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)
Belgrade Media Report 27 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Relations with China reach a historical peak (RTS/Beta)
• Vucic, Sarrazin discuss upcoming Brussels meeting, situation in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTS)
• EBRD important partner in Serbia’s energy transition (Tanjug/Novosti)
• More decisive action regarding violations of human rights in Kosovo and Metohija needed (Tanjug/RTV)
• Petkovic meets with Lajcak in Brussels (Tanjug/RTS)
• Dacic: Serbia cannot have negative relationships with Russia, China and expect support (TV Prva)
• Serb List: Attacks on Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija continue (Tanjug)
• Tepic: We will not attend consultations with Vucic (N1)
• Grbovic: Excellent meeting with Lajcak, representatives of other EU institutions (N1)
• Lazovic says “We have reason to be optimistic” (N1)
• We – The Voice of the People holds future party founding assembly (Beta)
• Vucic continues consultations, meets SVM delegation (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H ruling coalition to meet in Mostar on Tuesday in order to try to make progress on reform laws required for B&H to open EU accession talks (O Kanal)
• Konakovic: We are very close to opening accession negotiations with EU, it is up to us to finalize last small steps (Klix.ba)
• Kristo takes part at EBRD Summit in London (BNTV)
• Ministers from the RS vote against changes to Decision on establishment of the Commission for Cooperation with NATO (RTRS)
Croatia
• Croatia backs Covic in B&H gas pipeline dispute (HRT)
Montenegro
• Dizdarevic: Dodik is coming to convey Putin’s messages to his allies in Montenegro (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: Outcome of war in Ukraine will shape international relations for years to come (MIA)
• ‘Ukraine: Two Years of Heroism’ conference: War isn’t only against Kiev, but against democratic world and NATO (MIA)
Albania
• Rama appeals to foreign businesses: Invest in Albania, the country has changed a lot (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 26 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: Ukraine can count on Serbia’s help, support (Tanjug/RTV)
• Serbian Foreign Affairs Ministry slams Croatia’s FM over statements on Serbia and Vucic (Beta)
• Dacic: Croatia systematically building attitude of hatred towards Serbia, Serbs (TV Pink)
• Brnabic said that Belgrade will most likely see new, not repeated elections (TV Prva/FoNet)
• Office for KiM reacts to attack on Serb priest in Prizren (Tanjug/RTV)
• Petkovic: Our visits to Kosovo and Metohija support Serbs to stay (Tanjug/RTV)
• Stano declines to specify whether 27 February Brussels meeting will be held (Tanjug)
• Escobar: Serbia must implement ODIHR recommendations by next vote (VoA/Beta)
• Stefanovic: EU ready to send two missions to Serbia (Nova/Beta)
• Cochard thanks Serbia for providing refuge to young Russians escaping war (Beta)
• Ukrainian Ambassador: Russian propaganda has impact on decisions made in Serbia (N1)
• KFOR withdraws troops in Zvecan (N1)
• Brnabic arrives at EBRD headquarters for Western Balkans investment summit (Tanjug)
• Vucic started cosultations on Prime Minister candidate (RTS/RTV)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik addresses press conference in Banja Luka: Putin is committed to preserving peace and stability in B&H; Russia is protecting DPA from USA (RTRS/BNTV)
• Magazinovic in visit to Ukraine: B&H supports Ukraine (N1)
• Magazinovic meets with Stefanchuk, Malyuska in Kyiv: Aggression against Ukraine is not only war against this country but attack on entire Europe (BHT1)
• Becirovic expresses support to Ukraine: B&H completely harmonized foreign policy with EU’s (Oslobodjenje)
• ‘Misinformation and Malign Foreign Influence’ conference takes place in Sarajevo; Kojovic claims Ambassador Kalabukhov drew image of future flag of B&H on piece of paper for him (Dnevni list)
• State Department: US stands by the people of B&H, supports safe and prosperous future and country in the Euro-Atlantic community (VoA/Klix.ba)
• Russian Embassy: Process of EU enlargement in ongoing under Washington orders (Slobodna Bosna)
• Cvijanovic: Russia has never done anything against Dayton B&H and Dayton-verified RS (Banjaluka.net/RTRS)
• Issue of B&H’s membership in BRICS (O Kanal/RTRS)
