LOCAL PRESS

Dacic: Establishment of Community of Serb municipalities of vital importance for Serbia, Serbs in Kosovo (Politika/RTS/Beta/Tanjug)

At the meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, where a regular quarterly report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was presented, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said the murder of Oliver Ivanovic on 16 January had dramatically threatened security in Kosovo and Metohija, calling it a senseless terrorist act that risked destabilizing the region.  Serbia’s political leaders and State authorities had called for calm, while the President had called for stability, peace, calm and dignity, emphasizing that all problems must be solved through peaceful dialogue.  Three weeks after the murder, there was still no information, except for the intimation by Pristina representatives that elements of the local mafia had been involved and that the crime had not been ethnically motivated.  “These statements serve to obfuscate Pristina’s inability or lack of readiness to conduct (an) investigation of this gruesome crime,” he said. Moreover, he said the power structures and political parties — and their leaders in Kosovo and Metohija — had tried to revoke the law on the Specialist Chambers, which were set to try alleged crimes committed by the Kosovo Liberation Army.  Statements by various diplomats had made clear that the international community did not share the views of those behind that initiative and that they instead believed the heinous crimes committed against Serbs and other non-Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija must not go unpunished.  The establishment of criminal responsibility in an impartial and credible manner would have immeasurable impacts on the fight against impunity, demonstrating that justice was achievable for all victims.  Serbia would continue to prosecute those for whom there was convincing evidence that they had committed war crimes against civilians.

He said that beyond the 16,500 internally displaced persons in the province, more than 200,000 still resided outside Kosovo and Metohija in central Serbia more than 18 years after the arrival of international elements.  The lowest number of returns since 2000 had been recorded in 2017, with only 498 people returning to the province.  “On the one hand, this number is shocking; on the other, it is understandable and begs the question of who is ready to return to where they will suffer discrimination every day,” he said.  Serbia sought to make a serious and responsible contribution to regional stability, political cooperation, understanding and economic progress.  It sought to offer a solution that provided an opportunity for a historic agreement with the Albanian community in Kosovo and Metohija; one that would not cause new divisions, misunderstandings, instability and conflict.  Pristina’s one-sided acts and attempts to solve questions unilaterally were entirely unacceptable.

UNSC: Russia and US present opposing views on Kosovo (Beta)

At a session dedicated to Kosovo, UN Security Council ambassadors called on Belgrade and Pristina to continue their talks. Nevertheless, they presented opposing views on the situation in Kosovo ten years after the unilateral declaration of independence. The diplomats agreed in condemning the murder of Oliver Ivanovic, but also about the significance of the implementation of the Belgrade-Pristina agreements reached so far, for the sake of peace and stability in the region.

The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the UN Vassily Nebenzia recalled that his delegation had cautioned against Kosovo’s unilateral proclamation of independence.  The sponsors and executors of the dubious Kosovo project should consider that there were still no clear prospects for settling that situation.  Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity continued to be trampled, a breach of international law.  Kosovo’s applications to join various international organizations had recently been rejected.  Expressing concern that the province was a comfortable zone for recruiting radicals, he said such conditions carried high risks and costs for the Balkans and the European continent, especially as terrorist elements returned from Syria and Iraq.  Further, the socioeconomic situation was disastrous.  The issue could only be resolved through a political solution crafted through dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, now at a standstill due to the refusal by Kosovo Albanians to honor their commitments.  European mediators were strangely tolerant of that stagnation, while Belgrade sought a long-term settlement.  The murder of Oliver Ivanovic signaled the disastrously low level of security in Kosovo, the risks to Serb communities and the dearth of mechanisms to respond to such challenges.  Pristina’s refusal to provide any evidence to Belgrade could be interpreted as an attempt to conceal details of the crime.  He went on to express concern about the decreasing rate of returns and attacks against properties of Kosovo Serbs and of the Serb Orthodox Church.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said while there was always progress to be made, conditions in Kosovo had changed for the better since the Mission was established, and the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo must now build on such success.  Noting that peacekeeping reform was a focus for the US, she underscored that no real progress could be achieved without the buy-in of the different parties.  The leaders of Kosovo and Serbia must take the matter in their own hands and come together to normalize relations.  Normalization was a win-win proposition, as both nations would benefit.  She reiterated support for the Brussels dialogue, and meanwhile condemned the assassination of Oliver Ivanovic, stressing that the world was watching whether the investigation would result in accountability for the perpetrators.  It was long past time to wind down UNMIK in order to preserve scare UN resources.

