Belgrade Media Report 29 September 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 29 September 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: I did not give any dates regarding elections during government session (Tanjug/RTV)
• Situation in Kosovo and Metohija most dangerous to date, Vucic tells Danish FM (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Denmark’s support for Serbia’s European path, reform processes (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Readiness for further intensification of cooperation between Serbia, Denmark (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Petkovic: We have evidence one of Serb victims in Kosovo was shot and killed in cold blood, while wounded (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Stano: EU against glorification and mourning of terrorists (RFE/Beta)
• Raska-Prizren Diocese says it doesn’t need Pristina’s help (FoNet/Politika)
• ROSU stormed the north of Kosovo and Metohija; Armored vehicles sent (B92/Radio Kontakt plus/Kosovo Online)
• The Office for Kosovo and Metohija announced: Continuation of terror on the north (B92)
• SPS: Attack in Kosovo shows that repression against Belgrade, Kosovo Serbs must decrease (TV Prva/Beta)
• Jeremic: Rejection of Franco-German plan, return of institutions to Kosovo is national interest (Beta)
• Lazovic says regrets lack of concrete information on attack in Kosovo (Danas/Beta)
• Zelenovic: Protest organizers will run together in elections (N1/TV Nova)
• Source from SNS: Elections at all levels on 17 December (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS parliament adopts Draft Law on Special Registry and Publicity of Work of Non-Profit Organizations (FTV)
• Representatives of NGO sector harshly criticize Draft Law on Special Registry and Publicity of the Work of Non-Profit Organizations (N1)
• PIC SB Ambassadors: RS government has been trying since 2013 to introduce law that would place civil society organizations under government’s close scrutiny (Dnevni list)
• EU expresses serious concern about recent legislative initiatives and announcements in RS that run counter to EU path of B&H (FTV)
• US Embassy condemns adoption of law on registry of non-profit organizations (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik: Murphy should comment on US law on non-governmental organizations, which is more rigid than one proposed in RS (RTRS)
• Dodik: No talks about the property-those who want to impose solutions are descendants of murderers of Serbs (Srna)
• Minister Helez: Relations between B&H and Croatia are on upward trajectory; Orban’s regime is similar to that of Dodik and Putin; Kurti played wisely; Serbia supported terrorists, the whole EU turned against what Vucic did (FTV)
Croatia
• Ursula von der Leyen: Croatia is a success story (HRT)
• Grlic Radman: Montenegro admits aggression, Croatia can expect ship’s return (Hina)
Montenegro
• Bogdanovic: Let’s first find majority, then we’ll do the rest (Vijesti)
• Milatovic: New EU enlargement date somewhat discouraging (MINA)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Xhaferi urges solidarity at CoE Conference of speakers of parliaments (MIA)
• Petrovska: Partnership with Vermont not only signed document but constant support (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: Belgrade should have had distanced itself from the criminal group, the EU to condemn the declaration of national mourning in Serbia (Radio Tirana)
• Berlin process/ Conclusions of Finance Ministers Ministerial Meeting of Western Balkans approved (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 26 September
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic to Quint Ambassadors: KFOR should take over from police (N1)
• Pristina used the event in Zvecan as a reason for terror (B92)
• Vucevic: Kurti is sole culprit for the current situation in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/Politika)
• Opposition criticizes authorities over clashes in Kosovo (Beta)
• Hill says steps being considered after Banjska (Beta)
• Stano: EU demands that tensions be eased, dialogue continued, awaiting results of investigation (Beta)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: Kurti wants to capture north of Kosovo with support from West (TASS/Beta)
• US strongly condemns attack on Kosovo police (Beta)
• Tajani: I have spoken with Vucic, Kurti, KFOR presence to be boosted (Tanjug)
• Government declares Day of Mourning over tragic events in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)
• Three-day mourning due to the tragic events taking place in Kosovo and Metohija (B92)
• International course for UN military observers organised (Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• State-level coalition partners meet in Mostar, discuss changes in Law on B&H CC, changes in B&H Election Law related to B&H CEC election, Law on Foreign Affairs of B&H, but reach no concrete agreements (Hayat)
• Dodik comments topics discussed at the meeting of the state level ruling coalition (ATV)