• Dodik compares EU path of B&H to ‘hide and seek mice’ game; Cvijanovic moderately optimistic (ATV)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman: Serbia has to decide on whose chair it will sit; Serbia sends protest note due to Grlic Radman’s statement (HRT1)
• Grlic Radman discusses issue of Election Law of B&H with UN Secretary General (Vijesti)
• Covic meets Plenkovic: Election Law and other reforms are urgently needed to stabilize situation (HRT1)
• Zagreb holds rally in support of Ukraine (HRT)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: I quit all party posts (CdM)
• PES on Milatovic’s resignation: It’s good to be clear about our relations, that might stop obstructions (CdM)
• Zenka: Milatovic’s resignation as PES member might lead to early parliamentary elections (Gradski.me)
Republic of North Macedonia
• ELECTIONS 2024 / Kovachevski: On election day citizens will state which proposals they support (MIA)
• Toshkovski, Bojmacaliev meet Serbian Ambassador Jovanovic (MIA)
• Interior Minister and deputies meet Kosovo Ambassador (MIA)
• Mitreski at Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: As history has shown, democratic values will defeat aggression (MIA)
• Mitreski – Stefanchuk: North Macedonia and Ukraine should join EU as soon as possible, parliaments to implement necessary legal changes (MIA)
Albania
• Albania on the side of Ukraine and in the defense of universal values (Radio Tirana)
• Zelensky’s message to Begaj: We appreciate Albania’s support and look forward to securing a peaceful European future (Radio Tirana)
• Two years since the aggression against Ukraine, Hasani: By supporting Ukraine, we contribute to the stability of the region (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: Albania supports the allies in helping the Ukrainian people and government (Radio Tirana)
• Nikolla: Albania, determined against the aggression and in favor of Ukraine’s just war (Radio Tirana)
• Demonstration in Tirana in support of Ukraine, Ukrainian Ambassador: Albania, solidarity and support for our citizens (Radio Tirana)
• US-EU: Ukraine could not have a better supporter than Albania in the Security Council (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 23 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 23 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Stano: Lajcak invited Belgrade and Pristina to a meeting on February 27, Bisljimi’s behaviour is unacceptable (RTS)
• Lajcak in Rome about the latest events in Kosovo and the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina (RTS)
• Starovic: The situation in Kosovo is very complex, it is high time for the international community to react (RTS)
• Protest of healthcare workers in Gracanica due to the ban on the use of dinars (RTS)
• KFOR: We are committed to the efforts of the international community for permanent security in Kosovo (RTS)
• Defense Minister says Serbia holds cooperation with the U.S. in high regard (Beta)
• Ukrainian Ambassador: Society in Serbia not capable of objectively looking at war in Ukraine due to Russian propaganda (Beta)
• The movement We – the Voice of the People fell apart: Nestorovic made a decision (B92)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• EU Delegation on Dodik’s meeting with Putin: Maintaining close ties with Russia and Belarus is incompatible with the European path (Oslobodjenje)
• RS officials welcome Dodik’s meeting with Putin as very significant for RS (Glas Srpske)
• Dodik: I hope RS will get opportunity to obtain observer status in BRICS (RTRS)
• RS Government adopts information on implementation of mutual cooperation in field of agriculture between RS and Belarus (ATV)
• Viskovic: Serb people will never forget what Churkin did in UN SC for Serb people when he vetoed UK resolution according to which Serbs are genocidal people (RTRS)
• Magazinovic to pay visit to Ukraine (Dnevni avaz)
• FM Konakovic holds series of meetings on sidelines of New Delhi conference, EU path of B&H focus of meetings (Dnevni avaz)
• New York Times on moves of Covic, Dodik in relation to gas supply of B&H (N1, Jutarnji list)
• Chairwoman Kristo meets COMEUFOR Sticz, discuss cooperation between B&H and EUFOR, EU path of B&H (Vecernji list)
Croatia
• Croatian parliament debates motion to dissolve parliament until wee hours (Hina)
• Plenkovic on elections: I don’t understand why the fuss, they will happen when they happen (HRT)
Montenegro
• Gjeloshaj: Those not ready to respect agreement won’t be part of Government (RTCG)
