LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: I am not ready to hand over Kosovo for nothing (Kurir/Tanjug/B92)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says he is not ready to hand over Kosovo for nothing.

Vucic said that he knows that whatever the solution may be, this will be his end in politics, because Serbs will never forgive him for their better future. “Serbs are such. Serbs will never forgive me their better future and peace. So, in Serbia, only defeats and wars are celebrated,” Vucic said in wide-ranging interview for the Belgrade-based tabloid Kurir. Asked why he thinks so, the President said that it will be so because he knows Serbs. “Here already, for the third time, I say that I am a man who showed that he knows best the Serbs. I do not think anyone showed it like me. And whom have we celebrated that gave us and preserved peace? And whom have we celebrated who gave us museums, theaters…” he asked. On Vidovdan, 28 June, he announced, he would open the National Museum, among other things, and again asked whom we have respected. “No, we only respected those who were soldiers and no one else. I am absolutely sure that for any decision on Kosovo I will not have the understanding of the majority support of our people, but I am sure that there will be a different consideration of it in the future and a different consideration through history – of my role and what could have been and should have been done. And if you think I’m ready to say tomorrow: ‘Here’s an Kosovo for you for nothing,’ I’m not ready,” Vucic said.  He said he hopes for a solution for Kosovo, but previously wants to see what Serbia can get both territorially and in terms of everything else. However, he assesses the overall situation as very difficult and points out that Serbia is in a terribly difficult situation. “When we get an offer from the world that will be a nuance better than before, it will be a success. And we will continue to be unhappy. Because Kosovo everyone carries in their heart,” says Vucic.

He points out the need to be realistic and see how much we have contributed to our defeats. “And we must understand this well and understand that they will not be happy with any solution. Even with the best possible solution we can dream about, we will be unhappy because we are unrealistic and because we did not teach our people to understand in what position we received got Serbia,” Vucic said.

Support of Nepal to Serbia’s fight for preserving territorial integrity (Beta/RTS)

In talks with Prime Minister of Nepal Sharma Oli, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic reiterated his gratitude to Nepal for an excellent organization of his visit, and stressed Serbia’s desire to exchange visits at the high and highest level between the two countries more productively. He informed Prime Minister Oli in detail about the exceptional importance that Kosovo and Metohija has for Serbia, as well as about the current situation in the southern province. Dacic expressed his gratitude to the government of Nepal for supporting the defense of the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia, and expressed his hope that Serbia and Nepal will continue their cooperation in the field of protection of the basic principles of international law. The Prime Minister of Nepal stressed that relations with the Republic of Serbia are extremely good and friendly. He recalled the strong opposition of Nepal to separatism, and pointed out that Nepal will continue to provide full support and cooperation when it comes to the struggle of Serbia to preserve territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Dacic also spoke with President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari. The officials pointed out that the relations of the two countries are traditionally friendly, based on mutual trust and understanding. Dacic and Bhandari discussed the current situation in Serbia and Nepal, as well as on the most important international issues. Dacic outlined the most important political priorities of Serbia, especially the importance of Kosovo and Metohija to Serbia. Dacic expressed his gratitude to Nepal in respect of the non-recognition of the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo and presented the current situation in Kosovo and Metohija.

EU removes Kosovo symbols after receiving Serbia’s protest (Beta/Tanjug)

The Serbian Mission to the EU has sent a protest note to President of the European Committee of the Regions Karl-Heinz Lambertz. As stated, the protest was lodged because of the use of Kosovo’s symbols during a recent event in Brussels. The Mission said that “symbols of the so-called state of Kosovo” had been used during a festival dubbed, “Proud of My Region and Its Culture”, held within the framework of EU’s Enlargement Day. The note highlights that Serbia expects the Committee of the Regions – EU assembly of regional and local representatives – to fully respect the status neutrality of the EU regarding Kosovo and Metohija, and to remove all promotional documents containing Kosovo symbols. Beta agency learned later on Friday from the European Committee of the Regions that all symbols and markings representing Kosovo as a state had been removed upon receiving Serbia’s protest note. An official of the Committee said this body was fully adhering to the status-neutral position when it comes to Kosovo, considering that five EU member-states do not recognize it.

