Belgrade Media Report 26 April 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 26 April 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic from New York: Everything is boiling like a beehive in the UN; We do more than it’s realistic (B92/RTS/RTV/Tanjug/Politika)
• Petkovic from Brussels: We showed constructiveness, presented proposals, next meeting on 13 May (B92/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Lajcak: Compromise paper offered to Belgrade, Pristina (N1)
• Vucevic: Process of forming government cannot be accelerated (Beta)
• Brnabic calls local elections in 66 self-government units for 2 June (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Sapic calls elections for 17 Belgrade municipalities (Beoinfo/Tanjug)
• Statistics office chief denies claims of falsely registered voters (N1)
• Serb youth beaten and robbed in northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica (Politika)
• Pristina court extends custody for Serbs charged in Banjska case (Tanjug/Politika)
• Serb municipalities should be formed as soon as possible – UK Ambassador (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Vote on Resolution on Srebrenica scheduled for 2 May in UNGA postponed for further consultations (AJB/BNTV)
• Sweden to become co-sponsor of Srebrenica resolution (N1)
• RS government to hold session in Srebrenica on May 2; Dodik says RS leadership will honor Srebrenica victims in Potocari if they get chance to do that and stresses RS will not accept Resolution on Srebrenica (ATV)
• Dodik: Possible adoption of resolution on Srebrenica could cause permanent divisions in B&H (ATV)
• Dodik criticizes moves regarding Kosovo’s CoE membership, calls for opening talks at institutional level on peaceful separation (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic: If adopted, Srebrenica resolution will be non-binding, but it could still create problems in B&H and the region (RTRS)
• Becirovic meets with Quint Ambassadors, support to EU path of B&H expressed (BHT1)
• Deadline for submission of reform plan for participation in EU Growth Plan expires on Friday, B&H authorities did not reach an agreement (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Rafale fighter aircraft arrive in Croatia (HRT)
Montenegro
• The growth plan should speed up the implementation of the agreed reforms (RTCG)
• Mandic: It is certain that there will be an expansion of the Government during June (CdM)
• Maskovic: Podgorica should support the UN resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica; Omeragic signed the initiative (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• International observers say presidential election competitive and overall well run, marked by legal gaps and negative rhetoric (MIA)
• Xhaferi – Lapsley: North Macedonia valued member of NATO, dedicated to developing its defense capabilities (MIA)
Albania
• Spiropali meets with President Begaj: Cooperation between Institutions, a guarantee for the advancement of Albania (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 25 April

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LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic meets with Guterres (NSPM)
• Vucic from New York: The pressure on small countries is getting stronger; Serbia managed to put a fight (B92)
• Vucic: They want a collective punishment for the Serbian people. We will fight until the end (B92)
• Vucic apologizes to Slovenians, but not to politicians (Beta)
• Claims by Slovene Foreign Ministry regarding statement by Serbian President rejected (Tanjug/RTV)
• Momirovic talks with Ambassadors from Islamic countries about pressure exerted on Serbia (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic, Ashton discuss Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Tanjug)
• Serbian peacekeepers in Lebanon under no imminent threat (Politika/Beta)
• Trilateral meeting of Belgrade, Pristina and EU delegations underway in Brussels (Tanjug)
• Panel discussion: Serbian, RS authorities spread disinformation on Srebrenica resolution, gathering political points (Beta)
• KFOR Commander: Kosovo situation requires political solution (Beta)
• Press release (parliament.gov.rs)
• EP adopts most ambitious growth plan for Western Balkans to date (RFE/FoNet)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• High-ranking B&H delegation holds first meeting with EC after approval of opening of accession negotiations (FTV)
• HR Schmidt reminds of deadline for FB&H authorities to adopt solution for appointment of FB&H government (BHT1)
• Sarrazin: Political crisis in B&H is deep and it affects the region as well; Currently there are no efforts to continue implementation of reform agenda (BNTV)
• Dodik attends Security Forum in Saint Petersburg (RTRS)
• Dodik on Srebrenica resolution: There are constant attempts to impose universal guilt to Serbs (Nova BH)
• Kosarac on ‘Srebrenica resolution’: They will have to take the responsibility for disrespecting of constitutional competencies and Dayton structure of B&H, with which they brought in question survival of this country (RTRS)
• Dodik comments State Department’s Report on Human Rights in 2023: USA wants to maintain negative narrative on RS (RTRS)
• Niksic on project of ‘Southern Interconnection’: Conditions are being set (Oslobodjenje)
• Konakovic at Energy Summit: I hope for bold and quick solutions (Klix.ba)
• Russian Embassy to B&H: It is difficult to imagine more unprofessional and politicized claim than that of Konakovic about Russia at Neum Energy Forum (ATV)
• Ambassador Murphy: FB&H government should adopt the Law on Southern Interconnection (Dnevni avaz)
• Ambassador Fitschen: Germany dedicated to help B&H to move away from fossil fuels (Klix.ba)
• Reilly: B&H has many potentials, and they should be properly utilized (FTV)
Croatia
• Homeland Movement and the HDZ hold talks on forming a new government (HRT)
• SEC publishes candidate slates for EP elections (HRT)
Montenegro
• Picula: When the country meets the conditions of the policy not to delay accession (RTCG)
• Mogherini with Milatovic: EU doors were not so open before, today they are, I share the frustration due to the too long accession process (Antena M)
• Djukanovic: I don’t believe that Montenegrins living in Montenegro today are so different from those who defended their freedom, honour, dignity and state for a thousand years (Antena M)
• State Department: Accepting the facts moves the region toward reconciliation (VoA/MINA)
• Strikovic: Voting for the resolution on Srebrenica is a humanitarian and state obligation (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• SEC: Siljanovska-Davkova – 36.99%, Pendarovski – 18,18% (MIA)
• Mickoski: Best result for VMRO-DPMNE as opposition, yellow card for authorities, red must follow (MIA)
• Kasami: Worth It coalition winner of these elections (MIA)
• Pendarovski: Result not one we expected, not giving up (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Heavy blow for country’s European prospects, not late to change course (MIA)
Albania
• Hasani in Zagreb: EU membership, the only future for Albania (Radio Tirana)
• Hasani meets the Croatian President, joint efforts for security and stability in the region (Radio Tirana)
• Tabaku in the Austrian parliament, discussions on European integration (Radio Tirana)
• Balla in Abu Dhabi: Task Force on cooperation in the field of police and security (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 23 April