• It is not excluded that coalition partners on B&H level could make step forward according to Dodik’s proposal on declaration of sovereignty of B&H; Dodik: We must agree to eliminate any other decision-making except for domestic institutions (ATV)
• Viskovic says time has come for foreigners to withdraw from B&H and that they cannot impose laws (ATV)
• Stevandic: Draft law on immovable property withdrawn from agenda of RS parliament’s session on Tuesday (ATV)
• Stevandic: Draft law on immovable property withdrawn from agenda of RS parliament’s session on Tuesday (ATV)
Croatia
• PM: B&H and Serbia should harmonize visa regime with EU (HRT)
Montenegro
• Abazovic on Kosovo: This situation can easily spill over into a larger-scale conflict, a continuation of the disastrous Balkan policy (CdM)
• Milatovic: No one can be excluded from the government in advance (Vijesti)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Those who wish unrest in region behind Kosovo incident, says Kovachevski (MIA)
• Knight: Here to ensure stability in Kosovo, promote political solutions (MIA)
Albania
• Ministers Balla and Hasani in Pristina to pay their tributes in honor of the martyr Afrim Bunjaku (Radio Tirana)
• Fell in the line of duty in front of the Serbian forces, tributes are held in Tirana in honor of Kosovan Officer Afrim Bunjaku (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 25 September
LOCAL PRESS
• All approaching roads to Banjska still blocked, security situation still tense (RTS)
• Banjska post office halts operations after being stormed by terrorists (Tanjug)
• Vucic: At least three Serbs were killed, two by snipers. We have footage of incidents (B92)
• Brnabic: International community supported Kurti for the catastrophe in north of Kosovo and Metohija (TV Pink)
• Orlic: Kurti rushed to accuse Serbs for the events in Banjska (TV Prva/Tanjug)
• Djuric: Kurti is responsible for bloodshed in northern Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Drecun: Kurti’s terror against Serbs led to “shooting point” in north Kosovo (RTS)
• Dacic: Kurti enjoys support of aggressors (TV Prva/FoNet)
• Vucic informs Russian Ambassador that Kurti is carrying out brutal ethnic cleansing in Kosovo (RTV/Tanjug)
• Bilateral meetings of Dacic on sidelines of UN General Assembly session (Tanjug)
• Telekom’s appeal to work ban decision in Kosovo accepted (Tanjug)
• Obradovic: Serbia needs a new foreign policy strategy (Beta)
• Belgrade sees 21st Serbia Against Violence protest (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik says he supports Vucic in management of crisis in Kosovo (RTRS)
• Dodik: Vucic’s speech at the UN was dignified (Srna/RTRS)
• Protest rally ‘Border Exists’ held in Lapisnica (RTRS)
• PIC SB Ambassadors issue joint statement, reiterate their firm support to mandate of HR Schmidt and OHR in overseeing civilian implementation of GFAP (AJB)
• Escobar: Schmidt has our full support, as well as full support of EU and PIC (RFE/Dnevni list)
• Russian Embassy: Schmidt is not the High Representative (RTRS)
• Dodik: Not even a self-organized group of ambassadors in Sarajevo can help Schmidt (RTRS)
• Dodik: Lately, a line has been drawn of Schmidt’s support for fascist structure from the World War II (ATV)
Croatia
• Croatian President: Kosovo is a reality and Serbia must accept it (HRT)
• Milanovic: ECHR is trying to force B&H to change its Constitution with its idiotic and dangerous rulings; B&H Constitution will never be changed as long as I am politically alive (Dnevni list)
• Plenkovic against deploying military on Croatia-B&H border (Dnevni list)
Montenegro
• MFA: Montenegro strongly condemns the attack on the Kosovo police, we appeal to the de-escalation of tensions (CdM)
• Milatovic: Montenegro is a candidate for the position of a non-permanent member of the Security Council, we are committed to the goals and principles of the UN (CdM)
• Milatovic-Guterres: the UN is a key ally of Montenegro for the realization of the 2030 Agenda (CdM)
• Lajcak with Milatovic: Use the current momentum for the rapid integration of Montenegro into the EU (CdM)
• Mandic: Milatovic’s address eagerly awaited (Borba/CdM)
• There will be Serbs in new govt, improvement of standards in the spotlight, Petric says (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Grubi and Osmani condemn killing of policeman in Kosovo, appeal for stabilizing the situation (MIA)
• Pendarovski: Skopje-Moscow relations at historic low point (VoA/MIA)
Albania
• The murder of the police officer in the north of Kosova, Begaj: An organized criminal act. Internationals to react against the orchestrators (Radio Tirana)
• Rama repeats the need for an extraordinary peace conference between Kosovo and Serbia, under the guarantee of the EU and the US (Radio Tirana)
• Albania at the UN, Begaj: We led the Council, we asked for the recognition of Kosovo (Albanian RT/Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 21 September 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 21 September 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: We will request urgent UNSC session over situation in Kosovo and Metohija (RTS/Tanjug)