Gojkovic: Proposal sent for commission to probe NATO 1999 bombing effects (Beta)

Serbian parliament speaker Maja Gojkovic said on Friday she submitted to the parliament a proposal for forming a commission with the task of investigating the environmental and health consequences of NATO 1999 bombing of Serbia. The proposal said it was necessary to especially assess the effects from the depleted uranium ingredient allegedly used in some bombs NATO was dropping from March 24 to June 10, 1999 to halt late Serbia’s strongman Slobodan Milosevic’s military operation against Kosovo Albanians. “The main task of this commission would be to establish the link between the bombing and a large number of heavy diseases found among population… a significant increase in malignant illness,” Gojkovic told reporters in the parliament. She added that there was no politics in her suggestion, but that it was in the interest of all citizens. “There is no accusation either, we only want to know the truth.” The commission, made up of experts and scientists and everyone who might help, has a deadline by the end of 2020 for a full preliminary report. It will be obliged to report to the parliament every six months. The parliament will discuss the proposal under an urgent procedure.

NATO: Depleted uranium not a health risk (N1)

NATO believes that the depleted uranium munitions expended during the war in Kosovo do not pose a health risk to the population, NATO told N1 on Friday. N1 asked NATO for a comment on the possible consequences of the use of depleted uranium munitions in Serbia after Parliament Speaker Maja Gojkovic said she proposed the forming a commission to investigate the effects of the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia on the environment and health of the population.  In its written reply, the Alliance said that the NATO Committee on Depleted Uranium concluded that the use of depleted uranium in the Kosovo conflict did not cause any continuing health risk.

“NATO takes matters of health and the environment very seriously and that is why it established the Committee as a forum for the exchange of information on possible health risks associated with depleted uranium,” the Alliance said, adding that a 2001 UN Environment Program report also concluded that sites with depleted uranium pose no significant health risks. “This is scientific evidence,” the written response said. The Alliance explained that depleted uranium is used by some countries to make armor or bullets because it is a very dense metal.

REGIONAL PRESS

Venice Commission to send expert group in B&H regarding changes to Election Law (TV1)

After numerous talks have failed, changes to B&H Election Law arrived before the European Commission for Democracy through Law, better known as the Venice Commission. Namely, at the last meeting B&H leaders agreed to seek opinion from the Venice Commission. Shortly after, the Venice Commission replied that it will not give an opinion, but it will send an expert group, to discuss proposals with representatives of political parties and give advice that should lead to an agreement. SBB B&H Vice President Damir Arnaut said after the meeting that he knows for sure that the Venice Commission cannot give an opinion that will read that a representative of one people cannot be elected from any part of the Federation of B&H. Therefore, he said, the Commission will support rights of every representative of any constituent people to be elected from any part of the Federation of B&H. Experts welcomed the fact that opinion of the Venice Commission was requested, although it is not binding, because it will confirm that no one should be subject of discrimination.

Dodik: Someone deliberately avoids participation of political parties from RS in talks on amending of Election Law of B&H (RTRS)

RS President and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated on Saturday that someone deliberately avoids participation of political parties from the RS in talks on amending of the Election Law of B&H, as if the RS is not concerned about the status of constituent peoples in the Federation of B&H. He stressed that the RS’ interest when it comes to this issue is undisputable given that the Serb Caucus in the Federation of B&H House of People (HoP) has always been incomplete, and therefore he wonders why the Serb politicians are being ignored. Dodik reminded that marathon-long meetings on the Election Law of B&H have been held without leaders of the RS political parties from the very beginning, and led by US Ambassador to B&H Maureen Cormack and Head of the EU Delegation (EUD) to B&H Lars-Gunnar Wigemark.

