Belgrade Media Report 19 March
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: There is no kind of agreement related to use of Serbian Dinar (RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Vucic: No voter roll access to foreigners (FoNet/N1/Politika)
• Brnabic: Derecognitions of so-called Kosovo biggest success of Serbian authorities (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Vucic, Dodik announce great Easter assembly of Serbia, RS (Beta)
• Dacic: UNSC session on NATO aggression on FRY scheduled for 25 March (Tanjug)
• Trilateral meeting of Petkovic, Lajcak and Bislimi begins in Brussels (Tanjug/RTV)
• ODIHR confirms invitation to observe Belgrade elections (N1)
• Serbian parliament constitutive session resumes (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H HoP’s session interrupted after Law on B&H CC was included in agenda and after Bosniak Caucus decides to leave session (Hayat)
• HR Schmidt: Removal of international judges from B&H CC would violate Constitution and principles of independent jurisdiction (AJB)
• FAC holds session ahead of session of European Council; Schallenberg: There is possibility B&H will be finally given green light for beginning of pre-accession negotiations (Nova BH)
• Dodik meets EUFOR Commander, stresses importance of continuation of good cooperation of RS institutions and EUFOR; Karan also meets Sticz (RTRS)
• Putin’s victory sparks positive reactions in RS (RTRS)
Croatia
• Constitutional Court: The President of the Republic of Croatia cannot be a candidate in the elections (HRT)
• Plenkovic: This is an attempt at a mini-coup (HRT)
• Milanovic: Constitutional Court’s decision is tantamount to a constitutional coup (HRT)
Montenegro
• Spajic: Montenegro should be EU member state, period; Escobar: Government under PM’s leadership has already taken huge steps (CdM)
• Ibrahimovic with Escobar: The Bosniak Party is an important partner of the USA in Montenegro (CdM)
• Gorcevic with Escobar: Montenegro should continue to confirm its adherence to Euro-Atlantic values (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Council for coordination of security services holds session on electoral process (MIA)
Albania
• US Assistant Secretary Robinson to visit Albania and Kosovo (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 18 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 18 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: No one can take away Serbia’s right to truth about March pogrom (RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Vucic: They did not listen carefully – no surrender of Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: Worst crimes committed against innocent people and clergy during Pogrom in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic: Meeting with Lajcak addressed unbearable living conditions for Kosovo Serbs (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Brnabic: Continuation of work on fulfillment of ODIHR recommendations (Tanjug)
• Significant cooperation with OSCE Mission, US Embassy to Belgrade (Tanjug)
• NADA coalition demands mixed committee to clean up voter roll (N1)
• Blinken: Kosovo, Serbia need to meet their obligations stemming from EU-mediated dialogue (Beta)
• Borrell: Time for Belgrade, Pristina to stop tensions, apply agreement (Beta)
• Giaufret: Opposition should take up its role in parliament (Beta/Politika)
• Djilas responds to EU Ambassador: Opposition would like to take parliamentary seats that belong to it, but they were stolen (N1)
• Serbian parliamentary constitutive session resumes (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: Persecution of Serbs from Kosovo continues even after 2004 pogrom (Srna)
• Becirovic: I hope decision of European Council will be positive, negative decision would only make Moscow happy (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik: Becirovic needs to explain to the public what kind democracy allows foreigner to annul decisions of institutions (RTRS)
• Becirovic: Statements of some politicians that opening of negotiating process basically means relocating of OHR do not have any foundation in DPA (Klix.ba)
• Escobar: RS has no capacity to oppose NATO or to declare independence (O Kanal)
• Dodik: Escobar’s assessment about the RS is lie (N1/Srna)