Chinese representative Ma Zhaoxu said the situation of Kosovo involved complex factors.  All parties should respect the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions and seek through dialogue a solution that was agreeable to all.  China respected Serbia’s sovereign territoriality and its concern over Kosovo, he said, welcoming continuation of the high-level dialogue between the two sides and expressing hope it would lead to a solution and increase mutual trust.  Tolerance, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence served the interests of all ethnic groups in Kosovo.  The Council’s sustained attention on the question of Kosovo was crucial in that regard, and he expressed hope that UNMIK and the European Union would continue to play a constructive role in the situation.

Representative of France Anne Gueguen said that her country stood beside Kosovo as it worked to build its institutions and pursue economic and social development.  Kosovo was a peacekeeping success story, yet a great deal had yet to be achieved.  France was committed to building rule of law, combating organized crime and addressing corruption in Kosovo.  She welcomed the recent smooth conduct of municipal elections, a milestone in Kosovo’s political affairs, despite instances of voter intimidation, which were to be deplored.  France had voiced its concerns about developments around the Specialist Chambers and hoped to see such plans abandoned.  The Security Council must focus on UNMIK initiatives and operations to better-coordinate with the other actors in Kosovo, ensuring they were fully-tailored to the situation on the ground.

Representative of the United Kingdom Stephen Hickey cited progress made in Kosovo over the past 10 years, notably the conduct of three parliamentary elections, among others, and solid economic growth.  It was not the same country as when UNMIK was first established.  Building a democracy took time, and local elections had been a success, although he expressed concern over allegations of intimation in Kosovo Serb areas.  He urged Kosovo authorities to take all steps to resolve the murder of Oliver Ivanovic, which had increased tensions.  However, those events should not diminish the progress made by Pristina, which could now transition UNMIK institutions to Kosovo institutions.  It was time for a leaner Mission that took into account all the progress made, and for fewer Council meetings on the issue, he said.

Vucic: Huge obstacles on EU path – citizens to decide what to do (B92/Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received on Wednesday in Belgrade EU Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn. During a joint news conference after the meeting, Vucic pointed out that Chapter 35 in EU membership negotiations – that concerns Kosovo – exists only for Serbia – it did not exist for any other country. Vucic added mountains of obstacles stand in front of Serbia in negotiations with the European Union – this is primarily the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, but also of the borders with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. “Are these easy obstacles for us? They are not, they are like the Himalayas, but we would not be the first to have climbed Mount Everest,” said he. “As a society we can let time pass or to try to solve the problems and after that, to have Serbia really join the EU in 2025,”” he continued. “Compared to four countries and one territory, the toughest tasks lie ahead of Serbia. It’s time to make decisions, pay certain prices from the past, to make decisions and solve problems that no one has been solving for decades before us,” added Vucic. “Do we see a future in Europe, for which we have to pay a certain price, which is not small – or do we leave it at this now? Citizens will decide and we will respect that decision. But I will not hide, instead I will say what I think is best for the country, and citizens will say whether that’s fair or not,”” Vucic said. In addition, he said that Serbia cannot lose everything, while someone else gets everything – but that instead the solution must be the result of a compromise where both sides lose, in order to be satisfied. Vucic said his upcoming visit to Croatia would be in good faith and that the Serbian delegation would be comprised of experts wishing to solve problems from the past, but, above all, to discuss the future. “I hope the other side will be constructive, too,” Vucic said, noting that he had been surprised and astounded by the subject of war reparations, raised by Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic. Vucic said he did not wish to talk today about the analysis of EU enlargement strategy for the Western Balkans, because it would be complicated and comprehensive. “That 2025 that is mentioned gives us no guarantees, but it’s very important as an incentive for Serbian citizens to know that we have been doing some important things. The EU is a place where we are attracted to the values ​​above all, a better economic position for our citizens, but this is above all the most successful peace-building project created after the Second World War,” Vucic said during his joint news conference with Hahn.