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LOCAL PRESS

• Ziadeh: Full implementation of Belgrade-Pristina agreements necessary (Beta/RTS/Politika/RTV)
• Continuous legal, physical violence against Serbs in Kosovo Metohija (RTS)
• Vucic from New York: We will request the withdrawal of the resolution on Srebrenica (B92)
• Vucic met Nebenzya: We discussed the imposition of a resolution on Srebrenica (B92)
• Vucic, UAE Ambassador to UN discuss Srebrenica resolution (Tanjug)
• Serbia very important partner of Germany in Western Balkans (Politika)
• Ohrid agreement officially part of the EU-Serbia negotiating framework (RTS)
• State Department: Serbia still faces problems with corruption, judiciary, media freedom (N1)
• Serbian parliament adopted amendments to the Law on Local Elections (RTS)
• Part of the Serbian opposition to run for office on 2 June under the slogan “I Choose to Fight” (Beta)
• Djilas: I hope parties choosing to enter election are not colluding with Vucic (N1)
• People’s Party to run for election in Belgrade together with New Serbia (Srbin Info)
• Serbs boycott vote to dismiss ethnic Albanian mayors (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Cvijanovic requests emergency session of B&H Presidency on Tuesday (Srna)
• B&H FM Konakovic: Vucic’s formation of HQ of Serbian Mission with UN to fight against Resolution on Srebrenica is shameful (FTV)
• Cvijanovic slams Konakovic over statement concerning Vucic (RTRS)
• Dodik: With resolution on Srebrenica, Bosniaks destroyed positive progress made by B&H (BNTV)
• Stevandic: Announced resolution on Srebrenica will divide world (Hayat)
• UN’s Nyaletsossi Voule: What RS authorities are doing is concerning (BHT1)
• B&H CoM adopts its program of work marking EU path of B&H as priority, says it will send to B&H parliament opinion of B&H Ministry of Justice on SDA’s proposal of amendments to Election Law of B&H (N1)
• Stevandic: Door for negotiations on B&H Election Law is open (ATV)
• French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs expresses concern over RS laws; They call on politicians to unite and return to path of reforms (Klix.ba)
• American International Republican Institute study shows drop in support to EU integration in B&H and Serbia (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Plenkovic confirms he will head slate for European Parliament (HRT)
• Milanovic: I will not rush anyone; the session is 20 days from the final results (HRT)
Montenegro
• Mandic: EU membership is the main foreign policy goal of Montenegro (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Presidential elections: 1,814, 317 citizens eligible to vote (MIA)
Albania
• Albania, a promoter of peace and security in the region (Radio Tirana)
• Security of NATO eastern border, joint military exercise between Albania-Montenegro (Radio Tirana)
• US State Department: The judicial system in Albania, more independent from the Vetting and the actions of SPAK (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 22 April 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 22 April 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Today, on UN Security Council session on Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia is represented by Vucic (B92)
• Vucic on the vote for the Resolution on Srebrenica: They knew that Russians and Chinese would veto it (B92)
• Dacic: UNSC another opportunity for Vucic to talk about all the problems faced by Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija (TV Pink)
• Vucic after the meeting with O’Brien: We agree on little regarding Kosovo and Srebrenica (Beta)
• Brnabic meets with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (Tanjug)
• Porfirije with O’Brien and Hill: Kosovo and Metohija – part of Serbia (Tanjug/RTV)
• Djuric: Serbia asking for Resolution on Genocide in Srebrenica to be withdrawn (Beta/RTS/Tanjug)
• Kurti’s escalating moves lead Serbs toward humanitarian disaster (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Serbia Against Violence participating in 2 June elections under new name (N1)
• Ferguson: The term ‘genocide’ does not imply collective responsibility of Serbs (Politika)
• Nebenzya: Danger of new conflict looming over the Balkans (Politika)
• Diplomatic breakthrough through pressure and blackmail (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Konakovic calls on representatives of UN countries to support proposed resolution on Srebrenica genocide (AJB)
• B&H Presidency members Becirovic and Komsic thank UN SG Guterres on support and measures in fight against genocide denial (Hayat)
• Novakovic Bursac: Term ‘genocide’ must not be used without caution (RTRS)
• Dodik: RS is not spite but freedom (ATV)
• EUD to B&H condemns denial of genocide during RS parliament session and at “Srpska is calling you” rally (O Kanal)
• US Embassy: Denial of Srebrenica genocide by Dodik and other leaders from the RS at RS parliament session and rally in Banja Luka is reprehensible and irresponsible (N1)
• Russian Embassy strongly criticizes US’ policy in B&H and the world (Oslobodjenje)
• Konakovic comments rally in Banja Luka: The entire world saw the image of genocide deniers (Dnevni avaz)
• Niksic: B&H will survive, everything else will perish (Dnevni avaz)
• “Western Balkans in the EU” conference ends in Ljubljana (N1)
• Dodik attends Serbian Army’s tactical military exercise ‘Vihor 2024’ at ‘Pester’ training ground; says Serbia shows ability to progress in all fields (Nova BH)
Croatia
• Plenkovic candidate for President of EC as von der Leyen loses support among conservatives (Jutarnji list/Bild)
• Constitutional Court rules President Milanovic cannot be prime minister (HRT)
• President Milanovic responds, calling ruling groundwork for a coup (HRT)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: Vucic should have chosen his words better, Gorcevic’s statement in parliament a mere political platitude; Mandic owes an answer (RTCG)
• Mandic and Knezevic at Serbian Army’s military exercise (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Final day of presidential campaign ahead of Wednesday vote, parliamentary campaign resumes (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj, support to Malta in humanitarian diplomacy and interreligious dialogue (Radio Tirana)
• NATO PA delegation visits the Kucova Air Base (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 19 April