RS report on B&H sent to UN Security Council (RTRS)

RS government has prepared the 19th report for the UN Security Council, which refers to the period from November 2017 to April 2018. The report that reflects the views of the RS on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) was submitted by RS President Milorad Dodik on Friday. The report has 25 pages and is divided in eight chapters. It was sent by Dodik’s cabinet to the Secretary General of the UN with the aim to “help the Security Council in its upcoming debate on B&H”. A part of the report addresses the recent purchase of automatic rifles for the RS Police, in which it was stated that this procurement was necessary for the purpose of modernization and it was completely transparent and allowed by all relevant agencies at B&H level. RS officials stated that accusations that claim “the RS is trying to militarize by procuring weapons for RS Police” are unfounded. They added that the intention behind these accusations is for them to be used as an excuse for “strengthening the foreign interventions in B&H and for weakening the RS”. “The weapons that the RS Ministry of Interior (RS MoI) uses is outdated, especially in the light of the current terrorist threats in B&H. The RS Police uses weapons that are 20 years old. There is nothing peculiar about weapons procurement for some European police departments. There is also nothing peculiar in the amount of the expenses of the RS MoI. To explain the procurement of weapons for the RS MoI worth BAM 2 million, you should only compare it to the upcoming weapons and equipment procurement of the Canton Sarajevo (CS) Ministry of Interior, worth BAM 2 million, and that is only one of the ten cantons in the Federation of B&H”, reads statement issued by the RS MoI. The report for the UN Security Council also states that the RS Police did not have joint military exercises with the police officers from Russia, nor it has plans for such a thing, underlining that the RS officials see nothing wrong or illegal with organizing such military exercises. The report once again states that there are no para-military units formed in the RS, nor there is any connection of the RS with any other para-military unit. Ruling coalition parties in the RS accused the opposition parties of “fabricating lies about the members of the ruling coalition, in order to score cheap political points before the October elections”.

Dodik expects Inzko to present “untrue information” in his report to UN SC (Oslobodjenje)

RS President and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik said that he expects High Representative Valentin Inzko to present “untrue information” at the upcoming session of the UN Security Council (SC). Dodik also claimed that statements of SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic and Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Prime Minister Fadil Novalic suggest that they are secretly arming and he assessed that it would have been better if Inzko turned to “the issue of secret armament in the Federation of B&H”. Dodik also noted that meetings on the Law on Elections of B&H take place in presence of two ambassadors and representatives of political parties from the Federation of B&H although the RS too is interested in this matter. Meanwhile, the Chair of B&H Presidency and SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic commented on the RS Government’s report that was delivered to the UN Security Council (SC) and he said that: “So called report is unserious document intended for voters in the RS and not for the UN. The UN SC has never taken in consideration similar documents, so it will not take in consideration this one either. Just like previous so-called reports, this too presented a number of untruths, including the one saying that Bosniak leaders are threatening with weapons and armed aggression by giving statements on military industry”.

Text of Declaration on Survival of Serb People ready (EuroBlic)

The text of Declaration on Survival of Serb People is completed, but Serbian and RS institutions cannot say when it will be signed. Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said that it is high time for such Declaration to be signed, adding that all other people’s take care of their language, culture and tradition. She thanked RS President Milorad Dodik for his patience, adding that Serbia paid more attention to Kosovo. SNS’ Delegate in Serbian Assembly Vladimir Djukanovic said that the Declaration will be signed soon, adding that fault for delay is with “the foreign observers”. He stressed that no paper is necessary to have great relations between the RS and Serbia, adding that the same people lives on both sides and Serbia is obliged to take care of the people in the RS. He stressed that things got somewhat postponed because Serbs are under more observation than the others. Political analyst from Belgrade Dragomir Andjelkovic deems that this Declaration made a serious echo within western circles and it is causes discomfort and there is probably pressure on Serb side to give up on the Declaration. However, he deems that neither Belgrade nor Banja Luka will do that. Secretary General of the RS National Assembly Marko Acic could not say when could the Declaration will be signed.

Sarajevo Canton Assembly adopts Declaration condemning arrest of Dudakovic and others (Klix.ba)

Sarajevo Canton Assembly has adopted on Monday a Declaration condemning the arrest of former “Republic Bosnia and Herzegovina” Army Commander Atif Dudakovic and others. The Declaration reads that the arrest represents continuation of anti-Bosnian policy and an attempt to equalize a victim and aggressor.