Brnabic: Serbia committed to meeting obligations on road to EU (Beta/RTS)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic assessed that the Agreement on Sectoral Budget Support for Serbia worth €28 million that was signed today is an indication of partnership with the EU, not only in political terms, but also in other segments of development, such as social and economic. At a press conference attended by European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Johannes Hahn, Brnabic stressed that this is the third signed contract, and reminded that the first contract, related to the public administration reform, amounted to €80 million, while the second one concerning direct support to education was in the amount of €27 million. Speaking about EU Strategy for the countries of the Western Balkans, the Prime Minister stressed that this document represents a great opportunity for Serbia. We understood that there were no guarantees; we understood what the focus is, what our obligations are and what we should do. In the upcoming period, the government will continue to work on all the things that we need to implement in order to take advantage of the opportunity ahead, said the Prime Minister. She added that important tasks and challenges are ahead of Serbia and pointed out that there is complete commitment of the government to do what it needs in order for Serbia to join the EU, adding that the EU is our strategic goal, a top priority and a national interest. Hahn said that joining the EU is not just a matter for the Serbian government, but for the entire nation and that it should unite all parts of society. It should be a national goal that will bring everyone together to the ultimate destiny, Hahn pointed out. He said that in this sense, the two signed agreements today only further reinforce Serbia’s path to the EU. Speaking about the signed agreements, the Enlargement Commissioner said one of them refers to border management in the amount of €28 million, while the other relates to assistance in the migrant crisis and is worth €16 million. We had a large migrant wave, it is now over, but we need to help countries that have been hit by an unprecedented number of migrants, explained Hahn. Hahn added that since 2007, the EU has given Serbia more than €2 billion in grants and noted that the EU is the largest donor in Serbia. He pointed out that the European Commission’s Enlargement Strategy adopted yesterday in the Western Balkans mentions the year 2025 as the indicative date for Serbia’s accession to the EU, but it should be seen as a date that is feasible and at the same time ambitious. It depends on Serbia at what speed it will meet the familiar conditions. We are sure that the state authorities are fully committed to this, he said. Speaking about the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Hahn estimated that this is a difficult and intensive process that involves intensive contacts and negotiations, but that its goal is normalization of relations. I would not prejudge the outcome of this dialogue, it is early to say that normalization will materialize, but it is important that this becomes a legally binding agreement, said Hahn.

The press conference was preceded by the signing of two documents: the Financing Agreement on Sector-Budget Support for Integrated Border Management, i.e., the EU-Serbia Grant Agreement on Assistance in Addressing the Migration Crisis (MADAD 2). These documents were signed by Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic and Minister of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Zoran Djordjevic with Director for the Western Balkans at the Directorate-General for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission Genoveva Ruiz Calavera.

Hahn: Agreement on normalization is an empty paper (Beta/B92/RTS)

EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn says the EU has no plan regarding the contents of a future legally binding agreement on normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. The EU commissioner spoke at a conference in Belgrade, adding that this document would not mean recognition – and that the EU has no solution prepared in advance but that instead, everything depends on the outcome of the dialogue. He said that because of past lessons, the EU will not accept any new members unless they first resolve open bilateral issues. Hahn also stated that there was no time frame for resolving the Kosovo issue by 2019, but that the said agreement should be concluded by the time of accession to the EU. “I do not want to prejudge the outcome of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. A solution should be reached through the dialogue that would lead to a legally binding agreement. There are many possibilities for a solution and it is too early to speak about a concrete one,” he said, when asked whether the agreement, demanded by the EU, would mean recognition. “It is still a completely empty paper,” he underlined. At the same time, Hahn emphasized that normalization of relations with Pristina, and the solving of bilateral issues are merely additional elements, which cannot compensate for meeting other obligations. “Everything has to be done, and this is clearly stated in the strategy,” he said, pointing out that the EU will not ease up on any issue, or the conditions that are well known.