• Vucic: I will speak the facts and the truth before the UN (RTS/B92)
• Vucic informs Sheikh Al Nahyan in detail about violence perpetrated against Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)
• Continuation of Dacic’s diplomatic activity on sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York (Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Kurti acts as if Brussels agreement does not exist (TV Happy/Beta)
• Serbia determined to further improve cooperation with China (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• China’s unreserved support for Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity (Tanjug/Politika)
• Petkovic’s address after arrests in Kosovo: Kurti started to implement threats (B92)
• One of the Serbs arrested in Kosovo yesterday transferred to hospital in Pristina: He is in serious condition (Tanjug)
• Three months without Serbian press in Kosovo (Beta)
• Protest organizers sign Agreement for Victory (N1)
• Opposition party: Early polls by year’s end essential for Serbia’s survival (TV N1/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Komsic addresses UN General Assembly session (N1)
• Brkic: Without agreement within B&H Presidency on foreign policy issues, B&H Presidency members only express their personal opinion (Nova BH)
• Konakovic meets representatives of American—Adriatic Charter and Central-European Initiative on the margins of UN GA session, discusses EU integration processes (Oslobodjenje)
• Ambassador Reilly welcomes Schmidt decision on MCSP (Dnevni avaz)
• UN’s Nderitu: Insisting on genocide denial and changing of historic facts is a reason for serious concern (Oslobodjenje)
• US Embassy and EU Delegation urge RS authorities to withdraw Draft Law on Special Register and Publicity of Work of Non-Profit Organizations from legislative procedure (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Milanovic: The most important issue for Croatia is situation in its neighborhood in Southeast Europe: He expressed support to B&H on its EU path, but also expressed concern over escalation of situation between Serbia and Kosovo (HRT)
• Croatian Foreign Minister asks Italian and Slovenian colleagues to advocate opening of negotiations between B&H and EU (Oslobodjenje)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: Spajic has the greatest responsibility to create the kind of government that citizens expect, which is reformist and pro-European (CdM)
• Spajic: There’s still time to form govt, there’s no pressure from foreign ambassadors, we’re acting frivolously (MINA)
• Abazovic: Montenegro calls for peace and extends a hand to everyone in order to promote universal values and protect human rights and freedoms (CdM)
• Milatovic: Montenegro has made significant progress in achieving the goals of sustainable development, almost a third of the budget has been spent (CdM)
• Escobar: Milatovic agrees with the American position on the government, we are convinced that he understood what we conveyed to him (VoA/CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: UN Security Council needs to be urgently proactive in ending war in Ukraine (MIA)
• Threat of multilateralism becoming victim of Russian aggression, Osmani tells UN Security Council (MIA)
• Kovachevski – Escobar: One more statehood decision to ensure Euro-integration (MIA)
• Escobar: US grateful to North Macedonia for regional and pro-European leadership (MIA/VoA)
Albania
• Edi Rama is chairing the High Level Open Debate at the UNSC, Zelensky and 50 heads of states present (Radio Tirana)
• UNO/ Zelensky: Grateful to Albania for supporting Ukraine (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj meets with Escobar (Radio Tirana)
• Rama bilateral meeting with chancellor Scholz (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 20 September 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: I have had many meetings in New York with nearly all European leaders (Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic: We will be strongly protecting Serbia’s position at UNGA session (Tanjug/RTS)
• Dacic: Those who talk about preserving territorial integrity have double standards (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic speaks with large number of FMs in New York (Tanjug)
• KFOR Commander: Political solution needed for peace, stability in Kosovo (Beta)
• Petkovic: Svecla’s threats will never prevent Vucic from helping people in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• First hearing in case of MTS in Kosovo and Metohija ends, both sides maintained their position (RTS/Tanjug)
• Lucic with international representatives on Pristina’s intent to ban work of MTS (RTS)
• Two more Serbs arrested in northern Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)