• Covic attends 20th HDZ Croatia General Assembly: April 17, when Croatian elections will be held, will be a non-working day in B&H as well (N1)
• Milanovic: Things done by HDZ B&H and its leader Covic, i.e. on the Zagreb-Mostar line, show that these people do not wish to solve problems of Croats in B&H (FTV)
Croatia
• Milanovic decided: Parliamentary elections on Wednesday, 17 April (HRT)
• Milanovic to head the SDP list: I will resign after the election victory (HRT)
• Plenkovic: Milanovic’s election run dispels the myth of presidential impartiality (HRT)
Montenegro
• Escobar: The most important task for Montenegro is to support everything the Prime Minister does, a risk if the former DF enters the government (RFE/CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski: Upcoming elections to decide if country joins EU or gets stuck in uncertainty, isolation, divisions (MIA)
• Siljanovska-Davkova: Scandinavian policy toward neighbors, no need for veto threats (TV24)
• Bekteshi: Whoever loses should step back from politics (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj in Baku, meeting with the Deputy Secretary General of the UN (Tirana Times)
• Balla meets his Romanian counterpart: Deepening of cooperation between the police (Radio Tirana)
• Ambassador of the EU, Silvio Gonzato: I appreciate the leadership and responsibility shown by the parties in reaching the agreement (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 15 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 15 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic after the meeting with Soder: We proposed 7 important things (B92/Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Kurti cannot break Kosovo Serbs’ ties with their state (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: Inadmissibility of any attempts by “Kosovo” to achieve membership in the Hague Conference (Tanjug/RTV)
• Orlic: New Serbian parliament to have six deputy speakers (Tanjug/RTV)
• Escobar with Kurti on Dinar issue: I hope Kosovo govt will be flexible (KoSSev/N1)
• Jovanovic: We are waiting for authorities’ response to call for dialogue (N1/Beta)
• Opposition party files criminal complaint against two ministers (Beta)
• Serbian Patriarch: We will speak Serbian, not gender-sensitive language (Beta)
• NATO report: Presence in Kosovo remains key to stability of Western Balkans (Beta)
• Serbian government extends decision on protection of displaced Ukrainians (Beta)
• Stano: Chief negotiators of Belgrade, Pristina to meet in Brussels Tuesday (Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik, Covic and Niksic at panel discussion ‘The Future of B&H: On the Path to the EU’ in Vienna; Dodik: B&H will stop being a colony after 21 March (RTRS)
• Commissioner Varheyli: If Council adopts proposal, EC will immediately start with preparing of negotiating framework (Oslobodjenje)
• Covic: B&H will receive the invitation next Thursday, and it is necessary to prepare to make much bigger steps forward than was the case until now (Dnevni avaz)
• Ambassador Arnaut: Germany will continue to provide help to B&H regarding preparations for EU negotiations (N1/Dnevni list)
• 4th session of the SAPC ends in Strasbourg: Institutions of B&H lack capacity for accession negotiations (Dnevni list)
• RS government adopts Action Plan for alignment of RS regulations with EU acquis (BHRT)
• US Embassy: Annual Threat Assessment warns of Dodik’s provocative steps (Oslobodjenje)
• Dodik: All scribblings from the US are created by US Embassy in Sarajevo, with Murphy at helm; Murphy is trying to stuff as much garbage as possible on the RS (RTRS)
• Dodik: It is ridiculous for US to impose sanctions against my associates because of celebration; Additional statments (RTRS)
Croatia
• 10th convocation of Croatian parliament dissolved by unanimous vote (HRT)
• Milanovic to announce election date (HRT)
Montenegro
• Mandic: Continuation of parliamentary session on 18 March, it’s time for compromises and mature decisions (CdM)
• Spajic: No political instability, question for Democrats is whether they will leave government (CdM)
• Forty-six percent of Montenegrin citizens support NATO, 44 percent of them support leaving the Alliance (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Escobar: North Macedonia should be immediate candidate for EU membership (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj in Azerbaijan, meeting with his counterpart Aliyev: Energy and tourism, at the top of the agenda (Radio Tirana)
