he expected Belgrade and Pristina to exchange information.

Scott: Haley had open discussion with Serbian Ambassador to UN (Tanjug)

US Ambassador to Serbia Kyle Scott said Thursday Washington’s Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley had had a positive and open conversation with Serbian counterpart Milan Milanovic at the UN headquarters in New York. According to media reports, Haley and Milanovic talked about a solution for the Kosovo issue.

Serbia, B&H sign agreement on cooperation in field of EU integration (RTS)

B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Crnadak and Serbian Minister for European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic signed on Thursday in Belgrade the Agreement on Cooperation between B&H Council of Ministers (B&H CoM) and Serbian government in the Process of Accession to the EU. Crnadak pointed out that the Agreement created a good framework of cooperation between B&H and Serbia and stressed that Serbia selflessly assists B&H both in political and technical sense. “We should apply this Agreement, as soon as possible, and we should form everything needed for its implementation, especially the necessary bodies that will secure intensified cooperation between the two countries. I must admit that we really expect that, through this very sincere support from Serbia, we will gain speed on our path and achieve our goal of receiving the candidate status as soon as possible,” said Crnadak.

Joksimovic noted that this is a comprehensive agreement within the Stabilization and Association Agreement according to which Serbia should provide political and technical support to B&H on the path towards EU membership. Joksimovic added that, aside from cooperation in the process of European integration, the agreement implies increased coordination in the field of flow of people, goods, and capital between B&H and Serbia.

REGIONAL PRESS

Reactions in B&H after PACE adopts Resolution on B&H (TV1)

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted the Resolution on Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) in Strasbourg on Wednesday, which clearly warns B&H that it has to start serious work.  Commenting on the Resolution, delegate in the Croat Caucus in the House of Peoples (HoP) of B&H Martin Raguz said that the message conveyed by the Resolution, which expects B&H politicians to take over responsibility, has never been clearer.

Head of the Serb Caucus in the B&H HoP Sredoje Novic reminded that the Resolution also requires ensuring for Serbs to have the status of constituent peoples in four cantons in the Federation of B&H, noting it is tragic that there is no consent on any of important issues in B&H. He warned that almost no progress has been achieved in B&H in the past four years.

Deputy Speaker at the B&H HoP Safet Softic assessed the fact that the international community in B&H is greatly engaged in the reform processes in B&H brings hope that the country could see some progress. Softic deems that the Resolution includes laws that lack support of majority in B&H. According to Softic, the international community (IC)’s “participation in this process is at a very high level” and this gives him hope.

Deputy Speaker of B&H HoP Barisa Colak (HDZ B&H) said that there is at least a proposal of amendments to the Election Law of B&H, which should solve existing issues related to elections.

SDS’ representative in B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Aleksandra Pandurevic said that she has not been informed about the content of the Resolution on B&H, but she stressed that SDS’ Mladen Bosic is not too satisfied with the text.

Member of the SDP Presidency Mirko Pejanovic underlined that SDP B&H will insist on its proposal for the elections. “If I had the power of High Representative Valentin Inzko, I would give red cards to those parties that have so far blocked implementation of the election process for authorities in the City of Mostar”, Pejanovic noted.

B&H HoP Speaker Ognjen Tadic said that B&H has to respect rules to become a part of European family, otherwise there is no point to send letters to Brussels and promise to be a loyal contributor.

Cvijanovic strongly criticizes OHR, claims it produces crises because it needs unrests and disorder (RTRS)

Republika Srpska (RS) Prime Minister Zeljka Cvijanovic comment on the recent statements of High Representative Valentin Inzko against marking of RS Day and name of the RS which, resembles very much to statements of B&H Presidency member and SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic. Cvijanovic said that OHR and political Sarajevo represent a duo, but she noted that the current High Representative is not “considered as relevant while this politics of Sarajevo is in conflict with anything and everything”. Cvijanovic said that she thinks the High Representative is bothered by any success of the European Union (EU) here in spite of the fact the EU pays his salary. “He thinks that the EU Delegation is his great competition and I think hair raises on his head each time the EU Delegation manages to achieve something with domestic authorities because the OHR, by definition, needs unrests and disorder”, Cvijanovic said and claimed that the OHR has always produced crises in B&H.