Joksimovic: EU Strategy – incentive for Serbia (RTS)

Serbian Minister for EU Integration Jadranka Jokismovic has told the morning news of Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) that the arrival of Johannes Hahn in Belgrade one day after the publication of the EU Enlargement Strategy is a clear signal that they are counting on Serbia. He stressed that at issue is a great incentive for citizens and an opportunity for the country’s progress. “We should not miss this moment that is political, regardless of numerous objections regarding some parts of the Strategy,” said Joksimovic. “The document regenerates the enlargement policy and strategy. Serbia is a prominent position,” she says, adding this is a strong political signal even with all the obstacles on that path. When it comes to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Jokismovic recalls that it is bilateral, along with the EU mediation. She says that, in order to reach the legally-binding agreement, it is necessary to continue the dialogue and implement all agreements, including the one on the Community of Serb Municipalities, adding that this needs to be implemented urgently. When everybody fulfills the already agreed arrangements, then the process of finding a compromise solution will continue. She notes that a solution will be sought where we will not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo, but on the other side relations would be normalized and our interests would be protected, but where we would make also some concessions since this is the point of the dialogue. When it comes to harmonization with the EU foreign policy decisions, Joksimovic says there is a negotiating framework with Serbia and the Stabilization and Association Agreement, and the adopted Strategy is an expression of political will. The Strategy presents a stronger expectation that those who have made most progress in the integration process should harmonize to a greater degree with the EU foreign policy decisions. “We refer to the negotiating framework and obligations and in this sense we will continue to negotiate,” said Jokismovic.

Drecun doesn’t believe that Pristina will resolve Ivanovic’s murder (RTS)

On the occasion of the report of the UN Secretary General on Kosovo and Metohija, the Chairperson of the Serbian parliamentary Committee for Kosovo and Metohija Milovan Drecun has told RTS that it is evident that Pristina is regressing, that there is no respect of human and elementary rights, but that only crime is flourishing. “We are entering a phase when Pristina will realize that nothing has been done when it comes to Kosovo, that they don’t have the statehood that they propagate so much, but that they will have to fulfill the assumed obligations and sit with Serbia and continue agreeing,” said Drecun.

Regarding the Special Court for KLA crimes, he says it is a matter of time when the first indictments will be raised, and that Serbia expects this to occur in the following months. Drecun is convinced that the situation in Kosovo and Metohija will decline without the raising of first indictments. He doesn’t believe that Pristina will completely resolve the murder of Oliver Ivanovic. “I don’t think that light will be shed completely,” says Drecun. He notes that he doesn’t believe that Pristina organs will present the real information, which would, according to him, close room for speculations. In comment to the statement by Kosovo President Hashin Thaci that the murder is not ethnically motivated, he says that Thaci could present this data only when the investigation ends.

REGIONAL PRESS

Mogherini: New Strategy for Western Balkans is historic opportunity for countries in region (BHT)

BHT1 carried an exclusive interview with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. Mogherini spoke about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (B&H) European path, the new EU Enlargement Strategy for the Western Balkans and other issues of importance. Mogherini deemed the new Strategy for the Western Balkans as a historic opportunity for countries in the region. “The messages are very clear, very strong and I would say historical. We see that the Western Balkans, the citizens and leadership of all six countries are committed to joining the EU. This Strategy is a response from the EU side which says that this is also what we want. The doors are open for those who want to enter. And we want to see the entire region join the EU,” Mogherini underlined. Asked to comment on the part of the Strategy which says that B&H could obtain the EU candidate status in 2019 and could begin accession negotiations in 2023, Mogherini said that time is not crucial in the entire story. “It could be shorter, it could be longer. Give me answers to the Questionnaire tomorrow and you will get an opinion on candidacy in a few months. Things can move very quickly. But, give me answers in one year from today and everything will move much slower. Thing is that one has to organize oneself to do what is necessary. There is work to be done in B&H and I know that it is an election year, but almost every year is an election year… But, I am addressing your politicians; your citizens want this process to be continued. I believe that people in B&H, and especially young generations, are mature enough to realize when one should reach compromises and put the European agenda above divisions,” Mogherini underlined. Mogherini stressed that she told this to B&H political leaders. “This takes political courage and it is necessary to overcome divisions. Every time they did that in the past three years, they had results. Now, they should do a similar thing with the B&H Election Law. That is in the hands of political leaders. That is a very important issue and we can help and assist, we have presence on the ground and I have recently met with the B&H Presidency members. Our constant desire is to help, but strength of reaching solutions, achieving compromise and adopting decisions is in the hands of B&H,” Mogherini underlined. Asked whether she believes B&H political leaders are willing and able to reach compromise, Mogherini stated that she believes that they are.