• Albania becomes a member of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 13 March 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 13 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic meets with Roquefeuil (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Brnabic accuses independent media, opposition of attacking SNS activists (Beta)
• Petkovic informs French diplomat of difficult position of Kosovo Serbs (Tanjug/RTV)
• Petkovic: Kurti main threat to regional stability (RTV/Tanjug)
• Spanish Ambassador reiterated support for Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: Everyone should turn to formation of state institutions, let’s not waste time (TV Pink)
• Socialists divided on joining Vucic’s new movement (TV Prva/Beta)
• Panel debate on Djindjic: He imbued Serbian society with energy (Beta)
• Escobar: No alternative to Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (FoNet)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Von der Leyen: We recommend European Council to open negotiations with B&H (AJB)
• Kristo says B&H authorities hope for green light from European Council for start of accession negotiations (N1)
• Dodik: Opening of negotiations for EU membership is result of enormous contribution of RS, opening of negotiations is transitional phase (ATV)
• Nesic stresses huge contribution of B&H Security Ministry and team which led to historical decision and progress on EU path (RTRS)
• Viskovic says he sees nothing spectacular in announcement on recommendation to launch accession negotiations with B&H (RTRS)
• Niksic expresses satisfaction following announcement on upcoming recommendation to launch accession negotiations with B&H (Dnevni avaz)
• Murphy criticizes behavior of Dodik and Covic (Hayat)
• Dodik: USA has once again confirmed its determination to tear up European path of B&H, they wish for new focal point (ATV)
• Lavrov congratulates Dodik on his birthday, with message that Serb people continue to carry flag of freedom with dignity thanks to consistent efforts of RS President (RTRS)
Montenegro
• Escobar: We did not see commitment to EU integration through Mandic’s actions, we are worried about the announcement of ZBCG’s entry into the government (Pobjeda)
• At Spajic’s proposal: Aleksandar Radovic, acting director of Police Directorate (CdM)
• Milatovic: Sending Montenegrin soldiers to Ukraine is not an option (RTCG)
• Milatovic: It was confirmed at the most important addresses in Romania that we have serious potential for intensive economic cooperation (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• US Senate puts forward resolution supporting North Macedonia’s EU accession (MIA)
• Escobar: US expects government formed after elections to be committed to NATO, EU integration (MIA)
Albania
• Peleshi: High level of cooperation between the Albanian and American Special Forces (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 12 March
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic, government members lay wreath at site of assassination of Djindjic (Beta/RTS/RTV/Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Opposition’s demands vicious circle, they want interim government again (TV Happy/Beta/RTS/RTV)
• Dacic: Opposition representatives looking for alibi for certain defeat in elections in advance (Tanjug)
• Popovic: No constitutional obstacles to electing Brnabic parliament speaker (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic and Botsan-Kharchenko talk topics of mutual interest for two countries (Tanjug/RTV)
• Stano: Implementation of commitments by Belgrade, Pristina a priority (Tanjug/Beta)
• Improving position of Serbian national minority in Albania (Tanjug/RTV)
• Lucic: As largest company in Kosovo and Metohija, Telekom Srbija a problem for Pristina (TV Prva)
• Postal Savings Bank sets up makeshift branches near administrative crossings between Serbia, Kosovo (Beta)
• Only two days for campaign to remove heads of northern Kosovo municipalities (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Ambassador Murphy emphasizes importance of decision to open accession negotiations with B&H (O Kanal)
• Dodik: Law on Court of B&H has not been harmonized and it will be adopted when solutions that the Serb side agrees with are part of it (RTRS)