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LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: After 11 years of brutal lies, Community of Serb Municipalities still not established (Tanjug)
• Petkovic from Brussels: The other side does not want to negotiate, Kurti does not want a solution (B92/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Stano: Pristina to face consequences if it fails to form Serb municipalities (Tanjug)
• Vucic, PM of Commonwealth of Dominica discuss development of bilateral ties (Tanjug/RTV)
• Intensification of cooperation with Dominica in areas of mutual interest (Tanjug)
• Serbia thankful to Palestine for supporting its vital interests (Tanjug/RTV)
• Ramdin confirmed that Suriname’s position on not recognizing so-called “Kosovo” remains unchanged (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: UN General Assembly debate on resolution is attempt to avoid Russia’s veto (TV Prva)
• Simic: Dead letter on paper (RTS)
• Opposition movements says demands for fair elections cannot be met before elections on 2 June (Beta)
• Paunovic calls on opposition to accept on more meeting with authorities (Beta)
• Opposition MP: I call on all to participate in elections, Vucic trying to disunite us (N1)
• KFOR Commander invited to Serbian armed forces exercise (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Early on Friday morning RS parliament adopts RS Election Law, RS Law on Immunity, Law on Referendum and Civic Initiative and Amendments to RS Labor Law (RTRS)
• RS parliament adopts ‘Final report of Independent International Commission for Investigation of Suffering of All Peoples in Srebrenica Region from 1992 to 1995’ denying Srebrenica genocide (BHT1/Avaz)
• RS parliament representatives comment on ‘Final report of Independent International Commission for Investigation of Suffering of All Peoples in Srebrenica Region from 1992 to 1995’ (ATV)
• ‘Srpska is calling you’ rally held in Banja Luka as reaction to resolution on Srebrenica (N1)
• Presentation of draft resolution on International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica held; Serbia, Russia, North Korea and Nicaragua are against it (N1)
• Izetbegovic on Srebrenica resolution: RS, Serbia should accept truth (Hayat)
• B&H HoR rejects all conclusions proposed by SNSD, including one on annulment of all decisions of High Representative (N1)
• HR Schmidt: Do not play tactical games, changes to B&H Election law that I reached stay in force (Oslobodjenje)
• Stano: Any action against sovereignty and territorial integrity, will lead to serious consequences (O Kanal)
• US Embassy: Political crisis has not been produced by the international community, but by local leaders, most notably Milorad Dodik (O Kanal)
• Escobar meets Forto: B&H’s membership in the EU and NATO is strategic interest (Klix.ba)
• Minister Helez meets Brig-Gen McGaha: Cooperation between B&H and NATO will get stronger (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: You will find out very soon with whom we will form a new majority (HRT)
Montenegro
• Escobar to Vukovic: This government succeeded in building Montenegro’s reputation as a credible partner (CdM)
• Milatovic: Erect a memorial to the victims of Kaludjerski laz (CdM)
• Djukanovic: It is important to pay respect to Kaludjerski Laz victims, but it is even more important to shed light on causes of that tragedy (CdM)
• DPS supported the initiative for Montenegro to sponsor the UN Resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica (CdM)
• Ivanovic in Riyadh: Montenegro is committed to strengthening bilateral ties, the focus of the talks is economic cooperation (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: Internal blockade of country’s EU path is more painful (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Only SDSM makes progress on European road (MIA)
• Mickoski in Ohrid asks citizens to unite around better tomorrow (MIA)
• Osmani: Your vote is not one-time choice but investment in future (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj with US State Department official: Albania, protector and promoter of human rights (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 18 April

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LOCAL PRESS

• Belgrade’s delegation meets with Lajcak in Brussels (Tanjug)
• Vucic receives Surinamese FM (RTV/Tanjug)
• Dacic speaks with FMs of Lebanon, Tunisia and Belarus (Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Both Belgrade and local elections on 2 June (N1)
• Dacic on draft Srebrenica resolution: The strong can do anything – we will fight (RTV/Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Historically unprecedented disgrace for PACE (Tanjug/RTV)
• Popovic: Recommendation to let so-called Kosovo join CoE represents collapse of international law (Tanjug)
• Lutovac on CoE vote: Implementation of what Vucic has accepted (Beta)
• ODIHR: Dialogue on election conditions must continue (N1)
• Pristina claims Belgrade held up Kosovo-registered buses at border (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Representatives of ruling coalition at B&H level hold meeting in Istocno Sarajevo (N1/ATV)
• B&H CEC amends Instruction on Awarding and Cessation of Mandate in line with changes to B&H Election Law imposed by Schmidt (Nezavisne)
• Presentation of draft resolution on genocide committed in Srebrenica in 1995 held in UN building in New York (AJB/BHT1)
• Dodik: Emphasizing story of Srebrenica in UN will not contribute to reconciliation; genocide was not committed in Srebrenica (ATV/FTV)
• Victims’ associations demand investigation against Dodik and Vucic for denial of genocide and their insults (NAP.ba)
• Becirovic: Srebrenica Resolution is important for entire world (Avaz)
• Trial of Dodik and Lukic continues before Court of B&H with testimony of two prosecution witnesses (ATV)
• Members of B&H Delegation Cudic and Magazinovic vote in favor of recommending Kosovo’s membership in CoE (Nezavisne)
• Cavoli: RS attempts to weaken state authorities (FTV/BNTV)
Croatia
• New mandate for HDZ; Election results in Croatia at 99.3% of processed votes (Index.hr)
Montenegro
• PES: Milatovic, as PES member, accused Abazovic’s government of stalling EU integration (CdM)
• Krvavac: Milatovic should leave his personal vanity aside, for the sake of successful EU path (CdM)
• Becic congratulated on arrest, although SDT claims no one was arrested (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: We did not progress to EU because of opposition’s obstructions (MIA)
• Pendarovski: No EU progress is possible without changing Constitution (TV Telma)
• Osmani: European Front continues battle to tear down ethnic monopolies’ strongholds (MIA)
• Taravari: We’ll restore former reputation of Kumanovo, Lipkovo (MIA)
• Dimitrievski: Macedonia deserves people’s President to represent, protect them (MIA)
• Siljanovska-Davkova: You deserve to be governed according to your dignity (MIA)
• Marichikj: Macedonia’s position on Srebrenica was clearly established by parliamentary declaration in 2010 (TV Kanal 5)
• Condemning any form of genocide is a universal human responsibility, says Foreign Minister (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj hosts the delegation of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly: Albania, a factor of peace and stability (Radio Tirana)
• CoE Monitoring Committee removes the monitoring of Albania, appreciating reforms for independence of judiciary (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 17 April 0224