• France and Germany present plan on reform of EU for enlargement by 2030 (Novosti)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS officials react to latest Schmidt’s interview, Nesic appeals to Germany to withdraw Schmidt; Kovacevic: Unlike Schmidt, politicians from the RS have legitimacy as citizens elected them (ATV)
• Popovic: RS is preparing lawsuit against Schmidt in Germany (ATV)
• Schmidt expands Srebrenica Memorial’s activities, announces national war crimes register (N1)
• Media publish part of transcript from Dodik-Sarrazin meeting, Dodik says RS would introduce Ruble should it secede (Nezavisne)
• Sattler discusses EU path and migration issues with B&H ministers Nesic and Hurtic (O Kanal)
• UN GA session in New York; Climate change and growing crisis in this field main topic -along with Russian invasion of Ukraine; B&H Presidency Chairman Komsic to address UN GA on Wednesday (BHT1/AJB)
Croatia
• Slovenia not considering introduction of border controls with Croatia (HRT)
Montenegro
• Informal lunch of leaders of the Western Balkans: An opportunity for open dialogue and exchange of ideas (CdM)
• Milatovic with Blinken: We expect the USA to further support Montenegro in accelerating its European path (CdM)
• Milatovic: We believe in even stronger support from Berlin to speed up Montenegro’s EU path (CdM)
• Milatovic with Steiner: We are working together to create a world of equality and accessibility for everyone (CdM)
• Abazovic meets Al Khateeb in NY: Saudi Arabia approves $3m grant to Montenegro (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski to attend opening of 78th UNGA session General Debate (MIA)
• Xhaferi meets with Danish parliament delegation (MIA)
• Ahmeti on Mickoski’s statements: What Bulgarian dictate, it is a Franco-German proposal (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: Today, Albania assumes the leadership of the Security Council (Radio Tirana)
• Meetings at the UN Assembly, Rama meets with Cleverly (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj meets with Borrell (Radio Tirana)
• Rama with the chief diplomat of the UAE: Finalization of the investment package in Albania (Radio Tirana)
• Spiropali hosts Soreca: Albania’s EU integration, an agenda with an unchanging direction (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 19 September 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: I invited Scholz (B92)
• Dacic at UN at opening of Summit on Sustainable Development Goals (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Dacic holds bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of several countries (Tanjug)
• Milivojevic: If all elections take place the same day by year’s end, opposition has no chance (Beta)
• US Embassy denies inviting Vulin to public event (Nova)
• EU calls on Belgrade, Pristina to meet commitments and work to establish Community (Tanjug/Beta/RTS/RTV)
• Szijjarto: Kosovo issue should be condition for Serbia’s EU membership (Kosovo Online/B92)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Schmidt: RS is not separate state, but entity in B&H; Schmidt said that he will hold on to his promise and defend DPA in every part of B&H (O Kanal/Oslobodjenje)
• Karan: Schmidt’s “incognito” visit to Banja Luka again confirms the stance of RS officials that Schmidt is not a diplomat at all, but an ordinary tourist, who wants to provoke incident (Srna)
• OHR: There is no state border between entities (Dnevni avaz)
• Schmidt sends letter to Cvijanovic, says her statement on 1 September protest being ‘trial run’ is threat of confrontation and violence (Nezavisne)
• Delegate Smajic announces Bosniak delegates will block B&H HoP session to prevent departure of foreign judges from B&H CC (Dnevni list)
• B&H Presidency Chairman Komsic, B&H FM Konakovic in New York (O Kanal)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman calls for opening of negotiations between B&H and EU soon (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Bogdanovic: Democrats wouldn’t support formation of a govt if the DPS were to give a decisive vote (CdM)
• Abazovic is in New York, he has about thirty meetings, and dinner with Blinken is also planned (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani in New York to establish diplomatic ties with South Africa (MIA)
• Osmani meets Western Balkan ministers in New York meeting organized by Italy (MIA)
• President Pendarovski meets German Chancellor Scholz in New York (MIA)
Albania
• President Bajram Begaj participates in the High Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development (Radio Tirana)
• Ambassador Soreca participates at the OSCE Media Development Conference in Tirana (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 18 September 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 18 September 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic at UN General Assembly from 18 to 22 September (RTS/Office for Media Relations)
• Vucic: We will call elections by the end of 2023 (TV Pink/B92)
• Petkovic: Kurti does not want any dialogue, forming ZSO is Pristina’s obligation (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)