• Other RS officials also oppose B&H CoM’s discussion on Law on Court of B&H without RS’ consent (ATV)
• HR Schmidt will give B&H politicians time by Eid to adopt necessary changes to Election Law or he will impose it; Detailed decision ready (Dnevni avaz)
• Russian Embassy on Sweden’s accession to NATO: Reaction of some B&H officials is sad, NATO is not guarantor of security in B&H (Glas Srpske)
• Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community warns that Dodik’s actions might lead to secession of RS and possible violent conflict in B&H (Klix.ba)
Montenegro
• Parliament does not dismiss Andrija Mandic (CdM)
• Mandic: The will of the majority has not changed, we will continue with what we started (MINA)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: We cannot let truth about Holocaust of Macedonian Jews be falsified (MIA)
Albania
• NATO Summit in 2027 in Tirana? Begaj: We are hopeful that all 32 member countries will say “Yes” (Radio Tirana)
• Nikolla receives the US diplomat; US commitment to strengthening Albania’s democratic institutions (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 8 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 8 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Serbia to chair GPAI (Tanjug/RTS)
• Brnabic meets with CDU’s Shpan, OSCE PA’s Lopatka in Bucharest (Tanjug)
• Strengthening regional cooperation for successful energy transition (Tanjug/RTV)
• Strengthening traffic connections with Bosnia and Herzegovina with help of EU (Tanjug)
• NDSS: All local elections should be held on the same day and no sooner than 2 June (TV Insajder/Beta)
• Djilas: Entire genuine opposition should run in elections in one column (Nova/Beta)
• ProGlas calls for agreement on election conditions (N1)
• CRTA: Public pressure needed for government to carry out ODIHR recommendations (Vreme/Beta)
• Andjelkovic: Opposition would be betraying voters by running in elections under Vucic’s conditions (Beta)
• NALED: Ten recommendations for future Serbian government (Beta)
• Konrad: Problem with abolishment of Dinar must be resolved (Blic)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Niksic, Bradara, Dodik comment on adoption of reform laws (FTV)
• Varhelyi commends B&H CoM for adopting Proposal of Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest (O Kanal)
• Sattler welcomes adoption of Proposal of Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest in B&H CoM (Hayat)
• Konakovic meets Varhelyi: ‘3 + 1’ conditions set before B&H by the EU must be implemented (FTV)
• Morris: It is reasonable to expect more American sanctions for those who undermine the peace, stability and territorial integrity of B&H (O Kanal)
• Kristo attends EPP Congress, meets EU officials (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia
• Plenkovic calls for opening of negotiations with B&H at EPP Congress in Bucharest (Vecernji list)
• Plenkovic comments on when the parliamentary elections will be held in Croatia (HRT)
Montenegro
• Protest in Cetinje: Mandic works for another country against his own; “This is not your country, Aleksandar of Serbia. But this is our country, Montenegrin greengrocers” (CdM)
• Verbal conflict between Zivkovic and Nikolic with Mandic, security also responded (CdM)
• Becic: The NATO alliance is richer for a country that is ready to respond to all challenges (CdM)
• The cooperation of the Ministry of Defense with the NATO Agency for Support and Procurement will encourage the strengthening of further modernization of the Army (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Opening rehabilitation centers for wounded Ukrainian soldiers generally acceptable idea, Pendarovski’s office says (MIA)
• Osmani: Bulgaria’s MFA summoned Ambassador because of 1999 agreement signed by VMRO-DPMNE (Kanal 5 TV/MIA)
• Gjorgiev: Macedonian-Bulgarian history commission holds regular meetings, no progress so far (MIA)
Albania
• Rama condemns Russia for the missile attack in Odesa: Imprudent and dangerous (Radio Tirana)
• Basha to present the Resolution for the Reconstruction of Ukraine to the UN (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 7 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 7 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic says Brnabic for parliament speaker (N1)
• Brnabic on new post: I have a lot to learn (N1)