• Nurkovic: Spajic-Ibrahimovic communication exists (TV E)
• Consultations on foreign policy have begun: the selection of ambassadors must be a quality and professional process (CDM)
• Joanikije: I am convinced that Rodic will make a full contribution to improving relations between Montenegro and Serbia (CDM)
• Hrebickova & Herasymenko: Russia mustn’t win the war, we owe a debt of gratitude to Montenegro (CDM)
North Macedonia
• ELECTIONS 2024 / Collection of signatures for presidential candidates begins (MIA)
Albania
• The passing of the agreement on immigrants, Rama: Albania shared the burden that Europe must bear united (Radio Tirana)
• The first in the region in regards to the amount of protected areas, fully converged with the EU idea (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 22 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: Serbia will never accept international investigation into national elections (Beta)
• Giaufret: We will encourage Serbian government to fulfill all ODIHR election recommendations (Beta)
• Deeping cooperation with Portugal in areas of common interest (Tanjug)
• Nestorovic quits party expected to provide majority in Belgrade Assembly; Nestorovic: We didn’t quit the movement (N1)
• We – The Voice of the People member: Nestorovic’s decision plays into Vucic’s hands (N1)
• SPN refuses to take part in government consultations (N1)
• Stefanovic: No such thing as partial legitimacy of Belgrade authorities (Beta)
• Stano: EU expects Serbia to implement ODIHR recommendations (Nova)
• Protest over blockade of Dinar in Kosovo and Metohija, Pristina claims this is not topic for Brussels (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik meets Putin in Kazan: We refuse to join the West’s sanctions against Russia and will not join NATO (RTRS)
• OHR on Dodik-Putin meeting: B&H has to follow EU foreign and security policy (RFE/Faktor.ba)
• Kovacevic: No institution at B&H level has made decision to impose sanctions on Russia, so interpretations of OHR officials regarding foreign policy of B&H do not make any sense (RTRS)
• Dodik meets with head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov in Kazan; Minnikhanov points out that Russia always looks forward to successes and progress of RS (RTRS)
• Schmidt: Politicians cannot toy with me, technical changes to Election Law must be implemented during 2024 local elections (Klix.ba)
• Izetbegovic: Schmidt will damage his authority if he is afraid of what Dodik says; I encourage HR not to hesitate (Hayat)
• Dodik says B&H is serious lie that cannot function, criticizes partners in authorities at B&H level for not respecting agreements (Dnevni list)
• Schmidt: Issue of state property must be solved, Dodik should not make threats (Klix.ba)
• PM Niksic with US Embassy’s Mennuti, focus on fight against corruption (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Opposition demands dissolution of parliament: ‘Ruling coalition has crossed the line’ (N1)
• Russian Ambassador summoned to Foreign Ministry over Navalny’s death (Hina)
Montenegro
• Varhelyi to Spajic: Montenegro has political will and excellent communication with the EU in the field of smart specialization (CdM)
• Gjeloshaj: I represented Montenegro at Kosovo Independence Day celebration (TV Vijesti)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Xhaferi reaffirms support for Ukraine at meeting with Ambassador (MIA)
• Defense Ministry raises Ukrainian flag ahead of second anniversary of Russian invasion (MIA)
Albania
• Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Hasani on an official visit to India aiming to expand strategic projects (Radio Tirana)
• British Ambassador to Tirana: Electoral Reform to adopt before the parliamentary elections (Radio Tirana)
• The social security agreement between Albania and Bulgaria gets ratified (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: Unprecedented increase in the defense spending of NATO allies in Europe (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 21 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 21 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: The movement is important. I’m only interested in Serbia, that we save Kosovo and Metohija (RTS)
• Vucic talks with Michel about relations between Serbia, EU (Beta)
• Brnabic: Government ready to cooperate with ODIHR, international probe would be loss of sovereignty (Tanjug)
• Drecun: Kurti creating obstacles in dialogue through unilateral moves (TV Pink)