Wigemark: We neither can nor we want to impose solutions; OHR’s intervention re Law on Elections would mean step backwards (Dnevni avaz)

Head of the EU Delegation to B&H Lars-Gunnar Wigemark stated in that B&H should start resolutely dealing with organized crime and corruption, and can use good experience of Italy in this process. That would mean, he explained, selection and enhancement of special prosecutors, who would have strong police protection in order to have their job done. Speaking about the EU’s Strategy for the Western Balkans, Wigemark emphasized that this document was created for the whole region of the Western Balkans. “It points out the importance of good neighborly relations and cooperation in the region, rule of law, economic development and reconciliation. No country of the Western Balkans will achieve any progress without improvement of cooperation,” he underlined. Wigemark sees the rule of law as priority number one. He stressed that corruption is present everywhere, not only in B&H but in the whole region, which inflicts damage to everyone. We are providing all necessary assistance. It is hard for judiciary anywhere to work if it is under a strong influence or pressure. We advocate in the Strategy the need to root out corruption and to form special investigative teams. However, he stressed, “we neither can nor we want to impose solution”. Wigemark also stressed that there will be no imposing of “the EU Dayton” either. Wigemark emphasized that deadlock must not happen in any segment and that it would be very bad if B&H experienced blockades again. “If we are speaking about the Law on Elections, responsibility is on political leaders and parties. B&H is a sovereign country and there can be no imposing. The OHR’s intervention in this segment would mean a step backwards. Such important decision must come from B&H, on grounds of compromise and consensus”, he stressed, adding that the Central Election Commission (CEC) cannot solve this issue and that this is a solely political issue. “The Constitutional Court clearly said what has to be done in ‘Ljubic’ case. It is about several paragraphs. They do not affect the election process itself, but there is a side effect on the overall system if this is not solved,” said Wigemark, noting that he wonders if politicians want to solve this matter at all or if they prefer yet another political crisis. “I think they have a will to find a solution, it is just not yet sufficiently expressed,” he said.

Cavara meets members of SBB B&H, insists for SBB B&H to stay in power (FTV)

Federation of B&H President Marinko Cavara met with SBB Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) representatives on Wednesday in Sarajevo. They discussed the current political affairs and relations in the Federation of B&H, with particular emphasis on the announced resignation of SBB B&H Ministers in the Federation of B&H Government. The meeting was attended by SBB B&H Vice President Adisa Omerbegovic-Arapovic, Head of SBB B&H Caucus in the Federation of B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Nasir Beganovic and Head of SBB B&H Caucus in the Federation of B&H House of Peoples (HoP) Fuad Hadzimehmedovic.

Cavara insisted that SBB B&H should remain part of the executive authorities in the Federation of B&H and SBB B&H representatives stated that, for the time being, they will remain part of the executive authorities and assess all the upcoming situations very closely, so that everything is done to satisfy the needs of the people in the Federation of B&H.