• Romania’s support for Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty (Politika/Tanjug/RTV)
• Brnabic attends EPP congress in Bucharest (Tanjug/RTV)
• Good relations between Serbia, Greece confirmed (Tanjug/RTV)
• Starovic meets with officials of US administration in Washington (Tanjug/RTV)
• Fico: I see no reason for Slovakia to recognise Kosovo, we would return to KFOR (Tanjug)
• Opposition: Belgrade polls on 28 April – unacceptable mockery of democracy (Beta)
• Bundestag MP: Vucic, Brnabic shouldn’t think they can “play tricks” on us again (N1)
• Kosovo Police, Customs Service raid pharmacies in N. Kosovo (KoSSev/N1)
• Explosive device lobbed at Serb-owned hospitality establishment in Kosovo and Metohija (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H CoM unanimously adopts new text of Proposal of Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest in B&H Institutions, and it will submit it to B&H Parliament in urgent procedure (FTV)
• Becirovic meets Sattler and Ambassadors of EU member states accredited in B&H (Hayat)
• Dodik: RS and FB&H did what was up to us, we expect from the EU much more than one positive report (RTRS)
• Konakovic visits Hungary; Hungary expresses support to EU path of B&H (Nova BH)
• Trial of Dodik and Lukic continues (ATV)
• Peskov: Serbs are our brothers and sisters, heroic people, especially Serbs who live in RS (RTRS)
• HR Schmidt meets PM Plenkovic: Priority is opening of accession talks (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• EPP Congress takes places in Bucharest, Plenkovic calls for opening of accession negotiations between B&H and EU (Vecernji list)
• Negotiations to form pre-election coalitions are underway (HRT)
Montenegro
• Montenegro’s progress towards the EU was praised (CdM)
• Milatovic travelled to the Vatican: He will meet with the Pope and the State Secretary of the Holy See (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Parliament to discuss Electoral Code amendments at Thursday’s session (MIA)
Albania
• Kucova Airbase, Minister Balluku: If it is deemed reasonable, NATO will decide on the training of Ukrainian soldiers (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 6 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 6 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucevic: Some current, some new ministers to be in new government (Tanjug)
• Belgium remains committed to supporting Serbia on its path to EU (Tanjug/RTS)
• Bakoyani will not give positive stand on membership of so-called Kosovo into CoE until Pristina doesn’t fulfil three conditions (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic says coming vote fresh, not repeat elections (N1/Beta)
• Gratitude to Syria for principled and consistent support for Serbia’s preservation of territorial integrity (RTV)
• Mali: Belgrade city elections are most important so far (TV Prva)
• Lazovic says opposition should run in Belgrade elections in two columns (N1)
• Salaries paid into the account, dinars still missing (RTS)
• E-services for citizens as part of Open Balkans initiative available from 5 March (Tanjug)
• 4,536 refugees, migrants transit Serbia since start of year (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Baerbock meets Konakovic, she calls on B&H leaders to adopt remaining reform laws necessary for B&H’s further progress on this path (O Kanal)
• Konakovic addresses press conference following meeting with Barebock (FTV)
• Becirovic: Baerbock expressed strong support to B&H’s sovereignty and independence, she clearly marked politicians who do not act in line with Dayton Peace Agreement (Dnevni list)
• Schmidt meets Baerbock: It is crucial to adopt package of measures for integrity of election process (FTV/Hayat)
• RS officials: Schmidt has nothing to do with European path of B&H (O Kanal/RTRS)
• Baerbock comments her visits to B&H and Montenegro, reminds EU made promise to six countries in region more than 20 years ago (Klix.ba)
• Dodik: It is good that people come to B&H with some prejudice like this Baerbock comes (RTRS)
• Vulic to Baerbock: RS is factor that wants to fulfill all condition and B&H to become EU member; Kovacevic criticizes Baerbock’s statements (ATV/RTRS)
• Schallenberg: We want EU Council to finally give green light for opening accession talks (Radio Sarajevo)
Croatia