• Djuric: We have exposed Kurti’s disinformation systematically (Tanjug/Politika)
• Ambassador says Russia wants Kosovo issue back in UN SC (Sputnik/N1)
• Stano dismisses reports Borrell has postponed trips to Belgrade, Pristina (Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Kristo meets members of GAC, expresses conviction EU Council will open accession negotiations with B&H in March (RTRS/Nova BH)
• Kristo meets Commissioner Varhelyi; Varhelyi: B&H authorities need to engage in solving of open issues so that the EU related reforms can be resumed (N1)
• Edtstadler after meeting with Kristo: B&H is committed to the process of joining the EU (Klix.ba)
• Dodik pays visit to Tatarstan: If opportunity presents itself, I will meet with Putin (RTRS)
• Lukashenko: B&H, Moldova, Georgia and Serbia will be drawn into NATO, in line with the Ukrainian scenario (RTRS)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman with Bulgarian FM Gabriel: I especially appreciate Bulgarian support to European path of B&H (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Special Envoy of France for the Western Balkans: The government’s work in the first hundred days is impressive (CdM)
• Zivkovic with Troccaz: Full commitment to EU membership, concern about the reconstruction of the government with anti-European parties (CdM)
• Maslenikov: Spajic made a rather interesting statement, the expansion of the EU to the Balkans means drawing the countries of the region into a confrontation with Russia (Russian Izvestiya/CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Toshkovski and Bojmacaliev meet Slovenian Ambassador Presker (MIA)
• ELECTIONS 2024 / Dashtevski: Parliamentary elections campaign to continue during presidential campaign silence (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Electoral Code amendments ready, SDSM to support them once on parliament agenda (MIA)
Albania
• Zelensky in Tirana/ Rama: Erdogan to deliver his message at Southeast European countries Summit (Radio Tirana)
• Erdogan: Albania and Turkey, factors of peace in Europe and the Balkans (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: The Military Cooperation Agreement with Turkey, an expression of the close relationship between the countries (Radio Tirana)
• Albania-Turkey/ 6 agreements and memoranda of understanding signed (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 20 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Serbia to keep rejecting anti-Russian sanctions despite Western pressure — Vucic (TASS/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Vucic thanks Tokayev for Kazakhstan’s stance on Serbia’s territorial integrity (TanjugRTS)
• Dacic: Inadmissibility of so-called Kosovo’s request for CoE membership (Tanjug/RTV)
• Brnabic: I see no victory in postponement of Belgrade city assembly session (Tanjug/RTV)
• Fila: We have a majority in Belgrade, but didn’t want to form city government (TV Nova/Beta)
• Sapic: Belgrade city assembly to be inaugurated by 3 March, if there’s no majority, new elections follow (Beta)
• Andjelkovic: Vucic ready to bargain to avoid international investigation (Beta)
• Stano: New round of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue not yet in sight (Beta)
• Wang: China to continue to support Serbia in safeguarding its sovereignty (Xinhua/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik meets with Lukashenko in Minsk: Belarus is always ready to support the RS (RTRS)
• Dodik meets Golovchenko in Minsk; Golovchenko announces Belarus will assist development of RS (RTRS)
• Vukanovic: By meeting with Lukashenko and lower-level officials, Dodik is attempting to show that all doors, in the East and the West are still open to him (Nova BH)
• Zvizdic: Dodik’s visit to Belarus is latest example of paradox in which one is standing up for European values, while at same time visiting president who rules his country in anti-democratic way (BHT1)
• Konakovic: President Erdogan is true friend of B&H (Anadolu/Slobodna Bosna)
• Munich Security Conference: HR Schmidt underlines necessity for B&H to prioritize its Euro-Atlantic integration efforts (BHRT)
• Kristo to meet with EU GAC members in Brussels (BHRT/Nova BH)
• Konakovic meets with B&H EU Ambassadors to discuss lobbying for opening of accession negotiations between B&H and EU (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik: I have strong impression that coalition partners in the FB&H will lose this chance of B&H on the EU path; This time, RS will not take role of culprit (ATV)