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 17 April 2024
LOCAL PRESS

• Shameful: PACE adopted the recommendation that so-called Kosovo becomes its member (Novosti/B92)
• Council of Europe’s vote: Spaniards with Serbia, Greeks betrayed us (Tanjug)
• Dacic: Today is a day of shame in PACE (Tanjug/Politika)
• Vucic, Mecacci discuss ODIHR recommendations for advancement of electoral process (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
• RIK President Dimitirjevic, ODIHR’S Mecacci agree Comission has already implemented a series of ODIHR recommendations (Beta)
• Brnabic: The best meeting so far; The elections will be held when they are legally due, which is 2 June (B92)
• ODIHR says Serbian election law amendments are not reform (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• 25th International Economy Fair Mostar begins (N1/RTRS/FTV)
• Lajcak-Kristo meeting (NAP.ba)
• Dodik denies genocide again: They constantly lie about 8,000 victims (Avaz/RTRS)
• Vucic: I will always support RS and Dodik; Serbia is in no way responsible for the alleged genocide in Srebrenica (RTRS/N1/ATV/FTV)
• Izetbegovic: Serb leaders are putting mortgage of crimes committed by individuals on shoulders of Serb people (N1)
• Kosarac meets Sattler: Interfering of foreigners is main obstacle on B&H’s EU path (RTRS)
Montenegro
• Montenegrin MPs voted completely different at PACE (CdM)
• Janovic: How much longer do we have to wait for some ministers to show up in parliament? (CdM)
• Popa: Political problems might affect the stability of the government (MINA)
• Katnic and Lazovic ordered detention of up to 30 days (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: We made peace with neighbors, cannot allow previous government to come back (MIA)
• Taravari in Debar: Out with the old, bring in new President, gov’t, Constitution, for a country loved by all (MIA)
• Vankovska: Shame that presidential candidates will not commit to public debate (MIA)
• Mickoski in Dojran: Great awakening, citizens united around idea of change (MIA)
• Beyer: Next government expected to adopt constitutional changes by year end (TV Sitel)
Albania
• Rama: Albania is listened to by the leaders of the great powers, we are a point of balance in the region (Radio Tirana)
• Nikolla-Osmani: Albania to persistently lobby until Kosovo achieves official membership in CoE (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 16 April