Ivanic meets Grabar-Kitarovic in Zagreb (BHT1)

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Mladen Ivanic met with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic in Zagreb on Wednesday. Ivanic and Grabar-Kitarovic, among other things, discussed Croatian President’s recent visit to Sarajevo, as well as further cooperation between Croatia and B&H. Ivanic and Grabar-Kitarovic exchanged opinions on the situation in Southeast Europe and B&H’s next steps in the EU integration process. Ivanic assessed that adoption of the EC strategy for the EU enlargement shows EU’s seriousness when it comes to enlargement to the Western Balkans. He said that adoption of the strategy is a decisive step after which there will be no doubts that the Western Balkan countries will become the EU member states, noting that the pace of the accession process dominantly depends on countries themselves. Ivanic added that he hopes answers to the EC’s Questionnaire will be delivered soon.

Bosnian Croats and Bosniaks trade war crimes accusations (Jutarnji list)

The Croatian National Council (HNS) of B&H, which includes the most significant Croat parties in the country, on Wednesday condemned an interview with the Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency, Bakir Izetbegovic on Croatian national television, saying that Izetbegovic had “belittled and insulted” Croat war victims and added that the Croat people in central Bosnia suffered most gravely in the last war. “The views expressed by the Bosniak member of the B&H presidency and President of the Democratic Action Party (SDA), Bakir Izetbegovic relating to the suffering of the Croat people in the Homeland War, particularly in Central Bosnia, deeply offended and belittled all Croat victims in the Homeland War, the families of those killed, wounded or detained Croats and all members of the HVO defence forces because they do not correspond to the actual truth,” HNS said in a press release. Izetbegovic spoke about the last war and said that the Bosniak Army of B&H did not commit mass crimes and that Bosniak authorities systematically prevented them and that the execution of 64 Croats in Krizancevo Selo near Vitez was the consequence of the military defeat of the HVO. “The truth is that during the Homeland War, compared to the other two armies, the HVO committed the least crimes and that relative to their number, the Croats were the greatest victims of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the press release says. The press release notes that in Central Bosnia alone 85,141 Croats were displaced by the Bosniak side, 2,751 were killed, 468 of whom were civilians, and that 2,402 children were left without one or both parents. During the war, 3,098 Croats became invalids, 10,500 homes were destroyed as were 43 places of worship and several hundred tombstones were destroyed or desecrated.  The press release further notes that in Travnik, 28 villages mostly inhabited by Croats, were completely ethnically cleansed. “No one in the Army of B&H who ordered these crimes has answered for them as yet, instead Bosniak officials refer to these crimes as incidents,” the press release says and adds that falsifying history by “belittling the suffering of Croats and victims during the Homeland War in B&H” is not the way to build trust between people and will not relax relations between Croats and Bosniaks.

OHR will not impose solutions regarding Mostar City status and electoral rules (Hayat/Dnevni avaz)

Principal Deputy High Representative Dennis Hearne visited Mostar on Wednesday. He said that the Office of the High Representative (OHR) will not impose solutions regarding the Mostar City status and electoral rules. Hearne stated that he did not come with some new initiative or idea, adding that the international community exerts certain efforts and its goal is to assist in finding of solutions but all results will depend on political parties that have influence on that process. Hearne expressed hope that processes that are taking place in relation to Mostar will bring progress, especially bearing in mind that the situation in Mostar is specific and it has lasted for too long. Hearne noted that the international community is undertaking certain efforts, which are led by representatives of the US and the EU, and the aim of those efforts is to attempt to assist in finding a solution pertaining to the election rules. Hearne categorically denied media speculations about High Representative Valentin Inzko imposing solutions for the Federation of B&H House of Peoples (HoP) and Mostar. “There are no initiatives within the OHR or talks that would go towards imposing. We are here to provide information and technical assistance, but seeking for a solution is obligation that was assigned to political parties and the Parliament of B&H, and we will do nothing on our part to do the job that is theirs,” stressed Hearne.

Inzko concerned about increasing tendency of glorifying war criminals, denying of genocide and war crimes (Dnevni avaz)

High Representative Valentin Inzko met with UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Prevention of Genocide Adam Dieng in Sarajevo on Wednesday. With regard to recent ICTY’s verdicts, they exchanged opinions about insufficient level of reconciliation which influences B&H and the region. They also expressed concern over the fact that 22 years after the DPA was signed, crucial political leaders did not do enough to recognize suffering of innocent civilians/victims of other ethnicities. The HR said that it is extremely damaging for the reconciliation process in B&H when prominent politicians deny genocide and other war crimes. The HR said: “I am very much concerned about increasing tendency of glorifying war criminals, denying of genocide and war crimes in general. Such unacceptable rhetoric would disqualify everyone who claims that he aspires to European values and norms.” They also stressed how important it is that crucial protagonists double their efforts to preserve peace.