• Stano: EU saw no readiness for progress in Kosovo dialogue (FoNet)
• Lajcak: On situation in north Kosovo strategic talks with US and EU partners (RTS)
• Orlic thanks Angola for supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity (Tanjug)
• Serbia gets new ambassadors (Tanjug)
• SSP adopts declaration on preventing decline of Serbia (Beta)
• Lutovac says wants fair election this time (Beta)
• Hill certain that Lajcak is working on solution for Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Blic/Beta)
• New Serbia Against Violence protest in Belgrade (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HR Schmidt visits Banja Luka and meets with Bishop Komarica (Nova BH)
• Dodik demands that it is determined on what basis HR Schmidt’s diplomatic passport was issued (O Kanal)
• Arnaut: There is no investigation on Schmidt’s passport in Germany (FTV)
• Proposal of law on immovable property used for functioning of public authority to be discussed for third time in RS parliament (BHT1)
• Radmanovic on possibility of leaving state institutions: There are always several options (Dnevni list)
• Ambassador Murphy: Dodik is wrong if he thinks he can confront international community, criticizes Izetbegovic for saying he inherited SDA (Face TV)
• Zukic: SDA is not against USA (Dnevni avaz)
Montenegro
• Government not in sight (CdM)
• Abazovic doesn’t rule out the possibility of extraordinary parliamentary elections: Elections the best option in crisis situations (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• President Pendarovski heads delegation at 78th UNGA in New York (MIA)
• Osmani at 78th UNGA in New York (MIA)
• Osmani: Constitutional changes to enable continuation of EU path (Frontline/Civil Media)
• Hahn: North Macedonia joining EU within a couple of years feasible, giving specific date unserious (Telma/MIA)
• MFA: Note presented to Russia diplomats over activities contrary to Vienna Convention (MIA)
• MFA urges Macedonians in Albania to freely express ethnical, linguistic and religious affiliation at coming census (MIA)
Albania
• Rama to lead the meeting of the Security Council at the UN (Radio Tirana)
• 78th session of the UN General Assembly/ Begaj travels to New York (Radio Tirana)
• Kingji participated in the meeting of the NATO Military Committee (Radio Tirana)
• Bulgarian vice president invites the minority in Albania to declare in the 2023 Census (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 14 September 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 14 September 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• A new round of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Vucic and Kurti in Brussels (RTS, N1)
• Covic on dialogue: Brussels is slyly subverting again, I don’t see a place where we can make concessions (RTS)
• Sarazzin on new Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue meeting: No great enthusiasm (N1)
• The Prime Minister with Sarazzin on bilateral relations and the situation in the region (RTS)
• Dacic, German Western Balkan envoy discuss bilateral relations (Beta)
• EC President Von der Leyen: Future of Western Balkans countries is in EU (N1)
• Bilcik: EU ready for enlargement, Belgrade and Pristina to normalize relations (RTS)
• Djuric with Escobar: Belgrade remains firmly committed to peace and cooperation (RTS)
• West keeps sending warnings that Community of Serb Municipalities in Kosovo must not become new RS (Novosti)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Prosecutor’s Office of B&H proposes ban on performance of official duty for Dodik, Lukic in duration of ten years (Hayat)
• Dodik’s Meeting with RS Representatives (ATV)
• Viskovic says property of RS is red line that must not be crossed, claims Court of B&H is not working in line with laws (EuroBlic)
• Russian Ambassador to Serbia Botsan-Kharchenko says Dodik and Putin are in constant contact (Oslobodjenje)
• SDA: If Schmidt does not implement his mandate in entire B&H, then Dayton agreement is brought into question (Dnevni avaz)
• NES leader calls on HR Schmidt to urgently remove RS President Dodik or to leave office (Hayat)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: WB will be stable only when it is part of EU, ties with crime probably reach top of former regime (MINA)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Constitutional changes session to resume once conditions arise, says PM (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Amendments to Criminal Code in line with EU legislations (MIA)
• Mickoski: We won’t accept constitutional changes under Bulgarian dictation now or in the future (MIA)
• Osmani – Stoltenberg: Joint NATO and EU approach in Western Balkans key for regional stability (MIA)
Albania
• Rama addresses Albania’s Security Council leadership, Beleri, and Kurti-Vucic meeting (EuroNews Albania)
• Berlin process to be held in Tirana on October 16th (Radio Tirana)