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LOCAL PRESS

• Amendments of Serbia, Hungary and Italy rejected: Belgrade files complaint (Tanjug/RTV)
• Serbian delegation voted against draft opinion on membership of so-called Kosovo in Council of Europe (Tanjug/Politika)
• Vucic: It has been established that Serbia is in no way responsible for the genocide (B92)
• Brnabic: Imposing of Srebrenica Resolution is peak of legal violence (TV Happy)
• Dacic: PACE expected to adopt recommendation to admit Kosovo (TV B92)
• Vucic, Lajcak discuss developments in Kosovo and Metohija, position of Serbs (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
• Spain confirms it will vote against membership in CoE of so-called of Kosovo; Hungary will also vote against membership of so-called Kosovo in the CoE (Tanjug/RTV)
• Excellent cooperation between Serbia, ODIHR (Tanjug)
• EU Ambassadors adopted updated text for Chapter 35 with Serbia (Tanjug)
• Odalovic: CoE with Kosovo’s admission would end a dishonorable mission (RTS)
• Brnabic refuses to suspend election proceedings, calls for continued talks (Beta)
• Serbian Foreign Ministry sends note of protest to Croatian Embassy (Politika)
• Zagreb protests attack on Croatians in Serbia, Vucic condemns incident (N1/Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: After UN Resolution on Srebrenica, there is no reason for RS to remain in B&H (ATV)
• SDA: Dodik’s statements are most direct threats to Bosniaks since Karadzic’s threats (Hayat)
• Ruling coalition in RS meets, calls for rally in Banja Luka as response to Srebrenica resolution (BHT1)
• RS opposition parties not going to attend the rally (BNTV)
• Srebrenica Assembly sends letter to UN, claim Resolution on Srebrenica will not contribute to inter-ethnic relations in B&H (Dnevni avaz)
• Fitschen about Srebrenica Resolution: Resolution pays respect to victims of genocide (Oslobodjenje)
• Komsic and Cvijanovic meet with Lajcak, participants conclude that authorities in B&H need to intensify political dialogue (BHT1)
• Covic: B&H needs functional parliamentary activity as well as that of B&H CoM; It is necessary not to close doors to EU (FTV)
• Komsic: Dodik’s focus is on state property; Plenkovic is more dangerous than Milanovic (Klix.ba)
Croatia
• Milanovic: Montenegro’s performances at NATO forums are pro-Western, I advise them to focus on themselves (Index.hr)
Montenegro
• Nikolic: Why is the minister hiding whether he received a protest note from B&H and why is he relativizing the announced support of Minister Gorcevic to Kosovo for membership in the Council of Europe (CdM)
• Spajic in Brussels: Montenegro can be a successful EU story (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani: North Macedonia is co-sponsor of resolution of UN on Srebrenica genocide (MIA)
• Dacic calls Osmani’s statement on Srebrenica genocide resolution ‘insolent’ (MIA)
• Pendarovski: Mass turnout on 24 April, 8 May; we expect nothing less than two victories (MIA)
• Osmani in Debar: North Macedonia to join EU in five years; no government without vetting (MIA)
• Siljanovska Davkova: We lack constitutional patriotism (MIA)
Albania
• “Albania, Kosova’s advocate”, Begaj: Full of hope for a successful vote in the Council of Europe (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 15 April 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 15 April 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: World powers will lobby for a resolution on Srebrenica, we will oppose it more strongly than they think (RTS)