Poll: HDZ and SDP fall, Zivi zid third (N1)

HDZ’s rating is the lowest since the parliamentary elections. The CRO Demoskop monthly research conducted by the Promocija Plus agency from 2 to 5 May shows the effects of the latest political events on popularities of political parties. If parliamentary elections were conducted in early May, HDZ would be the relative winner with the support of 26.4 percent of voters (26.8 in April). This level of electoral support for the ruling party is the lowest since the last parliamentary elections. SDP is ranked second with 20.7 percent of support (21.1 in April), which means that HDZ’s advantage over the leading opposition party has remained at the same level as in the previous month. Zivi Zid is safely third, now with the support of 12.7 percent of respondents (11.2 in April), while MOST is at the fourth place with 7.6 percent of support (8.1 a month ago). Prime Minister Plenkovic leads the rankings of politicians seen as the most negative (26.8 percent), followed by “all politicians” (14.9 percent), SDP president Davor Bernardic (10.9 percent), Serb national minority leader Milorad Pupovac (8.3 percent) and former Culture Minister Zlatko Hasanbegovic (5.4 percent). The level of support for the policies of the government in the eighteenth month of its term is at 31.3 percent (30.7 percent in April), while 52.8 percent of respondents do not support the government.

Presidential elections-to vote on membership in NATO (Pobjeda)

In his interview for Pobjeda daily, member of the European Parliament (EP) and Head of the EP Delegation for Relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, Tonino Picula, said he’d had the opportunity to see and even hear that Montenegrin NGOs generally have close ties with specific political parties. Therefore, he was not surprised when they wrote to the European Commission, asking it to break negotiations off. “This year’s report on Montenegro evaluates its progress as somewhat milder, which has probably been the result of numerous political turbulence following the 2016 presidential election. Regardless of political changes, Montenegro’s been a leader on the road to EU,” noted Mr. Picula. When asked about his position on the recent presidential elections, Mr. Picun said these elections represented a mere confrontation of the electoral programs, i.e. the ruling coalition vs. those cherishing closer ties with Moscow and Belgrade: “It’s obvious that majority of citizens continuously vote in favor of Djukanovic’s political ideology. The 2018 presidential elections might be regarded as the referendum on the country’s membership in NATO as they slightly shaped domestic politics and caused certain outside pressures.”

Zaev expects name solution very soon (MIA)

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said Saturday he expects that the name solution will come very soon.

“The fact that both sides have reached this stage demonstrates their commitment and I expect a solution very soon. It is time that citizens give praise rather that criticizing us,” PM Zaev told reporters in reference to yesterday’s meeting between Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov and Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias in Thessaloniki. Dimitrov and Kotzias explored mutually acceptable options regarding the most difficult questions in the negotiations. “As you all know, differences remain. What we did is explore options that would be acceptable to both sides. This is our duty. We should discuss these options back home, as well as use the next meeting to revisit them,” Dimitrov said. The FMs and UN envoy Matthew Nimetz will hold a meeting in Athens on May 12.

Zaev: Police and security services to reach standards of western European counterpart institutions (MIA)

Following all the obstacles and challenges that the Ministry of Interior (MoI) was faced with, we have managed to restore the basic function of this service – the pillar of statehood, the core of security and safety of the Republic of Macedonia, but at the same time a friend and protector of citizens, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev at the observance of Macedonian Police Day on Sunday. He said the new goal of the police and security services is to reach the standards of the western European counterpart institutions. “The results are already here and they will be even better when all stakeholders in society look forward into the future, jointly working on implementing regulations for reforms in the country’s institutions and services,” said Zaev.

According to him, it is very important for Macedonia to professionalize and depoliticize services, building a system that ensures the police’s basic functions, regardless of the political option in power. “The police and the MoI should never again be abused for political purposes and support of individuals in power,” added Zaev. Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski said that reforms that bring back the citizens’ trust in the MoI are high on their agenda. “We are reforming the system of communications surveillance, we are enhancing the external control over the police, we are intensifying cooperation with civil society organizations, we are allowing for control and criticism” said Spasovski. Referring to last year’s violence in parliament, the minister said the executors and planners of the events must be punished. “Especially those who abused the police and tried to turn their back on their own people,” added Spasovski.