Commenting answers to the European Commission’s Questionnaire, Cvijanovic said that the RS has done its part of the job and is doing everything in its power to “polish answers”. Asked what can be done in the election year to get even closer to the EU, Cvijanovic said that it is very important to maintain the direction towards Europe. Cvijanovic reminded that the election year, by default, is not the most productive time but, having in mind what happened at the level of B&H or at the level of the Federation of B&H, nothing could be done in spite of the fact it was not the election year. “The main question here is seriousness of approach to the European integration”, Cvijanovic said and added that the RS Government is very committed to this process and only wants matters to be done in the right way, i.e. in line with the coordination mechanism. Cvijanovic concluded by saying that she is certain that there are more and more people in the EU who have realized where real problems are and who are willing to escape stereotypes which were imposed on them “among other things, because of the OHR which produced that story and planted it in all those structures”.

Sejdic and Finci in disfavor of foreigners and politicians (EuroBlic)

The appellants in ‘Sejdic-Finci’ case, Dervo Sejdic and Jakob Finci, said that they do not expect they will be able to be nominated for B&H Presidency members at the upcoming general elections in October in spite of the fact the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in their favor eight years ago and ordered B&H to change the Constitution and Law on Elections of B&H so that minorities too can run for B&H Presidency and B&H House of Peoples. B&H authorities failed to do so but Sejdic and Finci noted that they do not intend to sue the state again, but they do think it is devastating that both domestic politicians and international community participate in violation of basic human rights in B&H. Sejdic said that he does not feel optimistic when it comes to the implementation of the ‘Sejdic-Finci’ ruling “unless the international community points out this case as the priority in scope of negotiations concerning B&H’s European path. However, rumor has it that the EU might accept B&H even without implementation of the Strasbourg ruling, under the obligation to do so in future”. Sejdic assessed that in case this happens, then B&H will never implement the ruling and added that everything related to changes to the Law on Elections of B&H currently comes down to securing of equality of Croats, while minorities are still being neglected. Finci does not expect to see any progress related to the implementation of the ruling either by the time elections are called and he added: “I am only satisfied that I managed to prove that the Constitution and Law on Elections of B&H need to be changed in order for all citizens to be able to run in elections”.

Ilijaz Pilav, who also won a case against B&H two years ago because he was unable to run for Bosniak member of B&H Presidency as a citizen of Republika Srpska, also said that he does not feel optimistic and added that he does not expect to see any changes to the election legislation that would enable implementation of the rulings. Pilav noted that one of the basic preconditions for B&H’s progress towards the EU up until recently was the implementation of ECHR rulings but then the EU “easily put this aside and allowed this to wait for better times. The better times are not even in sight. Should the EU maintain such stance towards B&H, then one should wonder if it is in the interest of the international community to see progress in B&H or they prefer to have unsolved situation so that they can step in if needed”.

Zakharova: Moscow disagrees with new ideas to review DPA coming from US (FTV)

Spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova said that in principle, Moscow disagrees with new ideas to review the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) coming from the US. A Twitter account of the Russian Ministry wrote that Russia calls on its western partners to respect the sovereign right of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) to solve all issues through dialogue, within the DPA. Addressing media, Zakharova stated that when it comes to holding of a new conference ‘Dayton II’, Russia is against corrections or replacement of the DPA. She stressed: “We oppose imposing of new models of state organization to parties in B&H. Not just that this is unacceptable, but it can also destabilize the situation in the entire region”.

Head of OSCE Mission to B&H Berton: Imposing solutions is not way to move forward (FTV)