• Vucic writes to 14 European leaders on process of admitting Kosovo into CoE (Beta)
• Dacic: Adoption of resolution on Srebrenica in UN would open Pandora’s box (Tanjug)
• Serbia stands for de-escalation, compliance with agreements on Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Belgrade elections will certainly be held on 2 June (TV Happy/Beta)
• Petkovic: Beatings and arrests of Serbs “recommend” so-called Kosovo for CoE membership (Tanjug/RTV)
• Milicevic prohibited from visiting Jasenovac (Tanjug/RTV)
• Harshest protest to Croatia for banning Milicevic from visiting Jasenovac (Tanjug/RTV)
• Cochard: Resolution o genocide in Srebrenica not directed against any country (RTS)
• Opposition proposes electoral activities stop (Beta)
• N1 learns: Serbian govt close to deciding to hold all local elections on 2 June (N1)
• ODIHR Director: Full support of election process in line with international standards (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: Srebrenica resolution and Kosovo’s attempts to become a member of Council of Europe will mark Serb relations with other nations in region (Srna/RTRS)
• Komsic: There is nothing problematic in text of UN resolution on Srebrenica (Hayat)
• Dodik: The RS knows its path, and will have an answer to behaviour of Bosniak politicians and their Western sponsors (N1)
• Murphy meets Becirovic, warns any attempt by entity to secede will not be tolerated by US (BHT1)
• US Embassy in B&H: Creation of a parallel electoral system in the RS would be unconstitutional and anti-Dayton; USA will not stand by while Dodik implements his secessionist agenda (BNTV)
• OHR’s reacts to RS authorities’ efforts to create parallel election system (Nova BH)
• Political representatives of Bosniaks from region meet in Sarajevo to discuss topic ‘Position and status of Bosniaks in the region’ (N1)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: We will not stop until Croats in B&H are guaranteed legitimate representation in terms of election of Croat member of Presidency (Vecernji list)
• Election officials and volunteers make big push ahead of Election Day (HRT)
• Plenkovic condemns Iranian attack on Israel, Milanovic says he won’t take sides (HRT)
Montenegro
• After meeting in Sarajevo, a joint statement of political representatives of the Bosniaks issued (CdM)
• Atlantic Alliance: Ambassador Maslennikov confirms mechanisms of Russia’s hybrid action in Montenegro (CdM)
• Camouflage nets and stretchers for use in the war in Ukraine can’t be sent through Serbia anymore (RFE/CdM)
• Montenegrin soldiers will train members of the Ukrainian armed forces (RFE/CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski vows to remain the same, President of all (MIA)
• Osmani says can complete most important integration processes for country (MIA)
• Vankovska: President of all citizens, no more divisions (MIA)
Albania
• Rama in Paris/ Macron: You have our support to guide you through negotiations swiftly (Radio Tirana)
• Nikolla: Lobbying for Kosova to become an official member of the CoE (Radio Tirana)
• Rama condemns Iran’s attack against Israel: Unprecedented, it poses a risk of irreversibly destabilizing the region (Radio Tirana)
• Iran’s attack on Israel/ Begaj: Any escalation, danger to peace and security in the Middle East (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: Albania, a proud and reliable ally of NATO (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media report 12 April

By OSCPA S  /  12/04/2024  /  UN Office in Belgrade Media Report  /  Comments Off on Belgrade Media report 12 April