• As date for the elections begins to take shape, parties ramp up their messaging (HRT)
Montenegro
• Ukraine must emerge victorious from the war with Russia (MINA)
• Ivanovic and Rodic: Montenegro and Serbia to strengthen political dialogue based on mutual respect (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani: Electing country’s president in parliament would be an added value (TV Telma)
Albania
• Union of Kosovo-Albania energy markets (Radio Tirana)
• Albania in the weapons industry is welcomed by Kosovo: Important and opportunity for cooperation (ANA/Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 5 March
LOCAL PRESS
• Constructive cooperation with ODIHR on improving election process (Tanjug/RTS/Politika)
• Brnabic: Serbia maintained growth despite crises, difficult circumstances in the world (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Gratitude to Mexico for their consistent support for Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity (Tanjug/RTV)
• Petkovic: Real reason behind to banning Dinar is expulsion of Serbs (Tanjug/RTV)
• Russia issued warrant for arrest of commander of police special operations units (RTS)
• Vucevic: We informed Vucic we have majority (Tanjug/Politika)
• Djilas advocates special law, postponing election until ODIHR recommendations are applied (N1)
• GIK Head: 3 April deadline to call Belgrade elections (RTS)
• Office: Kurti will not calm down as long as there is a single Serb left in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H CoM discusses, but fails to adopt law on prevention of conflict of interest in B&H institutions on Monday (BHT1)
• B&H Presidency members meet Tajani, Schallenberg (Hayat)
• Konakovic meets Schallenberg and Tajani: There are few important tasks that we shall hopefully perform in a right way, not to the damage of institutions (Klix.ba)
• Tajani: Italy will do everything to support B&H in the EU (Dnevni avaz)
• Schallenberg: Everyone who stands on EU path of B&H plays with fire (Klix.ba)
• Delegations of Italy and Austria meet with HR Schmidt; Schallenberg: Schmidt is friend and partner of B&H (FTV)
• Baerbock starts official visit to B&H, calls for stronger support to Western Balkan countries on EU path ahead of the visit (Nova BH)
• Dodik: Germany occupied B&H with its policy, but it cannot occupy us in RS (RTRS)
• HR Schmidt: B&H has to use opportunity for opening talks with EU (Dnevni avaz)
• HR Schmidt on EU path of B&H: Citizens of both entities are equally interested in EU (FTV)
Croatia
• Government announces dissolution of parliament (HRT)
Montenegro
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs distanced itself from Mandic’s move: We did not organize Dodik’s visit; omission made in not displaying B&H flag (CdM)
• Ivanovic- Baerbock: Germany side by side with Montenegro on the European road (CdM)
• Ivanovic- Baerbock: Make progress in Chapters 23 and 24 by the summer (RTCG)
• Milatovic with Baerbock: I expect Montenegro to become a full member of the EU by 2028 (CdM)
• Felten: The visit to Baerbock is not accidental, these are decisive months for Montenegro and its path to the EU (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski says will ‘certainly’ win in second round of presidential elections (TV Sitel)
Albania
• NATO Airbase in Kucova, Begaj: Protects Stability in the region. Albania of strategic importance to the alliance (Radio Tirana)
• Nikolla: The NATO Airbase of Kucova serves peace, security and stability in the region (Radio Tirana)
• Italian Minister of Defense: Albania is a solid and an inalienable pillar of the West (Radio Tirana)
• NATO General De Lara: Albania, an ally that conveys security to the region (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 4 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 4 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: West wants Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence and puppet regime in Belgrade (Beta/RTS)
• Vucic: They want to abolish Serbia as a state (B92)
• Brnabic offers Germany assistance in implementing ODIHR recommendations (Beta)
• Roth replies to Brnabic: ODIHR never confirmed such enormous irregularities in Germany (N1)
• Dacic holds series of meetings at Antalya Diplomacy Forum (Tanjug)
• Dacic, Lavrov meet in Turkey: We want Serbia to develop good relations with Russia (Beta)