Head of the OSCE Mission to B&H, Ambassador Bruce G. Berton, speaking about the issue of changes to B&H Election Law in the year of the general elections, said that “right now, we (B&H) are heading towards possible, but not inevitable crisis”. Berton stated: “Now we have a chance for compromise. As many know, we are hosting, jointly with the EU and the OHR, a series of meetings with political leaders, in order to be able to reach compromise on the Election Law”. Berton added that this is obviously a complex issue that threatens not just the elections, but also the possibility of formation of authorities after the elections. Berton said that now, it does not seem that there is enough room for compromise and he reminded that they have been urging for reaching compromise for a while. Berton stressed: “I can tell you, from the point of the view of the international community, there is no wish from our side, to impose a solution here. What we have to achieve is to make leaders of this state reach an agreement on their own and reach compromise thanks to our assistance and not our imposition. We hope that we will achieve this in the upcoming couple of months”. Asked to comment on stories about possible OHR’s proposal of B&H Election Law and whether the OHR should use its powers in case of failure to reach a deal  between politicians in B&H, Berton stated that he does not see that the IC will impose a solution here. Berton added: “If compromise is not achieved, maybe we will pressure to reach it (compromise). In my opinion, and in the opinion of the majority of the IC, imposing solutions is not a way to move forward. Imposing solutions will show that this is not a state ready to join the EU integration. What we want to see is leadership of the state reaching compromise on their own”. Commenting on celebration of the RS Day, Berton stressed that leadership of the RS must understand that disrespect for a decision of B&H Constitutional Court is violation of the law. Berton emphasized: “This is of crucial importance for every democratic state that respects the rule of the law. The OSCE has been very clear about this issue, as well as about any other, from the start: 9 January was declared unconstitutional holiday”.

B&H HoP passes budget for 2018 (TV1)

The B&H House of Peoples delegates adopted at a session the B&H Budget for 2018 in amount of BAM 1.94 billion. The Budget was supported by nine delegates, one was against and three abstained from voting. Out of the BAM 1.94 billion, BAM 950 million will be used for financing state institutions, and a little over BAM 1 billion will be used for servicing of the international obligations. The delegates expressed their dissatisfaction with the raise of B&H’s international obligations and with the fact that the Budget is not focused on the development in B&H. “What makes us dissatisfied is the raise of the international obligations, that now amounts to around BAM 1 billion. So, it exceeds 45 percent of the entire amount of the B&H Budget. That only shows that we are a country that has big problems with indebtedness,” said B&H House of Peoples speaker Ognjen Tadic.

MPs to send letter to Juncker and Hahn concerning Zvizdic’s attempt to legalize RS census data (Klix.ba)

Independent Bloc stated that they will demand for first following session of B&H House of Representatives, scheduled for 31 January, to discuss the fact that illegal data of the RS authorities concerning the population census, were submitted to Brussels. They hold Chairman of CoM Denis Zvizdic the most responsible for this. According to their press statement, the Independent Bloc will also launch initiative for all the MPs, who oppose “Zvizdic’s illegal sale of state interests”, to submit a letter to President of the EC Jean- Claude Juncker and European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn, in which they would point out the violation of B&H Constitution and laws, in case that Zvizdic will send “illegal data of the RS Institute for Statistics”.

Croatia accuses Serbia of disseminating false data through Jasenovac exhibition at UN (Hina)

Croatia’s Foreign and European Affairs Ministry on Thursday said that through an exhibition on the Jasenovac concentration camp at the UN headquarters in New York, Serbia “is manipulating and disseminating false information” about that Ustasha-run WW2 concentration camp for “propaganda purposes”.

PM aware of problems but proud of achievements (HRT)

The Croatian Prime Minister said on Thursday that he is well aware of the problems and challenges facing the country, but that he is also very proud of what has been achieved by his government so far. Responding to comments from President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic regarding the plight of everyday citizens, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic announced that he is quite aware of the issues troubling citizens, including those with blocked bank accounts, and that for this reason he is proposing amendments to the Distraint Law. The PM added however, that he is also very proud of what his government has achieved during its mandate so far, specifically in terms of positive macro-economic indicators, which have had a direct impact on citizens.

Earlier President Grabar Kitarovic emphasized that in the future reforms needed to be directed at stimulating investment, job creation and wage growth. She also warned that currently more than 320 thousand citizens have blocked accounts. The president added that young Croatians continue to leave Croatia in search of better opportunities abroad. Plenkovic noted that government’s achievements, which include the tax reform, increase in the minimum wage, budget surplus, reduced public debt, record low unemployment and growth in employment have not received the media coverage they deserve.