• Ministerial of Interior Ministers to be held within the framework of the Berlin Process on Sept. 14th (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 13 September
LOCAL PRESS
• EEAS: Vucic and Kurti to meet in Brussels on Sept. 14, focus on Ohrid agreement implementation (Beta)
• Escobar: US calls on Belgrade, Pristina to take their obligations seriously (Beta)
• Escobar: I did not receive assurances from Kurti about commitment to normalization (Politika)
• The OSCE High Commissioner expressed concern about the situation in Kosovo and Metohija (B92)
• U.S. Embassy denies allegations that Washington is trying to prevent elections in Serbia (Beta)
• Russian ambassador: Hill literally stuck his finger in Serbia’s eye (B92, Sputnik)
• Some opposition parties demand proportional airtime in news programs on state public broadcaster RTS (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• OHR issues statement after HR Schmidt cancels his visit to Banja Luka (BHT1)
• Court of B&H issues statement after upholding indictment against Dodik and Lukic (BHT1)
• Dodik: It is my obligation to sign decree on promulgation of laws adopted by RSNA (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic harshly criticizes indictment against Dodik (ATV)
• Minister Bukejlovic says Dodik acted in line with RS Constitution, confirmation of indictment was formality (Nezavisne)
• Blagojevic: Serbia can address UN and request opinion of International Court of Justice on whether rule over B&H by High Representative is in line with UN Charter (Glas Srpske)
• RS Ruling Parties’ Officials Announce Possible Blockades of State Institutions (BHT1)
• Reactions of politicians to possible blockades of state institutions (BHT1)
Montenegro
• Radunovic: Spajic doesn’t have majority to form govt, PES losing more and more supporters, URA should be part of govt. (A plus TV)
• Gorcevic: If you ask PES, there’s no split between Spajic and Milatovic, and there’s no need to be worried; They’re a great duo (Gradski.me)
• Escobar: Avoid introducing an anti-Western party into the Montenegrin government (CDM, VOA)
• Milatovic to meet Escobar on 18 Sept. in New York. It could be an unpleasant conversation for the Montenegrin president (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Roth urges MPs to vote for constitutional changes, says people are impatient (MIA)
• Kovachevski-Roth: Firm Bundestag support for Euro-integration process, constitutional changes to secure European future (MIA)
• Xhaferi-Roth: Political compromises are required for a functioning democracy (MIA)
• FM Osmani to visit Brussels on Wednesday (MIA)
Albania
• EU Chargé d’Affaires Soreca meets President Begaj: Albania’s role, a constructive regional actor (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 12 September 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 12 September 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: Kurti doesn’t even want to say two words – the Brussels Agreement, peace and stability suit us (RTS)
• Vucic: Elections maybe even before March 2 (Beta)
• Leaders of Brdo-Brijuni process pass declaration on EU accession, climate and youth (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Court of B&H confirms indictment against Dodik, Lukic (N1)
• Reactions to the indictment against Dodik, Lukic (ATV, FTV)
• Schmidt expected to visit Banja Luka and meet with RS Vice Presidents, Secretary General of RS President’s Office prohibits use of official premises for meetings with Schmidt (Dnevni avaz)
• RS Vice President Durakovic confirms Schmidt cancelled the meeting (N1)
• Heads of RSNA Caucuses calls on Schmidt to refrain from all future announced and unannounced provocations that cause political instability in B&H, disrupt its constitutional order and DPA (RTRS)
• German Embassy: Dodik’s statements about Schmidt are unacceptable, Dodik’s secessionist policy has consequences (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Brdo-Brijuni summit takes place; Statements of participants (HRT1)
• Croatian FM Grlic Radman: We expect from political factors to accelerate European path of B&H by end of the year (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Milatovic remarks on 2030 as year of EU enlargement: We can be ready to become new EU member much earlier (CDM)
• Abazovic: I’m surprised by Milatovic’s reaction, he knew everything about trip to USA long ago; support for Becic to be discussed after talks (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski-Sarrazin: Constitutional changes – decision to be part of EU (MIA)
• Vucic: We love Macedonian people, we respect North Macedonia and we must protect our friendship (MIA)
• Pendarovski meets Osmani and Begaj at Brdo-Brijuni Process meeting (MIA)
• Pendarovski: No Western Balkans country to join EU if settlement of bilateral issues required first (MIA)
• Brdo-Brijuni Process: Stability and prosperity in region interdependent, regional cooperation based on honest and open dialogue especially important (MIA)
Albania