Ivanov, Radev meet (MIA)

President Gjorge Ivanov met with Bulgarian counterpart Rumen Radev in Dojran on Sunday.

The meeting focused on enhancement of the excellent bilateral relations through strengthening of the political dialogue, Macedonia’s integration processes and current challenges in the region and EU, the President’s Office said in a press release. President Ivanov expressed hope that Bulgaria, in the capacity of EU Presidency holder, would continue to support Macedonia’s integration process, especially in determining a date for the start of Union accession talks. “The EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia will represent an excellent opportunity to reconfirm the European perspective for the complete integration of countries in the region, because this is the only way to guarantee peace, stability and prosperity of the area, which is still susceptible to security and geostrategic challenges,” said Ivanov. President Radev voiced satisfaction from the participation of Macedonian Army (ARM) troops at the military parade in Sofia on occasion of the Bulgarian Armed Forces Day. Interlocutors also referred to the strengthening of security and army cooperation, exchanging opinions on activities for management of challenges related to illegal migration, terrorism and violent extremism. Upon Radev’s invitation, Ivanov is set to pay a return visit to Bulgaria in June, reads the press release.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Erdogan: Serbia ‘key country’ for stability in Balkans (Anadolu Agency, by Hatice Senses Kurukiz, Gulsum Incekaya and Mehmet Ali Derdiyok, 6 May 2018)

Turkey, Serbia have strong will to develop bilateral ties in all fields, Turkish president says

Serbia is a key country for peace and stability in the Balkans, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday. Speaking at the Turkey-Serbia Business Forum in Istanbul, Erdogan said: “Serbia is a friendly country for us, a key country for peace and stability in the Balkans. “Both countries have strong will to develop bilateral relations in all fields, and carry it to a further point.”

Pointing out that bilateral trade volume had surpassed $1 billion last year, the Turkish leader said the target had been increased to $2 billion in the short term, then to $3 billion. “We want to deepen, diversify and extend our business alliance to new fields.” Tourism is one of the sectors where both countries could develop their relations, Erdogan said. He said the first Turkey-Serbia High-Level Cooperation Council meeting — scheduled to be held on Monday with the participation of Serbian leader — “will further increase our momentum.” Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who is in Turkey on a two-day official visit, also attended the business forum.

Vucic assured the Turkish businessmen that he would offer the best terms for setting up business in Serbia. He said he wishes to further strengthen bilateral relations between Turkey and Serbia.

“I am inviting the Turkish businessmen to my country. As president of Serbia, my door is open to all businessmen who want to invest in Serbia.”

Edi Rama: Albania on the road to European Union membership (The Parliament Magazine, 7 May 2018)

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama talks reforming Europe and the Balkans and why 80 per cent of Albanians want EU membership.

What are the main challenges that Albania (and Western Balkans countries) face at June’s EU Council in persuading all 27 member states to vote for further enlargement?

What are we really talking about? The Council will not be voting for enlargement in June; it will be voting for continuing and deepening a fundamental reform process across the Western Balkans. This process has already brought greater stability, more economic security and improved ties among our nations. The process of EU integration, with all its benchmarks and meticulous demands, may be evolutionary but it is generating revolutionary results. To slow or stop it, now that the country has had a crystal clear recommendation for opening accession talks, would be harmful and impossible to explain to our citizens, who have supported even painful reforms because they are fully behind the European Albania ideal. Naturally, EU influence would wain as a result. On the other hand, advancing to the next step, formal negotiations, will actually increase EU leverage over the reform processes in our country, with strict milestones and deadlines to be met.

There are two principal and fundamental views on the Western Balkans joining the EU – one supports a so-called ‘regatta principle’ with Serbia and Montenegro as frontrunners. the other suggests that the goal should be to get EU member states to approve accession negotiations for all the Western Balkan states. Which viewpoint do you favour? Why do you think Albania was initially left out when negotiations started with Serbia and Montenegro?