• Vucic continues consultations, meets with representatives of SPS-led list (Tanjug)
• Stefanovic: EU will help us implement ODIHR recommendations (N1)
• Veselinovic: No sensible reason for Belgrade vote to be held in April (Beta/Nova)
• Pensioners: It’s high time to stop Pristina’s decisions (TV Most/RTV/Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• EUD welcomes progress on EU path, calls for adoption of remaining laws (Oslobodjenje)
• Cvijanovic comments on visit of Foreign Ministers of Austria, Italy and Germany: It is important for the EU to change certain things in its approach (RTRS)
• Hungary offers assistance of their diplomatic bodies in securing positive response from European Council (Dnevni avaz)
• Covic: There is possibility that we say on Monday or Tuesday that a level of harmonization is reached (Dnevni list)
• Niksic: If law on conflict of interest is adopted this week, only remaining condition would be law on courts; Changes to Election Law are not condition for opening of EU talks (Dnevni avaz)
• Antalya Diplomacy Forum: Erdogan meets B&H Presidency delegation, says preservation of unity, peace and stability of B&H (O Kanal)
• Dodik: Successful talks with large number of important politicians at Antalya Diplomacy Forum prove that RS is recognized as important interlocutor (ATV)
• HR Schmidt addresses panellists in Antalya (N1)
• Dodik: Montenegrin President Milatovic’s statement about knowing only B&H without entities insults RS and denies DPA (ATV)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: Croatia strongly supports B&H and Croats in it (Hina)
Montenegro
• Varhelyi: Whoever wants power in Montenegro, will have to follow European course (MINA/Vijesti)
Republic of North Macedonia
• SDSM Congress confirms Pendarovski’s candidacy for second presidential term (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Pendarovski showed true meaning of president, EU membership in during his second term (MIA)
Albania
• 580th anniversary of the League of Lezha, Begaj: Union, essential for the protection of freedom and common values (Radio Tirana)
• Rama: Southern Gas Corridor has made Europe safer (Radio Tirana)
• Seven countries, Greece included, address a letter to the EU for the fastest possible integration of the Western Balkans in the Union (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 1 March
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic with Touadera: Thank you for firmly respecting territorial integrity of Serbia (B92/RTS/RTV/Tanjug/Politika)
• Serbia, CAR sign four cooperation agreements (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Vucic says he does not understand why Pristina is making unilateral moves (Beta/Politika)
• MEP: Impression that elections in Belgrade were rigged confirmed by ODIHR Report (TV Nova S/Beta)
• Brnabic: I am not in favor of new Belgrade elections (TV Informer/Beta)
• CRTA: ODIHR Report on elections “a serious slap for the regime” in Serbia (TV N1/Beta)
• Stano: EC stands ready to support Serbia in implementing ODIHR recommendations (Tanjug)
• Vucic continues consultations on PM designate (Tanjug)
• Belgrade City Assembly session re-scheduled again (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H Independence Day marked in FB&H (O Kanal/Srna)
• Schmidt prepared comprehensive decision on electoral integrity (Klix.ba)
• Niksic: Schmidt will impose changes to B&H Election Law when integrity of election process is in question if ruling coalition leaders do not reach agreement (Klix.ba)
• European Parliament Resolution calls for sanctions against Dodik, other high-ranking RS and Serbian officials who provide political and material support to spreading of divisive and secessionist rhetoric in B&H (N1)
• Dodik: Protest note sent to Montenegro was not sent on behalf of B&H (ATV)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: OECD accession would round off Croatia’s international positioning (Hina)
Montenegro
• SDT investigating whether Mandic abused his official position for displaying tricolour flag (CdM)
• NAU: None of the Montenegrin officials came to the reception on the occasion of 16 years of Kosovo’s independence (CdM)
• Gorcevic: The growth plan is a mechanism for initiating reforms and improving the quality of life (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Leaders commit to further institutional cooperation on Growth Plan for Western Balkans (MIA)