Plenkovic meets with colleagues in Davos (HRT)

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic is in Davos, Switzerland, where the global elite are gathered for the World Economic Forum. On the sidelines of the forum, the prime minister met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Plenkovic and his Israeli counterpart spoke about cooperation and agreed the two countries had made significant headway in bilateral relations over the past few years. They also discussed economic cooperation in defense, tech, tourism and agriculture. Netanyahu also thanked Croatia for helping his country fight a spate of wild fires last year. The Prime Minister took part in a panel on Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World – the theme of this year’s meeting. “The panel focused on global development goals until 2030, the issue of economic inequality and how to put these positive economic trends we have globally, and in Croatia as well, in the service of better social policy, so that the principle of solidarity is stronger and that we don’t waver too far into the free market,” Plenkovic said. It was the arrival of US President Donald Trump which captured most of the media attention on day three of the forum. World political and business leaders will be listening closely to the American president’s message on trade. Trump has touted an agenda of economic nationalism, saying he wants to seek greater reciprocity in trade between the US and its allies.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told forum on Wednesday that isolationism and protectionism were not answers to the economic challenges facing countries around the world.

In his speech, French President Francois Macron declared: “France is back at the core of Europe. Because we will never have any French success without success in Europe.” He also urged the US president “to explain his strategy, for the U.S. and for the world.” Both Macron and Merkel defended cooperation and free trade.

Markovic: Judiciary politicized by opposition (CDM)

As CEMI’s survey showed, almost half of Montenegrin citizens trust the judicial system of Montenegro, and the influence of politics is considered the biggest problem in the work of the courts. Prime Minister Dusko Markovic believes it’s not surprising. Although he had no opportunity to read the CEMI’s research, he noted two things. “The first one is that citizens’ confidence in the judiciary is rising. That speaks a lot about the credibility of the judiciary,” Markovic said. Another thing he noticed is that citizens are dissatisfied with the politicization of the judiciary and the impact of the politics on the judiciary. “I think citizens are right. What the opposition is doing all this time when it comes to both the prosecution and the judiciary is undemocratic and below every democratic, political and civic level. Those who want to turn the judiciary into their political amphitheater, which a part of the opposition is doing today, will be left aside, so we have to turn to strengthening institutions. I believe that citizens thought about what I say when they mentioned politicization of the judiciary,” Markovic said.

NATO Parliamentary Assembly will not monitor local elections (Pobjeda)

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly monitors elections only in exceptional circumstances, if it is invited by the authorities of a country and if the invitation is approved by the institution’s leadership, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly spokeswoman Roberta Calorio told Pobjeda.

“And in principle, we monitor elections when they are at the national level. To answer your question, it’s not within our scope of competence to oversee local elections in Montenegro,” said Calorio. The Government of Montenegro has invited foreign mission in our country to participate in the monitoring of local elections in Berane and Ulcinj. The Council of Europe announced earlier that its delegation of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities would not observe the local elections in Montenegro, which will be held on 4 February.

Lavrov convinced that there will be a wake-up call in Montenegro (CDM)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he was convinced that there would be a wake-up call in Montenegro when it came to Russia, adding that the country stopped mentioning Russia’s involvement in the attempted terrorism case. “Here, Montenegro has (now) stopped mentioning the Russia’s involvement in events about which they were so verbally concerned (the attempt of the state coup and assassination of Milo Djukanovic last year that the citizens of Russia and Serbia are suspected of). Nevertheless, I believe that there will a wake-up call,” Lavrov said.

PM Zaev meets Bulgarian counterpart and Serbia’s president in Davos (MIA)

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev had separate meetings Thursday in Davos with his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borissov and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Zaev-Vucic meeting was focused on the EU-integration processes of both countries. “Friendship and cooperation are crucial for the Western Balkans integration with the EU. We move forward together,” Zaev said on Twitter after the meeting. The Western Balkan EU-integration process was also a subject of discussion of Zaev- Borissov talks. “We’ve discussed the future of Europe and possibilities for speeding up the Western Balkans’ EU-integration” Zaev said.

Volker: Name settlement would bring greater stability to Western Balkans (MIA)

Settlement of the name issue would bring greater stability to the Western Balkans, says Kurt Volker, former U.S. ambassador to NATO and current US envoy for the conflict in the Ukraine.