• President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, participates in the Meeting of Leaders of the Brdo-Brijuni Process (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj meets with representatives of Albanian political parties in North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)
• Albania aims to further align Albanian legislation with that of the EU (Radio Tirana)
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 12 September 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: Kurti doesn’t even want to say two words – the Brussels Agreement, peace and stability suit us (RTS)
• Vucic: Elections maybe even before March 2 (Beta)
• Leaders of Brdo-Brijuni process pass declaration on EU accession, climate and youth (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Court of B&H confirms indictment against Dodik, Lukic (N1)
• Reactions to the indictment against Dodik, Lukic (ATV, FTV)
• Schmidt expected to visit Banja Luka and meet with RS Vice Presidents, Secretary General of RS President’s Office prohibits use of official premises for meetings with Schmidt (Dnevni avaz)
• RS Vice President Durakovic confirms Schmidt cancelled the meeting (N1)
• Heads of RSNA Caucuses calls on Schmidt to refrain from all future announced and unannounced provocations that cause political instability in B&H, disrupt its constitutional order and DPA (RTRS)
• German Embassy: Dodik’s statements about Schmidt are unacceptable, Dodik’s secessionist policy has consequences (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Brdo-Brijuni summit takes place; Statements of participants (HRT1)
• Croatian FM Grlic Radman: We expect from political factors to accelerate European path of B&H by end of the year (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Milatovic remarks on 2030 as year of EU enlargement: We can be ready to become new EU member much earlier (CDM)
• Abazovic: I’m surprised by Milatovic’s reaction, he knew everything about trip to USA long ago; support for Becic to be discussed after talks (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski-Sarrazin: Constitutional changes – decision to be part of EU (MIA)
• Vucic: We love Macedonian people, we respect North Macedonia and we must protect our friendship (MIA)
• Pendarovski meets Osmani and Begaj at Brdo-Brijuni Process meeting (MIA)
• Pendarovski: No Western Balkans country to join EU if settlement of bilateral issues required first (MIA)
• Brdo-Brijuni Process: Stability and prosperity in region interdependent, regional cooperation based on honest and open dialogue especially important (MIA)
Albania
• President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, participates in the Meeting of Leaders of the Brdo-Brijuni Process (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj meets with representatives of Albanian political parties in North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)
• Albania aims to further align Albanian legislation with that of the EU (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 11 September 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 11 September 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Petkovic: The results of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina are determined by the formation of the ZSO (Tanjug)
• Lajcak: Preparations for Belgrade-Pristina dialogue meeting “in full speed” (Beta)
• Vucic: Decision on elections after dialogue with Pristina, U.N. General Assembly Session (Beta)
• Sociologist: Opposition should run for elections as two separate groups (N1)
• Protest organizers submit request for snap elections (N1)
• Opposition leader: We will focus on forming large bloc for elections (Beta)
• Summit Brdo-Brioni in Skopje; Vucic: Serbia for creating an atmosphere of mutual trust (RTS)
• Vucic: In Skopje there were no big arguments and fights, we left the problems for Thursday in Brussels (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS President Milorad Dodik tells HR Schmidt that he is not welcome in the RS, but if he comes, force will not be used against him (RTRS)
• PDP leader Borenovic comment on Dodik’s latest statements (N1)
• RSNA Speaker Stevandic: RS police will have to defend Christian Schmidt from people if he comes to RS (Nova BH)
• Viskovic says Schmidt’s announcement on visit to RS is provocation (ATV)
• Dodik calls on UK officials to return to Dayton Peace Agreement (RTRS)
• HR Schmidt touches upon issue of state property in recent interview, proposes formation of new joint agency for state property as possible solution; Experts comment on this possible solution (Hayat)
• Dodik sends message to ‘The Troika’: Now is the turn for Law on Constitutional Court of B&H and B&H Election Law (N1)
Montenegro
• Both Milatovic and Abazovic going to NY for UN General Assembly session: Delegation larger than ever before (CDM)
• Milatovic: Abazovic’s decision to go to NY makes confusion, it doesn’t contribute to seriousness of diplomatic image of Montenegro (CDM)
• Spajic can’t set up govt from winners of the election, he should reopen negotiations, Mandic claims (TV Pink)