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: I am sending a special envoy to UN Assembly; They will never be able to break Serbian people (B92)
• Dacic: All principles on which peace in B&H rests violated by proposing UN resolution (RTS)
• Vucic and Chinese Ambassador discuss challenges at international ahead of Serbia (B92/Tanjug)
• Mali: Vucic sent letters to Scholz, Macron and other EU leaders (B92)
• Serbia, Ghana bound by traditional friendship (Tanjug/Politika)
• Further strengthening of strategic partnership with France (Tanjug/RTV)
• Petkovic with Ziadeh on UNSC session and difficult position of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)
• Djilas accuses Hill of supporting Vucic (N1)
• Hill: Boycotting elections not the right way to solve problems (Beta)
• Opposition movements protests Hill’s attending talks with authorities (Beta)
• CRTA: Unless impunity is stopped, elections cannot be repeated (Beta)
• Grbovic at Bundestag: Government pushing Serbia into deeper crisis (Beta)
• Bundestag MP: Europe must closely monitor Belgrade elections (Beta)
• Roth: I expect swift, full implementation of ODIHR recommendations (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: If resolution on Srebrenica is adopted, RS will continue independently; Vucic: On the day when you adopt that resolution, you will see how proud we are (N1)
• Becirovic: Vucic is no peacemaker, main problem in B&H is not Dodik but Vucic precisely; Komsic: Vucic is factor of instability in the Balkans (FTV)
• Vucic responds to Becirovic’s accusations: You are nobody and nothing, as you have always been, except for a petty liar and a falsifier (RTRS/Srna)
• Dodik: B&H will not disappear because of Vucic and Dodik, but because of Sarajevo politicians like Becirovic and Komsic (Srna/RTRS)
• Cvijanovic sends another letter to UN: Do not succumb to manipulations of Lagumdzija and Becirovic (RTRS)
• Five members of RS Election Commission submit their resignations (FTV)
• US Embassy in B&H: Creation of a parallel election system is unconstitutional, anti-democratic and anti-Dayton (Nova BH)
• Dodik in Paris: I met with some 30 people, focus of talks was on economy and culture (RTRS)
• French Colonel Hogard: Tensions in B&H caused by EU and NATO’s mistake (RTRS)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman: Croatia showed a “far-reaching vision” by co-founding the Three Seas Initiative (HRT)
Montenegro
• Mandic: The stigma that Serbs must not and cannot be part of the government has been broken (Adria TV)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: Country to leave NATO if Prespa Agreement cancelled (MIA)
• Osmani: Elections a battle of two concepts – European integration versus isolation (MIA)
Albania
• Rama in Paris: Historic moment, strengthens our friendship with France (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 11 April 2024

By OSCPA M  /  11/04/2024  /  UN Office in Belgrade Media Report  /  Comments Off on Belgrade Media Report 11 April 2024

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 11 April 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Good meeting with OSCE Chiarman Borg (RTV)
• Brnabic meets with Borg (Tanjug/RTV)
• OSCE reliable partner of Serbian government in further reform process (Tanjug/RTV)
• Brnabic: Opposition MPs showed lack of respect (N1)
• Opposition MPs walk out of meeting with Brnabic (N1)
• Purchase of Rafale jets no violation of Serbia’s military neutrality – MoD (Tanjug/Beta/Politika)
• Petkovic: Osmani is resorting to lies, she cannot stand Vucic’s success in Paris (Tanjug)
• Greece’s position on so-called Kosovo remains unchanged (ANA/Tanjug)
• OSCE: It’s up to voters in northern Kosovo and Metohija to decide whether to cast their ballots (Tanjug)
• Freedom House: Serbia experiences historic decline (N1)
• Lutovac: Opposition asks OSCE to appoint mediator for talks with government (Danas)
• NADA coalition won’t attend parliament’s Collegium session (N1/Beta)
• Soft power against Srebrenica Resolution (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Sattler discusses European path and progress of B&H with HDZ B&H leader Covic in Mostar (BHT1/FTV)
• Dodik meets with French senators in Paris: If Schmidt intervenes in relation to property, RS will declare independence (RTRS/O Kanal/BHT1)
• RS opposition favors Schmidt’s election law over RS election law (ATV/RTRS/Nova BH)
• B&H HoP’s work blocked (BHT1)
• Draft resolution on genocide in Srebrenica published (FTV)
• Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial Center announces that it will use all resources to advocate adoption of resolution on genocide in Srebrenica in UN (FTV)
• Dodik: By pushing the resolution on Srebrenica, Bosniak politicians will destroy any possibility of agreement with Serbs (AJB/TV Russia 24)
• Nesic: Helez is fascinated by Dodik and he is trying to imitate him, no decisions on NATO integration can be made without RS (Glas Srpske)
• Helez answers Nesic: Be happy if RS survives at all (Radiosarajevo.ba)
• Zvizdic announces arrival of NATO battalion as support to EUFOR (Avaz)
• Anonymous NATO officials confirms: NATO troops to arrive in B&H (Politicki.ba)
• Zvizdic’s announcement denied: NATO battalion is not coming to B&H (Istraga.ba)
Montenegro
• Mitsotakis to Spajic: Montenegro a bright spot in WB, EU must value your results (CdM)
• Zenovic: Most of commitments from EU agenda must be completed by next year end (MINA)
• PM’s Cabinet: Abazovic’s govt. illegally spent €350,000 on lobbying (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Dimitrievski: Macedonia needs unifier as president (MIA)
• Siljanovska Davkova: Expertise and competence can lead the country out of chaos (MIA)
• Pendarovski: We’ll defeat Mickoski in the first round of elections (MIA)
• Mickoski: I’ll accept TV duel with Pendarovski when he becomes SDSM president (MIA)
Albania
• Happy Fitr Bajram/ Head of Muslim Community: May the world find peace and tolerance prevail (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj congratulates Eid al-Fitr from Elbasan: Let’s inherit religious harmony among generations (Radio Tirana)
• Wisner: Celebrating 15 Years as NATO Allies: Stronger and more united than ever (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 8 April 2024