• Kovacevic: If Schmidt imposes changes to B&H Election Law, RS will immediately pass its own Election Law (RTRS)
• Session of HNS Presidency in Mostar; HNS calls on political leaders for dialogue and compromise (FTV)
• Covic says issue of Election Law of B&H is priority in terms of B&H’s European path, Bosniak people must be discouraged from voting for Croat member of B&H Presidency (Klix.ba)
Croatia
• Eleven riotous revolutionaries insulted the Prime Minister and the Croatian Democratic Union (HRT)
• Croatia’s FM: Putin must show readiness for dialogue for war in Ukraine to end (Hina)
Montenegro
• Spajic – O’Brien: Montenegro is future Europe’s Singapore (CdM)
• Spajic: We want BS in government, I’m convinced no one will have anything against it (CdM)
• Vucurovic: ZBCG has nothing against entry of BS into Government (Gradska TV)
• Nenezic- Gerasimenko: Bar extends a hand of solidarity to Ukraine, launched initiatives to support the Ukrainian diaspora and refugees (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Avramovska Madikj – Malenica: Croatia to aid North Macedonia’s Euro-integration path (MIA)
• Marichikj – Verola: Italian support for North Macedonia’s progress on EU path (MIA)
Albania
• OSCE, a comprehensive support for the Constitutional Court of Albania (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 19 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 19 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• There is no quorum, a new session is scheduled (Tanjug/B92)
• Vucic: We have a majority in Belgrade (TV Prva/Beta)
• Stefanovic responds to Vucic’s statement: You don’t have a majority in Belgrade (N1)
• Vucic: We are ready to accept ODIHR and OSCE recommendations regarding elections (Beta/FoNet)
• Declaration of “independence of Kosovo” unilateral, illegal act (Politika/Tanjug)
• Vucevic: Serbia managed to return topic of Kosovo and Metohija to the UN (RTS)
• Zeman: Recognition of so-called Kosovo is a disgrace and dangerous precedent (Tanjug/NovostiVoice of Europe)
• Silent rally in front of Russian Embassy following death of Aleksey Navalny (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Munich Security Conference (Glas Srpske/Dnevni avaz/Nova BH/BHT1)
• Koenig: EU expects B&H to fully align with EU foreign policy and restrictive measures, which includes sanctions against Russia (Nezavisne)
• RS delegation led by Dodik visits Belarus, announces greater cooperation of RS and Belarus; Dodik: RS prevented B&H to introduce sanctions against Belarus (RTRS)
• US Embassy: Covic’s public display of support for convicted war criminal is anathema to European values (Dnevni avaz)
• B&H House of Peoples adopts Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (BHT1)
• Dodik: EU made it clear they support domestic solutions, ‘Troika’ is unprepared for European story (RTRS)
• Stevandic meets Sattler; OHR to be turned in EU Office (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Eleven parties from the left organize protest in Zagreb (HRT)
Montenegro
• Council of the EU: Montenegro stands out in the region, managed to progress (RTCG)
• Milatovic with Murphy: The presence of the USA is a key factor of stability in the Western Balkans (CdM)
• Spajic and Abazovic express deepest condolences to the Navalny family (CdM)
Albania
• Western Balkans should be at a table with the EU, not with the right to vote, but as part of the same family (Radio Tirana)
• Munich Security Conference, Hasani: To increase the efforts for the EU integration of the Western Balkans (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi to the Montenegrin counterpart: Regional cooperation is the foundation of stability (Radio Tirana)
LINKS
UNMIK
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UN News Center
From Google News- Dua Lipa reflects on the impact Kosovo war had on her - Ireland Live 18/04/2024Dua Lipa reflects on the impact Kosovo war had on her Ireland Live
- Dua Lipa reflects on the impact Kosovo war had on her - Express & Star 18/04/2024Dua Lipa reflects on the impact Kosovo war had on her Express & Star
- PACE recommends that Kosovo become a member of the Council of Europe - European Interest 18/04/2024PACE recommends that Kosovo become a member of the Council of Europe European Interest
- Dua Lipa reflects on the impact Kosovo war had on her - Ireland Live 18/04/2024
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