• SNP: We’ve never conditioned our support to govt with 49 signatures of MPs (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• In October it will become clear who is in favor of swift EU membership, says Deputy PM (MIA)
• U.S. State Department: Corruption has potential to undermine N. Macedonia’s strategic ambitions (MIA)
• Macedonians have nothing against Bulgarians but fed up with demands over EU accession, says President (MIA)
Albania
• Wisner meets Peleshi: Strong ties between the US and Albania in the field of defense (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 8 September
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Pristina shows that their power has no limits and that they can do whatever they want (RTS)
• Petkovic: Pristina’s alibi cannot pass any further, Stoltenberg lectured Osmani (RTS)
• Mojsilovic receives Ohio National Guard commander (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: Serbia, US on right track to advance their relationship (Tanjug/Politika)
• Activities on strengthening economic cooperation with Ohio (Tanjug/RTV)
• Great potential for strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia, Ohio (Tanjug)
• Serbia, Ohio sign Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in economy (Beta)
• Firm friendship between Serbia, Cyprus (Tanjug)
• Orlic: Serbia’s relations with US open fruitful (Beta)
• Deadline given by Pristina to the Serbian institutions to leave the building in North Mitrovica is expiring, employees were still at their workplaces last night (RTS/Tanjug)
• Together Party: Everyone together in elections, we will overcome evil (Vreme/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: RS police receives instruction on how to proceed in case of Schmidt (ATV)
• Cvijanovic at forum in Poland on HR: There is foreign bureaucrat imposed by foreigners, who still claims he has right to unilaterally impose laws and remove democratically elected officials (RTRS)
• Viskovic calls on Schmidt to secure the paperwork for working in B&H (RTRS)
• Becirovic on Dodik’s threats against HR Schmidt: PIC should support HR, who should remove Dodik (Dnevni avaz)
• Cvijanovic responds to Becirovic: RS leaders are elected and removed by RS citizens and not by PIC (EuroBlic)
• Salkic invites Schmidt to come to RS and show Dodik whether he can arrest him; Salkic, Hurtic, Ramic call on Schmidt to implement Annex 7 of Dayton Peace Agreement (Hayat)
• US Embassy on Dodik’s threats against HR Schmidt: Dodik’s threat is unconstitutional (Dnevni avaz)
• Sarrazin meets Dodik; Sarrazin: Secessionist policy, attacks on state institutions, on media and civil society, as well as on High Representative, have consequences (RTRS/BHT1)
• Dodik and Sarrazin present opposing views regarding agreements with Kosovo (ATV)
• Sarrazin meets with representatives of the RS opposition (FTV)
• B&H CoM removes from agenda Draft Law on Courts in B&H (BN TV)
• Sattler: B&H was given opportunity to make progress on path to EU, you should use it (Dnevni avaz)
• Schmidt responded to Dodik’s threats: I’m going to RS next week, let him prepare for some unpleasant moments (FAZ/N1)
Croatia
• Prime Minister speaks at Three Seas Business Forum (HRT)
Montenegro
• Danilovic: We are looking for a stable government with reconciled representatives of Bosniaks, Serbs and Albanians, a government with 41 deputies is not a success (Adria TV)
• Lakovic: We are entering the final stages of negotiations on a new government (TV Vijesti)
• Knezevic: Spajic does not have the support of four PES MPs, Milatovic wants to leave the party if Milovic becomes Minister of Justice (TV Vijesti)
Republic of North Macedonia
• President Pendarovski signs Criminal Code amendments into force (MIA)
• Kovachevski: We have a unique opportunity for swift EU accession, to unite around common goal (MIA)
• Kovachevski – Geer: Next step toward European goal important for quality of citizens’ lives and stability in Europe (MIA)
• Pendarovski meets Ambassador Geer, Deputy Ambassador Nupnau (MIA)
• Pendarovski: Kurti did not take advantage of our hospitality, symbolism around visit was a bigger issue (MIA/Koha)
Albania
• Rama meets Soreca, focusing on the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana and integration of Albania (Radio Tirana)
LINKS
UNMIK
Peacekeeping
UN News Center
From Google News- White House urges Serbia to pull forces from Kosovo border - ABC News 30/09/2023White House urges Serbia to pull forces from Kosovo border ABC News
- Serbia pulls some troops back from Kosovo border after warning from US - The Guardian 30/09/2023Serbia pulls some troops back from Kosovo border after warning from US The Guardian
- NATO boosts forces in Kosovo following recent attack - Task & Purpose 30/09/2023NATO boosts forces in Kosovo following recent attack Task & Purpose
- White House urges Serbia to pull forces from Kosovo border - ABC News 30/09/2023
Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General
Media Sources