Brussels was being pragmatic. In the aftermath of the terrible conflicts across the former Yugoslavia, it was natural that attention would be focused on that part of the Balkan Peninsula. It was disappointing for us, but understandable in the context. However, to view the process as a boat race is a mistake. It’s the wrong metaphor. Albania is not competing with our friends in Serbia, Montenegro or anywhere else. In fact, all of us are working together increasingly, in connectivity, trade, digitalisation, in tourism promotion, in policing and more. This doesn’t attract as many headlines of course. The international media all too easily slip into old tropes about cultural conflict when the reality, on the ground, is very different. Ask any 20-something citizen in Bratislava, Skopje or Tirana about their cultural identity. They have all lived most of their lives as Europeans, with the expectation that, one day, their nation would be an EU member. One of the reasons the polls show that 80 per cent of Albanians want EU membership is demographic. We are the youngest country in Europe, with an average age of 28. In other words, when the average Albanian was just 13 years old, we began negotiating a stabilisation and association agreement with Brussels.

On the day that the European Commission published its recommendation on opening formal accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia, French President Emmanuel Macron commented on EU enlargement policy. How do you view his comments and what impact might they have on the EU Council voting in June?

President Macron was correct: The EU needs reform. Yet as the EU reforms, we in the Western Balkans also need to do so. These processes should happen in tandem. Let me offer an example. As in many post-Communist states, we in Albania have had a big problem with a corrupt judiciary. EU officials told us we needed to fix this. So, together with Brussels, with assistance from Washington, we came up with a formula to strengthen the rule of law and the judicial institutions. This has involved far-reaching constitutional changes. A key element is a non-partisan system of vetting to rid the justice system of corrupt or incompetent judges and prosecutors. So far, 21 have been removed from office, 17 for having refused to subject themselves to vetting, while four were removed for not being able to justify their wealth and assets. Although painful, the process has had the overwhelming support of Albanian citizens.

Now, there are recommendations that the ‘Albanian model’ be adopted across the Western Balkans.

What tipped the opinion of the European commission to recommend opening of accession negotiations With Albania?

Undoubtedly this was our justice reform programme, but much else has been done. Where only two years ago we were facing a huge challenge because of two decades of widespread outdoor cultivation of cannabis, we have all but eradicated this illicit industry. We have strengthened our agricultural development programmes to promote replacement crops. We are also improving our administration and now the vetting process for judges and prosecutors is being extended to the police.

There are stories that appeared recently about Russian intervention in Albania’s last parliamentary election. What are your views and are you Worried by this?

I have heard and read the stories. There appears to be some evidence that our political opponents received financial support in breach of our legislation. There is an ongoing investigation, but as a rule of thumb, I decided a long time ago not to comment internationally about the opposition. We in Albania try to maintain friendly relations with all nations. There is something unique about Albania, we are the most pro-European and the most pro-US country in Europe. But, as a member of Nato and a European nation, there are powers that would like to weaken our commitment to the Western Alliance. Political disruption, including the encouragement of populism and nationalism, could be one of the tactics. Am I worried? Not at the moment. My party was returned to office with a strong majority. For me there is only one thing to focus on: Modernising my country through deep reforms that others before us didn’t dare imagine, let alone fight for. “There is something unique about Albania, we are the most pro-European and the most pro-US country in Europe. But, as a member of Nato and a European nation, there are powers that would like to weaken our commitment to the Western Alliance”

Some EU members and their publics have expressed misgivings over Bulgarian and Romanian EU membership, given historical concerns over corruption. Do you accept that this may also be an impediment for Albania?

Corruption in Albania is still a problem, but the Commission has clearly judged Albania not as a new member state, but by the eff orts the government is putting into dealing with it. Accession negotiations will help deepen our reforms and results against corruption. It is not an issue you can eliminate overnight but we have been setting an example for several years that stealing from the state is stealing from yourself, and that if we want to join the European club we must adopt a new set of behavioural standards with public money. Recently we have created an innovative online platform, through which citizens can have a direct line of communication with the ministers of government to tackle together any wrongdoing by public officials. The platform promotes access to information, transparency, accountability and the battle against governmental and institutional corruption. Some 81 public officials have already been dismissed and many of them disciplined or even prosecuted for not having offered on-time public services or having asked for bribes. This is thanks to the complaints of citizens through the online platform.