By OSCPA M  /  08/04/2024  /  UN Office in Belgrade Media Report  /  Comments Off on Belgrade Media Report 8 April 2024

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 8 April 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: I believe in great things we can do today in Paris (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Dirty game in the United Nations (TV Informer/Politika)
• Vucic sent a clear message from the SNS Presidency session: Don’t worry, especially you from N1, we will win (B92)
• Brnabic: The opposition wants to internationalize the crisis (TV Pink)
• Vucic signs electoral list ‘Aleksandar Vucic – Belgrade tomorrow’ (Tanjug)
• Commission approves Aleksandar Vucic – Belgrade Tomorrow electoral list (Tanjug)
• Vucevic, Brnabic meet with Peach (Tanjug)
• Apostolovic: CoE membership for Pristina unacceptable (RTV/Tanjug)
• EU: Failure to fulfil obligations will have serious consequences for Serbia, Kosovo on teir EU path (Beta)
• CeSID: Election boycott cold cost both government, opposition dearly (Blic)
• Population census in Kosovo starts, fines for refusing to provide information up to 2,000 Euro (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Orban meets with RS officials; Dodik and Orban discuss EU path of B&H (ATV)
• Dodik: RS and Hungary have developed good friendship in all spheres of life and we want to continue and deepen it (RTRS)
• Becirovic calls on Vucic to stop with genocide denial (O Kanal)
• Becirovic accuses Vucic of spreading untruths about events of war in B&H; Cvijanovic says Becirovic is clearly hurt by truth, so he would prefer to deny President of Serbia and RS officials right to speak and think (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic’s Cabinet denies allegations that it ignored Permanent Mission of B&H to UN (Oslobodjenje)
• Interview with Ambassador Sattler; Threats, escalations, rhetoric and actions that lead toward divisions, serve nobody’s interests; We would like for B&H to join SEPA (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik: Local elections 2024 will be the first ones implemented in line with RS Election Law (ATV)
• RS government assesses imposition of amendments to B&H Election Law as unacceptable; calls on all members of bodies for implementation of elections from RS to submit their resignations (BNTV)
• President of RS Election Commission prepared to resign in line with conclusions of RS government (ATV)
• Official Gazette of B&H publishes Schmidt’s decision on changes to Election Law of B&H (EuroBlic)
• HDZ acts contrary to US stances; Submits proposal law on ‘Southern Interconnection’ which completely eliminated ‘BH-Gas’ from the project (Istraga.ba)
Croatia
• Milanovic awards decorations to HVO units from B&H; Say that ‘Herzeg-Bosnia’ was necessary for the Croats and because without it they would not survive (HMS)
Montenegro
• Survival of the Committee on Comprehensive Election Reform uncertain (CdM)
• Mandic said to be in favour of Montenegro leaving NATO (CdM)
• Knezevic: We won’t recognize Kosovo; Zivkovic: You recognized it when you signed agreement (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: Opposition de facto blocked its own country on EU path (MIA)
• Siljanovska-Davkova says will highlight citizens’ issues and interests, veto parliament’s legislation if necessary (MIA)
• Osmani: Tackling Russian influence and corruption by certifying public officials (MIA)