Prime Minister: No disagreements about Serbian President’s visit (Hina)

Speaking about Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic‘s visit to Croatia on 12-13 February, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Tuesday that there was no disagreement concerning that topic, adding that he had recently met with Vucic on several occasions, including Paris and then in Davos. “In the meantime, the exhibition in UN headquarters in New York occurred. Some very serious, incorrect, misinformed and wrong insinuations by the Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic occurred who directly called me out for not visiting Jasenovac and not condemning the Holocaust and everything that occurred in that concentration camp during the WWII NDH (Independent State of Croatia) regime. That is why our Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs reacted,” Plenkovic said. “Had the minister called out the President, the Ministry would have sent the same (protest) note. These are normal, usual steps where states take account of their dignity and interests; we want to conduct a dialogue with all our neighbors and we have to conduct it to resolve outstanding issues,” Plenkovic said and added that the ‘timing’ of a visit is not that important.

Becic gave up: He won’t be a presidential candidate (CDM)

Although many saw the Democrats leader Aleksa Becic as presidential candidate, after his statements that he is ready to confront the leader of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Milo Djukanovic in the presidential election, he surprised the public today and announced that he had given up the presidential race. He again advised the opposition that the Democrats would support a common non-party candidate. “Democratic Montenegro is the only political entity that has continuously advocated implementing the 2013 principle, ie, that the most trusted party leader should be common presidential candidate of the opposition,” said Becic. He thinks that virtually no one has supported the Democrats in this idea. “On the contrary. All political subjects have announced that a joint presidential candidate of the opposition should be a non-partisan figure and that only such a candidate can beat opponent from DPS. Last week, respecting the views of my opposition counterparts, I said that if they did not support me, then I would support them,” Becic said. Becic points out that the Democrats were ready to put the entire party infrastructure on disposal to the non-party candidate who would be agreed upon by the entire parliamentary opposition, but that he could be the candidate if there is no agreement reached. “However, instead of this fair and honest offer to be supported by my colleagues, a number of them stated that this is supposedly just a tactic that should eventually lead to my candidacy. The malevolence and tendency of positions of certain colleagues aimed at harming the Democrats, even reached so far to say that my candidacy is an obstacle to the common candidate and unity of the opposition,” Becic said. “I am doing this in order to unite the opposition around a single candidate. Here, I unconditionally suggest that you agree on a common non-party figure as an opposition’s candidate and I will personally and on behalf of the party guarantee that we will support the one you agree upon with the strength of the most powerful party infrastructure in the country. Just do not expect me to pick the candidate for you,” he said.

Zaev: We want a solution for the name, but not at all costs – we changed the Constitution once (Meta)

The solution regarding the name dispute must guarantee the identity and dignity of both parties. We will do our best to find a solution to this firing 25-year problem, but not at all costs, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, answering a journalist’s question at a press conference in the government. “The government’s view is that the name is acceptable with a geographical heading. This is based on the internal debate that we have had in Macedonia. Dignity and identity are important, and I am convinced that Macedonia can find a solution in the interest of the future by consensus regarding this issue,” Zaev said. When he was asked whether the solution included a change in the Constitution of Macedonia, the Prime Minister answered that these were the views from the Greeks, but, we, in Macedonia, have other views and conditions. “Macedonia changed its Constitution in 1993 and that was a big step. At the moment, we are trying to prove that Macedonia has no aspirations, irredentist motivations. It is very important to succeed, I am glad that we have friendly relations now. Certainly, there are radical structures in Macedonia and in Greece, but we have to do everything to find a solution,” Zaev said. Regarding the meeting in Davos, Zaev said that it was of informative character, that he heard their views which were stated by Greek Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, and on the other hand, they heard the views of the Macedonians. He pointed out that the negotiation process remains to be conducted with UN mediator Matthew Nimetz. Zaev stated that the meetings regarding the negotiating teams will continue because, as he says, time is short and needs to be acted promptly. He announced that there will be several meetings of the negotiating teams in February and that it is very likely that the foreign ministers of both countries will meet next week.