• Marichikj: Goal of Growth Plan is to feel benefits of economic development on EU path, several measures agreed in Tirana (MIA)
• Petrovska: Hybrid threats countered through unity (MIA)
Albania
• Zelensky asked for joint production of weapons, Rama: The region said “yes”, the allies will invest (Radio Tirana)
• The EU – Western Balkans Summit, Rama: New Growth Plan speeds up the EU membership; Varhelyi: It doubles the region’s economy within 10 years (Radio Tirana)
• Commissioner Varehlyi against Greece: There are no good relations if one prevents the neighbor to move on (Radio Tirana)
• The four agreements reached at the Western Balkans-EU Summit (Radio Tirana)
• College of Europe, Rama: A European education destination. Varhelyi: The EU has arrived in Tirana (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 28 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 28 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: ODIHR report makes an end to all lies; We continue to implement recommendations (RTS)
• Belgrade fully committed to solving problems through dialogue; Solution at political level (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Lajcak: Many political questions remain unanswered (Tanjug)
• Drecun: West doesn’t criticize Kurti’s decision on ban of Dinar, but only manner of implementation (RTS)
• Dacic: What kind of international community bombs Serbia, Iran, Afghanistan but cannot solve the question of Kurti? (Politika/Beta/Tanjug)
• Milivojevic: Pristina’s actions in Kosovo threaten to lead to exodus of Serbs (Tanjug/RTV)
• ODIHR report on Serbian 17 December elections – campaign dominated by Vucic (N1)
• SPN: ODIHR Report confirms election irregularities (N1)
• Tepic: ODIHR final report confirms election fraud (N1)
• Lazovic: ODIHR report is just what Serbian opposition expected (N1)
• SPN refuses consultations with Vucic (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Mostar: Leaders of B&H ruling coalition fail to agree on three reform laws on EU path (BHT1)
• Niksic: We must continue with talks, we are closest to solution for Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik meets Mandic, they discuss ‘Buk Bijela’ and Bileca Lake projects, agreement on special relations between RS and Montenegro (ATV)
• Russian Embassy: Anti-Russian statements demonstrate misunderstanding (RTRS)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman and Tajani: The stability of Southeast Europe is important (HRT)
• Plenkovic: President’s Ukraine policy is “hallucinatory” (HRT)
Montenegro
• Dodik considers the idea of Serbian World brilliant, he submitted proposal for agreement on special ties to Mandic; Mandic: I was honored to welcome president of RS (CdM)
• DPS Presidency decides to start initiative for Mandic’s dismissal (CdM)
• Spajic-Varhelyi: EU door wide open for Montenegro, an opportunity not to be missed (CdM)
• All MPs of Europe Now Movement back Spajic: Unique and committed to results (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Government adopts text of National Development Strategy 2024-2044 (MIA)
• Aggeler: Campaign discourse to focus on essential issues, not personal attacks (PRESSonline.al MIA)
Albania
• Zelenskyy in Tirana, received by Hasani: A key moment! The summit, the meeting with Rama and the agreements signed (Radio Tirana)
• Present in Tirana for the Summit/ Zelensky: Discussions on the common path towards the Euro-Atlantic goal (Radio Tirana)
• Foreign Minister Igli Hasani hosted the British MPs (Radio Tirana)
• US Embassy: Strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against organized crime and corruption (Radio Tirana)
LINKS
UNMIK
Peacekeeping
UN News Center
From Google News- 25 years on: Kosovo War exhibition coming to Elgin Town Hall - Northern Scot 04/05/202425 years on: Kosovo War exhibition coming to Elgin Town Hall Northern Scot
- KOSOVO AT 25: Britain's Covert Propaganda Over Kosovo - Consortium News 03/05/2024KOSOVO AT 25: Britain's Covert Propaganda Over Kosovo Consortium News
- Kosovo Sees ‘Alarming Decline’ in Media Freedom Ranking - Prishtina Insight 03/05/2024Kosovo Sees ‘Alarming Decline’ in Media Freedom Ranking Prishtina Insight
- 25 years on: Kosovo War exhibition coming to Elgin Town Hall - Northern Scot 04/05/2024
Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General
Media Sources