“Of course I hope to see progress on the name issue. It will be in the interest of both countries. I believe that there is hope and we will see developments on the issue,” Volker told reporters in Brussels. He says the Balkans is still a very unstable and hostile region and all open issues need to be resolved. Volker believes that Russia is not resigned to Macedonia joining NATO and is likely to seize opportunities to try stop that from going ahead.

Petkov: Macedonia has a historic chance to open EU accession talks this year (MIA)

Bulgaria supports efforts of the PM Zoran Zaev’s government, the institutions, the civil society sector and the media for Macedonia to return on the path to Euro-Atlantic integration, Bulgarian Ambassador to Macedonia Ivan Velikov Petkov said Thursday’s presenting priorities of the Bulgarian EU Council presidency. “We heard an encouraging message in Davos at the meeting between Prime Minister Zoran Zaev with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, which raised hopes for resolving the name dispute,” Petkov said. According to Petkov, Macedonia has a historic chance to open EU accession talks this year. “The Western Balkans is a central priority of Bulgaria’s foreign policy and key priority in Bulgarian EU Council presidency. We are convinced that EU should affirm European perspective of all Balkan countries and to encourage them for pro-European reforms,” he pointed out. However, he underlined, it is necessary to recognize the EU enlargement fatigue both in the EU member state but also in the aspirant countries. “We are convinced that we will be working with the Western Balkans because it belongs to the EU. Otherwise we risk facing instability. On the other hand, the EU should encourage political dialogue, work with governments to create jobs, infrastructure linking between countries, stimulating reforms and reconciliation,” Petkov underlined. He also said that Western Balkans needs clear European perspective and ambitions of the Bulgarian EU Council presidency and the ambition of the Bulgarian presidency is to have a clear action plan without creating unrealistic expectations but concrete steps.

Davos, Rama met with Serbian President and Croatian Prime Minister (Top Al)

During his visit in Davos, Switzerland, the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, met with the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic. This is the first meeting after the killing of Oliver Ivanovic, which caused the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia to be interrupted.

The discussion focused on the dialogue progress with Kosovo and cooperation between all countries of the region. The Prime Minister also met with his Croatian counterpart, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. With Mr.Plenkovic, the Prime Minister of Albania discussed the matter of Ballist Morina, who is being detained in Croatia, for whom Rama demanded a fair trial.

Vetting, members of HJC and HPC blocked in parliament (ADN)

Parliament failed to vote the election of the members of High Judicial Council (HJC) and High Prosecution Council (HPC) this Thursday. The list of the HJC took only 69 votes pro, 26 against and 1 abstain. Meanwhile the other list, the one with the members of the HPC, took 72 votes pro and 26 against, from 93 needed. According to the law, parliamentary Committee must vote within two days a second list and send it in parliament for another voting process.

Albania-Greece relationship, Tsipras to visit Tirana (ADN)

The relationships between Albania and Greece are getting better and better. The Greek Prime Minister, Aleksis Tsipras, has accepted the invitation of his Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama to visit Tirana soon. The confirmation was made by Tsipras during the meeting that he had with Rama in the International Economic Forum in Davos. The main purpose of this meeting was to open the path for full normalization and rising to a higher level of bilateral relations. Sources confirmed that Greece and Albania are ready for a strategic agreement that will solve all the critical problems between the two countries and will promote the negotiations for Albania’s membership into the EU.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

What’s in a Name? For Macedonia, Membership in the West (The Wall Street Journal, by Nektaria Stamouli and  Drew Hinshaw, 26 January 2018)

The Balkan nation could join NATO and the EU if it can resolving a dispute with Greece over its moniker

SKOPJE, Macedonia—This tiny Balkan nation is on track to join the West’s most powerful clubs. First, everyone needs to agree on its name. The former Yugoslavian province, then known as the People’s Republic of Macedonia, adopted the shortened version when it became independent 27 years ago. That triggered a dispute with neighboring Greece, which is home to a region called Macedonia, named after the ancient kingdom of Alexander the Great. The two countries have quarreled since, and Athens has used its veto power to keep the newcomer out of NATO and the European Union. But the squabble over the meaning of 2½ millennia of history is nearing a resolution, in part because of the present-day challenge from and a resurgent Russia.

After Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his Macedonian counterpart, Zoran Zaev, met in Davos for three hours this week, the two leaders announced confidence-building measures. Both sides have expressed optimism about compromising on a new name before the next North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit, on July 11. Among the possibilities: “New Macedonia,” “Upper Macedonia,” or “North Macedonia.” “We either make this region stable with strong institutions, with functional democracies, or we have a region in a permanent state of crisis,” said Nikola Dimitrov, Macedonia’s foreign minister. “Europe and the region will be much better off with the first option.” More than 70% of Macedonians support EU membership, according to a September poll by the Washington, D.C.-based International Republican Institute’s Center for Insights. “If people can live better, I don’t care if they call it Disneyland,” Kiril Pop Hrisotof, a 50-year-old actor who left Macedonia for Ecuador four years ago, said during a recent visit to Skopje, the Macedonian capital, as he weighed whether to move home. Europe has been shaken by the rise of nationalism, and EU leaders are also concerned about the risk of political instability in the Balkans. Macedonia isn’t the only country whose hopes of joining the EU are blocked by what leaders of the bloc regard as self-defeating squabbles. Serbia doesn’t recognize Kosovo, and neither can enter the EU until that disagreement gets ironed out. In Bosnia, the country’s mostly Muslim west and Christian east are governed by two separate administrations.

Governments in Greece’s backyard have also been increasingly vocal about what they say is Russian subversion. Montenegro, which is in negotiations to join the EU, says its then-prime minister was nearly assassinated in a Russian-funded conspiracy. Bosnian leaders say Moscow is training separatist paramilitaries in their country. Russia denies trying to kill the Montenegrin prime minister or training rebels in Bosnia. “We have seen that Russia has attempted to interfere in processes in this region,” the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview during a visit last week to Macedonia. Regarding the dispute with Greece over the country’s name, he added, “I’m encouraged by the will I have seen both from the government in Athens and from the government in Skopje.” NATO officials say Macedonia should be able to swiftly join the world’s biggest military alliance if the name issue is resolved. The EU hopes to welcome the country in by 2025. Macedonia, a mountainous country which saw tens of thousands of migrants passing through from Greece on their way to Northern Europe in 2015, is considered an important ally by the EU in efforts to control migration flows and counter security threats. But joining the EU would mainly bring benefits to Macedonia, allowing its two million mostly poor people to travel and work across Europe’s richest nations. “Those on the inside tend to forget how cold it is outside,” said Mr. Dimitrov. After Macedonia adopted its name at independence in 1991, more than one million Greeks took to the streets the following year in protest. Athens staged an economic blockade that lasted two years, tipped Macedonia into a recession, and only ended when the country’s then-president appeared on television to announced that Macedonia had no connection to Alexander the Great. After Greece blocked Macedonia from NATO membership in 2008, relations deteriorated. In 2011, Macedonia erected an eight-story-tall statute of Alexander the Great. After it also named highways and Skopje’s airport after him, Athens cut off flights to the country. Now, the situation has changed. A 2015 scandal brought a new government to power in Macedonia. And Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is concerned about hard-right, nationalist movements in Greece’s backyard. This week, Mr. Zaev announced he would change the name of Skopje’s airport and main avenue, while Mr. Tsipras said Greece’s parliament will ratify the next stage of an EU agreement with Macedonia to boost trade ties. To be sure, both leaders will have to contend with opposition back home. Mr. Zaev holds a narrow majority in the parliament, and changing the country’s name requires backing by two-thirds of the parliament. Not everyone in Macedonia supports a change. Dragan Tanaskoski, a 65-year-old retiree, said he doesn’t care if the country ever joins NATO or the EU. “It’s never going to happen,” he said. And tens of thousands of people demonstrated in northern Greece recently against any agreement on the name. The government’s junior coalition partner also opposes a deal. But with Greece’s economy steadier and the goal of exiting its decadelong bailout regime within reach, the time could be ripe. “Greece would like to come back to be a leader,” said Vladimir Gligorov, an expert on the Balkans at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies. “They would like to have more of a say and to show that they can actually play a role.”