Hahn: Solution for name dispute is possible only with leadership and statesmanship (Meta)

EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn, said that he expects a solution for the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece to be achieved in the near future. “It is necessary to have a leadership and statesmanship not only for a solution to be found but also for an agreement to be reached and the necessary political majority to be secured. It is a challenge for both countries’ leadership. I’m constantly in touch with all of them and they are very dedicated and they know that it is important for a solution to be reached because such a problem between two countries in the middle of Europe cannot remain unresolved,” said Hahn. Regarding the “Macedonia is Greek” protest in Athens, he said that if such events had an influence on him easily that would mean he is at the wrong job. “It is part of our everyday job. It’s a challenge, but we are working for a better Europe, and better Europe means better living conditions for its citizens, especially in the region, and that has an influence on us in the EU. This is a dispute that has been going for many years. There are certain sentiments especially in Greece, but I know that the current Greek government is dedicated to solving this problem and to find a solution for its neighbor. I’m convinced that it can be achieved in a conceivable future,” said Hahn.

VMRO-DPMNE: Zaev should reveal which name he will accept as a geographical heading (Meta)

In reaction to the press conference by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and the statement that he is ready for a name with a geographical heading, VMRO-DPMNE writes that Zaev should inform the public what that name is, whether there will be an English transcription and whether it will be for international use only. “Is he prepared for a name with a geographical heading, as well as a derogation related to changing the constitution, language, nationality and international codes of the Republic of Macedonia? For a long time now, Macedonian citizens have been expecting answers from Zoran Zaev regarding the talks he had to solve the name dispute with the Republic of Greece. Unfortunately, Zaev decided to come out with partial information only after the Greek Foreign Minister publicly urged him to inform his own people about the agreement accepted in Davos at a meeting with Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras,” said the party statement. VMRO-DPMNE believes that the general public expects an answer to the question whether the renaming of the airport and the motorway is part of some broader strategy for resolving the name dispute or represents a unilateral derogation by the Republic of Macedonia.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Kosovo: Despite differences, potential for trust among political leaders remains, Security Council told (UN News Centre, 7 February 2018)

Even though significant differences persist between political leaders in Kosovo, the potential for trust and more forward-looking decision-making to address the challenges there should not be underestimated, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today. “I am convinced these leaders have a broader understanding of the nature of the challenges that need to be overcome, and equally, not to continuously postpone action to another day,” said Zahir Tanin, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kosovo and the head of the UN Interim Administration Mission there (UNMIK), on Wednesday Briefing the Council via a video-link, the senior UN official also informed Council members of new strategy of the European Union (EU) for the Western Balkans, launched on 6 February, and said it is “the most ambitious and far-reaching framework for engagement” since 2003. “2018 can present a new momentum for this dialogue, and as the EU High Representative herself highlighted yesterday, the dialogue could be positively concluded, given sufficient will from the leaders, and adequate encouragement from the international community,” he added. Further in his briefing, Mr. Tanin stressed the importance of solving the 16 January assassination of one of Kosovo’s most prominent Serbian politicians Oliver Ivanovic. Identifying those responsible and holding them accountable would prove another important test of the Kosovo institutions, he added. The senior UN official also spoke of recent examples of cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade, including in the immediate aftermath of the Ivanovic murder and subsequent Kosovo visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. “It is important to note that the leaders in Belgrade and Pristina have reacted to this event in a prompt and responsible manner,” he said Mr. Tanin also informed the Security Council of ongoing challenges in ensuring the rule of law; strengthening the role of women and youth in politics, responding to the economy and social conditions in Kosovo; and building trust between its communities, and underscored the importance of strong political will and unity to overcome the obstacles.